Here it is...

As of July 16, I have been nominated to serve as a
Rural Development Extensionist
(agriculture volunteer) in Nicaragua!!!!

I leave for staging (orientation) in Washington, D.C. on September 1, then take off on September 3 for Nicaragua.

At first I was a little hesitant to accept this nomination:
#1 – I have been to Nicaragua (twice in fact)
#2 – I was hoping to go to a country I've never been before

After long contemplation (about 3 days), I decided to accept the placement. My rational was that the positives of going to Nicaragua highly out way the negatives of declining the placement. I accepted this placement for the following reasons:

• I love, love Nicaragua! It's definitely one of the most beautiful countries I been to.
• I have been to Nicaragua before, therefore I have previous experience with the culture and customs of life in Nicaragua. This allows for me to dive right into training (11 weeks long) without being worried about what to expect from the country.
• While I was there I meet amazing missionaries who are connected to my home church. They currently reside in Managua (the capital), so I could possibly catch up with them when looking for something different to work on or other people to hang out with.
• I also have kept in contact with a few Nicaraguans who live in various communities in rural Nicaragua. It would be wonderful to see them again!
• My home church sends groups down every year for four weeks in the month of February to build schools and churches in rural communities. I thought it would be really great to see that many familiar faces every year. I know there will be times when I really miss everyone!

I am beginning to get really anxious about leaving. I know I will miss all my family and friends immensely! As of today I have 5 weeks and 3 days until takeoff...CRAZY! This is going to be a fun-filled, packed last month in order to see everyone and say goodbye for the next 2 years and 3 months of my life!