Day 1 and Day 2

Our journey in Nicaragua began at 12:30am. We got off the plane and the heat and moisture hit us almost immediately. After going through customs, we greeted Lisa Marie with happy, yet tired faces.  The drive to Hotel Hamacas was long but it gave our group a chance to bond a little bit. Arriving at Hotel Hamacas seemed almost heavenly. We finally went to sleep at about 2:30am..

At approximately 6:35am, I was awoken by the wonderful sound of an alarm clock. We were dressed, fed, and in the bus by 7:30, and on our way to Escuela Especial.

Seeing the school for the fist time is when it finally hit me. This was my first look at the place in which I've heard so many stories about, and seen endless amounts of photos of. For the first time it all felt so real. Within the first few seconds of being at the school we are already on our hands and knees cleaning every inch of the school. My first job, the Pre-School bathroom. Bullets of sweat dripped down each of our faces, as we cleaned, but if I say so myself the school looks clean as can be. The only thought on my mind is what the kids will think of us tomorrow..

We toured the school after lunch and are assigned the classrooms we will work in tomorrow. I am assigned to work in Ms. Auxilladora's room along with Harry Kuller. Ms. Aux. teaches arts and crafts with a mixture of all age students. I couldn't be more excited to meet the students tomorrow.

At the school we met, the Principal, Juana, and Translators, Aleyda, and Jose. They are some of the most happy and grateful people I'll ever meet.

We headed home around 2:00pm and the bus ride is silent. Yes, we are tired, but I know that one hard day of work for us is worth weeks of happiness for the children we are about to meet. That thought is rewarding in so many ways.

As soon as we arrive back to the hotel, we re-apply our sunscreen and are out on another adventure. So here I sit, on the beach of Lake Managua, writing to all of you back home. The wind and sounds of laughter hit my face, I couldn't be more grateful to all the people who made this trip possible for me.

Much love,
Gena