This is my second to last day in Nicaragua, and today was my last day at work. All this week, I've been somewhat overwhelmed by feelings, mostly of gratitude and excitement and also a little bit of sadness for what I'll be leaving behind.
While some days here seemed to pass slowly, overall, this amazing Summer flew by. Every Friday, when I would go to meet up with friends and see a new place (or sometimes not so new...Masaya) I was amazed at how fast my week had gone by. And again on Sunday afternoon, when I would head back to my house in Ciudad Sandino, usually on the same bus - the 210, always painted bright red, orange, blue and green - I couldn't believe that the weekend was over. I feel like I saw so many incredible things in my time here: the beaches (with warm water! hard to believe it's the same ocean as the frigid water of SF) of San Juan del Sur, Las Peñitas and Jiquilillo; beautiful green mountains and waterfalls in Esteli and El Tisey; the colonial colors of Granada; the awesome plaza in Masaya; an unbelievable political rally and march to commemorate the Sandanista revolution on (ironically) the 4th of July.
But more than just seeing these places, it was (somewhat predicatably,) the people here who made all of these experiences what they were. My fellow interns from USF (and other places,) were a constant source of support, laughter, knowledge. I feel so blessed to know these other people and am amazed by the things they are doing, and will continue to do in the world.
Another amazing group of people here is my host family. Every morning, afternoon and night, I was greeted with smiles, kind words, new words :) laughter, and love. I was constantly amazed by how it seemed like no one in the house was never in a bad mood and how they were so genuinely nice to me - a complete outsider. If you ever have the chance to live with a Nicaraguan family, I would highly reccommend it. Also, the awesome food doesn't hurt either. Some of my favorites: vigoron (yucca with tomato and onion salad, minus the chicarron,) red bean soup, (so simple, just red beans and garlic and salt,) all of the awesome cheese here, (fried or not,) and of course, fresh totillas, tons of new and different fresh fruits and vegetables, and even really sweet instant coffee.
The people that I worked with were also so interesting. Whether we were talking about politics, recent trainings, or where to go out dancing, it was a lot of fun learning from this group and getting to know all of them better.
Throughout this summer, I have felt like Nicaragua has become more and more of a home, and that I have so many families here - my host family, my USF family, even today at work, my boss told me that they (my colleagues,) were my work family, and that I am always welcome to stay with them if I come back to Nicaragua.
Even though ten weeks is a long time, I feel like I still have a lot to learn about Nicaragua, so hopefully one day I will return.
Tomorrow, I'm heading to Managua with the rest of the interns who are still here (and all of my luggage,) for one last night of revelry. Then on Saturday morning, to the airport with Ivana, and then home to my (actual) family in Denver.
And up next, more excitement: a week in Denver to see my family and friends, (some of whom I haven't seen since January!), hit up St. Marks, and be close to big mountains. And then, 10 days in San Francisco, to reunite with our amazing USF crew and do a little more structured learning to wrap up my Nicaragua experience, and of course, soak up some SF love. And on August 18th, I feel like a new, exciting chapter in my life will begin: a semester in Washington D.C., with more travels this time to Europe, a new place to live, (only 3 blocks from the Supreme Court!) and of course, more learning, at American University.
I hope that all of you are doing well and whether you are in Denver, SF, or elsewhere, I hope to see you soon.
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