Chica Loca y Mas Joven

The plane rides to Managua were quick and painless, I slept most of the way and was very excited for my new adventure. Few doubts entered my mind about whether or not I was capable of doing this. I was confident and derived strength from my crazy past experiences in China and Alaska. The only difference this time though is that I have no travel buddies, and I am finding that it makes a big difference.

I was picked up at the airport by a man holding a sign that read, "Senor Jordan, FDL." I figured that was me despite the fact that he thought I was a man. He took me the the headquarters of where I will be working (FDL, fondo de desarollo local) where I was met by the woman who I had been in correspandce with (Elizabeth). She was also surprised to find that I am a girl, and a young one at that, so they all keep telling me (mas joven!).

Very few people speek english at the FDL, and as I sat there I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I do not understand a whole lot of what they are saying unless they talk directly to me and slow it down a bit. Elizabeth began to explain to me what the plan would be for me for the day, and I understood the majority of what she said but was a little overwhelmed with uncertainty, as she could tell. She then went to get an assistant who spoke English.

She then told me that today they would take me to where I would be staying and give me some things to read about the FDL and monday we would go over a work plan for me. She then asked how long I would with them for; and I replied until August 10th of course. The look on their faces was not comforting! How long they both said! So now I sat there overwhelmed and confused because I had cleared the duration of my stay with Elizabeth earlier. They suggested that I may want to change my flight to an earlier day, but all of that will be disucussed further on Monday I guess!

The guesthome I am staying is beautiful and quaint. It's located in a nice barrio (or neighborhood) and has five bedrooms. It's clean and my host madre is so very nice and is trying to help me with my spanish, lord knows I need it. I am currently sitting outside in the jardin (garden) and enjoying the nice day.

Earlier I went for a walk to a near bye park where boys were playing soccer and then went to the mall and grocery store. I am somewhat shocked by the differences here compared to China. The poverty is much more extensive here, and it humbles me completely to look at the shambles that most of these people live in. Nicaragua has two classes, the very rich and the very poor, so you see extreme differences when you go from one neighborhood to the next. The city has still not recovered from the earthquake that devasted it in the 70's, and tourism in Managua is somewhat limited.

All of the people that I have encountered thus far have been so nice to me; however, I am still hesitant to travel a lot by myself. Tomorrow I plan on going to the theater and exploring some other historical parts of managua (but don't worry mom, I won't go out alone when it gets dark!).

So for now I think I'm going to go do some reading. I'll post again soon and no worries I'm safe!