Closing 2011 with a wonderful group of young women- Circulo de Amigas

As my close of service approaches there are a few things that make me think twice about leaving. One of them is Círculo de Amigas. It has been an incredible NGO to work with. Their work and focus on young women is outstanding. In a culture strongly influenced by machismo, this single NGO has dedicated their efforts in developing young women and helping them succeed against the odds. Girls are given the opportunity to be smart, to be sassy and most of all empowered. They are told not what they can´t do, but everything they can do. When I first moved to Jinotega, Círculo de Amigas opened their arms and welcomed me in.

Over the past two years these girls have grown into young women in front of my eyes. I remeber the day I came in and Katy and Milena were wearing makeup, bras and heels. When did that happen?

Well, all I can say is these girls are some of the brightest and strongest people I know.

I love them.

Before I left for the holidays we had a little Christmas party. The girls, along with Doña Claudia, organized the entire event. There were skits, dances, a dancing competion and even snacks. Check it out.

New Year and Close of Service

Happy New Year!

The holidays have been a whirlwind. After Purísima I left Nicaragua and headed back to the US for a short and sweet Christmas. I arrived in Houston on a Saturday and left just over a week later. Enough time to see the lights, go to Christmas Mass and open presents the next morning.

After a day in Nicaragua I hopped on a Tica Bus and headed out to Panama for the New Year. Two days later Julie (a TEFL volunteer in my department), and I got in a taxi in Panama city and for $4 finally arrived! FINALLY. *For those PCVs in Panama, I have one word for you- JEALOUS. The city was gorgeous. The people were charismatic and warm. The prices weren´t that bad. It is amazing there.*

We celebrated New Years till the sun came up.
At the Panama Canal we behaved like tourists and read our way through the museum.
In Casco Viejo we drank wine and danced.
We visited the National Art Museum to see the Da Vinci Exhibit.
We loved the Panamanian life fully.

Vista of downtown Panama City from the Casco Viejo.

Me at the Panama Canal watching the ships pass.

A research vessel from Norway passing the locks.

Julie and I on our last night in Panama.

Now back in Nicaragua I´m ready to celebrate the new year with my close of service conference, youth groups, and women´s month in March. Let´s do this.