I am in the capital of Nicaragua, Managua, where I am pretty sure the humidity tops 90% and the temperature hovers at about the same. The only relief is the afternoon thunderstorm that rolls in each day about 4 pm and pounds the city until well after we have all gone to bed. There is something about the sound of rain in the tropics. It doesn´t just come down on the tin roof. It beats and dances and falls at a pace that leaves this desert dweller astounded. The volcanic, black earth soaks up each drop like a garden sponge. The cobblestone streets and sidewalks are green with a slight cover of moss and algae that thrives in this Central American pitre dish.
This work team has been phenomenal. You never know what you are going to get when you throw 8 strangers together (premise of many a reality tv show). We´ve done well balancing the personalities and strengths. It has been an interesting trip and I can say that I´ll keep in touch with this crew. They are kind, humble folk and I am so proud to be working with them.
Tonight we celebrate our farwell dinner before heading off to the airport in the morning to each fly home to our respective cities. I´m in Phoenix long enough to do a load of laundry and head back to the airport. A week from today I´ll be in Malawi on a tea plantation. There are days I cannot believe this is my life. I am beyond lucky.
At the moment, I am also beyond tired. I am ready not to be group leader, not to be the sole translator, not to be the one to get everyone back into the car, to dinner, to the airport. Eight days is enough. I´m reconsidering my dream of having a huge family.
Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tomorrow and downloading and sharing photos of this leg of the summer´s journey. The orphanage was amazing and they were very, very thankful for the clothing.
More manana,
Kelli