First week in Managua and Laguna de Apoyo

We flew into Managua on August 4th and spent the next few days orienting to the city. We heard some history of the country--which actually came back pretty quick from our SST studies…Thanks, Doug! We also spent some time orienting at the center where the other 2 volunteers will be working. And spent lots of time in community with the current volunteers and us new folks who are coming into VMM together. Natasha and Clare will be working at Batahola, they both oriented with Kyle and I in Pittsburgh. Davie and Sarah are the couple that we will be replacing in San Nicolas, they picked us up at the airport and we were able to live with them in a guest house for our time in Managua. It was wonderful to finally be here, and talk with them IN REAL LIFE (not just skype). Kelsey and Erika are the two ladies currently working at Batahola. They are currently wrapping up their term so that Clare and Natasha can take over. Kelsey and Erika have been wonderful hosts, showing us their side of Managua. And, of course, our in-country coordinator, Joe, led us throughout our orientation. We have come to appreciate each of these individuals and the relationships we have already begun to build!

I think we found our volunteer soul mates (Davie, Sarah, Kyle and I)

Gallo Pinto: Mi Favorito…with tajadas y queso!

We got our official Nica phone: Movistar and it’s bright yellow!

Una fiest for volunteers in Managua

After our orientation in Managua we headed to Laguna de Apoyo for a 1 night retreat. This was one of the things that drew us to VMM; their focus on community and support for one another. We will have similar retreats throughout our 2 year term, to reconnect, reflect, and spend time together.  The lake was a GORGEOUS place to have our first retreat. We spent time getting to know each other, sharing our reflections on our time together, meditating and praying, relaxing and eating!

After some serious kayaking on la laguna

Important reading on history in Nicaragua, with some relaxation

The grill masters

The current volunteers with VMM. These are some great people!

All of us together! Good laughs, good food, good friends

So gorgeous!!

We are now off to Matagalpa (northern, cooler area of Nicaragua), to have a week of Spanish classes. After that we will be on our way to San Nicolas,  to settle into our new home and do a few more days of orienting/transitioning with Davie and Sarah.
Transitions can be hard. But this group of people and VMM has made our transition very smooth and even (gasp!) enjoyable
Love,
Alli