As we sit in our charming, tiny hostel rooms writing this, there is an absolute downpour outside. Rain like never before surrounds a group of kids playing cards outside under an awning. Warm rain and giggles. We have arrived. Nineteen kids made it, and nineteen passports made it with them. Success!
What a wonderful morning meeting everyone at the airport. And, to watch Christabel bravely navigate the journey on her own, meeting us later in Managua, brilliant! (Leadership potential duly noted.) Many thanks to the visibly nervous parents who hugged their children and watched them take flight to another country; we and they are all very grateful for your willingness to provide them with this opportunity. We are already in awe of our group, and we can barely contain our excitement for what this experience will bring.
As we waited in the airport this morning, we sat off to the side and watched the group organize themselves into “getting to know you” activities. They initiated name games and took turns naming their favorite things, truly an impressive feat for a group of students who were just meeting each other at midnight in an airport. It was so inspiring to watch the group begin to bond before we had even left U.S. soil.
The redeye flight was tough for this pair of old guy and gal, but not for the jovenes. Youth have a way of sailing through uncomfortable situations. Many Glimpsers, in the first of many nighttime reflective meetings that took place tonight, expressed their initial discomfort with the concept of flying, or the discomfort they experienced sitting in the middle seat on an airplane for 5+ hours, and yet they all managed like champs. It’s impossible for us to complain about anything when in the presence of students like these, who were immediately faced with a potential negative, and yet refused to allow it ruin their day. Many of us (kids absolutely included) operated today with little to no sleep, and the day was still an unbridled success.
Customs was a breeze, and we made it through with palpable excitement. When we exited the airport, we were literally struck by a wall of thick humidity and heat, but we were easily distracted by the welcoming smiles of Brayan and Kirsten, our awesome in-country hosts. They were well-organized and anxiously awaiting our arrival. Upon meeting them, our suspicions were confirmed- we are in enthusiastic, capable hands.
Our exploration today took us to the Puerto Salvador Allende, a brand new tourist attraction still coming into fruition on the banks of Lake Managua. We were startled by the incredibly bright, vibrant colors that adorned a majority of the surfaces and decorations at this new and exciting location. It was a striking sort of experience for the first major attraction that we saw to so clearly demonstrate Nicaragua’s desire to improve itself. All over the Puerto was emblazoned messages of hope and life, including the slogan, “Seguimos cambiando Nicaragua!”: We are still changing Nicaragua!
As everyone brushes his or her teeth and climbs into bed, we do so gratefully, having found ourselves in a wonderful, intriguing new land to explore, complete with equally wonderful guides. Tomorrow, we truly begin our exploration of Leon!
Hey Lyana!
Glad to know that you arrived at Leon safely. You were right then – it is raining in Leon! That’s ok you can still have fun in the rain. I can’t wait to hear about your future adventures in this beautiful city. You are going to learn so much, and you are going to have such an awesome time I know it. Make sure to take care of yourself and remember to call me! Looking forward to reading about your next adventures. Stay safe, play safe! 🙂
Your Sister,
Vi
Thank you so much for this beautiful update! Its like I can hear the roaring rain and feel that humidity! I feel such relieve to know day one was great! I read the entire blog out loud to my kids and they all sat quietly and listen to everything! They all enjoyed it very much!
Please let my daughter Marisol Vazquez know that her brother graduate today. He walked that stage with so much excitement and grace! We miss you Marisol! We cant wait to hear about tomorrow’s new adventure!
I’m excited for you. Sounds like a great group. Enjoy
Tim
To my EngyBattaBingy 🙂
Well said! Glad to hear the travels were a success. Maybe some day I can see with my eyes the words that you so eloquently wrote. Englysh i love you and i hope you have an extraordinary adventure. Come home and fill our imaginations with all of your experiences. Miss you already, cant wait to read more!
Love you always Dad
Hello to Nora and her fellow GG mates!
I’m glad to hear you are settling in– hope you are adjusting to the heat and humidity. You are very lucky to have missed last night’s Warriors game. It was a humiliating 30 point loss. We will keep our fingers crossed for better luck on Friday night.
You haven’t missed anything here, so enjoy!!!!!
Love,
Mom
Dear Nora,
I haven’t really noticed that you are gone yet, except that no one is snuggling with me at night. I’ll have to growl at the foot of Erik’s bed tonight. He is usually kind enough to put me on the bed for a while… Shadow stepped on a bee yesterday at the park but he is okay.
More later,
Fred
This is a really well written blog Nikki. You have set an excellent precedent for the group of extraordinary young people you are leading. I am interested in reading your first travel novel if that ever becomes a second career for you. Glad you all (Christabel included!) made it safely!
Nathaniel, Excited for you. What a fantastic experience to be having. Being immersed In a new culture and learning about the people there is something you will cherish. Looking forward to seeing you soon so we can talk in person.
Love,
Lisa and Dave
To JR
Glad you arrived safely, miss you! Have fun and enjoy this experience (sunshine)
Love to the blog. Please post often as I will be living the adventures through this blog.
Megan,
Thanks for leaving a load of laundry in the dryer! I miss you so much I clean your room.
Love
Mom
LYANA
we miss you and hope you are having a super great awesome trip. Jennie, Kiana, my, Cheryl, and I can’t wait until you get back!! Have fun and stay safe
Huzzah! Looking forward to following your adventures. Just bought some Nicaraguan green coffee to travel with you in spirit.