#mpin

I arrived after midnight on Sunday, and the weather felt similarly to Houston in May - moderate temperature with a cool breeze. At that point, I was most nervous about arriving at the airport since I’d never been to Latin America and speak minimal Spanish. I spent much of the plane ride writing down helpful phrases in my notebook, going over potential disastrous scenarios in my head, and alternating between moments of extreme excitement and enormous dread. Thankfully, before I could even process my anxiety I was safely in my new home. 

After a restful Sunday we dove straight in to orientation week. We’ve spent lots of time in programs, learning the ropes. We’ve met several community members who have all greeted us with Southern-like hospitality, y’all. We’ve gotten to know each other and our new house, and eaten lots of gallo pinto and plantains.

I’ve learned that many things are universal: the importance of community, food as a love language, the way children play. Conversely, some things aren’t: social greetings, pedestrian right of way, the meaning of rubber flip flops - Nicaraguans only wear them in the shower so it’s considered less acceptable for daily wear.

Next week the new kids head up to Matagalpa for a week of Spanish immersion school and homestays, which we’re all looking forward to. I’m excited to work on my Spanish and hopefully not get Dengue (fingers crossed).