Hi family and friends!
We are so excited, happy, and exhausted after our first day here in Jinotega! It was great meeting so many of you at the airport last night. After our overnight flight, on which some of us slept more than others, we arrived in Managua. We were greeted by our fabulous in-country staff members, Indira and Debbie, who gave us a very warm welcome. We took a private bus 2 1/2 hours past rolling hills, lush green fields, and busy curbside stands. We could feel the temperature getting cooler the closer we got to Jinotega; the breeze felt amazing and reminded us of home.
While the adults enjoyed the view, most of our weary Glimpsers were fast asleep! They finally got some much needed rest. The first thing we did when we arrived in Jinotega was get some food! Our food provider, La Familia, served us chicken kabobs, rice, salad, and fresh hibiscus juice. It was delicious and definitely made us excited for the meals here in Nicaragua.
The rest of the afternoon was spent touring the hostel and meeting its friendly staff, getting oriented to the program and its rules, and getting to know each other better. For dinner, La Familia served gallo pinto, a rice and bean mixture that is really popular in Nicaragua, with plantains and crema.
As I write this the students are playing games and singing, enjoying some down time before bed. We can’t wait for our first full day in Jinotega and look forward to sharing our day with you again tomorrow! Feel free to leave us comments; your students will be reading through them every night.
We had a pretty great view on the bus ride… sleepy Glimpsers!
Phew, sounds like a long leg of travelling. Simone, Darren, and Bianca, I hope you have the time of your lives down in Jinotega, and enjoy all the natural and cultural beauty that Nicaragua has to offer (or at least as much as you can in eighteen days). Congrats to everyone for arriving, and enjoy your delegation! Eager to see the great work you’ll all be doing!
Mr. Denton, they had the biggest smiles on their faces!! They are so touched by your message. Thanks for sending along the well wishes – Team Jinotega wishes you all an amazing experience!
Hi Ritika ….we love you and miss you. Please stay safe and healthy. Take care .
She loves and misses you, too! She appreciated the message. We are keeping her safe and healthy. The students are going to be able to get in touch with family very soon!
Hi Ritika ….we love you and miss you. Please stay safe and healthy. Take care .
Hi Ritika ..I see you sitting back there in the bus please stay safe and healthy. We all miss you and love you…take care.
Glad you had safe travels. Make lots of memories and enjoy you time in Jinotega! We miss you Hannah.
Hannah blew big kisses to you! This message made her so happy!
Hi Hannah!!!! I found you before Hunter – LOL! Glad you all had a safe trip! We’ll keep checking in on you! Love, mama Sandy
Hi Mama Sandy! Hannah loved your message and got a good laugh. Tell Hunter we’re expecting some messages from him, too!
Hi Darren have fun matey