Three Plates of Gallo Pinto

Well, it’s been awhile since my last update. All last week I stayed in the home of a local woman, Doña Nieves, who is a really active in the local community. She actually has been hosting students from Xavier University and St. Louis University for many years. So when I got sick for the first time here in Nica, she knew just what to do. She has become my mamá Nicaragüense. I recently finished reading Greg Mortensen’s Three Cups of Tea. I highly recommend the book. The title comes from Haji Ali, village chief of Korphe in The Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. The saying goes, “Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything—even die.” This past week at Doña Nieves’ I was thinking I could right the same about Nicaraguan friendships and a plate of Gallo Pinto, Nicaragua’s traditional dish of rice and beans. After being at her home all week, after sharing meals of rice, beans, tortillas, handmade juices and other Nicaraguan foods, I felt I had really become part of her family.

This past weekend was the first time since arriving that the six of us, this year’s community, were finally all together. It’s a great feeling to be moved in and settled in our home. This week we have been listening to lots of Christmas music, trying to get over the fact that instead of a white Christmas we’re having a hot and sunny one, and instead of eggnog we’re drinking Flor de Caña (It could be worse ;). I am feeling excited about spending this first Christmas with my new JV community. Although, I can’t stop thinking about home, and the many traditions and people I’m missing. I think it’s natural at this time to be missing home. I am also thinking about the many people who cannot be with the ones they love and miss this Christmas. This Christmas my prayer is for the many that do not feel at home because of war, homelessness, poverty, illness, death, or for whatever reason.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to my broseph who just turned 19 yesterday. Happy Birthday Nick!

I hope you all enjoy this video of our house here in Managua!