Day 1

5:30am(Eastern Time)

A 3am alarm. TIme to get up. Nervousness was all over me, but masked by exhaustion. While getting ready I kept running everything through my mind of what I needed to bring.

"Do I have my toothpaste?"
"Yes, I put it right there."

"Chargers, passport, night clothes, hairbrush"
"I think I have everything!"

My family woke up to bring me to the airport. On the car ride to the airport, I wanted to jump out of the car and run home and never leave my house or family…..never leave my comfort zone! I became overwhelmed. As my eyes began to slightly tear up, a peace came over me after my parents and brother prayed over me at the airport. I knew as long as God is in it, and throughout this trip to keep Him first and give Him glory, that everything would be alright. I also knew my comfort zone would become too small for me to live in.

Arriving at the airport, I said goodbye to my folks and met with the group from VISEDAL.  It just set in!

Checking a bag in and security were same old same old.
Bag overweight…have to adjust.
Pre-TSA…woohoo!
Waiting to board.
Boarding!
On plane!
Taking off!
To Houston I go!

7:20am(Eastern time)

On the plane to Houston and can't get any sleep. It is very cold and my mind will not stop. My senses seem to be heightened and my fears intensified. Everytime we hit turbulence, my mind goes to a scary thoughts. I don't know why I am so afraid. But maybe this is a good thing, because it will keep me alert. However, fears, you could calm down!

As I write I look across the aisle to the other window seat 22A and I see Dylan Waugh, the Founder and President of VISEDAL. He has all his papers out and is making sure everything is in line for the trip. I think to myself what could be going on in his mind.

I think it is great what he has started and continues to do. And to think, getting involved in his dream and vision all began with the purchase of peppermint bark at The Festival of The Trees in December 2013.

9:10am(Central Time)

And I'm off! Next stop, Nicaragua! Excitement has completely overcome me. I want to run up and down the aisle of the plane screaming out of excitement!  I can't believe this is happening!

*And I begin to talk to myself in spanish to myself*
¡No más inglés para mí! Solo español por 5 semanas. ¿Ay, Estoy loca? No sé, pero estoy bien y este es un buen oportunidad para mí.

12:30pm(Nicaragua Time)

What an experience so far! While on the plane from Houston to Managua, we had to fill out these forms for entry into the country. Talk about missing your parents! I never had to fill them out, because my folks always did it for me. Thankfully, I was sitting in front of one of the group leaders from VISEDAL and he helped me out!

The plane ride here was a little uncomfortable, my stomach began to act up and I was in a lot of pain but thankfully I brought my medicine and am feeling a lot better.

After arriving at Managua airport, we went through customs and outside was a hug group of people and kids with the Nicaraguan flag greeting us! It was really neat! Then to the big yellow school bus we went!

"Drink water! Drink water!" I keep reminding myself.

We arrived at the hotel and I am rooming with Jessie, the other intern, and a girl named Riley. Oh and by the way I am the youngest one here! The beds in the room had spiderman fleece blankets, pretty cool if I don't say so myself! Got to sleep about 45 minutes and now off to go sight-seeing!

7:56pm(Nicaraguan Time)

Wow! I had a great first day! We went to see the city of Managua and its historic roots. I learned so much about the Revolution that was here in Nicaragua and saw the place where they stormed Nicaragua's capital building and bullet holes in the cathedral right near by. It was so fascinating! I couldn't believe that I was standing right in the middle of Nicaraguan History!

After walking around and viewing Managua we went to this restaurant and the food was amazing! The best Latin American food I have ever had! I ordered, carne, gallo pinto, queso frito, maduro, y agua. So in english, beef, rice and beans, fried cheese, plantains, and water. It was so delicious! I definitely will go back there throughout these 5 weeks!

It was such a great day and getting to know everyone makes me so much more relaxed and excited! They are a great group of people and I am so happy to be able to work with all of them!

After today, I can't wait for what the next weeks have in store!

Overview

Today was great! I definitely see the difference between the USA and here! It's so fascinating, the people, the culture, and the country! I love it so much! I am completely filled with excitement and joy! I can't express how much I am enjoying it here! Can't wait for what is to come!