Weekend Delights

What a treat of a weekend! Shortly after our return to Nica I spied the unmistakable signs of a circus tent set-up. As many of you may know, the circus is one of my favorite activities. For the past week I have begged Dylan that we go to the circus. I kept eyeing the ring of elephants on the side of the highway – and could only imagine what a Nicaraguan circus might have in store. Yesterday, my wishes came true – Dylan and I went to the circus. And oh what a treat! Never have I seen so many animals involved in a circus – not only did we see the elephants that I have watched on the side of the highway, but also dogs, horses, miniature ponies, camels, and tigers. There were men running in wheels dangling from the ceiling – much like a hamster might – and they turned tricks inside their wheels – and one even climbed atop his wheel and managed to perform all sorts of tricks from the very top of the wheels – while blindfolded. There were dancers and tumblers and trapeze artists – and a balancing man and flying dancers and the world’s smallest man (truly, he could not have been more than two feet tall)! The tigers jumped through hoops of fire – and one even sat in a swing that was raised above the cage height, just swinging back and forth over the performance ring. However, Dylan and I both agreed – the dog stole the show.

Anyways…aside from the delight of the circus – this weekend has truly been great. The weather hasn’t been too hot – and we’ve had a constant nice breeze. Yesterday Dylan and I walked home after our dinner out – just to enjoy the beautiful night. And today, at church, a woman gave us English translators so that we could actually understand more than a handful of words during the sermon. All in all – it’s been pretty perfect.

Since our return to Nica (after Thanksgiving) I think that I have been in a bit of a rut. Knowing that I have less than a week left seems rather daunting. I keep questioning whether I have accomplished what I [thought] I came down here to do – or what else I could be doing. I feel that there must be more that I can do for the kids or the orphanage – but I just don’t know what. And at the same time, I just can’t fathom what to say to the children – or how to say goodbye. They have already lost so much in their short life that I am just not sure how to say goodbye without doing any more damage.

Regardless of all that, the kids and I have had a wonderful time this past week. The orphanage has undergone some rather drastic changes. Since my return they have gained four new children (two boys, two girls), Poncho (the semi-English speaking man that ran the orphanage) left and three new women have started working there. Initially, these changes created quite an upset among the children. Poncho’s leaving was a disaster; however, the new women in charge have done an excellent job with the children – and for once, the children are actually being tended to and treated for colds, cuts, etc. They are much more disciplined and are settling in to a strict routine (that includes mandatory “silent time” for at least one hour a day). It’s a strange adjustment to make.

Early in our trip down here I had decided that I wanted to do one big project with the children at the orphanage – and had chosen to try and create a Spanish-English book for them (as their only books are two English storybooks that no one can read to them – and they cannot understand). My initial plans for the book turned out to be a disaster – as I wasn’t able to clearly articulate my ideas into Spanish. However, while I was home over Thanksgiving I managed to create a book that each of the children could enjoy. It is an English-Spanish coloring book that has the alphabet, colors, shapes and numbers. Each page contains a picture that they can color as well as the Spanish – and English equivalent – of the pictures. So, each child received a book and a box of crayons to color the pictures. Last week I was able to distribute the books to the children and watch their excitement as they realized what it was. The older kids were so eager to have a resource to learn English – on their own – that we must have read through the book at least 10 times. Then, we spent the next two and a half hours coloring the pictures. Every day last week the women at the orphanage allowed me to spend at least one hour with the children working on their books. It has been a great bonding experience – and a much better teaching method than I would have imagined. Each day when I arrived at the orphanage they kids would tell me the new English words that they learned the night before. So again and again I would hear them repeating – “apple, manzana” and “casa, house.” It was such a triumph for each of them each time they were able to master a new word. And, now all of the kids five and older are able to count to ten, in English, without my assistance. A small accomplishment to some – but such a treat for me to hear!

I finally managed to upload the pictures from the past month or so – so, you should be able to see pictures of our trip to San Juan del Sur, more pictures of the kiddies, the books I made for the children, and our trip to the circus. Here’s the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15927088@N07/

Thank you all so much for continuing to keep Dylan and me in your thoughts and prayers. This really would not be possible without you guys.

Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons! All my love,

Lauren

Friday - 12/7

Although I am hesitant to write this, for fear of jinxing the progress, but it appears that at present the family feud, which has been so long a part of the picture, has regressed. Everyone has been getting along quite well, making our time together much more enjoyable.

