In the field: Nicaragua

We’ve arrived! Morgan and I have been in Managua, Nicaragua almost a week. Stepping off the plane was an experience in itself since arriving from such a cold winter. After passing customs we stepped outside into the humid, hot night. If you’ve traveled abroad, especially in Central America or parts of Africa, you know this sensation all too well I’m sure. Bustling taxi drivers attempting to take your bags to guide you to their taxi, the ever-so-present smell smoky smell, the sounds of taxis beeping and screeching on brakes in their constant dance to reach their next passenger. faster than the next. It’s one of my favorite parts of traveling to a new city. We had a friendly face waiting for us with an Operation Smile sign so we didn’t have to barter with anyone upon arrival, which is always a relief. We drove into the night to Hotel Colon where we have been staying the past six nights.

Our medical mission officially starts on Wednesday when 70+ volunteers arrive from across the world. Morgan and I arrived a week early to do a number of things to prepare for the mission, mainly helping the local program coordinator in Nicaragua with tasks. We drove to Chinandega (where the medical mission will be) on Friday to meet with the local hospital and make sure everything is in order for the mission. It has been fascinating to witness how all the pieces fit together, from sourcing the pharmaceuticals to getting the cargo cleared through customs to arranging everything for volunteers.

Two days ago, we were sitting at lunch in a small restaurant in Managua when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a friend I have not seen in 3 years, Katie McKenzie, who works in South Carolina. I could barely recognize her, it was so out of context. Once the realization hit, I was in complete shock. I think I hugged her four times within two minutes. I love coincidences, based on this mantra:

When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities. This is when the magic begins. This is a state I call synchrodestiny, in which it becomes possible to achieve the spontaneous fulfillment of our every desire. Synchrodestiny requires gaining access to a place deep within yourself, while at the same time awakening to the intricate dance of coincidences out in the physical world.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a coincidence this strong, and it was such reaffirmation that I am in the right place. It made me feel very grateful, and also was a huge sense of relief. I feel like I’ve been living the past month holding my breath, curious if I made the right decision to take this job and move away.

No more time for writing now- heading to the Huembes Market to buy little gifts for volunteers.

Chow!

Little glimpses: 

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Nice spot at Hotel to relax

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Hotel Colon, where my sister realized she stayed 20 years ago! photo 1 (2)At the office discussing medical supplies

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photo 3 (1)BioMed David getting equipment ready for surgery week

photo 2Plastic Surgeon Rodrigo, Indiana, Diana, and my trainer Morgan