Year Dos

It's been over a year now. It's hard to believe it, but I've been living in Nicaragua for over a year. This past month has been full of changes and goodbyes. This week Michael and Jenna left for the States after two years of service. It's sounds like they are already enjoying the little things of home like bagels, sliced deli ham, and holding new nephews. The new volunteers arrived about two weeks ago and have been busy with orientation. While they have been away I've spent most of my time trying to fix up the new house. The house is huge and has required daily mopping because of the clouds of dust that come with the dry season. Also, there is a lot to be done because it was left vacant for over half a year. Toilets needed fixing. The yard needs planting and watering. Clothes need washing and food needs cooking. Our ratty dog needs scraps of food. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I've become a stay at home dad. Not my idea of a vocation, but important nonetheless.
It's strange to be here for another Christmas. Last year I came with the Christmas spirit following me from the states. Now it's different because the weather hasn't really changed. There are no snow flakes or brisk air to remind me of the season, and it all just feels kind of stange and out of place. Maybe this is how people living in Florida feel. I just want to bundle up and drink some eggnog. Next year I'll probably step out of the airport and want to just jumped right back on the plane to Nica.
Here in Nicaragua we recently celebrated La Purisima, which is a celebration of the Virgin Mary. The following pictures are from the celebrations we had at school. Every classroom sets up an altar like the one seen below and the kids sing songs praising la virgin. It was a really great day.