Nica

Agradecimientos

2011-11-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

There are too many people to thank and more to be thankful for than words could begin to articulate. We proudly prepared a Thanksgiving feast for 50...it was a great success with love and care included in each and every bite. Five days have come and gone alredy. The airplane awaits after an early 4:30 am departure from Matagalpa. Stay tuned for favorite frames and a description of Thanksgiving, which turned into a birthday celebration followed by another celebration on a terrace overlooking the city that has become another home for me. Happy National Day of Listening!!!

Hoy?

2011-11-22T17:27:00.001-08:00

Batido.Una caminata con las mujeres...dos tienen 15 anos y una tiene 14!Reunion con Harold.Almuerzo con Kitty en La Vita e Bella.Placticar con el equipo en la terraza.Una caminata a mi cerro favorito.Otro batido (con leche de soya!)Aqui...antes de cenar y dormir!I am always humbled...always asking myself how I arrived where I am and how I could possibly express my gratitude. I will miss my family on Thursday, but am in good hands and loved by my familia Nica. These days will prove to be quick but plentiful. I am glad to be here. It is important to make the face to face connection to assure people here that my intention is to be here time and time again. A rooster follows us up the hill. A dog ensures we don´t get lost. Two men with rifles say there may be danger but laugh and tell us to yell loudly if we encounter any. Peace is all we found atop a mountain, overlooking a city with the sun finding respite behind the peaks.If I had 7 children by the time I was 27?If I were pregnant at 14?If I were embarrased to tell someone my favorite color?If I wasn´t able to listen to the stories of the world?Then...

Airport yoga is the best

2011-11-21T16:31:00.001-08:00

especially when you can find a quiet chapel.

La novena visita.

2011-11-21T16:21:00.001-08:00

Hola desde Matagalpa!! After having traveled all day, I was greeted last night by Manuel at the airport. We agreed that our reunion felt familiar...This is my 9th visit to Nicaragua in less than 5 years! We drove 1.5 hours to arrive late to Dora´s house, a second home for me. She greets me from behind the partially-opened door as she has eight times before. We smile. Laugh. Hug. We are happy. the house is clean. She shows me my room. She is proud of my room. It is ´my room´in ´my´home in a country far away in a land in which I feel so comfortable and close to myself yet far from my family. After sleeping and dreaming for hours, Dora joined me for a ´batido´at Don Chaco´s...our favorite locale. The Casa Materna is full. There are 30 women there and 10 more in the hospital. One woman, Felipa, will have twins any day. The others patiently await seeing thier newborn for the first time. The staff is still glowing from their 20th anniversary celebration. It feels amazing to continually be welcomed into thier home and their arms. I was told recently that good luck takes hard work. I´m not so sure I agree.Will four pumpkin pies feed over 40 people?

The funny things about air travel.

2011-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Security measures and protocol are different in every country.

Multi-directional head bobbing and snoring yourself awake is always funny.

When arriving to other countries, it is customary to applaud when the plane lands.

In Maimi, a middle-aged woman in high heels decided she needed a wheelchair when she realized how long the line for customs was. She moved right to the front.

Running to the jetway can be a critical course of action. Seconds are prescious. make friends. Smile. Relax. Sprint! (They unlocked the gate for me so I could board).

Airline food is best on European airlines.

I can't help but think of Saturday Night Live each and every time I deplane an aircraft. "Bye-bye now. No. No. Bu-Bye."

Some highlights, as trip season reaches phase 5.

2011-07-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

Highlights and memorable moments from the past 7 weeks (in no particular order):

Peru:
Morning runs
Rafting and laughing!
¨Greens¨
Inti Raymi in Cusco
A spontaneous cappuccino
Meditating in Machu Picchu
Hike to Puma Marco (running, laying, exploring, jumping, cheese sandwiches, the views, the women on our way down the mountain).
Yoga, ¨camouflage¨ and family meals at the hot springs in Lares
Returning home to Dolores and Yessenia
The dispachos with the shaman
The first time I saw Piscacucho
Jose Carlos´ eyes and the way they glimmered, shone and wrinkled when he smiled
William Flug making all of us laugh

Lima:
Cebiche
Late-night graffiti tour
The beach
The cab ride/tour with Horacio

Argentina:
Laying in the park
Lunch at La Siesta
La Boca
Laughing with Nick
El Gapon...my kind of people and food
Coffee
Tango
The oldest cafe in BAs with Jorge
Casa Felix!
Mercado Mataderos and choripan
Croissants and alfajores!
Picadas
Jenga
The accent.

Nicaragua:

Seeing my friends again and being welcomed ¨home¨
Talks over tea with Dora
¨Gambling¨ with my Nicaraguan mamas
Kitty´s patio
Morning batidos and gallo pinto
Yoga and walks with the women
Siestas
A hike to ¨Cerro de la Cruz¨
Fresh pineapple, coconut and well...everything
Our staff meeting...Songs, activities and laughter
Today. I was sent off with a special meal made by the women and staff

Life.

2011-07-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

I often go to the hospital to bring, visit or take women back to the Casa Materna. We travel about 10 minutes in the ambulance the Casa owns to arrive to the regional hospital. With one of the nurses by my side, I am able to enter with ease and walk into any section of the hospital (even without a nurse by my side, I would probably be able to do the same). There are multiple rooms filled with women who have just given birth and who are waiting to ¨dar la luz¨. They talk with family members, eat from the enchilada stand, nurse, walk, sleep and invite me to hold their newborns.

As I reflected upon my visit to the hospital the other day, I wrote the following about a woman I met who was from Matagalpa (and had not been in the Casa Materna):

I think of the women I met today and about the one for whom my heart broke. She was so young and so sad. There she was, among six other women who had given birth today with their newborns by their sides. The babies slept, cried and ate as she grieved the death of the baby she delivered this morning. I weep for her loss and know she represents many strong women in the world who have had to face the same reality. Surely she will grow to love another child she carries, but until then, her loss poignantly resonates with me.

Fresh eyes.

2011-07-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

I´ve been coming here for so long I sometimes fear I no longer appreciate things as I did the first time around. What do I see and do that I would never see or do at home?

*Wait for a chicken to cross the road in front of me (seriously).
*Watch as a woman picks up a phone for the first time in her life and hears a familiar voice on the other end. She talks, then doesn´t know where to put the receiver.
*See horses and donkeys transport goods from one place to another.
*Drink a fresh fruit or vegetable smoothy each morning for $1.
*Eat guirilla.
*Be surprised if a ¨married¨ couple had a wedding.
*Buy a newspaper for 30 cents.
*Be encouraged to rest and nap.
*Smell the sacuanjoche flower.
*Be taller than most women.
*Hold babies that are just hours old.

Yoga.

2011-07-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

It means unity. It has united me with myself, with pregnant women in Nicaragua, with an Incan artist in Peru, with teenagers from the US, with Machu Picchu, with floors of many international airport terminals and with myriad enclaves and people of the world. The exercise itself is secondary to the joining of mind, spirit and culture that the medium provides. It cures headaches and heartache, backace and longing. It aliviates judgement and anxiety and builds supportive community with every breath.

Old hag.

2011-07-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

In Nicaragua, everyone seems to have their own opinion about this stage in my life:

re: being 29, single and without kids: ¨It seems, Susanita, that your ´etapa esta terminando´ (stage is ending)¨.

re: being 29 single and without kids: ¨The life of a woman is useless unless she plants a tree.¨

re: me: ¨You´re skinnier!¨ ¨You´re fatter!¨

I appreciate the honesty and am happy with whatever me they see!

