By my mother's hand

by Emilia Lorio (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown Nicaragua

What I discovered was more than what was told to me. I was on my way to go to my mother's country, Nicaragua, and meet more family members. Nicaragua is the largest country, geographically, in Central America; however, the heart of the country is its people. I learned how fun it was to experience eating my first mango! It was so big and juicy. I did not have a plate, but rather enjoyed eating it outside. It may not sound like a big deal, but it was my first mango and it was in Nicaragua, my mother's country. That mango was very special to me. My cousins drove me to the beach where the waves were really big. There were these little children making necklaces from sea shells, they collected and was painting them with pink and yellow colors. Some ran to me holding up the necklaces they had just made, and asked me if I would buy them. I bought a couple and learned that they were making money to help feed their families. We do not know what the water would feel like until our feet walked to meet the water. That is what it is like when I went to Nicaragua. Granted, it was one of my first steps into a new horizon. Since, then I have come to realize that if you allow yourself the freedom to explore new areas you will be walking into many worlds. Yes. It is quite the adventure to become part of where your feet touches. I thought at first that I ws going to meet family. It would be like going to my grandfather's house on a Sunday and eat a chicken dinner. Same normal routine, but it was in my mother's extended family. My vision was so small, alright, miniscule, in expectation of this trip. It was like a cutain was opening up for my eyes to be in the picture where life was happening all around me. I understand why some people say, I felt alive! Well, something happened that made me feel grateful that I was alive. During the night at around 1:30 am, my bed was moving across the floor. I called out, mama, mama. She woke up and said, go back to sleep. "Another one will move your bed back". In my head, I thought, what? Since my mama was cool about so was I. I was just glad my bed stopped moving. The earth went back to sleep and so did I. All my senses were awake! The sound of the irds and the roar of the splashing waves of the ocean. Hearing the sound of laughter from the children having fun in collecting the sea shells to make necklaces. The smell of delicious foods being cooked in the kitchen of my great aunt. When I sat down to eat my meal with family, a delicious meat was so tender. I asked what it was. Cow's toungue, was the answer. It was too much for my mind to process, because cheese burgers, chicken, seafood, sounded normal to me. Cow's toungue! Next the lagunes and lakes were quiet an beautiful. Just be careful not to disturb any cocodiles. The volcanoes were majestic in appearence. I just hoped that their quiet strength would not wake up all of a sudden. I lived in pancake land mind you. There are no mountains in Louisiana. Swamps and bayou. That was what I was used to. Nevertheless, beauty is found in different horizons. Just broaden your scope to learn new things about yourself and others. Everymorning without fail, a woman would come around the house and pass by the window. She would call out and say, "Cocoa rojo, cocoa blanco". I ate coconut like it was going out of style, every single morning. Every Sunday two men would pass by my great uncle's house playing their music on guitar and marimba. We did not have television. What I became aware of that there was connection of people who would rather sit down and talk to a friend than sit motionless watching tv. Pardon my use of my American idioms, but saying it like it is, keeps the moment alive. My trip had taken me to many trails which led to new discoveries. I believe it is called, an adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Go!