Settling In

Life in La Conquista is good. I really like the town and the people in it. Whenever I leave the house at least five people say hello to me. Actually they say goodbye, but that's how it is done here. I have been able to teach a few classes and I love it. I missed a day because I was sick after being in Managua and I am starting to think that maybe there is something to the Nicaraguan creencia that extreme changes in temperature will make you sick. I say this because the whole time I was in Managua I was back and forth between the extreme heat and the air conditioning and I am still fighting a nasty cold. Other than that, I am really happy. I love being a full-fledged volunteer and not having to have my every moment scheduled. The work is great for the most part but I have had a little trouble in one of the schools with participation. Some of the kids are just SOOOO shy and they won't do anything. I guess that will be one of my challenges. I have been really lucky with everything else. Namely my counterparts. They are both great to work with. Last night I sat in the park until dark playing the Nicaraguan version of MASH with an eight year old girl named Angelica. I think we will be great friends. Also, I found a house that I may be able to rent. It is super cute and big and I think it may even have a toilet inside. Hopefully the owner wants to rent it. I have seen a couple of other vacant houses but the owners don't want to rent them because they come back from Costa Rica from time to time and want their houses. I can't wait to live on my own. So exciting. I have been enjoying the increase in independence that I have been experiencing with my new host family. I make my own breakfast in the morning, including coffee. The other day I drank milk straight from the cow because my milk in the fridge had gone bad after a power outage. The milk had been boiled so I should be okay. I bought three pineapples, a watermelon and four mangoes for about 1.75 the other day. I was so happy because nobody sells fruit in La Conquista and I have to come to Jinotepe to get it, but some guys came with a truck load. I told them to come find me whenever they are in town. I have also been washing my own clothes, which is not nearly as fun as it looks, but it should be a good work out for my arms. I also met the staff at the health center and they said I could go with them to the outlying communities when they do their rounds so that I can meet more people. I would not mind working with the health center maybe on some community health initiatives. I would start with a campaign about keeping your fridge plugged in since people here have this idea that once the food is cold, it is important to unplug the fridge to conserve electricity. That probably did not help my milk.