I have ARRIVED!!! Wow I cannot believe I am actually writing from sweet Nicaragua. I have officially been here for just about two weeks, which is so crazy. The goodbyes and plane rides already feel like a blur as I have jumped in to life down here.
The bulk of these first few weeks have focused on; Spanish, Spanish and more Spanish, connecting with people on my team and in my community, and of course running around with my sweet host family. Every day has offered LOTS AND LOTS of laughter as I am navigating (sometimes stumbling through) living in a new culture, learning a new language and making Nicaragua home.
One of the sweetest pieces of these beginning weeks has been my host family. My Nicaraguan family is as follows, a wonderful mom and dad, two younger brothers, 15 and 16, and a little sister of 11 years. Together we are all things loud and crazy and I couldn't be more thankful for them. From day one they have taught me that an abundant life is rooted in generosity and shown me the true heart of hospitality.
During the first week, I spent an afternoon at home preparing lunch with my parents. I asked if my new teammate Mandy could swing by for dinner that night. They smiled at me and said, "Of course! In this home we like to say, if there are two plates on the table, there is room for three." The two of them went back to cooking as I stood there, quite frankly shocked at the power of their words.
There is always room at the table. In two weeks alone, this family has exemplified Christ's heart in hospitality. Day after day I have seen them usher in the weak of heart and body, embracing them with love and good cooking. Their hearts yearn to love large and to give audaciously. I could not be more grateful for such an engaging and generous crew that I get to call family here. I am eager to see all that this incredible family will teach me as I do life with them for the next few months.