Another long overdue entry….

I can’t believe it’s fall already! The summer came and went quickly but fortunately I was able to make the most of it by spending time with some very special visitors. My friend Leslie came down for a couple weeks at the end of June. We spent one weekend in Leon and at the beach, but aside from that we spent our time in Condega. Leslie was able to see me in “action” as I had to work while she was here. She even helped me give the final exam. We also went to the canyon in Somoto and hung out with Cesar and his friends.

Leslie and I in Managua

The canyon in Somoto

A few days after Leslie left, Sara and Russell flew in from Nebraska. After dropping off the goodies they brought me at the Peace Corps office, we took the bus to Granada. The next day we made our way to Rancho Santana, a nice hotel on the Pacific Coast, where we spent three days enjoying our private villa, the beach and pool, good food and good company. Afterwards we headed up north to Condega, where Sara & Russell were able to chill out for a few days in my cute little house before heading back to the States.

In front of the Cathedral in Granada

Sara & Russell at Rancho Santana

Our last day at Rancho Santana (with Cesar in his new favorite shirt!)

In early September I got to go home for a few days. I went to celebrate Brandy and Alex getting married, but it was also a chance for me to spend a little time with family and friends. And again, I took full advantage of eating all the good foods the US has to offer!

Me and the bride, Brandy

Tracy & I at Brandy’s reception

Good ‘ole American food & beer, BBQ at Texas Roadhouse

After getting back to Nicaragua, I had to make the final arrangements for my local competition. Near the end of the course I teach, La Empresa Creativa (The Creative Business), we hold a competition for the student businesses to pick the teams that will participate in the regional competition. It’s also a chance for the students to show off what they’ve been working on all year and sell their products. The winners who will be representing Condega at the Regional in Esteli are, “Reciclarte” a group that makes products like hanging plant baskets, bird cages and shower caddies out of recycled metal and “Zapanica” who make hanging shoe caddies. This month I will be helping them get ready for the regional competition and getting ready for the end of the school year. Less than two months left!

A couple weeks ago a bus went off the highway and landed down below, in my neighbor´s house. Some guys had been drinking in their community when they decided to go for a "joy ride" in the bus that they drive during the day and crashed. Sadly, the boy who was sleeping in the back room died. Here is a picture taken from the highway above,

It´s hurricane season again, which means lots of rain. No evacuations to date like last year, but already there have been lots of times being stuck in random places waiting out the rain. Here I am waiting for the rain to stop at the Payless Shoe store in Esteli with Georgina. At least it was air conditioned!!!