So I have not updated this blog in a while, but things have been crazy! since i last wrote I started classes, which was rough. at first i was completely discouraged and it was easy to be negative, but as time has gone on everything has started to turn around. The students in my classes are nicer and actually talk to us in a respectful manner. Baby steps. Also the work load has gotten more manageable as my spanish has improved! It no longer takes me 7 hours a day do complete work that would take me a half an hour if it were in english.

We have visited Ometepe, Granada, Leon, and now San Juan del Sur. Leon was our first glimpse of how we wish Managua could feel. It is a much more touristy area, so we didn't feel quite so out of place or harrassed. We even went out at night! Coming back to Managua, where its really too dangerous to go to the clubs regularly, and we stand out like crazy, was hard. But I felt a renewed sense of energy and excitment once we got home. I wanted to make myself feel as comfortable in Managua as I did in Leon. Since, then I have stopped thinking about all the stares and whistles. I talk with more confidence and assume the best of situations instead of the worst. So far, this strategy has been working and I feel very much at home here.

San Juan del Sur was by far my favorite weekend here. A student who just graduated from Universidad Centroamericana and actually studied abroad at Fairfield for a semester was our guide. He recently started giving adventure tours on the weekends with his best friend. We went surfing, saw sea turtles laying their eggs, and went on a canopy tour! It was quite the adventure, and probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

Monday Kristina and I went to Quincho Barrilete with our host mom Carmen. We wanted to get a feel for what we could be doing with our volunteering time, and see if there was a place for us at this program. Today was our first day! The association provides a safe haven for children living in Managua who are being sexually abused and exploited. The children come to the center everyday, either in the morning or afternoon shift. They get help with thier school work and participte in many activities to build their self confidence and let off steam from their stressful homelives. The kids are anywhere from 6-17 years old, and are all at high risk for being trafficked out of the country and sold into prostitution. The program aims to give them an outlet and the means to break the cycle of violence and abuse for themselves.

Today we got to the center at 7:45 am and were warmly greeted by Caroline, a 13 year old girl who participates in the program. She ran out the front gate and gave us each a huge kiss and hug. it was the warmest welcome I have had since coming here! She walked us in, and the staff were just as welcoming as they had been on monday. The day starts with everyone praying aloud for each other in a cirlcle while holding hands. It was profound and moving to hear the prayers of these children. I felt so privelaged and lucky to be working with all of them.

After reflection, we all went across town to a march for the local schools advocating for a stop to the violence and abuse that children are faced with. Caroline walked me there and shared a lot about herself with me as we walked hand in hand. She lives with a foster mother in Managua. At one point she showed me the huge burn marks up the side of her abdomen from where she was burnt by grease. Her excitement and carefree nature are contageous. i asked her about her dreams and aspirations and she told me that she wanted to write a novel, be a model, and eventually be an embassador. I told her that I was studying International Studies, and that from what I have observed the rest of the world could use more strong female leaders like herself. She smiled.

I also talked with each of the other children as they came to the program today. They were all very excited to have new volunteers, and to show us around. Marie Elizabeth walked me back from the march, since Caroline wanted to switch and chat with Kristina too. So cute. I could not help but be in awe of the resilience and outgoing spirit of these kids. I will surely learn a lot from them this year.

When we got back from the march we had lunch and waited for the next round of kids to arrive. Two little girls who could not be more the 6 years old walked in holding hands. One was crying and the other was trying to comfort her. They walked right over to their teachers and explained the problem in full. The chef came out and gave them some food, and eventually the two calmed down. They slowly worked their way over to Kristina and I who were sitting with some of the older girls across the room. The snuggled up on the bench next to us and we were imediately in love. We were invited to play hide and seek which was the cutest round I had ever played! later on we took a cooking class with Caroline and her friend Mercedes. This was a great start to our service work here, and I am extremely excited to form a bond with all the kids.

Until next time!