They're here!

After a day that started with a 4:00 a.m. departure from Goshen, our 22 Nicaragua SSTers arrived in Managua at about 9:00 p.m. local time. Our Country Coordinator Dalena and I waited eagerly as they emerged from customs, all smiling and in good spirits despite the very long day and the intense heat that greeted them as we exited the airport. We were fortunate to have an air-conditioned bus ride to Centro Kairós, a retreat center on the outskirts of Managua. After a late-night bite to eat and water bottle refills, everyone seemed ready for bed.

We’ll spend tomorrow here at Kairós, doing orientation on cultural matters, host family expectations, health and safety issues, and basic survival skills that will help the students begin to adjust to their new “home” for the next 12 weeks. We’re looking forward to an exciting semester with a great group of students, so check back soon!

— Lisa