The group only numbered 8 today. My Spanish deficiencies keep me from understanding why some kids remain at home some days, but it seems like almost every day one of the kids doesn’t come.

There was another group using the outside area when we arrived. The kids sat surprisingly peacefully inside, eating and waiting until the other kids left before dashing outside and going crazy on the equipment.

In what has developed into somewhat of a pattern, all of the kids played while Ninoska and I sat and talked. Usually we can communicate well enough to get our points across, but deep conversations are hard to have.

Today Ninoska told me that she doesn’t want to go to school, insisting that she would rather work. I had been naïve in assuming that they all wanted to attend school. Coming from a background in which education is commonly seen as the “ticket out,” I unfairly assumed this concept, so ingrained in the American culture, would be present here, too. While it’s hard for me to understand her point of view, I do recognize the difficulty she must have seeing the long-term benefits of education considering her circumstances.

My heart hurt as she explained her position by claiming, “I’m stupid,” and, “I like working on the streets.” I told her that I think she’s very intelligent and can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up. She had told me previously that she wanted to be a doctor, so I told her that she needs to study if she wanted to reach that goal. She answered that she would rather work on the streets.

She then told me that I’m not able to help them forever, asking. “When you go back to the US, get a job, and have kids, then what?” I tried to assure her that I am working to establish a way to offer long-term help, but my limited Spanish made this difficult. I hope I got the point across.

It was a tough conversation, but I’m hopeful that when Keren comes next week we’ll be able to sort things out with her mother. The key will be getting her support in getting Ninoska to school.

The city is abuzz with Purisima excitement. The fireworks have been going off all day and kids with bags of goodies can be seen everywhere. Ninoska told me that the holiday culminates with everyone shooting off fireworks at midnight. I am already looking forward to waking up to such a startling event.

La Purisima

When I arrived at the street corner today I found about 15 kids waiting for me. I always struggle with choosing which kids can come to lunch since it’s so hard to tell them ‘no.’ Unfortunately, it’s necessary since neither my bank account not Pollo Campero would appreciate such a large group.

10 kids and I headed off to PC to meet my friend Brad, who joined us today. We had a great time. Brad was so wonderful with the kids. I enjoyed watching him interact with them and I know the kids appreciated having someone who can actually speak Spanish there. About halfway through our usual time at PC Carlos, one of the older boys, told me that he had to leave and resume working. Watching him walk away, box of leftover chicken in hand, was so sad. It’s tragic to watch these kids be forced to live adult lives – extremely difficult ones at that – at such young ages.

All during lunch the kids excitedly told me about “La Purisima.” I didn’t understand any of their descriptions but thankfully Brad filled me in. La Purisima is a Catholic holiday that is very important in Nicaragua. I read online just now that it is only celebrated here, although I am not sure if that is true. It celebrates the Immaculate Conception. Traditional Purisima festivities include going from house to house singing Christmas Carols and praying to the Virgin Mary. Hosts are expected to offer their guests little bags of treats after the singing. I also read online that many fireworks are set off during this holiday, a claim which I can attest to, having heard them throughout the day, including at an almost constant pace throughout the 10 minutes I’ve been writing so far.

Although the real holiday (I think) is tomorrow, the kids informed us that there was a celebration at a governmental building near their street corner today. Nicaraguans LOVE parties and traditions so I’m not surprised that this holiday seems to be an extended one. The kids led Brad and me to the office building where we were handed tickets for the 3pm party. We went back to where their mothers sell sunglasses and towels and hung out, since it was only about 2:15. The mothers bought oranges, from a man pushing a grocery cart full of them up the street, for all of the kids and Brad and me. They were delicious and quite a nice gift.

Around 2:45 we walked back to the office building to find a long line already forming. I was surprised, since most people here are on “Nica time,” meaning they show up at least 30 minutes late for everything. I didn’t know what was about to happen, but the kids were certainly quite excited. Throughout our 20 minutes or so in line we were entertained by very loud fireworks which exploded right above us. It was…noisy.

Once inside the gates we were told to line up according to age. Upon reaching the front of the line the kids received a bag full of candy, fruit, juice, and a plastic ball. My line – the adults – got a plastic bowl containing an orange, a banana, chips, and two pieces of candy. Everyone received a stick, about a foot in length and two inches in diameter. We all walked back to the street corner, all the while I was wondering what the heck I am supposed to do with my stick.

