On 13 January 2006, I met the 40th group of Peace Corps volunteers to arrive in
Nicaragua for service. They were fresh off the plane and eager to begin the
training period that launches the 27 months of their service to Nicaragua.
I was thrilled when the Peace Corps asked me to speak as part of their
orientation, more so because the memories came flooding back. It was eight
years ago almost to the day that I was the one who was fresh off the plane and
eager but anxious to see what Nicaragua had in store for me. In hindsight,
it's clear things would all turn out alright.
I gave PC-40 my list of top 10 reasons to live and work in Nicaragua, and here
it is:
The life, the energy, and the intensity
The people
The lifestyle, the adventure, the thrill of living out of a backpack
Having your perspective changed
Time to read, think, dream, and write
Quiet starry nights
Food cooked over wood fires
The chance to help, to teach, and to make a difference
An appreciation for when things work well
Lifelong friendships with other volunteers and with Nicaraguans
