Orientation

Bienvenidos! I have arrived in Nicaragua. Driving through the streets from the airport to the Nehemiah Center last night, I wondered how I had let myself forget how much I like this country. Perhaps I do not have a close enough relationship with a place that I visited two years ago to say that I love it, but I definitely enjoy being here.

Today we have been at the Nehemiah Center with Alicia, our program director. We have met a lot of people and gotten a tour of the place. I am very excited to spend some time here later in the semester for classes and working with the people here. One day, when I have more ambition and a better handle on things, I will explain the Nehemiah Center a bit more. For now, know that it is a collaborative mission organization that seeks to do transformational, integrative development in Nicaragua through a God-centered worldview. It's a pretty sweet place.

Tonight (dum-dum-dum) we meet our host families in a big shin-dig. From here on, I live in Leon with the Rios family. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also nervous. Hopefully these feelings will help me to be more humble and flexible with my family. Good communication is key, I think.

So, the bottom line is: Although it was difficult to leave, I'm thrilled to be here now. I can't imagine all the amazing ways God is going to work in and through me this semester. Thanks for your prayers.