Home...sort of.

2011-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful to be in Matagalpa again. Coming here serves as some sort of benchmark as to where I find myself in this life. Today I found myself again welcomed into the arms, hearts and homes of my Nicaraguan family. There are almost 30 women in the casa right now! Their ages range from 15-36 and some had to travel 2 days to get to the casa. Today we walked to one of our usual spots and did some yoga under the shade of a mango tree. I think their favorite poses were tree and cat/cow (with sound effects of course)!

Matagalpa is changing! I'm on my iPhone in a cafe right now, there are hip new restaurants everywhere and for some strange reason it's almost 6 pm and it's still light out.

Phase 4 of this journey commences...

Oh! And my luggage was delivered!

Voyage to Nicaragua: 20 hours, 4 countries, no luggage

2011-07-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

That´s all.

Buenos Aires.

2011-07-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

It's 12:30 am and I have just finished dinner. There was an 8 year old at the table next to us unphased by the fact that her international age companions had sought their pillows five hours earlier.
I have also been observing/enjoying:
Cafes everywhere and the speed and culture so reminiscent of my time in Spain.
Tango dancing!
Coffe.
Nick! It's so wonderful to visit a place where friends live.
Mandee (Nick's sister)! It's even better to share the experience.
Art.
Graffiti.
Photos.
The color, texture and arquitecture of the buildings.
History. It's always more intriguing to me when I can see it.
The sing-songy, shuushy accent.
Slang.
Rickety subways and busses.
Shoes. Tights. Fashion.
Picadas and meriendas (snacks to make 11pm dinners fiesable).

Llama.

2011-07-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Machu Picchu. Round 2.

Written in MP 7-8-2011
A wonder, indeed. But it´s funny, isn´t it, how this probably won´t be the highlight of my journey? Highlights for me are related more to moments, snapshots in time and feelings of spontaneous relaxation more than whordes of people and yes, even more than wonders of the world. It IS an unbelievalbe place. It elicits curiosity and wonder. It does humble. I am humbled. How DID the Incas do it?

Empty nest

2011-07-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Exactly a month has passed and all of my ´kids´ have left. I will miss the energy and enthusiasm of the 29 students I had the pleasure of being with. They give me a sense of hope for this world.

I now sit in Lima after having a lovely afternoon in Barranco, dining on cebiche, walking to the ocean, taking photos and listening to the waves.

Tomorrow I depart for Argentina, where I will meet up with Nick and enjoy another South American city for a few days.

Rain drops keep falling on my head...

2011-07-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Rain. Lluvia. Day 5. Today we finally caught a glimpse of the sun (Inti) after being in a deluge for the past four days. Apparently weather like this hasn´t occurred in the past 10 years. This is the dry season. The weather is all anyone can talk about. There is concern for the crops. People (we) are cold. I have consumed more mugs of hot water and tea than ever in my life. Trekkers have had to return from the high altitudes along the Inka Trail because the passes are covered in snow. We were supposed to hike to some lagoons and hot springs, but had to cancel our adventure. The ¨bright¨ side?

1. We have played some epic games of UNO.
2. I found a couple of hours yesterday to run, do yoga by the river, and visit our students in their home stays.
3. The students are finding great meaning in ¨walking with¨ the people of Piscacucho. They love their new families and have realized that the tangible aspect of a service project may not be the most important one.
4. Sleeping to the sound of rain is incredible.
5. Today I will have a hot shower and we will all be eating smores later (the kids don´t know this yet...shhh)!

It looks like Argentina is a go...I´ve been in Peru for almost a month already!

Happy 4th!

Entrance to the Camino Inka

2011-07-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

Two popular modes of transportation.

Sonia

2011-07-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

It was just another morning jog a few days ago, before the rain really set in, when I met Sonia. I was on my way to run up the Inka Trail a bit, at km 82, when she asked me with a huge smile what I was doing. Her hair was freshly washed and her school uniform, recently ironed. She was on her way to the train station to get to school. When she realized I was exercising, she started jogging along with me!

Piscacucho

2011-06-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Round Two. The second group has arrived from Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The kids are wonderful and so excited to be here. They have lovingly embraced everything about thier experience. Piscacucho is a small town in the middle of the Andes. The views from everywhere are breathtaking. This morning I practiced yoga in front of my new home. Onlookers were curious, but approving. Perhaps by the end of next week I will have a Peruvian yoga community!

We will be helping to build a kitchen at the local elementry school. There we will also be involved in classes, planting seeds, playing games, sanding beams, moving dirt and enjoying the short time we have here.

Today, believe it or not, is yet another party! It is the Inti Raymi celebration of Ollantaytambo. I hiked to some ruins with a few students to see the ¨drama¨ from above the city and took even more pictures of dancers, costumes and local

How is it that I continue to be welcomed into the arms and homes of people all over the world?

New digs

2011-06-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is my Peruvian ¨mama¨, Dolores. She is humble, sweet, generous and a wonderful cook (she cooks using firewood in her hearth). Last night we had fish fillets, rice and potatoes.

This is the view from the house I will be living in for the next week in Piscacucho, Peru! The highest peak is over 18,000 feet.

Inti Raymi conincides with my intentions

2011-06-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

It is a celebration to honor the god of the Sun. The Inca says we must all open our hearts and live from that space. Everything else is insignificant. To view such a festival in Cusco yesterday was an honor. The plazas and hillsides were saturated with all walks of humanity as Incan processions and presentations filled ears, eyes and hearts. Hay angelitos en mi vida que siguen llegando. My great fortune humbles me.

Thoughts on a morning run... 6.19.2011

2011-06-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to see things for the first time every time, but then I suppose you would lose out on the subtleties.

You would forget that seeing alpaca would be like seeing deer in the states.

You might not realize that Incan ruins surrounding you can be commonplace and that you can stand on the top of one and see the next and the next and the next and realize how people communicated thousands of years ago.

You might not recognize that the brightly-woven cloths that everyone wears on their back are multi-purpose. They are used for kids and branches and pets...

You might not notice that Quetchua is spoken perhaps just as much as Spanish, if not more, especially once you are in the highlands.

You might not have had conversations regarding crops. People help each other. The plant each other´s potatoes, they watch each other´s crops, and they share the fruit that their labor brings.

You might forget that the surroundings are sacred and beautiful and have been here long before the people.

You might think at first that the peaks are jagged and incredible, and then you realize that people in sandals walk up and down them daily, not only bringing tourists back and forth, but bringing what the city has to offer back into the hills and to their families.

Maybe it´s better not to see things for the first time. If you live in a place, once you get to know it, there are more and more firsts.

Food and other observations.

2011-06-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

It is common to have a cooked egg in soup.
Chicha morada is a popular, purple, corn drink.
Fried pork rinds, ice cream, churros, coconut and popcorn are sold in the street.
Alpaca goods are everywhere and are so soft!
I think I´ve heard this song thousands of times. Daaaa, da da da da, du du da da da da duda duuuuu.
Coca tea makes me feel great.
Avoiding gluten is tricky.
Chiriuchu is the food to eat today: guinea pig, pork,chicken, some tortilla thing and other unidentifiable foods on one plate. I chose quinoa soup.
The lemonade here is fabulous.
Usually I don´t like papaya, but I´ve been mandated to drink papaya juice for it´s digestive benefits. It´s not so bad.

Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu

2011-06-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Today, as I sit at a computer in my hotel in Cusco, thousands of people pack the streets to celebrate Inti Raymi, a festival in honor of the sun god. Though intreguing, I had to take a bit of a break from the mobs of people, vendors, marching and music. It is truly a sight to behold. Cusco reminds me of Antigua, Guatemala. It is a European-feeling city amidst mountains and diverse culture.

Yesterday we visited Machu Picchu. We arrived after waking up at 445 am, taking a train, bus and a short hike to this wonder of the world. We happened upon MP on the busiest day of the year, the winter solstice, so there were loads of people. The intelligence of the Incas facinates me. Fortunately I will be able to go again with the next group!

The students from St. Anne´s left today. They were excited to go home, sad to leave their new home and full of new memories and experiences that will surely change thier lives forever. Adela and I hugged as we said goodbye to our ¨hijos¨. I hope to see them in Denver in the fall. As we wrapped up our time together last night, I reflected again on my great fortune and wonder as to how I happened upon this life. I must be doing something right...

Tomorrow I will meet with my co-leader for the next group that comes in a few days!

ANOTHER PARTY(?), Hot springs, a road block, and weaving

2011-06-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

There I was, in Cusco, just a week ago. I felt lucky to have stumbled on a traditional Peruvian festival. Upon arriving to Ollantaytambo I discovered we were here just in time for their biggest celebration of the year. And tonight, when we returned to Ollanta after traveling to some hot springs, we learned that eight days after the aforementioned festival begins, there is another two day celebration, the octavo, to celebrate the celebration. Whew. I had no idea.

The hot springs were incredible. In order to get there we traveled up switchbacks in the Andes on a dirt highway for four hours with a river thousands of feet below and the side of the road inches away. Once we got there and soaked in the copper-infused springs, the carsickness and headaches from the altitude (10,200 feet) were worth it!

We all appreciated our "break" and it was great to have time together as a group. A chef cooked for us, we did yoga, slept in tents and ventured a bit on the Incan trail. Roughing it??

On the way down, we had to stop because a herd of Alpaca was in our way. We gave bread to the Quetchuan women who traveled with their babies on their backs in brightly-colored blankets. Pictures cant even describe the vivid images in my mind.

I was able to "talk" with Maximiliana today, a woman who only spoke Quetchua and whose hands could tell more stories than languages that exist. She sat next to the hot springs weaving a belt that would take another week to finish. The detail in the Alpaca wool she wove was incredible.

Now I am sipping on coca Matte. Adela mandates it after every meal.

tidbits

2011-06-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

The food: My love for quinoa remains. Quinoa soup is a staple before lunch. It is prepared with veggies and herbs. I think I will bring back to the states two traditions I've learned to enjoy here in just a week: Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and tea (or "matte") follows every meal.

I did indeed eat guinea pig the other day at a "cargo" or party! It is a delicacy here, so I had to try it. It tasted like...chicken with the texture of duck? Check.

The festival finally ended. It was amazing to see all of the costumes and dances (after a morning run, I even found myself processing with the dancers on their way to the plaza). Though I will admit, it's nice not to wake up to cannons at 5am!

The history and traditions are rich and woven into all aspects of this Incan culture. We are surrounded by ruins and are learning all about how the Incans communicated and lived hundreds and thousands of years ago. Last night a gentleman spoke to us about Quetchua, language and legends.

We started building a playground at a local preschool. We are painting, sanding, digging...It feels good to have a routine. Tonight we head to some hot springs where we will celebrate good health (GI issues have been abundant in the past few days), our work, and discuss leadership styles and global issues.

It's work, but it's fun! The kids keep us laughing all day long. I am so grateful.

For more details on what we've been up to each day, you can go to: http://stannes-peru-2011.blogspot.com/

Hasta pronto!!

A serenade, a shaman, soccer and...guinea pig

2011-06-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

As we hiked to Incan ruins today we were serenaded by a local, traditional Peruvian band. They asked us to dance for a promotional video and without hesitation, we all jammed! Look for us...somewhere!

A shaman visited with us today and performed a traditional ceremony welcoming us to Peru. He encouraged us to find love and knowledge, to use our money to help others, to be respectful of Mother Earth and save her from further harm, and remember that humans are simply that, regardless of color or creed. I chose a package with something sweet in in as my offering. I was told that it was dessert for Mother Earth and that I need to eat more dessert and be sweeter so as to find partnership. Hmm...

We played a killer game of soccer with some of the homestay kids surrounded by peaks and ruins. Running at 9000 feet is different than Denver!

While dining with one of the families tonight, we were invited to return on Sunday to eat guinea pig...a delicacy here. Stay tuned...

What did I do to deserve this again?

2011-06-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I often ask myself this question when in beautiful places...

Ollantaytambo is amazing. Its the Telluride of Peru. It also just so happens that the largest celebration of the year is now! Words cant describe the experience of course, but yesterday I walked out of the hostel to find a lamb, a hog and jagged peaks surrounding me. Today we rafted down the Urubamba river while looking at Incan ruins covering the mountainsides. Last night we watched a parade of 16 typical dances depicting different cultural events.

The kids are great and we are being fed and treated like royalty.

Hasta pronto.

Lleguè

2011-06-09T21:28:00.001-07:00

I made it to Peru. I am in Lima tonight then head out early again in the am to fly to Cusco! It was so nice to smell the ocean and remember how much I love ¨living Spanish¨. I was greeted by my taxi driver holding a placard with my name on it. I already feel welcome.

If you could see the slide show in my brain...

2010-11-28T20:25:00.001-08:00

If you could see the slide show in my brain, you would see dozens of shades of green covering mountaintops and hillsides. You would see homes made of tarps, tin and wood and children playing in the dirt. If you could see this slide show, you would see brilliant hues of purple, blue and pink that adorn homes, buildings and clothing. If you watched this show, you would notice kindness embracing poverty, homes of scraps surrounded by tropical fauna, and illiteracy masked by skilled labor. You would watch high heels sink into mud with grace and determination, and witness people with so little giving with abundance.

If you could see all of this, I wouldn't be so frustrated that my words cannot relay what I want them to. I wouldn't feel like my pictures aren't enough and my videos a mere insight into what the eye and mind actually behold. If you could be in my brain, you would know that I simply don't know how to communicate my great fortune and you would know that I constantly wonder how I happened upon this life of privilege.

More firsts.

2010-11-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

I picked coffee for the first time during our visit to the campo (to the town of Santa Marta). I loved being in Nicaragua during coffee season. There is a sense of hope and prosperity among the people. The women of Santa Marta stopped picking coffee the afternoon we were there so they could join us for a meeting about the follow-up program with the Casa Materna. Over 40 women gather once a month to communicate with one another. What power and strength they are building! They showed us the five projects they did in the past year in their community, including filters for the water, new latrines, a community center, church and daycare facility. ¡Me encanta el campo!

In Selva Negra, a coffee plantation 25 minutes outside of Matagalpa, I went on my first trail run through the cloud forest. I heard monkeys, saw butterflies, birds, flowers and incredibly intricate and old trees. The other day I was in the cloud forest. Today I sat in the blustery, cold Invesco stadium to watch the Broncos play. Ironic or just plain fortunate?

Humble

2010-11-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

As always, I am immensely humbled by our time spent in Matagalpa. It´s hard to believe we leave tomorrow already. We will go will full hearts. When the heart is full, the mouth speaks. Our goal is to keep spreading the joy that has been given to us by those at the Casa Materna.

Stay tuned for: Cultural irony, more firsts, and the slide show I keep in my brain.