I became even more confused when the kids starting gnawing at the ends of their sticks. “This is a crazy country,” I thought.

It turns out that the sticks are actually pieces of sugar cane which, when chewed correctly, give off a pleasant taste. I took some funny pictures of everyone sitting on the curb chewing on sticks.

After our snacks we all played soccer with one of the new plastic balls for about an hour. Playing on a patch of grass next to the road, littered with trash, broken bottles, and rocks, made me appreciate the luscious soccer fields I played on as a kid. The kids are good players, especially considering the conditions and improper footwear. Finally, Brad and I left as the sun was about to set, ending a wonderful day with the kids.

I enjoyed spending more time with the kids in their element. It was extremely difficult to watch them work while we waited for the Purisima, but I gained a better appreciation for what their lives look like when I am not around.

Story Time

Here are just a few anecdotes from the last few days which I hope you find interesting.

1 – Yesterday, as I prepared to leave after lunch, the kids readied themselves, as usual, to accompany me to my bus stop. I needed to pick up some groceries up the street and also wanted to check out the showtimes for the nearby circus, so I told them that I wasn’t taking the bus. Ninoska, the oldest girl, thought that I perhaps didn’t have enough money for the bus fare, so she offered me some of the cords she earned washing windshields earlier in the day. Her generosity was remarkable.

2 – I got a kick out of seeing Leonardo, the 9-year old boy, running around yesterday in a Ray Lewis jersey which had been donated, and I had given to him last week. One of the mothers thanked me for all of the “beautiful clothes” that you all donated. So, on behalf of the families, thanks!

3 - Today, as I was leaving, the mother of two of the kids (not one of the feuding families) gave me one of the beach towels she sells on the street corner. I was so touched by the gift. Her son also gave me a t-shirt last week. It is amazing how giving these families have been, considering they have almost nothing for themselves.

4 – The kids ask about our friend Nefret, who visited in October and spent substantial time with the kids, every day. It is so cool to see the incredible impact Nefret made in just a week. I bet that I’ve been asked when Nefret is coming back approximately 100 times since she left. Today we also discussed my departure in January. I reassured the kids that Nefret and I would come back and visit during the summer. I haven’t talked with Nefret about this yet though… :)

5 - I ran into my friend Mikael today. He is a taxi driver / translator with whom I've worked on previous trips. I was a bit alarmed when I saw a taxi reversing down the street but soon realized it was him. I got his number and hopefully I will see him soon.

Today was good. We had 11 kids but 6 of them left early when their mothers came to get them for baths. The 5 who remained were wonderful and we had a great time.

That’s all for now. I am so thankful that you are reading this. It means so much to me and Lauren that you are interested and supportive of what we are involved with here. You are the best!

-dw

The Kids are Tight

Today was better, for many reasons. Most importantly, there was no drama between the kids today. It was so nice to have everyone ready and eager to have lunch today. We rolled deep again – 10 kids and me – even with one of the usual boys missing.

Discipline and maintaining order have become more important as the group has grown larger. I thought that I had trouble managing the kids I worked with this summer at my mom’s child care center, but I’ve been appreciating how easy I had it back then. At least I spoke their language! In addition, these Nicaraguan kids have not grown up learning manners and how to act in public situations like most kids in America. Living in dire poverty and working on the streets limits the opportunities during which such manners are necessitated. However, this means that the kids are even harder to control.

Previously I had trouble disciplining them because I was reluctant to correct such underprivileged children. Since then, however, a few people have given me great advice concerning the benefits of establishing boundaries. Now, even though I understand these benefits, I have trouble establishing order because of the language barrier and their unfamiliarity with having rules.

The previous two paragraphs are just other ways of restating my difficulties in telling the kids not to run inside, wrestle outside of the play area, run around with their food, or stand on the tables. I also have trouble preventing and breaking up fights.

Despite the disciplinary issues I had a great time with the kids today. I often get preoccupied with their faults, but today I was struck with how amazing they are. With their backgrounds there is no way they should exude as much joy and innocence as they do. I appreciated their smiles, laughs, and hugs more than usual today, likely because I was thinking about the trials they’ve faced and the perseverance they exemplify. Although they can be frustrating and certainly test my patience, I was reminded today of just how wonderful and beautiful they truly are. I also learned that I have a looooong way to go before I am ready to be a parent!

