This week, we had the opportunity to leave our hotel in Managua and have an authentic Nicaraguan experience with a host family in Leon. By living in the community of a family, we were able to integrate ourselves into a new culture even if it was only for a brief time. When we arrived in Leon, many of us were nervous because we did not know what to expect and the language barrier would surely be a challenge. Although some people spoke Spanish, others were very limited in their ability to verbally communicate but they were able to adapt throughout the week and they were interested in learning some basic Spanish.
When we arrived at the university we got to hear the perspectives of social workers and social work students and it was fascinating to hear their perceptions of Americans. When asked what they thought in terms of American culture, one student referenced the American Pie movies. They asked us what we thought about Nicaragua thus far and we responded by saying we felt very welcome. Then, we met with our host families and began the awkward first stage of what would become a very meaningful relationship. We were welcomed in their home and they went out of their way from the start to make sure that we were happy and comfortable. Xiomara, our host mom bought us cokes and moved the fans around so that we would stay cool in whatever room we were sitting in. Victor, our host dad spoke with Emma in Spanish for hours and expressed his opinions about Nicaragua. Later, our host brother Ivan and our host sister Alexa came home from school. At first, they were very nervous and hesitant to approach us but by the evening, Ivan was showing us all of his Lightning McQueen toys and Alexa was asking us to teach her some English. We were able to bond quickly with the whole family.
Beyond our immediate host family, we also had neighbors downstairs who we became very close with. Sandra and her granddaughter Brittany became friends of ours and we were eager to play and laugh with them each night on their patio. Brittany was so smart and sassy that she constantly had us all laughing. Ultimately, our time in Leon led us to new experiences whether that was salsa dancing, surfing at the beach, or just falling in love with the Nicarguan people. We are so grateful for all of the hospitality and love that we received from our family this week and we know that our experience in Nicaragua would not have been the same without this new relationship and all of the knowledge we gained from our new friends.
Some things to consider for our return to America and your life there now:
1. Be welcoming and be kind. Our host family was so incredibly hospitable. They went above and beyond to make purified ice for us, always filled our water bottles without us asking, and told us they were honored to have us when we had to say goodbye. They were extremely sweet and did more for us than we ever imagined they would to make us feel comfortable. We think Americans should learn a quick lesson from this and always remember to make others feel as welcomed, loved, and cared for as possible.
2. Be content. The family’s home was small, crowded, and perfect. The living room where we spent most of our time was probably 6 ft by 10 ft and it often had 4-7 people in it. The walls were covered in pictures of the family and the furniture was crammed where ever it would fit. Little Ivan would bring out his toys to play for a while then quietly put them back and grab the next from a bin in his room that he shared with his sister. We learned that space is not as necessary as Americans think and that we have the capacity to be happy with exactly what we have.
3. Focus less on material items and more on people. Seeing the way that our family interacted with each other and their neighbors and even strangers buying juice from their porch really showed us how important building relationships is. In the era of technology, kids are focused on IPads and Instagram, not the cute little girl next door. They aren’t playing “truth or dare” with a dirty water bottle on the patio or drawing sweet pictures of snails larger than houses. We need to realize again how important and fun having close friends can be.
4. You don’t need to speak the same language to laugh with and be accepting of others. Americans are often focused on the idea that everyone who lives or moves to the US needs to speak English and speak it well if they want to stay. Our family and everyone we have met in Nicaragua has been so patient and understanding as we struggle with the language barrier. We will definitely re-enter the US with a new perspective for immigrants and those who don’t speak English as their first language.
5. Even SPF 100 doesn’t work down here.
Thanks for reading!
Mucho amor,
Emma Timan and Anna Lunsford
