This is my 10th day to be in Nicaragua....I'm all settled in and enjoying the differences. Life is lived at a slower pace here. At least it's slower than the schedule I was on at home! The last few months before I came were so, so busy. A couple of days ago, I thought I was gonna have a breakdown, 'cause it felt like I was being lazy. Seriously. It was difficult for me to slow down. BUT, it's a really good thing. And I will be getting busier in the next couple of weeks. I asked God to help me accept the peace. lol. I'm able to relax and have quiet. To spend time listening to the birds, to God and to the rain.

Speaking of the rain, we're in the middle of a tropical storm/hurricane (Alma) right now. The first of the season. It rained all through the night and it hasn't stopped this morning, until now, it's slowed up quite a bit. The pool level has gone up probably 6-8 inches. We live up on a mountain which is a good thing in this case. To see the people on the news who've lost their less than a shack "houses" because of the rain that's come in the last 12 hours is very hard to accept. Pray for a place for these people. One lady they showed was sitting in a hammock in her little metal scraps with 4 children with the rain coming in. so sad. I wanna help them......

 I live with Sarah and her family...we have fun times. The living room. :)

Teresa, a lady who lives with us, went out to go to work but came back home because of the rains. She and I talk alot throughout the day (in what English and Spanish we can communicate with). My dictionary has been 'my life' here, after my Bible.  I've been teaching English to a sweet friend, Johana. She works as a secretary at the church were our missionary friends pastor. Johana and me work together for about 2 hours at a time....working on English and then Spanish. Since I've been here I've noticed a big difference in what I can understand. Even though I can't speak as much as I understand, it's coming along good. Next week a group from Pennsylvania are coming down here for a mission trip. They are holding a conference for Christian business owners and then over the weekend will be a big rally for the youth in the city. Please pray that many are encouraged and accept Jesus as their Lord.

 Teresa and me Johana and me

What else can I tell you about my time so far....hmmm....well the food is good. Really good. The biggest difference with the food is that we eat TONS more carbs than I normally do at home. At a few meals I've had 3 carbs together-rice, potatoes, and yuca or plantain. (it's hilarious since some friends (you know who you are!) tease me about being conscious of eating lots of carbs....it's all coming back on me! hehe!). BUT, I've decided that they eat so many carbs here to give them more energy to combat this heat.

 ("Carne Asada"- a place we went to get some great food.  It's an outdoor kitchen located right on a street corner. People can walk up for food to go or sit and eat)

  Carina- lives outside my bathroom window and talks (in Spanish) more than any other bird I've ever heard....she talks, sings, and dances.  She likes the rain- it's like she's singing in the shower.   It's hilarious.

Last Sunday the heat was horrible. I looked around in church and NO ONE seemed to be sweating as much as I was...I felt soaked. And in my heels, make-up and with my hair down... agh! I'll get used to it.  The presence of God is so sweet in church. It's all worth it! These people are all so hungry for God...rain or shine (or heat!). Pictures from Church Saturday and Sunday.-----

I'm mostly here to help Mrs. Vivian with anything she needs....I'm her assistant and run errands with her. Monday was my first government meeting.... didn't understand more than a few words. :)  It will get better though! 

Before I left home my cousin, my sisters Emily and  Bethany and me pulled an almost all night-er putting together a scrapbook for me to bring to Nic....it's sooo cute and reminds me of home. 

<3,   Brittany