A land marked by poverty, volcanoes, lakes, the infamous Daniel Ortega, and eighty-degree weather year-round will soon become a place I call home. This new home, NICARAGUA, is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere and compares in size to the state of Iowa. And, tucked just north of Costa Rica and south a Honduras, Nicaragua is the home of 5 million (about as many people living in Miami, Florida), with 80% of the population living on less than $2 a day.
As I try and absorb what this information really means and move to a country I once knew next to nothing about just last April when I accepted this position, I still have so many questions. There is so much unknown. I am convinced that I might have to completely re-learn to do things that seem so mundane in my life now. Tasks like laundry, cooking, working, riding the bus...and even more simpler things like speaking and reading are about to become incredibly complicated!!
But, after my many difficult goodbyes will be said in just a matter of days, and I take giant steps away from the home where I grew up and leave my familiar life behind, I can't help but be filled with great excitement for this land of many unknowns. The hope and genuine LOVE I have for this place already amazes me...and despite knowing that there will be hard times ahead, I can't help but be incredibly thankful for this opportunity. I can't help but wonder what lies ahead...