Firsts

2010-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Hola desde Matagalpa! Hoy es martes y parece que hemos estado aqui por mucho tiempo ya. A la vez, parece que acabamos de llegar. For the first time in Casa Materna history, we had our annual board meeting here in Matagalpa! It all transpired yesterday. Some met for the first time while others reunited with friends they hadn´t seen in years.

We laughed, danced, ate and talked about everything from the economic situation in Nicaragua to committee reports regarding budget, finances, fundraising, etc. There were two difficult parts for me. The first was translating for an extended period of time. I love the challenge of translating. It is a completely different skill than simply being bilingual. When I translate, my brain is forced to work in a much different/faster way than it´s used to. There is no time to think about what a word means in one language then try to say it in the other. Everyone listens for instantaneous delivery of information in their dominant language. My brain hurt last night!

The second challenge was the thoughts that came up regarding what my role will be in the upcoming years. I am unbelievably honored and privileged to assume part of the liaison role of the Casa Materna/Friends of the Casa Materna. I have a hard time believing that it is I who GETS to be here twice a year and spend time with the women and staff of the Casa Materna. I hope I can achieve all that is expected of me and then some.

My morning runs have been beautiful. It´s amazing that here I ENJOY waking up at 5:30 to exercise. For the first time in my trail running history, I ran past a man on his horse yesterday travelling down the dirt road from the mountains to bring milk to the city. I also saw a mother and daughter washing clothes in the river and chickens crossing my path. I heard a man chopping trees with his machete, birds singing and the wind blowing by.

¨Lucky¨ is an understatement.

Other pressing matters...

2010-07-12T18:03:00.001-07:00

Poverty is evident in Nicaragua. But there is another issue I infrequently discuss or write about because I truly do not understand it. I don´t understand the typical male role in the ¨campo¨families. Certainly some men are caring and loving and perhaps begin to exemplify characteristics I admire in the men I know. However, while chopping wood, hanging clothes and cooking corn today with the women, I heard a few stories I will briefly share with you:

One woman I met today is 16 and pregnant with her first child. Her husband (and yes, she said they did have a formal union ceremony), is 26 and was her teacher in school last year. This year he is a government authority in their community.

Another woman at the Casa is also 16. The father of her baby left her when she was three months pregnant. Her mother is old and doesn´t move well and she has no brothers or sisters to help her when she returns home.

The third story I will share with you is of a woman pregnant with her seventh child. The first three she had when she was 13, 14 and 15 years old. This man frequently abused her. He was finally chased away by her mother. Eventually she found a new husband whom she has remained with for the past 18 years. He is good to her. She said she didn´t know better at 13 and thankfully she survived to be able to help other girls in similar situations.

Stories of abuse, neglect and mistreatment are all too familiar for innumerable women in Nicaragua, The Casa Materna and the world.

I am so very, very lucky.

(My brother works with an organization striving to help women in Chicago: CAASE (caase.org)).

Adolescent Leaders around the globe

2010-07-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

I spent 10 days in Costa Rica with a group of amazing individuals who are determined to be leaders of their communities in the United States regarding the global issues prevalent today. This Tuesday, I was fortunate to facilitate another group of adolescent leaders from the communities of Matagalpa. Four pregnant, adolescent mothers from the Casa Materna (and one of their partners) joined us as well.

We discussed adolescent pregnancy and asked pertinent questions such as, ¨Can the cycle be stopped from generation to generation?¨ ¨What can we do to decrease the amount of adolescent pregnancies?¨ In Nicaragua, 1 of every 4 births are from adolescent mothers. 23/1000 infants die during childbirth. 170/100,000 women die giving birth to their infants which is 1.5 times greater than the U.S.

The adolescents that arrived to the Casa Materna seemed poised to provide and share information with their communities. The pregnant teen mothers present seemed pensive yet receptive and willing to share their stories. The youngest mother there was thirteen and pregnant with her first child.

Harper Lee is smiling

2010-07-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Harper Lee would be right-proud by me as I thoroughly indulged (from cover-to-cover) in To Kill a Mockingbird during day two of a three-day bout with some ¨virus¨ that´s going around. I miss the musings of Scout and the antics of Atticus, however I have rid myself of the Boo Radley type-cast I was characterized by for 48 hours, only having left my bed for water, tea and, well, I will happily censor the rest.

All is now well in Maycolmb, I mean Matagalpa.

Self-induced dehydration

2010-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

This skill is of utter importance when travelling across two Central American countries over the course of 11 hours, aboard 5 buses and one taxi and while waiting in two lines for four hours at the border. But alas, I arrived in one piece to my Nicaraguan home, Matagalpa after having spent the past four days in Samara beach, Costa Rica. There I relaxed ¨between gigs¨, surfed, swam to an island and finally did some authentic page-turning.

I shall dub this phase III of a six-stage adventure. I am consistently awed by the people I happen to meet and the places I stumble upon.

Today I will reunite with friends at the Casa Materna.

Samara Beach

2010-07-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

I spent 3 days here before heading North to Nicaragua...

In San Jose Costa Rica

2010-06-30T09:51:00.001-07:00

It seems that I have been here many times before to this very street in San Jose, but each time I am returning from or embarking upon a new journey.

This morning after a 1:30 am wake-up, ten students from Greens Farms Academy, their teacher and two leaders finished a 10 day journey. The journey consisted of the easy things to write and talk about: white water rafting, working in a small village, singing, dancing, making tamales and cheese, going to hot springs, flying over the rain forest on a zip line and jumping into various swimming holes, rivers and a particularly beautiful waterfall.

What is persistently difficult to write about are all of the incredible intangibles. Nine kids ranging from ages 14-17 learned to give their hearts to other people and cultures of the world. They formed an impenetrable bond with each other and the families and children of Chilamate. They left on a plane this morning with a desire to return and to continue to maintain their relationship with their new families in Central America. Through this partnership they will begin to better the world little by little...

This is all very ¨full-circle¨ for me as I sit in an Internet cafe in San Jose waiting to hear from friends that I spent two months with when I was 15 years old. These experiences are ultimately invaluable and I am honored to have been a part of this particular group through the World Leadership School.

From here I will spend a few days on the beach before going to Matagalpa on July 4th.

Chilamate Rain Forest!

2010-06-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hola! I'm writing from Chilamate, Costa Rica. I am leading a group of students from Greens Farm Academy with the World Leadership School. The trip has been wonderful so far. I feel as though I've been here for weeks. Fortunately we have an amazing group of students along with thier teacher. It is HOT here, but we are withstanding it with water fights and a local swimming hole. (I've never seen my hair so curly!) The village of Linda Vista where we are living and working is small (150 habitants) and everyone is incredibly welcoming and generous. You can check out the blog we've been keeping here:

http://greensfarmsacademy-costarica-2010.blogspot.com/

2009 turns to 2010 in Matagalpa

2010-01-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

I never knew that in Matagalpa:

-Scarecrows (hombre/mujer viejo/a) are constructed, put on display and burned at 12am on New Year´s Eve.

-Rosquillas are popular cookies that are difficult and time-consuming to make.

-Dinner on New Year´s Eve is at 12am!

-Personal fireworks are permitted to say the least, and explode all hours of the night...especially midnight. The view of the city bursting with fireworks from the auditorium balcony at the Casa Materna was beautiful (and VERY LOUD).

Yesterday was a blue moon (two full moons in one month)! Kitty and I hiked to the top of a rock cluster that provides a 360 degree view of Matagalpa. The wind was blowing as the sun set over the mountains. We toasted to the completion of 2009 and our hopes and dreams for 2010.