From yesterday, Dec 3rd

Yesterday was one of the hardest days I’ve had so far, although I can’t give a sure explanation why. I think a combination of missing home, feeling a little sick, and taking a practice GRE established a dreary tone for the day before I even went to hang out with the kids.

When I got off the bus I saw some of the kids playing with two teenage girls – maybe 18 and 16 – near the street corner. Ninoska and Kevin were washing windshields right near the bus stop, so I stopped and said hi to them before walking over to greet the rest of the kids. Ninoska and Kevin seemed fine and excited to join us. When they followed me over to join the other kids though, they moods immediately changed. They initially refused to come, and walked back to the corner to resume working. I told the other kids, who had started the walk, to wait and pleaded with Kevin and Ninoska to come. Only then did they start following us, albeit at a distance.

The group initially numbered 8 yesterday. With such a large group I am so glad that there’s a play area at Pollo Campero. There is no way I could contain them in the food court at Metrocentro. We ate fried chicken and the kids played for a long time.

Ninoska and Kevin spent the first 45 minutes or so standing outside the outdoor eating area, staring in at us through the metal bars. It was so hard to see them out there and not understand why they were upset or how to fix the situation. They told me they were upset with some of the other kids but I was unable to gather more. I was quite frustrated with my low level of Spanish skills. Being frustrated, in turn, only worsened my conversational skills.

Eventually Ninoska and Kevin agreed to come in and eat. They even played a little bit. I was so glad that they could let go of their differences for a little bit and just be kids. Seeing that innocence return for an hour was wonderful.

The rule is that the kids each get two pieces of chicken, and I had saved 4 pieces for two of the kids who weren’t there. Sadly, one of the kids either ate them or, what I think is the more likely explanation, packed them away in their carry-out boxes. I was disappointed that one of the kids did this, but not entirely surprised considering the temptation the extra chicken must have been. I can’t expect kids who live such tough lives to always make the right choice, especially when they are hungry.

I had always heard the importance of doing this kind of work with either a partner or a team, but I am only now beginning to recognize the truth in such a claim. I think that the language barrier only amplifies my need for a partner in these endeavors. Living with Lauren has been amazing, and I have treasured our time together and her support. However, I think it’s important to not only live with someone, but also work with others. So, a word of advice to anyone looking to do service or missionary work – find a partner!

I am excited about a few things. First, my friend Brad is going to try to come on Thursday. He is great, and speaks Spanish much better than I do. He also has a motorcycle, so we are thinking about going to Ninoska’s house for a bit after lunch that day. Also, Keren is going to come one day next week to try to meet with the schools to move forward with the sponsorship program. We have also talked about hiring someone to run it after I leave. I am pleased with the progress we’ve made, and hopefully will continue to make next week.

Thank you all for the amazing support you have given us throughout our time here. I have no doubt that your encouragement has been instrumental in allowing us to continue our work here.

Much love,

dw

Weekend Update

The weekend has been fairly uneventful so far. Yesterday we watched a good amount of football, went grocery shopping, and hung out with our friends Brad and Esmir. Today we went to church and then came back here. I’ve been watching football and Lauren went for a walk and then to read at a nearby coffee shop. Tonight we are supposed to meet up with Abdhie, Keren, Brad, and Esmir for dinner. It should be fun.

Two highlights of the weekend so far:

1 – Our trip to the art museum/gallery yesterday. Ever since we moved into this neighborhood Lauren and I have looked forward to visiting the Genesis museum, located about a 4-minute walk away from our house. We’ve thought about visiting Genesis multiple times, but chose to save it for a special occasion. We didn’t have any plans yesterday and wanted to take advantage of Lauren’s second-to-last weekend here, so we excitedly headed out to make an afternoon of the trip.

Knocking on the door, we realized that the Genesis, advertised as both a museum and gallery, is actually someone’s house, in which the owner happens to sell paintings. So, a woman awkwardly followed us through the three rooms while Lauren and I looked at the paintings, trying to hide our smiles about how we misjudged the affair. After walking around for a little bit we said our thanks and left. What was to be an afternoon’s adventure took about 7 minutes. Oh well!

2 – No more blackouts! As of yesterday, the daily blackouts are history. We found out they were reduced on Nov 15^th, the day we left, and eliminated yesterday. Lauren and I have found ourselves confused between 7-9:30pm this week since our lights remained on. Such a treat!

Ok, that’s all for now. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Much love,

dw