We're here!

We arrived in Managua late last evening and after a long wait at customs, we finally met up with Lennin and Lester, our guide, driver, translators and basic great guys who brought us to the Nehemiah Center where we thankfully got a good night's sleep. Today we were introduced to 3 different schools, Jordan, Mt Hermon, and Treasures of God schools where we learned their histories and helped out in different ways. It's wonderful to see the passion in the schools for God and Christ and for the students and their families. Each school has their own story, their own struggles and their own blessings. The hospitality among the people here is heart warming and we're getting a chance to practice our Spanish while they practice their English, thankfully their English is better than our Spanish :).
-Jake

I must say that we were expecting much less than what we actually have here. The food is very good and even better than that, their fresh fruit juices. Our guides are very nice and welcoming and I keep repeating to the girls that they are just so perfect for our group; their sarcasm, funny remarks and joking around is 'SO us'. Our sleeping arrangements are working out quite well. Mrs.Caroline, Annelies and Lea are in one room and connected to that; myself, Tessa and Katherine which definitely helps with the heat factor although we haven't been complaining yet. We had the opportunity to visit three schools today, but only actually got to interact with the children at one school which we have many pictures of to show you when we get home. Much more to write about, but I will give the others the opportunity to speak about their day as well.
-Anya

OLAAA!! Waking up this morning wasn't the easiest thing to do, mainly because throughout the night we heard geckos, roosters, angry barking dogs and so many other animals that I cant even identify. Things are very different here in Nicaragua; replace squirrels for skinny chickens, dogs, cows and the occasional horse. Replace houses, condos and apartments for one level shacks without doors and windows. Replace acorns for mangos. If you think Quebec drivers are bad...you are sadly mistaken. No road rules apply here; driving on the wrong side of the road is a non issue.
PS. : Hi Aunt Belinda ;)
-Annelies

First things first. The food here is pretty amazing. We were definitely not expecting  that. the place we are staying is super nice. I know that i didn't sleep too well last night  because of all the noise, but we had fun today regardless of our tiredness. It is ridiculously humid here but were managing. This morning we visited 2 different schools and got to play around with the kids and learn about the history of the school. In the afternoon after lunch we went to a  school for the disabled children. it was sad to see but it was nice to know they had a place to go for help. The language barrier is pretty crappy too cause we all want to talk to the kids but we cant.
Hello mother father and brothers. miss and love you.
-Tessa

Hello North America, pretty much everything that has happened today has been summed up by the other girls (big mouths). Well, in fact I haven't read theirs yet...so there will be repetition. Its 8 pm right now and we just finished a delicious dinner, those Nicaraguans can cook. Anyways, today we visited three schools which was fairly tiring but it was fun. I got to put my Spanish skills to the test with the children. I got pretty attached to my little group of grade 2ers. They made me little cards to take home:). The thing I love most about Nicaragua is definitely the driving, the drivers are MAD. Its so hilarious! Don't worry Mom our driver Lester is the best and would never lead us astray. But it's actually so fun to see the village, the side road stands and all the stray puppies (and cows and chickens) while we drive. Ok well ill save the rest for another time. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love you Mom and Dad (and the rest of the Toufexi)
-Lea

Greetings from Nicaragua!
I knew Nicaragua would be different from Montreal, but I had no idea what to expect. I was not prepared for the heat and the amount of creatures there are. From the huge and loud bugs, to the random dogs in the street (one even crossed on the crosswalk last night, smart dog!). Everything is loud too, its hard to fall asleep when you're not sure what exactly is making those noises. Today we visited three schools, which really showed me how much we take for granted, when students here don't even have pencils, and a pack of 18 crayons per class is like a miracle to them. The culture is so different and it's amazing to see all kinds of animals wondering wild where ever they please. The bathrooms aren't that great so I'm trying my best not to go too often! :S
Love you Mommy, and I miss you all, tell Mark I say hi!
- Katherine :)

Ola! I'm not going to repeat all the details of the day that mi amigas already shared. I will say that the thing that struck me the most about the teachers and principals we met was their passion for Christian education and the love and dedication they had for their students. Many students here drop out after grade six to go and work. Only 2 out of ten go on to highschool but only one of those two will graduate. WOW!
At the end of the day we went to the grocery store and being the good Dutch girl that I am I feel the need to share this ( Belinda you'll appreciate this) ; We managed to buy two bags of oreo cookies, two boxes of ice cream sandwiches, milk, a large bottle of fanta, two mangos, and a small thing of chocolate milk all for $11.50 US!!!! That's it for now, love to all. Miss you hon.
-Caroline

Talk to you all again tomorrow-Jake