¡Bienvenido, 2010! Tabula Rasa...

mmmm

2009-12-31T13:01:00.001-08:00

Is it possible to overdose on bananas?

Vulnerable. Perception. Perspective.

2009-12-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

The most prominent words of 2009 (for me):

vul⋅ner⋅a⋅ble
–adjective
1. capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon: a vulnerable part of the body.
2. open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc.: an argument vulnerable to refutation; He is vulnerable to bribery.

But if we were not vulnerable, we would never know pain. If we did not know pain, we would have less empathy. If we are not empathetic with ourselves and our friends, how then, can we truly know them?

per⋅cep⋅tion
–noun
1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of rare perception.

Perception changes. I often wish I could perceive things as if I were seeing them for the first, innocent time. However, with each moment we live, we must realize nothing will ever be exactly the same as it was.

per⋅spec⋅tive
–noun
1. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

One gains perspective on people by enhancing communication. Communication is successful when we learn to ask and listen. Perspective also changes as knowledge and acceptance are attained.

Yoga and deseos

2009-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

I joined 15 women this morning for a yoga session and reflection of 2009. Before we started our breathing and stretching I asked the women what their favorite part of 2009 was. About 90 percent of them said they were grateful for becoming pregnant. They were also happy to have planted various crops, and one woman was glad she moved from the city to the "campo".

We breathed and did such yoga poses as: "eagle", "tree", "warrior", "cat, cow" and a "birds of paradise" rendition by yours truly, among others.

We then discussed our hopes for 2010. I wished for health among my family, friends and the babies to be born in the Casa. I especially wished for the health of my cousin, Bridget (hope4bridgit.org). Most of the women desire the same: to have healthy babies and family. Some women also hope that the government of Nicaragua will help the poor, feed the starving and find homes for people and children living on the street. Wouldn´t that be incredible...

In this new decade I wish everyone health, smiles, adventures, presence and love. May you enter 2010 with open hearts and minds and know that some wishes are simply universal.

La quinta visita

2009-12-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

What´s new in Matagalpa: 2 supermarkets, a kareoke joint, a parking lot in the city, Chirstmas lights in the park, 5 women arrived to the Casa Materna today (to make a group of 18), a cyber cafe and coffe is now 55 cents at my favorite cafe instead of 50.

I have decided that I prefer ¨dry-hot¨ over ¨humid-hot¨.

Remembering not to flush toilet paper is still quite difficult.

Cold showers require certain abbriviated ehalations upon entering.

Gente increíble

2009-10-28T14:11:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our annual board meeting in Michigan. I once again realized how incredible all members of the board truly are. Their dedication and commitment to the Casa is unrivaled. ¡Muchas gracias por todo!

Below is a poem I shared as our closing reflection. It is applicable to many situations in myriad ways.

"Stages" by Herman Hesse

As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.

The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slave of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.

The final evening

2009-07-18T16:31:00.001-07:00

Time is tricky. How is it that this dictator of most everything can be so deceiving? I have been gone for over five weeks and it seems like years, yet I also feel like I just got here. During the course of my stay in Central America some things have been made very clear to me:

-The people of Nicaragua truly are some of the kindest and gentlest in the world.
-Not all 60-something men could hop into the back of a moving bus and laugh about it.
-You really can see pregnant bellies change in a short amount of time.
-I can eat cheese here.
-I miss long days, but love early sleeps.
-Teaching and translating is simply fun.
-Making a fool of oneself for the benefit of others is always okay.
-Your dad can become a best friend.
-Your best friends can become sisters.
-Horns apparently have many purposes.
-Effective communication is vital in all situations.
-Strong hugs are the best.
-“Sugar ants” also like skin.
-Questions and conversations can be better than material gifts.
-While waiting 10 hours for a flight, it is nice to have a hotel across the street.
-Most situations have an advantageous and disadvantageous side.
-Everyone’s story deserves to be embraced.

Riendose

2009-07-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about laughter lately, and how laughter, real laughter allows for presence and being. If for just a moment, laughter dissolves hardship, poverty, loss, grief, longing and sadness. Those that are willing to consume this drug feel side effects of immense joy, bliss and euphoria. It is prescribed spontaneously to those who desire to simply “be”. Later I will explain such moments we have experienced in the past few weeks.

A preview: Spoons attached by a string, charades, belly-flops and crabs on bathroom walls.

My dad arrives tonight and our friend, Erin got in yesterday. We will leave for the Laguna del Apoyo as soon as the plane lands!

Cultural irony, green hills, questions and welts

2009-06-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Something seemingly ironic: The state of Nicaragua is poor. When talking with staff members from the Casa today, there did not seem to be any vision of reprieve from the dire economic and political situation. However, when invited into homes, or when in meetings, or when speaking, the culture is extremely formal and full of pride. Though the authoritive entities attempt to keep people down, the pride and kindness possessed by the people here seems to outweigh some of the sorrow. As Lindsay said, "There´s something that´s just...right here."

We hiked up behind Kitty´s house yesterday morning. It was incredible to escape a bit of the heat, be surrounded by green mountains, and spend time with two of my favorite women in the world!

Today we chatted with the sixteen women who are currently in the Casa. They asked us what they should name their babies, why we weren´t married yet, and what was the (crazy) reasoning behind living so far from our families. There are obvious discrepencies between worlds, yet many similarities.

Why do mosquitos and flies land on and bite some (Lindsay) and not others (me)?

Los gastos

2009-06-26T18:13:00.001-07:00

Linz and I bought 5-10 lbs of produce the other day for $3.75.

My gym membership costs $4 for the month.

Many women who arrive to the Casa Materna cannot afford the suggested $2.50 donation for room and board for as long as they need to stay.

Tratando de explicar...

2009-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

When I was fifteen and spent almost a month in Costa Rica, I discovered the most difficult thing about travelling: being able to share my experiences with others. I had to learn quickly that my story was simply mine, and no one could ever fully understand. I form and save memories through writing and stories, and hope that these tangible mediums can convey my experiences. However, sometimes even words and images are incredibly limiting.

For example, how could I possibly explain “the campo” to anyone? How could I describe the rugged journey to arrive to Montaña Grande yesterday? I could say that the ride took two hours. I could write that we had to be sure to leave the town early, as the mountainous-dirt road would be wiped out if we didn´t beat the rain. I could explain that while writing this, I feel like I’m still going over a bumpy road…or I could change my story entirely.

I could tell you that “the campo” possesses more shades of green than one could ever imagine, that our luxurious care ride paled in comparison to being nine months pregnant and having to find a way by foot, horse, bus, taxi, or all aforementioned modes of transportation to get to the Casa Materna hours (or maybe even days later). I could try to explain to you the excitement on the faces of the Montaña Grande residents when we drove up…almost to the point of tears.

I could try to relay to you our “tour” around this community of tin homes and dirt streets, during which we invited the women of the community who had been to the Casa Materna to join us for a meeting. I might then try to explain that this was the way to communicate to these community members that the meeting was about to take place. Apparently the phone call never spread the word. There is little possibility to explain with any success how many homes we were invited into and how many we were invited back to whenever we so desire.

I said to this group of women, dressed-up, and piled into a room they were all very proud of, that their friends in the United States thank them for their hard work and follow-up with the Casa Materna.

If I can explain nothing else with clarity, my hope is that you might see the people of Nicaragua as the warmest that exist and the country as more beautiful than pictures or words could possibly capture.

Discoveries

2009-06-24T16:31:00.001-07:00

They printed new money in Nicaragua. It is very slippery.

