Hello Everyone near and far. Yes, life still goes on for me here in Nicaragua. Although my dining room table isn’t crowded these days, I still occasionally have breakfast or lunch with specific friends who have been socially distancing.
What I am learning from this time in my life is that I need to be more patient on a daily basis. One day at a time has become a necessity rather than a daily guide.
I am fortunate in that I have a lot of “projects” to fill my days. Two weeks ago my boss at FunLimón and I decided to try teaching EFL to my adult students online through What’s App. So far only one third of my students have responded with the weekly homework. There could be several reasons that this is occurring – no smartphone, no minutes on the phone to receive What’s App, or no interest. The students who have responded are so encouraging, thoughtful, and concerned about their future and that of their families and our country, Nicaragua.
First Lesson:
Lesson instructions are given on Monday and homework is turned in on Saturday, all via What’s App. This was the first lesson graphic. The instruction in both English and Spanish directed them to chose one of the words, look it up in a dictionary, and tell me why they chose the word. I’ve been keeping the responses in an Excel file. The first week results were fearful, sad, disgusted, and one happy – it was the student’s birthday. I acknowledge each group. The What’s App posts go out by Group Level — English Group Level 1 etc. through English Group Level 6, my highest level currently. Week two had a different but similar feelings chart. This had similar instruction with the addition that they not only had to write their homework but also to speak it to me.
It is heart wrenching to hear the reasons for their choices. I try to be empathetic, positive, and encouraging in my responses. I remind them One Day at a Time.
I’ve been debating on what to do for the Week Three Lesson. I think I’ll ask, “What change can you make this week that would make a difference in YOUR life?” My example is, “I would be more kind.”
In general life is going along here, although it is emotionally quieter both within Rancho Santana and in the villages. On a trip to Managua this past week, it appears to be the same – quieter and more cautious. Most people are wearing masks including truck drivers in the city. Stores are taking serious precautions including taking a forehead scan temperature prior to entering the store. Alcohol spray of cart handles, peoples hands, and alcohol mat outside the door are common in most places.
I met with a realtor a week ago who is listing my Guasacate house. It makes sense to sell in its unfinished state at this time since Phase 1 of my assisted living project – Mi Casa Con Corazon – probably won’t happen and the house was going to be the Phase 1 domicile. If and when the timing is right, we’ll start with projected Phase 2. So although I’ll miss the dream of seeing whales from the terrace in Guasacate, I can rest that someone will be happy with a beautiful vacation home. I’ve included the construction drawings to complete the house with the sale listing.
Nothing else to report here. All of my family in the USA are doing ok. Thank technology for Zoom. I use it for meetings and staying in touch with family and friends who are interested.
Remember to take care of yourselves, One Day at a Time.
Only Love Prevails.
Margie Fincham in Nicaragua 