Hola everyone! Today is my first full day in Nicaragua! It is currently 7 AM here and I am already wide awake! The plane from Houston landed at the Managua airport at 7:55 last night, local time, so for me it felt like it was almost ten o'clock. Me and the gang (Kathryn, Kira and Susan) made it through customs and were met by representatives of UCA at the exit. We also met up with Steve, who had arrived just an hour earlier. After loading our millions of bags of luggage into the van we headed off to meet our host families. Kathryn and I were the first two to be dropped off. We are living with Milton, Carmen and Andy. They have two dogs, Burro and Ratta, and a turtle (who I have yet to meet). They have been very welcoming and kind making us feel very comfortable.

To get started we were shown our rooms (YES we both have our own room and bathroom!). Kathryn's is right by the kitchen and mine is through the back and across the patio. My room doesn't connect to the main house but is only about 10 feet away from the back door. I can see all the plants and palm trees from my window. I have my own sink, shower and toilet, a bed with a bug net : / a giant armoir, a desk and even a tv! There is a huge window across from my bed that lets in a breeze if kept open, but I also have a ceiling fan and oscillating fan to keep me cool. I haven't quite started to unpack yet, by hte time I finally got into my room to get settled it was already midnight here, feeling like 2am for me... Sleeping the first night was a little rough, I'll have to get used to certain noises and such, but I have a gorgeous room with an awesom view. Kathryn's room is a little smaller so I will definitely be sharing some of my giant armoir with her!

Spanish is most definitely going to take me a little while to pick up, I understand a good amount but I freeze up as soon as I go to open my own mouth to speak. But already everyone I have met has been very patient and they understand that it will take a while for it to come.

Well I think that is enough details for now! I have a big day ahead of me, visiting the school and meeting some students! So stay tuned, more details are to come soon!