"NCA Selfies" Teacher Conference

On January 28, a group of over 150 administrators, teachers, assistants and staff from our three Nicaragua Christian Academy schools (NCA International, NCA Nejapa and NCA Matagalpa) joined together for a full day of professional development and encouragement.  The directors of the three schools and the association (ANCA) led the opening session, introducing the new acronym GRACIA (Gratitude, Respect, Authentic love, Community, Integrity and Always learning) -- the word "Grace" in Spanish.  We talked about how NCA schools are a Community of Grace as we point our students to the message of the Gospel.

Speakers from Nicaragua, the United States, Guatemala and Costa Rica shared with teachers on topics ranging from special education, classroom management, technology integration, discipline, language arts instruction, and collaboration.  It was an opportunity for teachers to recharge, share a meal together, worship together, and connect with one another in collaborative relationships.

There was also a lighter side to the day.  The theme, "NCA Selfies" (to explore what makes our schools who we are) was celebrated as teachers were invited to visit a photo booth complete with silly wigs, hats and masks.  Student photographers helped them take pictures to commemorate this event.  This was the first event of its kind but certainly will not be the last!

  

A Local Haircut

A few weeks ago I (Liam) took Caleb and Judah to the market to get our hair cut at the usual place, which is the same place I have been going for over 12 years.  It is always busy and noisy with the sound of buses honking and pulling in and out of the bus station across the parking lot.  As we sit on our small flimsy plastic chairs waiting our turn, I can't help but see how very different this life is from where I grew up.  The small haircut shop has dated posters on the wall and no running water.  A radio plays popular Spanish songs.  At one point, Judah needed to use the bathroom, and was offered a small bucket in the corner of the room.  I decided instead to take Caleb and Judah across the parking lot (in slight fear of our lives due to the crazy bus drivers), through a dark part of the market and to the public restrooms.  Although not pretty, they appeared to be fairly clean and well-kept by the lady who was in charge.  The price for using the urinal was 3 córdobas, and the price for the toilet was 5 córdobas ($0.20).  After we returned to the hair salon and while Judah was getting his hair cut, a blind man and his companion stopped by to ask for money.  The owner of the shop stopped for a minute to give him a couple of coins.  Another interruption involved someone selling coffee, and again, the owner stopped to buy a cup of coffee for 5 córdobas (poured into a small styrofoam cup from a small thermos).

When we go to the United States, we are often asked what is different about life in Nicaragua.  Sometimes it is difficult for us to see what is different after having been here for many years, but when we look at our everyday experiences, we realize that what has become our normal is actually quite unique.

The cost of the haircuts?  I paid less than $5.00 for all three haircuts.