I've arrived!

As my mom often does at the beginning of a letter, I will describe to you the scene from which I write.
I sit typing as I listen to the soft whisper of constant rain falling outside the open doorway. My tiny 8ft x 9 ft room is cut off from the rest of the house by an outdoor laundry room that opens to the rise of the apartment building we are in. Everything is painted lime green on the outside. One of my room mates spent over an hour tonight, describing hundreds of pictures and stories of family and friends. It is fun to get to know her. Another roommate sits across the open laundry room in our kitchen, writing letters to parents and planning for the next day. It is still unreal to be here and it has officially been 24 hours. The roar of the rain grows louder as it rains harder. Somehow I feel like this is what life will be like for the next few months….lots of rain! But it is beautiful and oh so green!
I spent 10 hours at my school today and I am already loving it. My partner teacher is just wonderful and spent a long time showing me around and introducing me to all the other teachers, staff, and administration. Everyone has been friendly and helpful. My 21 kids are great too. They introduced themselves to me, telling me their names and something “different” about them. After a pattern of, “I’m so and so and I’m from________.” One of the obviously Nicaraguan boys stood up and declared to be from Russia. All of them have quite the sense of humor and we are going to get along great. I have a quiz tomorrow on all of their names….the pressure is on! J
My flight seemed short and blessed. After balancing out the luggage to 49.5lbs. each suitcase I hauled another heavy carry on suitcase and backpack to Houston and on to Managua. On the 3 ½ hour flight to Managua I sat next to a very talkative friend named Oscar who warned me about everything not to eat, and not to do, as well as some good advice on exciting aspects of Nicaragua. I was thankful for the conversation which kept me from getting nervous as we landed….I was FINALLY here.
My roommates met me after going through customs, motioning through glass partitions as to where to get my luggage and how to carry it. We then went to get ice cream, the perfect welcome!
Things start early around here, the teacher van leaves at 6:30 sharp, and if you’re not there, you get left behind. Thus, I think I will call it a great first day and head to bed.
Missing you all already and continually praying for you as the Lord brings you to mind throughout the day and night. I feel your prayers for every moment. The Lord is carrying me for sure!