My venture forth to Esteli, Nicaragua, was very successful. Esteli is everything the guidebooks say it is and more. It is a beautiful place with many beautiful people, with whom I am looking forward to cultivating relationships.
Thus, we have decided to live in Esteli for the upcoming year. I have learned a lot of Spanish, but have learned more just how MUCH MORE I need to learn in order to really get a handle on it.
I was able to arrange a home to rent. It comes completely furnished, all the way down to the beds, chairs, sheets, silverware, clothesline, etc. I could not have imagined it coming together better.
I was able to visit and gather information about schools for the girls. At this point, all we need do is weigh the pros and cons of each and decide which one would best suit Jordan and Devyn. I anticipate that school will be the hardest and best aspect of this year for our girls. It'll be sink or swim, and I fully anticipate they will swim; however, it won't be without some angst. ( If you pray,.... pray that my abilities as a parent can adequately meet the demands this transition will require of me/us.) I am excited and scared for them all at the same time. They have now heard me talk about what it is like in Nicaragua and have seen pictures. They can see my excitement, but they really have no frame of reference in order to really grasp the adventure they are about to embark on. It's probably best that way.
If fact, since this is not just "my blog," why don't we ask them what they are thinking and feeling about their near future?
Question 1.) What are you most looking forward to about moving to Nicaragua? Question 2.) What are you most worried about?
Devyn: 1.) "That we get to learn Spanish". "That we will make new friends". 2.) "That I won't know anyone there".
Jordan: 1.) "Making new friends that speak Spanish and understanding them". 2.) "I am worried that I won't be able to speak Spanish".
So there you have it, straight from the mouths of babes. Funny, I have the same answers to those questions.
The mail man must think we are building a library. Michael is preparing for his year of study; thus, we receive at least 2-3 books in the mail each day. Michael is absolutely giddy. I too have placed a few book orders for Spanish study materials myself. From the looks of things we will have one suitcase for clothes and toiletries and the rest will be books. Yikes!! Hope customs will be ok with that. If they can read the titles, they will think we are planning to start our own little social and economic revolution.
I am glad to be reunited again with the family. But culture shock is hardest upon return. Choice seems to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it grants power, on the other (in excess), it takes one's power away. Everything feels big and overwhelming to me. The houses, the people, the stores, the choices... It puts my head into a tailspin of cognitive dissonance. The amount of creature comforts I have in this country is indulgent, and yet such opulence does not come without a price. I have not yet figured out what "it" is yet, but the less affluent countries I have had the opportunity to visit seem to have preserved something -- something good, and valuable, in their poverty -- that we in this culture seemed to have lost.
Anyway, there are many thoughts (albeit undeveloped at this point) rolling around in my head as I push myself to get into my other roles of Mom, wife, counselor, student, friend, and CEO of domestic affairs.
Fortunately, I am not alone. I get to share my thoughts and experiences with my best friend and personal cheerleader (Michael). This dream of ours to live together in a Spanish-speaking country has been stewing for over 17 years. We are levitating with excitement. We have many of you to thank for helping us get to this point. For that, we again want to say, THANKS!!! GRACIAS!!!!!
Bye for now. Que le vaya bien!!
-Kelli
