La Buena Onda

La Buena Onda was my hostel of choice for Matagalpa. It was one that I booked from Leon and boy was I happy with my decision. As I read in reviews, this place was rated as a hotel. It was super clean with a  nice courtyard, a flat screen T.V. with DVd selection, nice food options for breakfast and snacks, decorated rooms/huge bathrooms, hammocks, rocking chairs, and a nice balcony.  All at the whopping $7 a night (the price of a Subway sandwich meal).  This was the happening place for travelers and there were a couple big groups. One from USA and the other  bgroup from France. I didn’t take much interest in the groups, but there were some nice solo travelers to get to know.

The best two girls were working at the front desk.  The one girl was 18 years old and stuck in a shell (Project 1).  She was too afraid to speak with English guests because she had fear they would laugh at her English (common fear).  It was so cute as she would always hang out near me to talk.  Sometimes she would not initiate conversation, but she would just come close to my space-to my spirit.  She loved having someone to talk with about her life and dreams. She loved Math science and dreamed of being an Engineer.  Noone took the time to just hear her speak, to listen, to smile, and let her know her dreams are possible. Many of these travelers have the ability to travel the world, they have the knowledge, the skills, and they don’t share it except with other travelers. How does that make sense when someone local needs much more. They are curious as could be wondering about YOUR life. They love to hear your stories, experiences, passions-share it with them. It’s not just me who has the ability to listen and respond-it’s not.

Tourists are not expected to sit and practice English for realistic situations of the hostel. Priscilla had the duty to help this girl face her fear with English-to give her homework, reading assignments, and suggestions on movies/ videos with lyrics, and to challenge her day by day.  The tourists could just have a few simple questions and listen a bit more, but this is not required of them. I spent time working with her because she demonstrated motivation and a desire to learn English. The one tourist thought I was an employee because I was spending time with her. Why would a tourist spend time with a local teaching her?

When teaching her, she soaked up what I said like a sponge and retained it perfectly.  It’s like she had just been waiting for a good teacher to come along.  She was such a sweet girl who just wanted what every other 18 year old had in life. 

One day, I instructed her go up to the group and ask them “What are your plans for tomorrow?” They were totally nice and friendly (many tourists might be clueless, but most are nice and respectful to staff).  That moment was precious to me and she came back with a confidence. She continued to practice a few more conversations independent of my instruction! 

These moments are the ones that make my purpose worth it.  They light up my spirit and make me thankful I spent this time with her instead of watching a movie, writing, or reading a book.  This is a human life I am impacting. There is nothing better than that-nothing.

Case Number 2

The other girl was around my age and had two children.  She lived in USA for ten years, therefore, her English was absolutely perfect.  She shared with me all her struggles on Day 1(very common for my daily work).  We brainstormed how to make things work as she had no one to babysit her kids and she had enough money for just 3 days a week.  The owners(Netherland and local woman) were not really too accommodating or helpful with her taking off work. They were already pretty patient with her schedule changes. She was just a single mother trying to do everything on her own and my heart went out to her.

One day she mentioned her son was sick and home alone. She was so worried and I could tell she was a good mother. This made me want to help her. Her house was only two blocks from the hostel so I offered to go over there to check on him.  She was so happy and thankful.  For me, it was just something to do of service.

When I hear someone in need, it’s my job to try and help them or assist them in finding a solution.  It’s just the nature of the work from up above. Again, people don’t understand the reasoning, but we do. We get it.