Hello all!

We have traveled from the United States to Nicaragua successfully! It was quite a surprise when we walked from baggage claim and within five minutes of arrival, all of us were drenched in sweat.  Luckily, as we checked into our comfortable retreat center and took on the tourist persona as we went sight- seeing around Managua, a monsoon hit us just in time and cooled us down. 

The retreat center is smashing in that it has dorms where we can either room with one person or have a double.  We are accompanied by our little friends, including: Jorge the lizard, the spider army, the fluttering moths, a rabid rana (frog), and our merry little centipede. It is also equipped with a quaint little cathedral and dining hall.  As a side note, we feel very cultured in eating in food that we believe to be authentic Nicaragua cuisine (it is also very delicious!). 

Once we became acquainted with the grounds, our fearless driver, Vernon, took us on a ride into the city to see the sights.  We had a fun time of translating all of the signs that we drove past.  Along with translating, we traveled to the top of hill.  At this hill, we learned about the Chureca- the largest garbage dump in Central America.  We only had a scenic view, but our leader, Matt, informed us that the garbage was seeping into Lake Managua, making the lake polluted.  Not only did we learn this, but there are communities within the dump that make a living off of its contents.  It is our hope that we can make a contribution to the people of Nicaragua by creating a more peaceful and clean environment.

After this endeavor, we spontaneously decided to attend a carnival-like event with the locals.  We successfully stood out like a sore thumb.  We were seven teenage girls, in shorts (not very acceptable), and walking in the middle of the street as the torrential downpour soaked us to the bone.  Luckily, we had kind gentlemen whistle at us as we walked back to the van with Mrs. Tansey, Mr. Keiper, and Matt (who were also soaked in shorts and obviously American).  What an adventure!

Feeling as though we had swum to the bottom of the ocean fully clothed, we gladly went back to the retreat center to dry ourselves and take naps.  This was successful, except for the many screams we heard as we tried to relax.  Where did these screams come from? Madison was busily fighting an army of spiders that had crept into her room while we were away.  With the help of the valorous Tansey, the army was successfully eliminated and everyone was able to relax in peace. 

Of course, waking up very early in the morn, traveling in confined spaces, being hit with intense heat, and being soaked all in one day could not make a day in a new country complete.  During our scrumptious dinner, the power decided to go out.  Being that it was already dark outside in Nicaragua at quite an early hour (6:00!), we had to make do with eating our beans and rice and other unknown foods in darkness.  After about five minutes in which we almost perfected this style of dining, the precious cooks magically helped the electricity to return.  What nice women!

Finally, we all retired to the chapel for quiet reflection.  It is our goal to bring the change back to our community.  We want to plant the seeds of growth in the community here as well as in ourselves.  We feel it our mission to help others.

After this eventful day (only day one!), we finally decided to go to bed.  As we are two hours behind home here, when we finished at 8, it was 10:00 at home!  We were exhausted!

Hasta Luego!

The Nicaragua Team

P.S.  Treasure you fans at home, as we suffer in the heat, but don’t freeze yourself at night!