June 28, 2008
It´s 5:00am and I am waking up symphony of rooster, dogs, little children screaming, and loud Spanish radio shows coming from every direction in the neighborhood. The first week here these were startling sounds in the morning, but now I´m becoming more accustomed to the everyday noises of living in the country. Usually my morning routine involves a run through the community and a quick bucket shower before breakfast. However, yesterday morning was a little different due the amount of time we spent trying to retrieve the family cat from the roof. After a half hour of unsuccessful coercion, we brought in Matt Wills who came to save the day and retrieve the cat. Only in Nicaragua does your morning start late because the family cat is stuck on the roof.
The morning would not have been complete without the bowl of fresh fruit and the Nicaraguan coffee with Maria and the kids in the morning before class. I continue exchanging English words with Marvin (7) and Masiel (9) we’ve made it through numbers and animals and are moving to phrases “Good Morning” and “Good Night.” It’s adorable to hear the kids speaking English and then giggling after every phrase. More recently Cherling (3) has been joining. Her favorite word is “coffee.” No wonder we get along so well!
The walk to the Solar Center is one of the best parts of the day. We walk along the dirt road among a sea of children wearing white blouses and navy blue pants or skirt. Every night before bed, Marvin and Masiel iron their clothes and polish their shoes. It is really important for the children to be well put together for school. The walk among the kids is filled with stares and giggles. The kids are adorable and I can’t get enough. Along with happy Spanish speaking children, we also pass by countless chickens, cows, pigs, and other farm animals around every corner. The other day we dodged a stampede of four horses by jumping to the right side of the road. Never a dull moment. The greeting used in Nicaragua when passing is “Adios” and is used at every opportunity. I can’t think of a better walk to work in the morning.
This past week, I have been working with other Grupo Fenix volunteers on the market development for the Solar Panel Workshop at the Solar Center. Previously, the Solar Panel Workshop within the Solar Center did not have a name to identify or market themselves. This small business was developing solely by word of mouth and going by the name of Taller PV Sabana Grande. After a week of working with Edwin and Mauro, the dedicated employees of this enterprise, we created a name, logo, and marketing material, and helped to facilitate a client relationship with a local NGO for a possible order for twenty panels.
One of the summer 2008 goals for Salud del Sol was to offer a technical course in computers for Las Mujeres Solares. Learning computer skills is a vital part of the development of any organization. This past Friday (June 27, 2008) was the first day for computer classes. We were able to recruit other volunteers, Jessica, Jenny, and Pete, to help instruct a class of 15 students ranging in age from 7 to 37 and varying in skill level from those who were originally scared to touch a mouse to the social educator who was interested in learning presentation skills for future programs with her organization. The class lasted an hour and it was wonderful that we had 7 computers to work with and one volunteer for every computer. Everyone who came had an opportunity to learn from the different programs. And while they were learning computer skills, I was able to practice new vocabulary and the command form of verb conjugations. Giving instructions in another language adds a new level of complexity to the project. Our ideas for projects include Powerpoint presentations of the students including pictures of them and their families and group presentations in the next few weeks.
It has been great to have Lori join our team this past week in Sabana Grande. With two years of experience traveling to Nicaragua, she came ready to hit the ground running and join in with the research efforts of Salud del Sol and other volunteers of Grupo Fenix. Lori and Dan have been refining the solar autoclave test matrix that will be conducted in the remaining weeks. Next week we are attending a meeting with the local Rotary Club to learn about the projects within their organization and the possibility of working together in the future.
Los Proyectos, the community soccer team with the best uniforms in the area has yet to win a game. But they are hands down the team with the most heart and the loudest cheering section. “Adelante Los Proyectos!!!!” means, literally, go forward Los Proyectos. The next game is Monday afternoon and they’ll be playing La Ceiba named after the famous tree of the community.
La Ceiba is the largest land mark in Sabana Grande, besides the all encompassing mountains surrounding the community on all sides. We pass by the tree on the walk to the Solar Center every morning. It is said to be 500 years old. It is the meeting spot for any event and also the solo post for announcements in the community. Another story of La Cieba is that the community had the opportunity to become connected to the electricity grid that would have required cutting down La Ceiba. Because the tree is such an integral part of the community, everyone refused to agree to this offer. As a result, there are a limited number of homes with access to electricity in the community. Needless to say, La Ceiba has significant meaning for Sabana Grande, and the game on Monday will be a match between two of the teams in the community with the most heart.
Hasta Luego!
- Anna
Comments
5 Responses to “Sabana Grande Mornings”
Got something to say?
Subscribe to Salud del Sol- MIT Global Challenge Award Winners May 4, 2011 Bill
- MIT Global Challenge Awards Replay May 3, 2011 Bill
- 2011 IDEAS Competition & MIT Global Challenge Awards Celebration April 29, 2011 Bill
Anna, the picture you painted of the happy children you meet every day in your life there conjures up many memories. Of all the places I’ve visited, the most enjoyable connection was the giggling reception of kids with big beaming smiles. Simple as that. You just want to give them the world! In your case, a better one.
What an adventure….takes real courage to experience life “out there” on such an intimate and commited level, not just from the safety of a tour bus. And it’s important that you are having fun too!
Wanted to send my best wishes and look forward to hearing and seeing more .
Arlene
Anna and all,
Thanks for spending the time to keep all of us back home updated on Sabana Grande. You guys are doing some incredible things!
I had a Cousin Vinny’s Big 10 the other week. They taste the same as always, just in case you were wondering.
Love from Illinois,
Kaitlin Moredock
I very much enjoy the posts and look everyday for the latest update (sometime twice each day). What you are all doing is truly God’s work and I love the stories about your adventures, the people you meet and the simple pleasures you enjoy with your new friends and “families”. Keep the update coming.
Karin Hensel
Hudson, Ohio
Anna and Daniel, I so enjoy reading your blogs! Between the three of you, we get such an array of experiences! Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories and God bless! You are all amazing!
Hi Anna!!! how are you?!? it sounds like you are having such an amazing time!! i am so jealous of you! the people you are with sound wonderful as does the daily experiences you are having. you are already making your mark on the world, my friend. =) i am so proud! i am going to send you an email in spanish soon, but it will be spain spanish so i hope it isn’t hard to decipher. are you fluent now? we can speak spanish together when you come back!
i look forward to hearing more of your adventures mi amiga!
i love you anna!! =)