My final ode to Nicaragua

I haven’t always treated you well. I have had some dark moments and said and thought some loquitas. Ive called home to let off some steam; I’ve altered some people’s opinions of you. But you have been oh so insanely good to me my nicaraguita.

Your endless green pastures, rolling hills, and many volcanos have been my backdrop and oh do they have a therapeutic way about them.

Your absence of personal space, privacy, or danger stranger has gifted me thousands of connections with strangers…gifted me smiles, laughs, and priceless insight

Your free adventures have provided endless hours of fun…and the best stories.

And hey, thank you for always being down for a chat nicaragua.

Your absence of fences has let me master small talk with my neighbors at every hour of the day.

Your rampant chisme taught me to be okay being misunderstood..and confident of who I am despite others’ opinions.

And man, that bachata music that plays through your speakers–it makes my heart swoon

Your kiddos have lifted me from my lowest moods with their simple joy at having found me walking down the street.

The fierceness of your sun has taught me the importance of caring for our earth.

Your outdoor living has won my heart.

I have basked in the lawlessness of your land which has allowed me great freedom to choose goodness and loyalty and righteousness

You gifted me senoras who call me amor and even though they are strangers and it means nothing more than a greeting to them, have sent me endless amount of warmth.

Your buses have lulled me to sleep, their vendors fed me and stocked my fridge.

You showed me what it actually looks like to put your family first…and to not.

Your unexpectedness has taught me action amidst ambiguity as well as flexibility and creativity.

The resourcefulness and wide-array of skills that kids have here put boy scouts to shame..and could fill dictionaries in my mind.

You have taught me to let go of that which I cannot control…and given me much practice at it.

You have tripped me and kicked me while I was down, but you always helped me back up…stronger.

You gave me sisters nicaragua–sassy ones!

You have given me patience incomprehensible and have ridden me of my need to complain all the time.

Your rain and lightning storms have reminded me of my smallness amidst God’s creation.

You have refined my thoughts on healthy living

You have been my playground, my workplace, my home, my protector, and my teacher. You have transformed my mind my nicaraguita. And I will forever hold you in my heart; I will forever respect you and forever drink your mediocre beer

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