Ni Modo

 

Definition – Ni modo is a slang phrase that expresses that someone cannot do something about a situation because it cannot be fixed. Depending on the context, ‘ni modo’ expresses passivity, frustration, or reluctance to do something. Although it does not have a direct translation, it is close in meaning to ‘Oh, well’, ‘It is what it is’, ‘No big deal’, ‘Whatever’, ‘There is no way’, ‘There is no point’, or ‘Are you nuts?’. 

https://www.tellmeinspanish.com/mexico/mexican-slang/ni-modo/

Will has been serving as a missionary for six months. His first town in the Mexico Xalapa mission was in Zacopoaxtla high up in the Sierra Madre Oriental. There he ate plenty of tacos, learned lots of Spanish, met wonderful people and served with a companion from Bolivia and then from Mexico. 

Last week he was transferred down to Bugambilias on the outskirts of the city of Xalapa. His new companion is also from Mexico. 

 

In his first letter from his new area, Will wrote a fun letter that made his dad smile. Here is my favorite part. 

"4 things that describe our apartment: 

1. Cockroaches

2. No water

3. No service 

4. Spiders

When I first arrived I open the door to the apartment and saw two cute little cockroaches sprint across the floor. But we got some spray and have already killed at least 5.

 Ni modo

Realized there was no water when I tried to take a shower that night. Bucket showers for the win!

 Ni modo

Can't do missionary work [phone calling and texting] in our apartment because we have no service so we have to sit out on the curb. But the weather is nice!

Ni modo

Woke up with 17 spider bites [most likely mosquitoes] Friday morning. Or at least I think they're spider bites. Could be bed bugs who knows. But my bed is comfortable!

Ni modo

But other then those small things life is great! I think I'm gonna have some fun this transfer."

I love Will's matter-of-fact honesty, his humor, and his positive attitude. Keep up the good work Will!