Grateful

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I would hope that many of us have been reflecting on the things that we are grateful for.  I (Cassie) have continued my practice of intentionally looking for the things that I am grateful for.  This daily practice has been an essential part of my life since we moved to Nicaragua.  It has helped me to focus on the small, beautiful, sometimes easy to miss gifts of my day to day life.  Here is a list from this past month:

Estela (how could I not start the list with her?), palm trees, mountain runs, good morning hugs, a new city to explore, a love story, rosemary twigs in my drinks, fans that blow cool air, new neighbors, two people to cuddle with, delicious fritanga after church, a seat on the bus, my sewing machine, access to water, “Te Amo” and “I Love You”, newly blooming flowers, i-messaging, visitors at our door, a friend lending us their working washing machine, a new leather purse, friends buying flights to come and visit, sleeping in, a lovely Thanksgiving table filled with friends, the budding of squash in our garden, a night with no internet, BINGO Night, a classroom full of eager learners, the ability to change, my sister’s wedding next week, safety, pineapple and fresh starts.   

I will leave you with a few photos from our Thanksgiving Day Celebration.  Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Life Lately

Well as you can assume, we have been adjusting to our new life as a family of three.  Estela has been with us for almost eight weeks and we are thoroughly enjoying this new phase of life.  She seems to enjoy being out and about, so we have continued a lot of our day to day activities.  Enjoy a glimpse at what we have been up to over the past month.

*Because we are currently in the adoption process and are not yet legal parents of Estela, we are not able to share any identifying pictures of her.  We can assure you that she is adorable!

This is our last picture as a couple before Estela’s arrival.  We were on our way to Alison’s Quinceañera and made a stop for some refreshing coconut water.

On Estela’s first weekend with us, we headed to the Masaya Market.  We wanted to pick up some footwear for her, along with some traditional Nicaraguan dresses.  The markets in Masaya are the place to shop for handicrafts and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there making purchases for our sweet little girl.

We are now park frequenters and to our luck, the Sandinista government has done an excellent job at remodeling and adding new parks over the past few years.  There are several very impressive parks here in Managua and we are thoroughly enjoying them on a regular basis.

 

We enjoyed an amazing visit from my (Cassie’s) parents, Abuelo Tim and Abuela Suzy.  Estela loved meeting and being spoiled by them!  We spent time swimming at the beach, hiking through coffee plantations, eating yummy Nicaraguan food and hanging out at home.  It was magical!

We have done our fair share of hiking over the last month.  We spent some time in El Crucero at Las Nubes, at Selva Negra with friends for Oktoberfest and on Volcan Mombacho for my birthday.

 

We have been spending a lot of time by water.  Whether it is at the ocean, the pool or the pila, it is a fun and relaxing way to pass time with a toddler, and always helps with the heat of Managua.

Kevin planned an amazing birthday celebration weekend for me in Granada.  We ate a cinnamon frosted carrot cake, watched Notre Dame football, walked around the colonial city, frequented the restaurants on Calle Calzada, swung in the biggest hammock in the world, played at the beach, stayed up late and slept in late, hiked a volcano and drank lots of yummy coffee.  Happy 32nd Birthday to Me!  It could not have been any better!

We love going to the National Theater and were able to get there a couple of times this past month.  The first show was a feature of Nicaraguan dance in which our good friend performed in.  The second show was the Sound of Music, which was a marker of Kevin’s childhood.  He was very excited to share this with Estela.  We enjoyed listening to Maria sing, “The Hills are Alive,” even though the show went on for over four hours.

We have been busy teaching.  Cassie recently finished her semester long Cross Cultural Exploration course with study abroad students from Dordt College.  This past week we finished our Conflict Transformation class and had the students to our home for a meal.  Kevin will be finishing up his first semester at Notre Dame High School in mid-December.  We are looking forward to some time off together!

That is all for now.  As always, thanks for reading!

Four Years

We have just finished up our fourth year of living in the lovely country of Nicaragua.  Currently we find ourselves in a considerably different place than when we reflected at this time last year when we were enjoying a respite in the U.S. with friends, family and a cold climate.  This year, we are working for different employers and are learning what it means to be parents!  In the same format that we used for our first, second and third years we want to share with you how this last year has gone.  We hope that you enjoy reading.

