I’ve already spent four days here in Nicaragua, and it is really unbelievably beautiful & different! So many new experiences and things I’m not use to like,

All 24 + of us fitting in the back of this rickety truck and that’s how we get around everywhere.(It’s so awesome, it reminds me of The Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland but much cooler:), the most humid weather I have ever felt -constantly sweating. Having to always throw away your toilet paper, cold showers but they feel good because of the weather. Random crazy thunderstorms with pouring rain, earthquakes Oh! & when driving down the road there are dogs, horses and cows EVERYWHERE! Where I’m living is in this building with a ton of bunk beds, there’s a little building for the doctor, and also a building for the kitchen, and we have two of the sweetest Senoras who cook our meals. I like to just go in and hang out and talk with them.

So far all day yesterday we helped out at an orphanage, doing a little bit of dirty work. I was picking weeds & I got my first farmers tan!Haha.  Saturday is free day so we all went to the beach, we got to go to the supermercado and see a bit of the town. I am so blessed to know a good amount of Spanish to talk with the people here and help translate. I love being here, it already feels like home! My favorite thing we’ve gotten to do so far was visit the little village of Bethel. There, people live in such poverty, however they are the most full of life joyous people I have EVER seen!

      I never thought I would love so much the feeling of these little kids running up to me with their dirty hands clinging to my leg. Their small hands gripping mine, running around playing tag and endlessly throwing around a paper airplane as much as I do. I absolutely love just loving on these kids, because they are just so loveable!!

I realized for the first time in such a long time, I was actually here, living in the moment. As do the people here in Nicaragua. Back home, there is ALWAYS something distracting going on from, having our cell phones, the internet, and constantly worrying of the most petty things. I am constantly distracted, because we have so much stuff! I never thought I’d love simplicity so much. Instead of being hooked to a phone, we’re outside making up games, singing and building relationships. Who knew playing baseball with a stick and garbage could be so much fun?! They make the most of what they’ve got, and are beyond appreciative. So many other parts of the world, we’re needing more, more ,more! Yet here, they have less than I’ve ever had- yet they have got more joy and appreciation that I.

I am just so blessed to be here!

P.S. My team is freaking awesome!! The most encouraging group of Godly, beautiful 18-22 year olds I know! Oh & we have 2 baby doggies at our house, SO HAPPY! Thank you Jesus

Eating coconuts in our front yard at where I'm staying in Nicaragua:)