Thoughts from Greyson

Thoughts from our oldest son Greyson:

For me, Nicaragua has been a blast!  I’m not fluent in the language, or even close, but I’m getting better at it. I definitely miss my friends in the states, but I haven’t had any problems finding friends here.  

I went to a youth conference about two months ago, and it was crazy hard not being able to talk with the kids from the other churches and communities.  Of course, that didn’t stop me.  I tried to communicate even though I probably didn’t make any sense, but I still had fun trying.   When I think about the contrast between the youth group I attend now, and the one I went to in the States, there are definitely differences.  Of course, the first obvious difference is that I can’t understand the Youth Pastor.  I’ve pretty much gotten used to it, but sometimes it still stinks not getting the jokes  or points of the message.  Also, the same problem I mentioned above.  I can’t understand the language.  Therefore, I can’t socialize with other teens as much as I would back in the States.  I have made friends, but sometimes I want to be able to fluently converse with them.    Although, there is one huge plus over the youth group in the States.  The plus is, that there is a Pulperia (a small family owned store) beside the church! That means that any time I am thirsty, I can whip out 4 cents (that’s right!) and buy a bag of water!  Or I could bump it up to 20 cents and buy a bag of chips.  And if I was in the mood to blow the bank, I could buy a Coke for a whopping 60 cents. J

             In my time here in Nicaragua, I’ve experienced quite a boost in independence.   Oh, how I look back at the days when I had to ask permission to walk around the neighborhood and laugh.  Now, I regularly walk to stores, Church, and other places either by myself or with a buddy.  Also, as of today, I am the proud owner of a cell phone.  I know, it took me moving to a another country to get, but I finally got one!

Moreover, I have learned that Facebook is a blessing, as well as a curse.  I love keeping up with my friends, but it has definitely been hard seeing pictures of camps, parties, and events I have missed out on.  

Going to the villages every Tuesday is great.  It has definitely widened my view and allowed me to grow closer to the kids.   Also, I think the kids love it when I teach.  Either it is because they enjoy watching me stumble through the lesson or because my lessons only take about 5 minutes.  Oh well, whatever makes the kids happy. J

 I have also been exposed to another new language down here:  Nicaraguan Sign language.  I have made a few deaf friends through Mom’s work at the Deaf Association.  I know even less sign language than I do Spanish!  But at least the deaf can understand my charades better than the hearing. ;)   

Lastly, I have really enjoyed being able to see Dad more.  As most of you probably know, he worked 2 jobs to provide for us when we were in the States.  So we didn’t see him too much through the week.  But now, it is much better.  He gets to stay home, do dishes, help us kids out with school, go grocery shopping, and minister here.  I actually wonder which lifestyle he likes better?  J  Jokes aside… It has been great getting to see him more and working in ministry together.

             I like Nicaragua a lot!  I look forward to learning the language so then I can get to know the people here better.  God has a lot to teach me here.

                                                                                                Greyson

                                           Greyson teaching 

 

                                                         Game Time

                                     New friends at the Deaf Association

                                    More new friends - fellow missionary kids