Things we love:

• Our daughter - Estela! In case you have not heard, on September 29th, our sweet little girl became a part of our family.  Our lives have changed to say the least.  Beyond that we are thrilled, working out what this new phase of life looks like, and seeking to love our little one dearly.
• The land - We have spent a lot of time traveling and enjoying the beautiful Nicaragua that surrounds us.  We have spent time on the beach, in the mountains, hiking volcanoes and traveled out to the Caribbean coast on a couple of occasions, one for a quinceañera and another for work.
• Nicaraguan beaches - We are making a point of visiting the ocean each month this year.  Our thought process tells us that Minnesota is far from warm tropical beaches, thus we are making the most of it!  It also helps us, more specifically myself (Kevin), deal with the heat.  Estela joined us for her first ever beach visits in October and November and loved playing in the sand and water.
• Our Nicaraguan friends and family – Life continues here and our friendships are why we have continued to stay.  This year brought joy and sadness as we remember those lost and the challenges that life brings, while celebrating the accomplishments and milestones with those dear to us here in Nicaragua.
• Nicaraguan food – One should not be surprised to know that food has made it onto the list every year.  This year we have really enjoyed learning about how to prepare our Nicaraguan favorites.  We still frequent the local eateries, but you are now more likely to find a Nicaraguan dish being prepared in our very own kitchen.  We are also continuing to eat all the various fruits and vegetables that we can get our hands on as they are astoundingly delicious.
• Nicaraguan sports – Having the opportunity to go to a Nicaraguan a world cup qualifying game was spectacular.  Not only did we witness a really exciting game, but we also got to join in the celebration of Nicaragua.  The pride that we saw exhibited on this night was incredible.  To sing Nicaraguan traditional songs, the national anthem, wave a large Nicaraguan flag and root for the national team made this night one that we will never forget.  Beyond that, we always enjoy a Sunday afternoon baseball game at the national stadium.

Things we find difficult:

• Cultural difference – At some level Cassie and I are strangers in this land.  We are continually learning about where we come from and where we are now.
• Not like mom used to do – We are constantly open to new things and really do seek to learn from our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters. However, there are some things that we find a bit more challenging.  A minor example is a Nicaraguan neighbor telling me that I was cutting a tomato wrong and that by doing so I would burn my mouth because of the acid.  A larger example would be parenting ideas and styles.
• Being white, Spanish acquisition, violence against women and children and knowing how to respond to those around us, especially those in abject poverty, all remain difficult.  Who knew there would be no easy answers to any of these challenges?  That being said, we continually strive to bring hope and joy each day to those that we encounter and are thankful for the hope and joy we receive from others.

Things we have learned:

• Parenting – We are so very thankful that Estela has transitioned well into our family.  She seems to enjoy her relationship with us.  She cares and shows empathy to those around her.  We are so overjoyed for her and her resilient little self.  That being said, we have also started walking down the road of parenting, finding out what that exactly means and doing our best to love and care for our daughter.  We are on a learning curve as each day provides us with a new lesson.
• Work – Working in the Nicaraguan context is a difficult task.  Beyond the challenges of underemployment and unemployment, there are different management styles in the workplace.  We worked with MCC, a North American based NGO for over three years.  Though we were partnered with different local organizations we were also involved in a different work environment that provided us with various parts of our home work culture that seemed to make our professional lives a bit easier.  That is no longer the case.  Now checking in or out a minute late or early is a serious matter, dress code is extremely rigid and government educational regulations are needed to be followed strictly.
• Car ownership – Having a car has its benefits and its drawbacks, here in Nicaragua, as there are positive and negative aspects related to almost all areas of said ownership:
  • Repairs are cheap – ($37 for a distributor cap, plugs and wires), but parts are never originals and may or may not work (there are no return options).
  • Labor is cheap – ($15 for most services), but the mechanic may or may not fix it the first time.
  • Insurance is astronomically inexpensive – ($51 for the year), but we are unsure of the actual coverage.
  • Getting around – (especially with Estela) is so much easier, but we are somewhat removed from the majority of those who we do life with.  For this reason, Cassie and I (with Estela’s approval – she loves the bus) are making a point of using the public busses whenever it makes logical or financial sense.
• Conflict transformation – I think that after four years we find ourselves really understanding what we need to do in-order to work out conflict transformation in our own lives, with our community and within our classes at the Baptist seminary.  Conflict transformation is a difficult, arduous, yet worthwhile process, especially when there is a cultural difference that needs to be accounted for as well.  We are very thankful for the patience and the flexibility that our students have afforded us as we have undoubtedly grown in various areas as well throughout this journey.

