Nicaragua: In the mood for a melody

Nowadays when I walk around town, I am greeted by a much younger group of kids who smile and say, "Hola, Profe!" Why, you wonder? With all this talk about coffee shops, I have neglected to inform the world about another success:

Piano lessons have begun!

The idea to teach piano lessons was born about six months ago. Having previously taught in the States, I figured why not try in Nicaragua? In the meantime I have been working with a primary school in my community to set up the logistics, and more importantly, to find a piano. 

The day finally arrived at the end of May. "We received a donated piano," the principal told me. Ecstatic to hear the news, I went to check it out. The following week lessons began. We have a functioning digital piano, about fifteen students between the ages of 7-11, and one very happy teacher.

During pre-service training we were shown a line graph of how volunteers (supposedly) feel throughout the two years of Peace Corps service. The first year fluctuated up and down, meaning at certain stages we would most likely feel low, and at other stages we would feel high. The second year should be mostly high, and I have definitely experienced that rising change. My recent work successes are a main contributing factor to my overall state of contentment, and I am excited for what this year will bring.