"Sombrero" (hat)is the provider of "sombra" or "shade".

"Tenedor" (fork) is that which "has"... from the verb "tener".

When teaching, utilizing all modalities is always a must.

One would think that after possessing Irish skin for 27 years, it would be obvious that after surfing and before laying on the beach, reapplication of sunscreen would be necessary.

Ideas come when they aren´t forced.

Here I find people exactly where I left them.

When making new friends, these are the important things to discuss:
1. Family
2. Weather
3. The beauty of the particular country, city, town or neighborhood

And by all means...share!

While travelling, it is the actual travel and transportation that incurs the most financial strife.

A model student

2009-06-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Lindsay continues to impress everyone with her desire to learn Spanish. While introducing herself to one of our new friends in line, she said, "Te amo" (I love you). Of course what she meant to say was, "¿Cómo te llamas?" I told her what she had said afterward and she said with a smile..."I love him and I hardly even know him!"

She is courageous, brave, and willing to leave her comfort zone. She has also allowed me to find more pride in this city that has become a second home for me. She smiles and speaks her best Spanish with everyone we meet.

For me, it is invaluable to have someone I know and love, meet others who have become my family and friends here and understand where I go and what I do. Understandably, Lindsay has been welcomed by the women of the Casa, the staff, Kitty and Dora. Everyone we run into on the street admires her desire to learn and invites us to spend more time with them.

Yesterday while sitting in a circle with twelve women from the casa and some of their visiting relatives, Lindsay introduced herself perfectly and also said where she is from, her age and more. Linz said that one of the mothers looked at her with an approving glance and started to applaud.

Time will fly here, but we are looking forward to keeping our feet on the ground.

Nica-bound...A journey North

2009-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Picture this: Two very sweaty, tired, excited girls from Colorado carry bags from the cab to Costa Rican customs across the "boarder" to Nicaragua and approach..."la fila"...The line to enter the country where they will reside for the next three weeks. As they come closer to the line they are awe-struck by the approximately 1000 people that also desire entry into one country or exit from another.

Being the only "chelas" (white girls) around, it became obvious that making friends would be a priority. Quickly the two girls utilized their million-dollar smiles and language capabilities to meet everyone near them in line. Soon friendships were made, and they would prove to be the best friends the girls could have under the circumstances...

There were absolutely no signs or indications of methodology or structure to the following process: A journey north:

Exit the car in Costa Rica. Wait in line at customs. Fill out exit form. Walk 10-15 minutes (while being constantly approached for various tipping schemes) to the boarder. Have passport checked 2 or 3 times before getting in line for what would be the next two hours. Get in line. One girl leaves to get two health forms from masked personnel due to the recent H1N1 madness while the other holds their place in line. Fill out forms. Forms are taken. They must be healthy. Follow instruction to go through immigration. Stand in hot, sweaty, baggage-inundated line, make new friends. Fill out immigration forms. Get to front of line.

When the almost-victorious girls are only two people from the front of the barely-moving line they realize to their dismay that the immigration form requires a stamp from the masked health officials. One girl waits as the other runs and ducks under metal barriers. The crowd and new friends cheer them on with encouraging hoots and hollers. The runner returns with heavy breath, two blue stamps and many empathetic signs of relief from the newly-acquainted on-lookers.

The girls perform their much-practiced box-out from those who attempt to take advantage of the savvy foreigners. They pay their entrance fee, listen carefully to the masked official behind the window and add stamps to their blue books which allow them the utmost privilege to continue their journey north.

Another bus, taxi, bus, and taxi later, they arrive to Dora´s house. She welcomes them with open arms, a shower, and excitement for the next adventures to come.

Street speak

2009-06-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

As mentioned, "Adios" when passing equals perceived confidence and automatic street cred.

"Buenas" when entering any establishment is simply polite.

Adding "ia" to the end of any verb essentially means "would"...implying more "politeness".

Coconut milk is very hydrating. Add that to carrying a three-pound "pipa" (coconut) around town, and health benefits are immeasurable.

Wari-wari is another language spoken here. "Where you go today?"+Caribbean accent= "Where are you going today?"

Planning is overrated. Allowing things to happen, as long as no one else is inconvenienced, is a far better philosophy for a personality such as mine.

I´m off to Costa Rica tomorrow, then Linz and I will go to Nicaragua and the Casa Materna on Sunday.

Just-my-luck...

2009-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I´ve decided to stay in the carribean for a few more days. I now have an obligation to fulfill which is "hotel-sitting" for a friend I met here. He needs to "house sit" on another island, so I´m going to watch his place on the water for a few days...

¡Què vida increìble tengo yo! How did I get this life?

Bocas del Toro, Panama

2009-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lv San Jose: 6am 6/11
Ar and breakdown somewhere in the middle of Costa Rica via bus: 10am
Lv breakdown site: 11am
Ar Panama boarder: 12pm
Go to customs, cross bridge to Panama, buy return bus ticket, buy ¨tourist card¨, get passport stamped, board a van with 12 new friends for one hour to get to boat, boat to Bocas del Toro

Ar. Bocas del Toro 4:30pm 6/11

A summary of the majority my travels could simply be stated as a ¨comedy of errors¨. I already have many tales to tell about the past three days. Most importantly, I am healthy (now), the sun is shining, and I think I´m getting the hang of this place. I will return to San Jose sometime this week, then head to Matagalpa.

¡Hasta pronto!

Si fueras la reina...

2009-03-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after an enthusiastic, heart-pounding musical chairs session with the women, I asked Karina, the winner, what she would do if she were queen of the world. She said she would mandate that all women in the world receive help and support.

What a world it would be!

I will return to the states tomorrow with memories such as this one. My hope is that I can effectively share these stories with friends, family and perhaps most importantly, students.

Señales...signals

2009-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Signals to:

Repeat what was said:

Raise eyebrows, purse lips, move nose as if there was an itch in it, put chin in the air slightly and wait for the statement or question to be repeated.

To come closer:

With palm down, wave fingers up and down and say "¡Venir!"

To point to where something is:

Use lips, purse them as if waiting for a kiss, and point them in the appropriate direction.

To watch out or tell someone they´re being watched:

Touch your cheek about an inch below your eye.

Eventos

2009-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I went to the campo (countryside) yesterday for a workshop with midwifes from "La Dalia". We wound up and down dusty, bumpy mountain roads until we arrived to La Dalia 90 minutes after leaving Matagalpa. Offense is the key to driving here (this is not in accordance with my Dad´s teachings). The people I met at the workshop told incredible stories. For example, Doña Lorna´s husband died in the revolution 30 years ago. She raised their six children on her own. She is now 80+ years old, walks wherever she goes (because in a car she would miss things, she said), and practices midwifery daily.

Another midwife I met had weathered skin, wore a floral red dress, a knit beanie, sneakers and socks that said "U.S.A". When I can, I will download a picture of her. She was so and animated and loving.

This morning Kitty and I processed with about 400 people at 4am through the streets of Matagalpa. Each Friday during Lent there is a weight of the cross celebration in the early morning and in the afternoon. My back started to hurt a little bit, as we were standing still and walking slowly over the course of two hours. After looking to my right I saw a 70-80 year old woman kneeling on the street as the “Stations of the Cross” were amplified through the city. I'm not as tough as I thought!

La Escuela

2009-03-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

I went to the local school last night to observe one of the nurses from the Casa Materna who works there.
Similarities to the U.S:
The boys wanted to move thier desks closer to the girls.
The students moaned and groaned about test scores and homework.

