Washing dishes

I really like the family with whom I live. The father, Mario, works on a Carnival cruise ship 6-7 months, then returns to Nicaragua for 1-2 months at a time. This has been has work since before he was married. The mother, Idalia, works at home preparing food, taking care of the kids, and is also the secretary for her church, so she keeps busy with the church accounts as well. The oldest son, Albert, is 17 and about to begin university in March. The next son, Samuel, is 12 and usually giggling. The youngest child, Rebecca, is 9 and likes her clothes to match her hair, to match her shoes, etc. They are a wonderfully relaxed family, and their home is beautiful. In the backyard, they have several rooms that they rent to university students who are from out of town. I have not met these students because they are on vacation until the beginning of March.

A major indicator of my comfort here is that they let me do the dishes - and they even thank me for it! Most Nicaraguan families don't let guests help out, but Idalia does. She has no problem with me serving myself breakfast, washing my own clothes, or even cooking. This attitude makes me feel comfortable here because I like to be independent and also helpful. I feel very much at home here, especially because I get to wash the dishes!