Things we do automatically:

• Put dirty diapers into a vinegar and essential oil mixture – We have decided to use cloth diapers for Estela.  In-order to aid us in this process, we are placing her used diapers into a mixture of vinegar and essential oils to help clean them.  It does add an extra load of laundry each week, but our budget and the environment seem appreciative.
• Write down all of our expenditures – Some of you may not know this, but while we were working with MCC we were required to track all of our expenses.  We needed to record each and every single Córdoba spent.  Well, Cassie loves quicken and she also likes to be organized with our money, therefore this practice has continued.
• Get things in writing – We have learned the importance that a piece of paper with a hand-written or typed explanation and a signature has.  A co-worker explained to me that the Spanish culture of formalities is truly imbibed in Nicaraguan culture.  For this reason, a signed explanation, whether bill of sale, some sort of work contract or any other little minor detail is recorded and noted.
• Make brownies – Brownies are a staple in the Zonnefeld household.  It is always useful to have this treat on hand.  Whether guests pop-in unexpected or we need to bring a snack to a friend, brownies seem to be a pretty sure answer.  For this reason, you will almost always find a container filled with brownies in our refrigerator.
• Diaper bag – You just cannot leave home without it!

Things we are looking forward to:

• The Zonnefeld’s are coming in December for a twelve day visit to meet their little granddaughter and get to know the place that Cassie and I have called home for the past 4 years.
• A year of teaching completed for Kevin.
• Shawna and Tommy’s’ wedding on December 6th.  Unfortunately only Cassie will be able to attend due to our adoption process.
• Baseball season beginning again in Nicaragua this December.
• Celebrating Christmas and New Years in Nicaragua.  This time of year is “muy alegre.”
• Visiting friends who live outside of the Managuan heat.
• Other friends and family who also have trips planned!
• Hanging out with the kids and adults in our barrio.
• Continued work in Peacebuilding at the Baptist Seminary

How do you measure a year in the life:

• In gallo pinto: 350 (the fried rice and bean mixture is still good, and we find ourselves eating even more of it as Estela absolutely loves it!)
• In tortillas: 400 (Kevin eats one everyday on his way to work and Estela is eating her fair share these days as well)
• In diapers changed and washed: we lost count along time ago (it is hard to remember life without them)
• In bus rides around Managua: 1,790 (on average we take three busses a day, each bus ride costs us 12 cents)
• In bars of chocolate received from home: at least 35 (each and every one was greatly enjoyed, this number has increased due to Cassie’s reinvigorated love for this delicious treat)
• In pounds of coffee: 28 (it is delicious and always freshly roasted, during this past year we have gotten into the habit of making a coffee concentrate that we pour over ice and have with a little almond milk)
• In animals killed: no longer measurable (Brisa continues to kill anything that moves - this seems to be her favorite activity, whether it is a gecko, rat, mouse, bird, bat, cricket or butterfly she is on top of it in no time, Estela was quick to notice Brisa’s hunting tendencies and was very upset the first time she saw a butterfly killed)
• In floors cleaned: more than 365 (at least once a day we sweep our floors, both inside and out - yes we sweep our “lawn” - and we are sure to mop at least three times a week, which unfortunately is much less than our neighbors)
• In Cokes drank: 52 (every week, Kevin takes pleasure in a Coca-Cola, an exquisite treat here in Latin American simply because it is still made with sugar instead of corn syrup)
• In papers graded: 1934 (our time spent grading papers has increased significantly due to our work at the Baptist Seminary, Dordt College and Notre Dame)
• In foreign visitors we’ve had: 11 (we always enjoy your visits!)
• In countries visited: 6 (Cassie went on a work trip to Honduras, we took a vacation to Mexico this year over Holy Week, but spent most of our time visiting various sites in Nicaragua)
• In books: 44 (for Cassie) and 11 (for Kevin)

Thanks for your support throughout this year. We hope that you have enjoyed our blog updates and that they give you a glimpse of life here, the work that we are doing and more importantly what God is doing.

Estela’s Room

I wrote a draft of this blog post over two years ago.  This little and cozy room, which sits off from our bedroom has been waiting patiently for a sweet little child to come and fill it.  Dreams come true, and on September 29th, Estela walked into her room for the first time.  While she is not quite ready to sleep in her room, she enjoys playing and reading in it during the day.  We have been adding some finishing touches since her arrival and are happy with how it has come together.  Enjoy!

We painted three of the walls a light grey and kept the yellow and white stripes that we had painted when we first moved in.  Because we are painting concrete walls, the finish doesn’t look the greatest.  But hey, it is the best that we can do right now.

 

There is a street of vendors in Managua that sells pallets.  It is one of my favorite places to visit!  We were inspired by ideas such as this and this to make pallet beds for this room.  The headboard and frame are made out of five pallets, for a total cost of $15.00.