Differences:
The teacher called each student´s name and said aloud what grade they have.
The school is outside (like CA but not CO).
There are no retakes on tests.
There are no "extra points".
There is writing all over the desks and walls.
Grades are done manually.
There are no computers.
There is no cafeteria.
There is an outdoor patio.
The students at night have jobs during the day.

The students thought I was there to observe and that I will return on Tuesday to take over for a few days :)

Caminando y comiendo

2009-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, the food here is amazing! Each day I am grateful for it. The irony is there is not much of it. The situation in Nicaragua is dire and the food prices have gone up substantially in the past year. Each person I speak with agrees.

People walk everywhere here. As I´ve said before, saying "adios!" as I pass people in the street gives me "street cred." and breaks the awkward tension of local-sees-chela (white person).

There is hardly a need to include intervals into my morning jogs because of "San Francisco-like" hills that wind up, down and around Matagalpa.

It seems as though they receive more world news here than in the U.S.

In a documentary I recently watched with Kitty, Susan Meiselas said "Photographs stop time, but for people, time doesn´t stop."

Directions here are given as follows, “Pass the store, go to the corner, then, waaaay over there, go north two blocks, east one block and after a little curve where the doctor used to live, on the right, is where she lives. If not, she´s on the next block right across the way, or maybe she´s visiting with her sister who lives just behind her." Good luck sending mail...

Not knowing one´s age is common here (especially for elders).

The women don´t name their babies until they get to know their personality a bit. They might not have a name until 3-4 months after they´re born!

Today we did exercises with the women. We made the sounds of each of our favorite animals. They laughed hysterically. Overall their favorite animal is the cow (how practical).

Kitty is incredibly inspirational in her way of "being with" people here. She constantly greets people on the street and makes everyone smile.

I, too, am continuously running into people I know. The more I live, the more I am like my Mom on Church Street!

Go MSU!

Lo útil y los bananos

2009-03-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

Cold showers leave no option for sleepiness.

When travelling, be sure that all liquids remain in carryon baggage. Items may shift during the flight, and may consequently be left on the plane.

I wonder how many types of bananas there are here. 13 maybe? Then I wonder how many different things one can make with these types of bananas 103?

Why don´t I make more juice at home? At Don Chaco, the restaurant next door, I enjoy los batidos or "smoothies" for $1.50 a peice. Yesterday I had "la bomba," a juice of five different vegetables with orange juice. I took it para llevar or "to go," and they put it in a bag for me with a straw. The first time I encountered this method of a "to go" container was in Cosa Rica in high school. As long as there are no pointy objects near by, it works just fine.

Today is the anniversary of Oscar Romero´s death.

As I traslate a document about the "phases of an organization", I can only hope that love, support and positive reinforcement continue to nourish the Casa Materna.

It is always difficult to only use "Ud.". "Tú" is rarely used here. Don´t even get me started with "Vos.".

El regreso

2009-03-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Aquí estoy otra vez. My thoughts are many:

When I travel here it becomes more and more normal for me. In fact, I feel as though people are staring less. Maybe I´m becoming more "normal" to them.

The hardest thing to remember is putting the toilet paper in the trash!

It´s hot now, but dry-hot like Colorado, not wet-hot like Vermont in the summer.

Five women showed up to the Casa today. The total number must be around 22.

When I arrived yesterday, the women had a song prepared for me and a poster with a drawing of me and all of thier names on it. The poster read: "Bienvenida a La Casa Materna".

They are so giving and willing to laugh. Making a fool of myself never ceases to make them smile...a lesson for life.

The problem with being a grammar teacher is when I talk, I internally analyze why I used that particular word or tense. (For example, Level IV students: This morning as I was running, some guy started mimicing me and running with me. I then said to him and his friends: "Ni pudiera." Get it? I thought of you immediately).

Matagalpa is the same, but the economic and political situations continue to decline in Nicaragua. Since I was here a year ago, the price of food has multiplied by four. You can imagine the impact that has on everyone here.

Certain countries are stopping their funding for Nicaragua because of the government here. This lack of income has a negative effect on everyone.

Kitty is, as always so welcoming and hospitable. We spent the day together yesterday chatting, working, watching basketball, 60 minutes and Grad Torino. Think of her as she grieves the death of her sister just a couple of weeks ago.

Dora, too welcomed me with open arms. She always has a story to tell...

Speaking of, that is one of my most recent themes: Listening to stories.

I believe if we could all listen to people´s stories, we would find peace. (Si tu me conocieras...)

I believe that the “boxes” that our institution has created can one day transform into circles, which will stretch and stretch and stretch until the sheer geometric shape that once encompassed a bias or a stereotype no longer exists. The disappearance of this boundary can be achieved if we learn to understand that no one is the same and each “ism” is learned. (This is yet another recent theme taken from my equity work and applied to life)!

Hasta la próxima...

Favorites

2008-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Road-side produce stands in the middle of nowhere
Coffee (with a little sugar and soy milk)
Being welcomed into other´s lives
Welcoming others into my life
Dawn (I like to be conscious, but I don´t like to talk)
Conversations that end with a sense of accomplishment
Salad (with spinach and dried cranberries...maybe some almonds)
Dancing
The word, "guanabana"
Laughter
Spontaneous moments of "being"
Fresco de pitaya
Fresco de remolacha
Giving gifts
Photos that show an obvious connection
Water
Mountains
Avocados
Traveling (but not just to see...to know)
Accessories
Colors
The light just before the sun sets

Gratitude and clocks

2008-07-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it. In just 5 hours I will be on a plane back to the US. As I sit in the hotel eating my favorite plantain chips, "tajadas", I reflect, project and wonder about time.

Though the pace of life here is much slower than the states, the clocks seem to move faster. Somehow this month passed quicker than any other. Despite the long and short arms of the clock moving quickly in circles, when I begin to sumarize this journey I realize those arms created more amazing relationships and adventures in Nicaragua.

I am grateful for these relationships and opportunitites. Kitty has been wonderful, and without her care and friendship, my part in this story would not be possible. Her way of "being with" the people of Nicaragua and the women of the Casa is truly admirable.

I am also grateful for the ability to communicate with the people here. Their stories are what I bring with me, more than anything else. Just stopping for a moment to chat can elicit life-long friendships. In the states, I will make more of an effort to take a minute out of my whirlwind lifestyle to listen to more stories.

On the eve of the independace of the US, I wish for awareness and openness for everyone. I wish for consciousness and decisions made with purpose. I hope for less cultural-blindness and more human recognition because really, that´s what we all are-human. If we could only see each other as such, just imagine the possibilities.

I´m not a doctor, nurse or midwife, but...

2008-06-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I took the dinner shift at the Casa (4-7pm). At 6:30 one of the women, Ana Laura told me she was having "dolores", or pains and thought she might be ready to go to the hospital. Well, I´m not a nurse, so I couldn´t examine her, but simply by the look on her face I could tell she knew what she was talking about. With Kitty´s guidance, I called the nurse that was coming at 7, and the ambulance took Ana and Gladys, the nurse to the hospital immediately.

Ana Laura was "completa" upon arriving to the hospital, and had her twin boys at 7pm last night!

Funny things

2008-06-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

The fact that I´m 26, and "soltera" or "single" and don´t have kids really surprises the women. According to them, I am well on my way to achieving "old hag" status. I´ve been asked multiple times if I would take a baby home with me. They were joking of course...I think.

Gallo pinto is very different than beans and rice here. Tipically gallo pinto is eaten in the morning and at night, and beans and rice is eaten in the afternoon. The ingredients for both dishes is beans and rice. One is mixed together, one isn´t...

