Fall Break :)

So far, this has been my best week in Nicaragua, so thanks for the prayers J Almost every single day I wonder how my host family can be so caring and understanding. Life has been very busy lately but for the most part I am keeping up with everything and still have free-time too. I am finally getting used to living here in Nicaragua. For the most part, I know what to expect and can plan accordingly, so overall that has been good.

On Public Transportation: The other day, Danielle and I were waiting for a bus at the bus station. I would have bet money that they couldn’t fit one more person on the bus. Seriously—there were probably three people sitting in each seat and 50 more in the aisle and there were at least 6 people standing on the steps of the bus. The driver must have told the people that he had to close the door before they could leave, so one person gets off of the bus, and is trying with all of his might to close the door and the guy on the inside of the bus is just pressed against the glass. It was hilarious. I much prefer watching people squish onto the buses than doing it myself J  

On Food: I would compare meals in Nicaragua to eating at the county fair. My host mom decided this week that she was going to teach me how to cook. On Monday, we made “cara sucia” which means dirty face and this afternoon she taught me how to make fried tacos. The food is wonderful—you just have to put aside everything you have ever learned in health class.

On Vacation: Tomorrow we are leaving for our fall break. We are going to stay with a missionary family near Jinotepe for a few days and then head off to Ometepe, a volcano island for the next few days. I am looking forward to the break.

Five Best Purchases in Nicaragua

1. Bug Spray: Bugs love me, but bug spray really helps.

2. Conditioner: My hair is finally manageable again.

3. Pillow and sheets: I know I was supposed to bring sheets…but they didn’t fit in my suitcase. Sheets are definitely more comfortable in the 80+ degree heat than the fleece blankets originally on my bed. And somehow having a squishy great smelling pillow makes me sleep so much better.

4. Internet Modem: I’d be so stressed without it. I use it ALL the time.  

5. Ice Cream: Wonderful taste of home J

For my culture class, we’ve had to read a lot of material about understanding and appreciating other cultures. I had to read a summary of traits that most Americans possess. My first thought: “How do they think that they can categorize Americans like that?” As I started to read the article, the first thing the author noted is that most Americans believe that they are unique individuals and should not be categorized. This statement got my attention, so I kept reading. The list of traits goes like this:

1. Personal control over the environment: basically you are responsible to change your own circumstances. 2. Time: We value it and the efficiency that comes with it. 3. Equality: regardless of race, gender..whatever…people should be treated equally. 4. Individualism and Privacy: You mind your business, I’ll mind mine and we’ll get along great. 5.  Future Orientation: You can be anything you want to be through hard work.  6. Directness: we say it like it is. 7. Informality: in some ways we are pretty chill. 8. Efficiency: Is it practical?

Once again, I was convicted. As much as I would like to say that I see the world through my Christian worldview, as I looked at the list I realized that most of the things are cultural values rather than Christian values. Just something to consider.