U.S.: Everything has changed

Transitions are tough. Transitioning means being caught in between what was and what will be, figuring out how to construct a new routine while holding on to memories of previous experiences, and trying to share stories with people who may not fully understand where I am coming from. Making the move from my life in Nicaragua back to my life in the United States has been a wild transition. In Nicaragua I discovered that even though I didn't like everything about the culture there, I was able to adapt my lifestyle to create a positive experience. Likewise in the U.S., I am continuously realizing that I don't like everything about the culture here...but if I would like to be happy, I must learn to adjust once again.

In this initial period of readjustment back to life in the United States, my questions are real and they are daily. Why is everyone in a rush? And why do people feel the need to apologize for being 5, 10, 30 minutes late to any given meeting? Why do the mangoes and avocados in the grocery store claim to be fresh? Who ever thought canned fruit was a good idea? Why does a three-person household have 3 vehicles and 7 television sets? What happened to public transportation? I'm also trying to come to terms with the fact that beginning this fall my monthly rent amount will be more than I paid for an entire year's worth of rent in Nicaragua. Instead of paying rent for a year in the U.S., what would I be able to do with that amount of money in Nicaragua?

Attempting to curb the effects of reverse culture shock, I decided to return to a place where my transition back to the United States would be sheltered from the harsh gringo world realities. That place is in the north woods of Minnesota at a Spanish immersion camp. Here I get to live and work with people from all over the Spanish-speaking world, teaching culture and language to students anywhere from 8 years old to 18. 

This past week we dedicated an entire night program to learning about Nicaragua. It involved preparing gallo pinto and tajadas, playing a round of repollo caliente, watching a clip from El Güegüense, and practicing Nicaraguan Creole. Our students and staff alike had little knowledge about Nicaragua prior to the evening, so I'm glad to have had the opportunity to share part of my experience with them. The night program is scheduled to be repeated throughout the summer, and it is sure to be good for my soul.