In this community where
we sleep side by side on cots covered with mosquito nets, there are two
latrines and two bucket showers shared by 22 of us. And to
be honest we wouldn’t really call them bathrooms or showers. Our showers
consist of buckets of water that we pour on ourselves. And the toilets don’t flush;
you have to pour water down the toilet so everything will go down smoothly. It’s
a struggle for some of us to get up in the middle of the night because of
darkness and the sounds. We always go in pairs! All throughout the night you can hear stray dogs
barking and whining. Sometimes you can hear the dogs sniffing at the bottom of
our doors. We aren’t allowed to touch the dogs though because of the fleas and worms.
And around 2 AM the first group of roosters begin to crow! It’s as if it’s our
alarm clock, because around 4 AM they go off again. It’s an ongoing process
that seems to never end.
When we finally get
out of bed, we have breakfast at exactly 7AM every day. The food here is
different, rice and beans three times a day! And for the meats it’s mainly
chicken. You never see salt or pepper on the table! The way the Nicaraguan
women cook is on a big outdoor grill. Most the food either tastes grilled or
spicy. You will always see hot sauce on the table at every meal. Even for
breakfast!
When we are finished with
breakfast we go straight to building the two 15
X 18 foot homes in the village.. When we walk down to the street to the
work site, you see people everywhere! Some standing for hours, just to fill a
small bucket of water from a hose in the community. You are only allowed to
fill your bucket with water every three days!
The smell here is always thick in dust! Some of us think it has made our skin so much softer! :)
The kids, the
atmosphere, and the food, has made all of us forget about our cell phones! We all
just wish we brought clocks! It’s hard knowing what time it is in Nicaragua due
to the fact that there is never a dull moment.
Love,
Nicki and the Crew
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| Working in Piedra Menuda-What we see as we walk to the work site! |
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| Where we sleep! |
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| A Walk to Check out our Work Site! |
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Getting introduced to one of the beneficiary families of one of the two homes we will build!          |
Amazing! This truly must make you appreciate all the little things we take for granted everyday. To think we felt so put out when we lost power during the storm and here you are witnessing what it is like to really struggle and go without, even the simplistic essential like water. That alone must be quite humbling. I am sure you are all very tired today and looking foward to some well needed rest. You are all amazing! Sweet dreams everyone xo
ReplyDeleteMia I love the picture of you in the circle with the children. Your a natural with kids and it shines right through. I love you and My heart is over flowing with pride and love xxxxx (5 magic kisses)
I'm so grateful for these blog posts and pictures! It's very reassuring to know that everyone is happy and healthy. It's so great to see everything being put into action and to know that PHS is making a difference. I'm a very proud alum.
ReplyDeleteMiss you though, Linds! Come home safely xoxo
Lindsey I love to see photos of you interacting with the children of Nicaragua. I can see the joy in your face as well as theirs. I know the days are hot and the steel is heavy, but you know the reward is well worth the effort. Work hard and enjoy the unique experience that so few in this country ever encounter. Mom and I are so proud of you. I miss you.
ReplyDeletexoxo Dad
Gracey- mom and I love seeing the pictures of you! I still can't believe you're there! It's surreal. I showed the blog to Ga and Big D on the iPad...you can imagine how that went! We are all so proud of you and all that you are doing. I'm jealous! You are having an amazing experience that neither you or those families will ever forget. You are all doing such an amazing thing you are doing and you should all be reallly proud of yourselves! Gracey I love you and miss you- come home safely :) love Annie
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing an amazing job!! Wow, real close quarters for you all. What an experience your all having. Can't wait to see more pictures. Hopefully, the internet will be cooperative. Glad to see your all brushing with bottled water!! It must be so awesome to interact with the people of this village. Seeing how they live & be a part of that culture for the time your there--what a gift you have been given. Seeing this makes me appreciate all that we do have--lots to be greatful for. We are all very proud of all of you--keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteMia- don't worry, I have been in contact with your mom daily. We love looking at the blogs then texting each other--it's very comforting to see how much fun your having--the kids seem to love you :). While your mom does miss you, she is so joyful that you are having this experience!! We are getting thru this together..lol Enjoy every moment sweetie xoxoxo