It´s about to begin...Jinotega

Hi friends. I´m in Nicaragua, 7 days already its been, and already i´ve digressed to yoda speak thanks to Spanish word order. The real fun is about to begin today when we pick up our 23 high school participants from the Managua airport.

For those of you who didn´t know, I am spending the next 5 weeks in a pueblo in Nicaragua called Jinotega, about 3 hours north of the capital Managua. I am here with a program called VISIONS service adventures, you can google that for more information. We are about to begin a huge project for an even littler pueblito, San Gabriel. Our goal is to dig a ditch and lay pipe to bring fresh spring water to the farmers in the area. We took a hike from the tree, to the mountain in the distance where the natural spring exists. All of the water will run to a tank to collect and then be redistributed to over 100 famililies in the area, who we will join in digging the ditch. We took a hike to see the whole stretch, and it was by far the best hike I have ever been on,
We are teaming up with an amazing NGO called AVODEC, a program started by the coolest man in town, Victorino, who has poured his heart and soul into his work. I am really looking forward to getting to know him and his organization better.
It is the rainy season here in Nicaragua. In Jinotega it has rained everyday we have been here, but only sporadically. We are surrounded by green mountains, reminiscent of the scenary in the lost series, or jurrasic park. I hope I never lose the appreciation for its beauty.
The people here carry a tough demeanor, but the little gesture of hola can change their stoic look into a warm and welcoming one.
Me and my co'leaders have been tremendously busy the past week, finding our house, and all of the furnishings to go with it. It has been a rewarding but exhausting process. Our food honcho Ian has really been on his game, communicating with our cook and learning the market system.
I am already in love with the town. It has a very tranquillo feel. Gringo appearances are far and few between. The tourist feel I usually experience travelling has already se acabo.
I´m very excited to the experience the high schoolers will have here. Jackie, our master activity planner has set up great activities in and around Jinotega. The cloud rain forest sounds especially spectacular.
And above all, interacting with Victorino, his family, the people at AVODEC and our amazing bus drivers the Blandon brothers will make this experience one I will never forget.