Hola family and friends….we have arrived safely and we have hit the ground with both feet running. That is why this post is late. Our flights were joyfully uneventful but long. There was plenty of time in Houston to get to know each other and to hold a workshop. We arrived into Managua around 10:45pm. By the time we got through Customs & Emigration, claimed our luggage, met our in country Program Coordinators (Silvan & Maryuleth), and got to our hotel, it was midnight. Pizza and soda waiting for us! Quick phone calls were made to family members to confirm that we had arrived safely albeit very tired.
The next morning we were up and out the door by 9:00am on our way through scenic countryside enroute to our home for the next two weeks; Hostal El Rey in beautiful Matagalpa! Upon arriving we received our room assignments, had our Welcome Orientation, and was served a delicious lunch.
After lunch we had a guest speaker, Omar, who had served in the Sandinista Army for several years in the late 70’s and early 80’s durning the revolution and Contra war. He was able to give a unique and personal experience concerning the effects these conflicts had upon the citizens of Nicaragua as well as the US’s political involvement. By looking at this beautiful city today you would never know that it was besieged by war only 40 years ago.
Our PC’s, Silvan & Maryuleth, took us on a walking tour of the city to help orientate us. Our hostel is ideally located in the center of town. We viewed 3 major churches including the City Cathedral, 2 city parks filled with Sunday entertainment, the Heroes &Martyrs Hall, numerous local businesses, and our favorite stop…the ice cream store!
After a filling dinner we ended the evening with a reflection of our first impressions and an introduction to the next day’s itinerary.
Hi Abby,
Wow, sounds like such an interesting and fun trip you are on! We are all thinking of you and look forward to hearing more about your time in Nicaragua. I wonder if its very much like Guatemala, my guess is it has a lot of similarities. Hope you have a blast, sending hugs and love, Linda
Sara, David, Sam and Steve too
Hi Abby and friends…
Wow, looks like you’re off to a great start. Enjoy your time there and “take it all in” ! So much to see and learn. I can’t wait to hear your stories…..
I Love You!
Unca Cary
It is good to hear firsthand about the war in Nicaragua during the 70s and 80s
Hola Imani!
What an exciting opportunity! Sounds like you all are only at beginning of your journey. Enjoy, reflect and grow in all ways possible. What a blessing. Take pics please! Love you!
LOVE YOU AMANDA<333
Hope you're having fun!
Hey Amanda!!
It looks like you’re having a lot of fun in Nicaragua!! I hope that you have had an amazing time on this wonderful journey, and enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!! I love and miss you!!
HI Daisy, We miss you. Love you Dad