Since my last post on Thanksgiving, I've had a whirlwind of two months. Connor came to visit and I was able to share my last two weeks in Nicaragua with him; I attempted (and semi-failed at) snorkeling, we did a monster hike up a volcano, took a wildlife tour of the isletas in Granada, and were also able to take a night tour of the active Volcán Masaya. It was an incredibly fun adventure, but easily the best part of all of it was being able to share with him the daily joys of this job; the people I work with, the girls, visiting schools, visiting homes, and making other community connections. He witnessed a hopping FSF fiesta, and he was appropriately initiated by the Nica staff with a one-minute fridge sit (exactly what it sounds like) and the classic moneda challenge. I learned not only how special it was to be able to share this experience with someone else, but it also hit home how special this experience has been for me.
We flew back home December 11, and while I accidentally threw my toilet paper in the trash for a few days I barely had a chance to let the rest of the inevitable culture shock seep in. I had 28 days to try to see and spend time with a LOT of people, and though there was no rest for the weary I wouldn't have liked it any other way. I had a blast at home, at Bowdoin, in Boston, in VT, up in New Hampshire for New Year's and I couldn't believe it was already time to fly back to Granada come January 8th.
To be frank, I had mixed feelings upon my return. Yes, I love my job but it would be disingenuous to paint it in a perfect light. It's hard. It's hot. The challenges that face the girls I work with seem much bigger than anything I could solve in the one year that I am here. It is easy to feel drained and discouraged. It was great to be home. Yet, after a good night's sleep back in my bed in Granada, I felt rejuvenated, excited, capable and ready.
Ready to take full advantage of the next 6 months. I didn't leave my backpack at the airport this time. My Spanish flowed a bit easier than before. I met Allie and Rebecca, the two new interns that will be here until December. I reunited with Techo, Flaca, Helen, César, and Hassell and met Edén, our recently hired new Nicaraguan coach. I visited the Estrellas' homes to let them and their families know about January camp information and received big warm hugs that told me, "I missed you, I'm glad you're back." This job is hard, but it's well worth it for the little things like that.
This past week we had a crazy full week of camp with 11 volunteers from the United States and double sessions of activities every day with the girls. Yesterday during the soccer session in the morning, María Alejandra (the only Estrella with 100% attendance from last season) was unusually quiet and not putting any effort into the fun warm up drill. This caused a few teammates to snap at her since she essentially caused them to lose the hula hoop race. She walked away from the group and began to cry so I walked with her to a shady spot on the side of the field. She didn't want to talk at first, but then she opened up about a fight she had with her best friend Ericka. The fight seemed minor and resolvable so I talked to her about fights I've had with friends before and how she should take time to clear her head but that she would feel a lot better about it after talking it out with Ericka. She understood, I gave her a hug, and we went back to practice. She was still quiet, but joined in with the rest of the team for the next drill.
Today they seemed much better, but today I learned that María Alejandra is moving to Rivas (a town 2 hours south) tomorrow morning with her family. Yesterday I felt that I had made a strong and more meaningful connection with her and today I had to say goodbye.
This place and these people are so special to me, and now more than ever I realize my time is fleeting. My mixed feelings have vanished and I am ready to delve farther into these girls lives, attempt to grow this young program a little further, and focus on making whatever difference I can.
More camp details and pictures coming soon!
Amor, Paz, y Fútbol
KPope
We flew back home December 11, and while I accidentally threw my toilet paper in the trash for a few days I barely had a chance to let the rest of the inevitable culture shock seep in. I had 28 days to try to see and spend time with a LOT of people, and though there was no rest for the weary I wouldn't have liked it any other way. I had a blast at home, at Bowdoin, in Boston, in VT, up in New Hampshire for New Year's and I couldn't believe it was already time to fly back to Granada come January 8th.
To be frank, I had mixed feelings upon my return. Yes, I love my job but it would be disingenuous to paint it in a perfect light. It's hard. It's hot. The challenges that face the girls I work with seem much bigger than anything I could solve in the one year that I am here. It is easy to feel drained and discouraged. It was great to be home. Yet, after a good night's sleep back in my bed in Granada, I felt rejuvenated, excited, capable and ready.
Ready to take full advantage of the next 6 months. I didn't leave my backpack at the airport this time. My Spanish flowed a bit easier than before. I met Allie and Rebecca, the two new interns that will be here until December. I reunited with Techo, Flaca, Helen, César, and Hassell and met Edén, our recently hired new Nicaraguan coach. I visited the Estrellas' homes to let them and their families know about January camp information and received big warm hugs that told me, "I missed you, I'm glad you're back." This job is hard, but it's well worth it for the little things like that.
This past week we had a crazy full week of camp with 11 volunteers from the United States and double sessions of activities every day with the girls. Yesterday during the soccer session in the morning, María Alejandra (the only Estrella with 100% attendance from last season) was unusually quiet and not putting any effort into the fun warm up drill. This caused a few teammates to snap at her since she essentially caused them to lose the hula hoop race. She walked away from the group and began to cry so I walked with her to a shady spot on the side of the field. She didn't want to talk at first, but then she opened up about a fight she had with her best friend Ericka. The fight seemed minor and resolvable so I talked to her about fights I've had with friends before and how she should take time to clear her head but that she would feel a lot better about it after talking it out with Ericka. She understood, I gave her a hug, and we went back to practice. She was still quiet, but joined in with the rest of the team for the next drill.
Today they seemed much better, but today I learned that María Alejandra is moving to Rivas (a town 2 hours south) tomorrow morning with her family. Yesterday I felt that I had made a strong and more meaningful connection with her and today I had to say goodbye.
This place and these people are so special to me, and now more than ever I realize my time is fleeting. My mixed feelings have vanished and I am ready to delve farther into these girls lives, attempt to grow this young program a little further, and focus on making whatever difference I can.
More camp details and pictures coming soon!
Amor, Paz, y Fútbol
KPope
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