Living in a rural community in Nicaragua

My mission in Nicaragua has given to me many opportunities to go to rural communities of Nicaragua. During these visits, I could observe, take time to talk with people and ask them about their way of life.

Women are the first to wake up, between 4 and 5 am. They prepare breakfast for the men who go then in the field. On the morning, while men work in agriculture, women cook, clean the house, wash clothes… Children are at school. During the afternoon, all the family takes time to rest up, spend time with friends. Women still do the housework, cook for diner, take care of children. When they have a lot of work, men go back to the filed the afternoon. Children use to help their parents before playing football or spending time together…
I don’t think the children wonder what they will do later: they follow their parents’ footsteps… and also because they don’t see other options. It seems to be the normal way of life. So boys will work as farmers while girls will be housewives. But it doesn’t mean people are not happy with their lives.  However, I think with television and other media of information, it can change: people would be aware that other perspectives are possible for them. Or at least, just to be aware we can choose our lives.
Living in a rural community implies also to share the house with chicken, pigs or other animals. Yes, I said the house, not only the courtyard! It also means to fetch water from the well or river to take a shower or cook for example. It’s going to be a cold shower: considering the hot weather, it can be a good point! It also means you have to cross the courtyard – or sometimes more – to go to the toilets. If you are not use to, it can be a challenge during the night! It’s a life with less comfort and I think it can be difficult to adapt when we are not used to.

Living in a rural community also means a life less stressful, in contact with nature, enjoying time with friends rather than stay in front of a screen.

However, it’s very interesting to find out other ways of life and be aware of the diversity of our world…

By Emmanuelle Legay