 

The Krakris bedding, which is easy and simple, is from Ikea.  The two fabrics for the pillows are also from Ikea, but are no longer listed on their website.  I love the orangey polka dots and have always been a fan of birdies.  I knew that my kiddo needed a little bird action in her room, even though we did not end up naming her Wren.  Tweet, tweet!  My Mom/Abuela Suzy made the curtains out of the orange polka dot fabric.

 

I kindly donated the shelf that Kevin built for me a couple Valentine’s Days ago.  I do miss it for my crafting and sewing items, but it looks much cuter in her room.  I love the Nicaraguan print, family photo and books that sit on its shelves.  The beautiful doll, named Maya, is from a fellow Nicaragua adoptive grandmother.

 

We used some items that we had around the house, including our gracias sign I painted awhile back.  After not loving my cursive painting, the sign is now white again and I am trying to decide what to do.  Any suggestions?

These world and bird prints are also from Ikea.  The middle hanging is a piece of fabric placed into an embroidery hoop, a birthday present from a friend back home.

This is her gallery wall, which is still in process.  I scoured pinterest for free printables, many of which are adoption themed and took them to the local photo shop to have them developed.  I was able to find a few in Spanish which is extra special.  I also have some embroidery hoops filled with fabric and the white Z was a garage sale find from my mom.

 

This book shelf was made by Kevin.  It is also from a pallet, we wrote more about this here.

This customized print, “E for Estela” is from this site.

Estela loves anything that twinkles and these lantern lights from World Market are some of her favorites.  Christmas will be so fun!

This little corner is the home to some of Estela’s favorite wooden toys and books.  They are housed in baskets that we purchased at the Masaya Handicraft Market.  The rug is from Ikea and we have now realized that a white rug where there is a lot of dust and no vacuum is not the best fit.

 

Being a big Amos Lee fan, I knew that I had to hang this printable from his song, Sweet Pea.

And below are a few more pictures for you to enjoy!  We hope that Estela feels warm (not a problem here in Managua), cozy and loved every time she is in her room.

    

I saved the best photo for last.  It is a picture of Estela hanging out in her bedroom!  The room is now complete!

On Having Four Wheels

After four years of living in Nicaragua, we decided to purchase a car.  It was a long, painful and stressful decision even though we did not want it to be.  We were worried that this decision would further remove us from living in solidarity with our friends and neighbors. While at times it was frustrating to not have the option with MCC (they have a policy that workers cannot own private vehicles, one that we very much respect), it was also nice not to have the choice.  But there are several factors that made us think that this just makes sense for now.  One previous MCC friend jokingly called us “sell-outs,” and most of our Nicaraguan friends said “finally!” 

The public transportation system generally works pretty well here in Managua, we have written about it before.  But then sometimes it doesn’t.  Before Estela arrived, I (Cassie) traveled to one of my workplaces, Accion Medica Cristiana three days a week.  For some reason, the only bus that will take me there, the lovely 106 route, only passes by every half hour, when all of the other routes usually pass every five minutes.  And then when it does finally pass, it usually does not stop.  Unfortunately, this resulted in frustration and tears on a regular basis.  What literally is a five minute ride in a car, usually takes 1-1/2 hours of waiting at a bus stop, sometimes being able to climb on the packed bus, but too often having to take a taxi after waiting for an hour. 

On top of this our work at the Seminary requires us to carry a lot of technological equipment (computer, powerpoint projector, speakers, etc.) For this reason we do not feel comfortable hopping on the city bus or getting into a taxi with someone we do not know or trust. We were generally calling a friend who is a taxi driver to come and pick us up, but the costs to and from were adding up, we were actually more than doubling our monthly transportation costs just from the costs we incurred on Saturdays. 

With the arrival of Estela, purchasing a car seemed to be the right thing.  I have traveled frequently with one child on the bus, but it can be tricky to ride the bus while standing up, trying to keep myself up by holding onto the pole, setting a child on my hips strapping all of my bags to my shoulders and around my neck (for some reason I can never just travel with one) and making sure that my cellphone doesn’t get stolen.

These factors were at the forefronts of our mind, when one Saturday a student of ours at the Seminary, Juan stopped us and told us that he was selling a car.  It is an old car, a 1990 Kia Rio to be exact (or so he thinks, it could be a little older or newer), it was nothing pretty, but it had a brand new motor and all of the original Korean parts have been replaced with Chinese imitations.  He even said he would purchase it back from us when we are done with it.  And so we decided to go for it.

We received our car ten days ago and are very grateful for this added convenience.  Kevin still plans to take public transportation to work each day.  Estela and I do enjoy riding the bus, so we will continue to do that as often as we can.  If you come on down for a visit, we can assure you a fun ride!