Trick-o-Treat Nicaraguan Style

Well, what’s been goin on here? We’ve kind of been in the same work mode for the past two weeks: “in the field” Spanish class Mon – Thurs and various technical trainings in between. To practice, each group has built a protein bank, veggie garden and tree garden to work on while we aren’t doing our grand variety of other projects in the community. The protein bank is made up of only seeds of an amazing tree called Moringa (a remarkable tree that is practically edible in all forms; has 7x the amount of vitamin c than oranges, 3x the potassium then bananas, 4x the calcium of milk, 4x the vitamin a then carrots). The PC really wants us to push the education of this tree because it provides so many nutritional benefits for people, as well as animals. Being an Agriculture Volunteer has a lot of benefits, one great one being that when each volunteer gets to their site they have a choice of what kind of projects they’d like to work on with the community. Because most of us will be working with school gardens and personal patio management (among other projects) it would be a great idea to try to integrate this tree and its nutritional benefits to the people, I’m sure it’ll probably be something I’ll be working on. There are so many astounding facts about this tree that I could go on and on about (for example, it helps those suffering with AIDS and allows for easier consumption of food because of all the inner mouth sores it’s victims suffer from). Sorry I’ve been rambling on about this tree, but I think it’s fascinating; especially with all the malnutrition going on around the world, its products could really make an impact.

Buckets baths haven’t been as pleasant the last couple of weeks, as it’s been quite a bit chillier. We’ve been getting a lot of rain and not as much sun; so bathing outside (without heated water, straight from the well) just hasn’t been the same! So to say the least, I’m looking forward to getting to a warmer site. We find out which site/community will be working in next Tuesday. It’ll be really exciting to finally know where I’m going to live for the next two years and where you’re all going to visit me!

(Picture of me demonstrating the proper gear to wear when applying pesticides to Nicaraguan crops!)

A new experience for me was that I voted for the president of the good ole U.S.A yesterday. It’s very interesting voting by absentee ballot. I’m not quite sure if it will get to the states, but I’m hoping it will before the election. The PC office actually gives our ballots to the Embassy in Managua and supposedly they overnight them to the US. Anyhow, it’s going to be crazy here during the election, except all volunteers in my group will be on our weeklong visit to our sites and won’t be able to be together as US Citizens rejoicing or crying depending on who wins. In any case it will be interesting to hear who wins and look forward to positive changes made in our country.

Food has been great in my host house. I’ve had the typical Nicaraguan food of Gallo Pinto (rice & beans) and tortillas with practically every meal (with a few exceptions). I have been really lucky because my family here buys Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter and actual loaf bread, most other volunteer don’t have this luxury. I get super-excited every morning when I see that delicious PB&J sitting on the table with a good cup of Nicaraguan coffee! It makes my day! The only really crazy thing I’ve had to eat was a sardine with a really odd red sauce. It tasted horrible and I only took one bite, so thankfully my host mom never made that again. Yuck! Other than that, the food has been amazing, but yes I could really go for a night out at the Olive Garden!

Well, I think I’ve probably written enough for one email and I don’t want to take up all your day with my rambling banter about my crazy new life, but así es la vida!

Also, Halloween is basically illegal in Nicaragua, so no dressing up for me this year! I will definitely miss out on those black & orange wrapped, peanut butter filled candies this year! (hint, ha ha!)