Campesino Life

"Eso es la vida campesino," Marlon says as the countryside of the Miraflor reserve races past us. Taking a sip from a bottle of rum he looks out from our post on top of an old school bus (the words "Baptist United Church of Chapel Hill" are barely painted over on the side) at the pastoral mountains pocked with small herd of cattle surrounding us. "Ese no es un acedente".

Campesino life is tough –long days toiling in the fierce Nicaraguan sun, limited access to modern conveniences such as running water and electricity, all the while trying to provide for one's family– but given the freedom and peace inherent to the lifestyle, Marlon would not give it up for anything. We are returning from Estelí, the nearest city and a Sandinista stronghold in Nicaragua, to check email, pick up supplies, and talk with local and international organizations about collaborations. While walking the streets of Estelí, the theme of dreams came up.

"Tranquilidad y liberdad" was all Marlon said. Tranquility and liberty.