June 7: The Beginning

One day in. Earlier today I felt like I had so many things toin my life and we are just beginning our adventures here. We arrived safely after a bumpy six-hour plane ride. God blessed us with wonderful people to talk to on the flight however!
This trip is definitely a change of pace from normal life. Granted, the low-stress atmosphere I am experiencing is heightened by the reflection of the nonstop whirlwind of commitments and activities which was impossible to escape while at school. At this moment I have no worries or problems—I’m not even handling my own money. It is currently 6:30 p.m. and the only plans we have for the evening is a dinner with friends.
We are living with a family that I have known my whole life, in a tiny town here in Nicaragua with a name I can hardly pronounce. Even after one day in Nohemy’s home, I feel almost as comfortable as if I were at my own home without my mom and dad or an air conditioner. Amber and I are even getting involved with chores: setting and clearing the table, making dinner, and watching over Hilda’s baby, Carlos. The highlight of my day was reading a Spanish children’s Bible with Hilda, she corrected my pronunciation as I read and then helped translate words I didn’t know with the occasional assistance of a Spanish-English dictionary. Amber’s highlight, I’m assuming, was visiting the school which she will be teaching in this summer. The school has six primary grades and five secondary grades with around 15-20 in every classroom. After being introduced to every classroom by the school’s regular English teacher, she took a deep breath and spoke to them in Spanish which was no doubt an intimidating undertaking far beyond my abilities.
I already have a manicure and am eating some of the best food mber and I already have new favorites: Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Café con leche, and ground fish. This is all on top of the variety of fresh fruit which is always only a reach away. Everyone is extremely hospitable and they show their love with food…no chance at losing weight this summer away from home!
Roger Ali, an old friend of mine here, gave us a tour of Sebaco where we stayed for the night. The tour was all inclusive with free Spanish lessons and an encounter with a monkey. The beginning of this journey has been full of new experiences and I can’t wait to tell you about all the more to come.