Hello from Honduras! But first, a quick history...

I'm happy to report that I arrived safely without any major difficulties. Although I was nervous to go through customs and manage my bags on my own, I did it. I walked out of the baggage claim wearing two backpacks and wheeling two suitcases, (looking super beautiful, as anyone who has spent the past 12 hours awake and traveling is bound the look...) hoping that someone from NPH would be there. And sure enough, as I walked out of customs, I saw the NPH sign and was greeted with a hug.

Before I dive into my first day here, I wanted to back up and explain exactly what I'm doing here. I know many of you have heard me talk about NPH, but I want to familiarize anyone who hasn't had the chance to hear me gush about this amazing organization that I'm lucky to be a part of.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH,) was founded by Padre William Wasson in Mexico. Rather than testify against a young boy caught stealing in the church, Padre Wasson decided to ask for custody. Over time, Padre Wasson became the guardian of over 1,000 children in Mexico. NPH Honduras welcomed its first children in 1986, and is the second oldest NPH home. There are now NPH homes in 9 different countries in Central and South America.

Each NPH home has employees, but they also have volunteers from all over the world who spend a year working in a specific job. So, I was particularly interested in the homes that had speech-language pathologist positions.

I actually applied for NPH in December 2011, when I was applying for graduate school. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go straight to grad school, or if I should take a year off. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into two NPH homes, and so badly wanted to come. However, due to a variety of reasons I was unable to volunteer in 2012 after graduation. I called the USA volunteer coordinator crying, but she encouraged me to reach out after my Master's.

In March of this year, I emailed the NPH USA volunteer coordinator to say hello, and see if I could still apply. I was juggling a variety of international options and programs, but I wanted to be considered for NPH as well. Things moved quickly, and after a quick catch-up interview, I was offered a position as the speech-language pathologist.

And now, I'm here! I'm tired and sweaty and a little overwhelmed, but I'm here. And for that, I am thankful.

Here we go...

With less than 12 hours before I leave for the airport, it's time to get this blog up and running! My bags are packed, my to-do list is dwindling, and the adventure I've hoped and prayed for for over two years is just about here.

I've never blogged before, so bear with me as I figure this out. I'll do my best to post regularly, and share my experiences with you. Thank you for the love, prayers, well wishes, and support as I head to Honduras for the year. More to come soon!