Feliz Año Nuevo

Very Happy New Year! I have almost been in Nicaragua for half a year. I am looking forward to seeing my students again next week as they return from vacation. I believe God has some good things in store for them as they continue to learn, learn, learn in 4th grade.

Since school has been out, my roommate and I have been doing some serious sight seeing and just got back from a lovely beach trip.

Yay beach!

Ready for a top five of my Christmas vacation?

Number Five:
Visiting Laguna de Apoyo

We lounged around the crater of Apoyo Volcano 

Number Four:
Sleeping. Man, I love to sleep in. I'll spare you a picture of this one.

Number Three:
Seeing sea turtles at San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a beach town, known for fishing and surfing. The 2010 season of Survivor was filmed on  a couple of the beaches there. I enjoyed lounging on the beach, but the best part was seeing sea turtles. My roommate and I went on a trip to a nature reserve on one of the beaches. We were told we would probably just see some baby turtles, because the turtle season was almost over. We got a treat! We saw a mother turtle dig a nest and lay about 15 eggs and then make the long trek back to the ocean. We saw newly hatched baby turtles dig themselves out of their buried nest. Then we followed the babies as they made their way to the ocean. It was amazing.

Only one in one thousand turtles make it to adulthood. It is hard enough just for the babies to make it to the ocean. First of all, its a pretty long journey for the little guys who are just learning how to use their flippers. The turtles also face the risk of egg poachers, the babies can get trapped in crap holes, or other animals can eat them.

Momma turtle on her way back to the ocean

The nest before the momma turtle buries her eggs

Babies on the long trek to the ocean

Amazing!

Number Two:
A very Nica Christmas

After Christmas Eve service at church, my roommate and I joined one of our fellow teachers at her in-laws house to see Christmas Nica style. Imagine a crazy fireworks display at midnight with fireworks that would never be allowed in the U.S., Christmas chicken shortly after midnight, followed by early morning opening presents. We made it back home around 3:00 am!

The street after the fireworks

Rebecca, Kelly, and me

Number One:
Visiting Leon

Three summers ago I studied abroad in Spain. I loved the history, castles, and cathedrals. I had a little flash back to that when I visited the city of Leon, Nicaragua. There is a large cathedral in the town square and we got to do some exploring on the roof top.

Christmas Vacation Bonus:
Egg nog in a juice box.

Many blessings on your New Year!

xoxoxoo
Laura