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Published: February 1st 2009
I wonder why they call it a red eye....hmmmmm. What a day! From leaving our school at 4:45 on Friday afternoon to a 12:00 arrival in Mangua the next day...it was smooth sailing. Unbelievably, all the possible delays were smooth sailing and we arrived in Nicaragua with ease, but that is only the nut shell version of the story.
We crossed the US border with ease, the incredibly organized binder (thanks to Lonna) making our interactions with US Customs easy. The next big decision was where we should eat supper. A protracted cell phone discussion finally resulted in Bellis Fair Mall, much to the chargrin of one participant who wanted Jack in the Box. Our SURF training prevailed and into the mall we went. Virtually all participants settled on the Mongolian grill restuarent where we celebrated Chinese New Years (a few days late) with the owner and cook.
Our stomachs full, the adventure continued down I-5 to Seatle-Tacoma airport. Against prevailing winds and rain (ok...just showers) we ventured forward. Arrival was smooth, check in with Continental was great and even the security check was filled with humour and good will. By 10:00 we were ready to settle into a
2 hour wait for our planes mid-night departure.
A ridiculously short 3 hours and 41 minutes later we landed in Houston, Texas, 5:55 local time. OUCH! Next big step, meeting Carl our Forward Edge facilitator! The girls began to ponder the possibilities, was he single, how old would he be and on....and on....and on...(I thought I was done with Grade 9's). Then with all the stealth of James Bond, Carl was walking in the middle of our group (our 'Ordinary' shirts gave us away). Turns out, Carl is a wonderful man with teenage children....jokes on us.
Three hours later we departed for Mangua, a short 2 1/2 hours flight, and then, as we decended, on this bright sunny day we were treated to a panaroma of volcanos, volcanic lakes and the harsh yet beautiful landscape. Next adventure would be all that luggage...one more time. And yet again, with great ease, we went (although Ray's heart did go pitter patter) through Nicaraguan contols. Next adventure...the ride to the Villa Esperanza.
As many of our students encountered the developing world for the first time, their world of shock and anxiousness gave way to wonder as we pulled into the
Villa after a 30 minute drive through Mangua (the largest city in the world without addresses and street names).
What an amazing place the Villa is, an oasis in the midst despair. After a quick snack, off to work we went, unpacking our supplies and preparing for the 10 days of work ahead. It is truly amazing what we packed into those 34 suitcases....unbelievable. The staff here can't believe what we have brought.
Through the fog and daze we pushed on, unpakcing, organizing and repacking for the our work. We were exhausted, but energy began to rise (with the aid of the snack and Coke) and we were finished our work for the day and ready to meet the girls who call the Villa home. And as work gave way to 'play' our day was complete as we began to interact with the girls and the staff at the Villa.
By supper time, we were integrated and some of the team was threatening to purposefully lose their Nicaraguan exit slip so they don't have to ever come home (don't worry...I am in possession of all of the exit slips).
After a great meal, and much play
we settled into an evening of reminising about our day and discussing the work that must be done....a great 1st day!
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Lana
non-member comment
Hey Brooke
Hope you are doing well. We love you lots. Have a blast. Mom