So I want to tell you about a Nicaraguan tradition that I have recently learned about and that I think is pretty cool. However it is one that I have also complained about to some of you, simply out of ignorance because I didn’t understand its significance. Let me set the scene for you.

It is 5 am in the morning and the sun has just started to peak over the horizon. But I am wide awake in my bed thanks to the marching band and the thirty fire crackers that have been going off for the past hour. This is not an uncommon event and during the day these firecrackers make it impossible to carry on a conversation, they are so loud!  Mind you these are not your average fire crackers, they sound almost exactly like gunshot, and resemble crude fireworks. Even after living here for a month they continue to make me jump out of my skin everytime they go off in town. I have complained to some of you about these firecrackers that seem to go off without reason and often sound like they are in our house they are so close (the houses here are very open and sound travels very easily across town), and that quite frankly scare me! However despite my dislike for these loud noises, the new insight that I have gained into the tradition that accompanies them has completely changed my feelings towards them and now when I hear them I smile, and say a quick prayer of thanks (although I do still jump, I can’t help it!)

These fireworks or fuegos artificiales mark any kind of celebration here (and there are a lot of celebrations, Nicaraguans most definitely know how to throw a fiesta !) And their purpose I have been told is “to call the Lord’s attention to our happiness“. How awesome is that? When I think about all my blessings and how much happiness I have in my life, I realize that I don’t often call the Lord’s attention to my own happiness. And in doing so take time to thank God for that happiness. This unique Nicaraguan tradition captures the joy and energy that is in this country. Nicaraguans have a very strong sense of God’s presence among them and are happy to share the wealth that they find in their God’s love with those around them, including foreigners. It is my hope that as I spend my last month here and continue to learn from these amazing people that I too can find ways to call God’s attention to my happiness, and I pray that you may find ways to do the same.

Hasta Luego

Lauren