¡Sí, se puede!

2008-06-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Today the women made bracelets of string. When I first asked them if they wanted to do it, they said "No puedo", or "I can´t". Together,we developed a mantra of "Sí, puedo"! The bracelets are beautiful, and the women are proud.

(I´m hoping to be able to add pictures tomorrow).

Spokes

2008-06-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

After living in Spain, I developed a "thing" against umbrellas. I nearly experienced retnal damage every time these things with pointy metal spokes passed me at eye-level. However, in Matagalpa I have gained a new appreciation for these sultans of dryness. The last two days have blessed us with long-awaited rain! Weather is often the first thing people talk about here, as it determines how good the crops will be and how much revenue the country will generate.

Senses

2008-06-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sights. The picture of beauty while walking through neighborhoods yesterday was tin-walled homes piled on top of one another with bright freshly-washed clothes hanigng to dry. The views from any given hilltop are absolutely spectacular. The reveal mountains that desire to be explored.

Sounds. The sounds are those of kids playing. They beat sticks on buckets. There are radios echoing through homes, with the popular "gasolina" song. Cars pas with speakers attached advertising for a restaurant, church or baseball game. I listen to the wind, rain, and cars and busses in first gear trying to get up the steep hills of Matagalpa. I hear stories of war, pain, and strength.

Smells. The smells are of burning trash, fresh flowers, cooked meat, and rain.

Taste. Rice and beans accompany every meal. Today I had a drink called "cebana", which is made of a grain with the same name, cinnamon, sugar and water. All juices are made fresh with whatever fruits, seeds and vegetables are around.

Touch. Warm tortillas. The power of a sympathetic hand or hug...

NOTE TO STUDENTS

2008-06-22T15:10:00.001-07:00

I know you might not believe the bias opinion of your Spanish teacher, but STUDYING SPANISH WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO YOU!

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I chose to study this language and culture as a sixth grader. I wanted to learn the language because I wanted to know other cultures (I knew this when I was 10)! And now I can communicate with so many people in the world.

I wonder what language and culture I will learn next... :)

What AM I doing here?

2008-06-22T14:57:00.001-07:00

Many have asked me this question, and I also ask myself. My role here is multi-faceted. I am on the board of Friends of the Casa Materna in the US. I am working to help Kitty Madden, one of the founders of the Casa and long-time family friend in her ¨reseeding¨and ¨receding¨as she, too transitions in this life. I am teaching English to the staff, spending time with the women and have become a translator and guide for visitors that have come.

This is a transitional visit. The FOCM will meet in October in Michigan, and my role as a board member will continue to be more clear then. My other roles will also continue to develop.

I plan on being in Matagalpa at least twice a year for the next, well, lifetime maybe. I would like you to know that when Kitty asked me to come help her with her liaison duties I didn´t even blink before accepting her offer. For the first time in my life, I felt confident about making a commitment to something long-term.

As of now, I do not plan on moving here full-time (I think I just heard my Mom breathe a sigh of relief). I assume that Nicaragua will continue to develop into a second home for me, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunites. I am also grateful for my life, family and friends in the States, so I feel even more fortunate to be able to live in both worlds.

Adventures

2008-06-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Do not be alarmed by 9 days without a post. I am okay! My aunt and two friends were visiting this week, so I didn´t have much time to update. I have been doing a lot of reflecting, and have been on many adventures.

At the beginning of the week we went to La Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic lagoon an hour from Managua. It was as relaxing as always. We read, ate, and dined like queens. The power of wonderful women is inspiring and enlightening, no matter the age.

Today I hiked with a friend to the top of El Cerro de Apante. From the top you can see the entire city of Matagalpa. We went down the mountain a different way than I had been before and saw more beautiful vistas, and walked through neighborhoods I had never seen. The poverty is obvious and omnipresent, but the spirit of the people continues to amaze me. Since I´ve been here, many people I hardly know have invited me to their homes. They offer thier kindess and company of thier family and friends, something money cannot buy.

Yesterday I was present at the Matagalpa baseball stadium to witness two wins in a double-header against Chinandega. Baseball is the national sport here. The crowd loves it. I will say the experience is a bit different than being at Coors field. The stadium is much smaller, pizza, fried pork and potato chips with chile are served instead of hotdogs, and little kids run around collecting cans to earn about $.50 for a pound of empties.

I am still working on the concept of ¨being¨with the women of the Casa. As Kitty has so beautifully stated, the goal is to accompany the women. So often we want to see the fruits of some labor we have done, yet the most valuable thing we can give is our heart and spirit.

Update

2008-06-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

It´s hard to believe the end of June is upon us already! I feel like I am settled in, and in no time will have to say goodbye again. As always, however, the goal is in the process and I strive to be in the present moment. I am so fortunate to be here!!

I will update with more photos tomorrow...

jenny craig

2008-06-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

It turns out that all of that produce I was so excited about has resulted in a successful weight loss program. I was a bit careless and ate lettuce and tomatoes thinking I wouldn´t be harmed. Three days later, I´ve only eaten oatmeal and bananas. My energy is fine and I feel okay, but I´m hoping to feel completely better by tomorrow! My aunt arrives tomorrow evening, and eating is something I really enjoy.

Gemelos! Twins!

2008-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thoughts

2008-06-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

-I keep forgetting to put the toilet paper in the trash.

-Sleeping under a mosquito net is elegant...like I´m in a castle.

Notes

2008-06-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

-English classes started today. There were only eight students total, but I think more will be coming. Our phrase of the day was ¨take care¨. My face hurt from laughing and smiling. They love the games, songs and competitions!

-I was fortunate to visit a town called Rio Abajo on Sunday. The people were humble and incredible. When we arrived virtually the entire town was gathered in their common meeting space to greet us. I felt honored to be there. I was asked to translate the meeting, and once again felt lucky to know another language.

-I´ve decided to revel in comments such as ¨hola, princesa¨, and ¨bye, mi amor¨.

-The women were teaching me to sew today. At first they are shy, but when we start laughing, their spirit shows. We´ll start dancing and doing yoga soon. Many women have already come and gone in one short week. Three sets of twins were born too!

-I just bought TONS of produce for about $4. I´m off to make a salad!

Rembering...

2008-06-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

All is well and wonderful in Matagalpa.

Recent thoughts:
-I am remembering that people say ¨bye¨to me as I pass by, recognizing that I´m an extranjera, and utilizing the common phrase ¨adios¨ as a greeting.
-The rain was muy fuerte (strong) last night.
-I felt more confident running today than last year. Maybe people recognize me. The stares didn´t seem as intense
-I stopped by to see a friend yesterday and the first thing he said to me was that I was ¨mas gordita¨, or ¨a little bit fatter¨ than last year, and that´s why he didn´t recognize me. It´s a testament to the cultural differences...I´m sure he didn´t mean to be rude. None-the-less, I worked out hard today :).
-I saw newborn twins yesterday in the Casa and held one!
-More reports, adventures and photos to come...

We arrived

2008-06-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

After 12 hours of travel, I just arrived to Nicaragua with Kitty. We were fortunate to be able to meet up with my Mom in Florida too!

Empty apartment. Full bags.

2008-06-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving for Nicaragua in a few hours!! I will arrive in Matagalpa in the afternoon on the third. I will do my best to update with pictures and stories. Until then...

Still in CO

2008-05-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting! I leave for Nicaragua on June second and arrive in Vermont on July 4th. During the month of June, I will be updating this blog with stories and pictures.