"Nadie dijo que era facil, pero gracias a Dios que no es imposible"(No one said that is was easy, but thanks be unto God that it is isn't impossible)
Hola Amigos! It is my hope that this blog finds you in a happy place. As promised in the last blog, I am back to blog it up about my week in San Juan del Sur. Just when I thought that Nicaragua couldn't be more beautiful, I am once again astonished by the magnificant landscape that is here. If you haven't had the opportunity to view the photo albums on Facebook, you should do that. That is where you'll find all of my photos that detail this transformative journey that I am on. If we aren't friends on Facebook, well you know what to do. As I spent my week in San Juan del Sur, I was once again granted the opportunity to reflect on the blessing that is this study abroad experience. While the journey has proven difficult at times, I can still appreciate the fact that I am in such a beautiful place, with even more beautiful people! As fore-mentioned in the previous blogs (this is your hint to read the other blogs if you haven't already :-) I can't swim. Guess who took her first swim at San Juan del Sur?! Yup, that's right. Even though I wasn't able to go far, I still felt accomplished in that I took the risk. This trip also marked the first time that I stayed in a hostel. Although I was unceertain about sharing a room with strangers, I found comfort in their openness and willingness to engage in conversations with me. I was happy to know that there are people who are just as passionate about cultural immersion that I am that aren't Denisonians or related in anyway to my study abroad program. Plus, the little break that I got to speak English wasn't too bad either. As I made my return to Managua, I was reminded of something that my mom told me a couple of years ago as I prepared for college. She told me, "You have to possess an open mind, while at the same time utilizing a strong sense of discernment to know what's right and wrong. More so than this, you have to learn to appreciate the small steps; in knowing that these smaller steps will eventually lead you to the top." That advice has never meant more to me than during my semester here in the heart of Central America. These words stuck with me as I spent the last couple of days relaxing at home as I prepared for the second half of my semester at UNAN. That advice was once again manifested on Tuesday morning. Usually, whenever I want a taxi, my host mom calls for me. Guess who called for a taxi without the help of their host mom?! And while it sounds childish, just remember that they speak Spanish....really rapid Nica-Spanish. As if I wasn't appreciative enough in taking these small steps, I went to History of Nicaragua this morning, only to find that the professor would tell us our midterm exam and grade. As I waited anxiously with the other students, that nugget of advice from my mom re-surfaced in my mind once again. As the professor called me to the front of the classroom, I kept telling myself to appreciate the smaller things, like the fact that I am actually here, taking all of my classes in Spanish. As I approached the desk of the professor, he looked up at me with the same warm smile that I had been greeted with by many other Nicaraguans during my semester here. He then looked at the class and said with a chuckle in his voice that I wouldn't have to worry about not having friends anymore. As puzzled as I was, when he handed me my exam back, I soon understood why. 100%!!!! And I have an A in the class for my midterm grade. While I tried to contain my emotions, I'm pretty sure that my happiness was evident. And the professor wasn't wrong, either; as the students now engage in friendly conversations about their lives outside of UNAN. It's the smaller things that make the biggest difference. As I continue on this journey, I am encouraged in knowing that no matter how difficult my time here in Managua might be; the fact that I am here is a good enough reason to smile. My piece of advice for you is to just remember to embrace and relish all unexpected experiences and journeys because you never know where they'll take you, nor the friendships and relationships that will develop as a result. As always, I will leave you with an inspirational quote:
"Keep Your Dreams Alive. Understand that to achieve requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember that all things are possible for those who believe."
Que le vaya bien con paz y bien,
(may you travel well with peace and good)
DJM
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