Nicaragua and Más

Sorry for the delay in writing this post—it’s incredible how busy three weeks can be. But where to even start… the major couple things that have happened is starting my ethnographic study and our group trip to Nicaragua.

For my ethnographic study, I am spending 2 days a week at a special needs school and 2 days at a hospital. The school, Prepase, mostly focuses on children with cerebral palsy. For the duration of the semester, I will be in the physical therapy room, because there is not an official room for nursing. This week, I observed as the physical therapist worked with a 2-3 year old and later an 8 year old. Already, it has been a blast to be around these kids. Even though the ones I was with, in specific, were unable to talk, seeing their smiles and generally joyful spirits was very rewarding. I am excited to observe there in the future. In addition, I have been observing in the maternity/delivery ward at the hospital, San Felipe. It has been quite the experience. So far, I have witnessed a couple C-sections and several births. After seeing this, I think all mothers deserve a special shout-out for all that they go through to give birth. Sometimes, the labor and delivery room is very quiet and other times several women are about to give birth at the same time. The room is staffed with a pediatrician, nurses, doctors and other med students. I have enjoyed talking with some of the personnel such as the pediatrician. He has been trying to explain the different complications and necessary steps of action for unhealthy babies. For instance, after the one C-section, the baby had a problem with her respiration being too fast. In this case, we watched his different methods for helping the baby. The next day, we saw the baby in their neonatal unit. While I am unconvinced that labor and delivery will be my specialization of choice, I may enjoy the neonatal unit. Vamos a ver- I guess we’ll see.

The second eventful part was our 5-day trip to Nicaragua. We enjoyed a whole week of no classes and let me tell you—that was a Godsend. After the week before of getting up to catch the bus at 6 am every day for ethnographic studies, I needed a break. It seems a bit crazy to me that while Nicaragua is fairly close, the landscape and such is very different. There are a lot less mountains and a whole lot more heat in Nicaragua. However, I was thankful for the opportunity of sunshine and warmth after our cold front in Santa Lucía. In Nicaragua, we went to the cities León, Grenada, Masaya, and Managua. Much of the architecture was very beautiful. The buildings are constructed in the same style as those in Spain. But some highlights from that trip include:

·      Swimming off the beach of private islands on a really big lake

·      Zip-lining: there were about 11 different platforms and one time I even went upside down

·      Touring various museums and the cities

·      Bargaining in the local market

·      Watching a parade with traditional dances

·      Watching local break dancers and musical groups at dinner (specifically a handsome youth who sang to us like J-Biebs for free)

But while I loved all of this, I was glad to get back to Santa Lucía. The other day, I was talking and without thinking, referred to this place as home. That is what it has been for the past month and a half and that is what it will continue to be. Since I have been here, I have grown a lot. Yesterday, my professor was talking to someone in our group, and I heard my name. When I asked, she simply said that my Spanish and my confidence in using it have improved dramatically since the beginning of the semester. That was a huge affirmation for me. Overall, it has been a great little bit and I have enjoyed it fully.

Prayer request:

• Health- I was slightly sick this weekend after Nicaragua
• Continued growth in relationships
• To not fail my final for Spanish history
• For learning what God has for me in my ethnographic studies