American Independence Day

July 4th 2007- Last Day in Chinandega

Well today was completely a day for explosions. It's the U.S. independence day and I woke up to find that Patty had left and American Flag Bandana on my bed. Not be a spoil sport, I decdied to put it on. But, I carried a canadian flag in my hands to indicate my true patriotism. I even went downstairs waving the canadian flag. Needless to say i got booed a lot but it was all in good fun.

I was not looking forward to another pig roast. So, i decided to pack some of the goodies i bought at the supermarket the night before. I was joining the long termers and we were going to move some materials to the farm. Little did we realize we would be moving cow dung- compost for the farm! Let's just say sitting in cow feces is a new experience all right. The plans changed so quickly. As soon as we arrived on the farm, I realized that they had just slaughtered the pig!!!!! Now, i had seen dead animals before, but seeing the pig's head hung on the post reminded me of Lord of the flies. We had to spend an hour there doing nothing. So, all of us were fascinated by the entire process. Mainly grossed out but we continued to stare. For me, it was more in horror than in fascination. I saw how they made bacon!!! I was paralyzed when they started stripping the skin off the animal. The worst was yet to come. i think when they chose the pig, they didnt realize she was pregnant. Now, i really wanted to fly back to vancouver. Seen way too much. I wanted to cry so hard but I was paralyzed. I was saved by the return of the truck! I have never been soo happy to flee!!!!

It was almost noon and we had returned to the via to collect some materials. Patty joined us at this point and we loaded the truck up with steel reinforcements for the bodega (storage unit) they were going to build at the farm. We were dirty, exhausted and tired. Did i mention hungry. At this point i was down to two dollars in my pocket. Luckily, Tip top (yes more fried chicken) accepted credit cards. So, we made a quick pitstop and then returned to the farm to unload the material.

Another surprise in store. We had been going since 6 am and now we were told we had a last task to accomplish. It was around 3 pm by this point and with the sun hitting down at our tired and dirty bodies, our group morale was at an all time low. We had to transfer some 80 bags of cement from the via to the farm. Ahhhh!!!! But, we were troopers. The promise for a cold shower before the feast motivated us to move as quickly as possible.


Carrying hundred pound bags of cement and loading them into the truck was an amazing feeling. I did not know i could do that. Mama Perez, motivating us...yeah baby! Harini move your ass! I am older than you!!! really did it. We dumped those bags of cement in a matter of minutes and we made our way back to the farm. Sleeping on bags of cement in an open truck is an awesome feeling. Seeing every single type of animal fornicate...not so much. I think i have seen chicken, bulls, pigs, horses..everything just go at it. My poor, poor eyes!!!!

The promise of a cold shower did not materialize. By the time we made it back to the farm, all the kids had arrived from their visit to the orphanage and the celebrations were in full swing. I was jealous to see them all clean and well rested. We all jumped off the truck and left them to do the dirty work of unloading the truck.

Kelly was on a mission to celebrate July 4th- Barnyard Games! I was way too tired to participate so, i filmed everything instead. The first game- catch as many chickens as you can. The second, egg toss! The last game, by far was the most disgusting. Tug of war- in the pig pen! So very nasty! One of the girls was covered from head to toe in pig crap and had to be hosed down. The guys were even worse, removing their shoes and walking around in the mud. I though the festivities were done but boy was I ever wrong.

Animal activists around the world would cry in uproar- the guys thought it would be fun to chase a pig and grease it in vaseline! I found it amusing but at the same time saddening because the pig could get a heartattack. It was very hot outside and the poor piglet was trying to cool off by rolling in the mud. Applying vaseline on the skin acts as an insulator to the heat! I was worried that the piglet would get a heart attack. My only comfort was in the fact that after they had greased the pigs, the guys quickly washed the piglet with water. Poor piggy :(

I couldnt bear to see everyone enjoy the pig bbq. I think i had seen too much today. So, I decided to jump into the truck and just lay down on the dirt covered floor and enjoy some star gazing. It was nice to be able to see the stars finally. There is so much pollution in chinandega and this was a real treat. The night ended off with a fireworks celebration. Realization dawned on me that it was my final night. After a nice cold shower back at the casa, we made smores using the microwave and indulged in some more nutella :) I was so exhausted by the day's activities that I was happy to crawl back into bed. Sleep at last!