Christmas Travels: A Picture Story

Here are my Christmas adventures in pictures! (this is what happens when I have high speed internet for once! :D)

1. The beginning of our travels--Parque Nacional Cerro Azul

Fellow adventurers include 3 fellow SMs (Kandice, Sasha, and Heidi), Kandice's mom, Sharlene, and boyfriend Jared.

3. Tela.

Now, it's pretty darn hard to beat this place. I almost fell over and died when we walked straight through the back door of our hotel and saw this:

4. The Trip to Utila

One night in a hostel (bed #8)
One taxi ride to the ferry dock (waited 1+ hrs for the ferry)

One bright, windy, perfectly clear ferry ride toward a speck on the horizon (dolphin siting included),

and One picture of our arrival to the beautiful island!

5. UTILA
Taking pictures in the back of the truck during the tour of the island.

Our amazing hotel! We could look down from our second-story deck and see our own private aquarium; stingrays of all sizes, huge pufferfish, pelicans fishing, and tons of beautiful fish.

For only 100 lempira a day, you could rent a bike to roam the island! So fun!

If you ever go to Utila, dive with Parrots. They know what they're doing and they're awesome!

Just before our dive!

On the ocean floor (only 30 feet). I think I'm the one on the far left. haha!

Riding in the back of (another) truck, this time to expore freshwater caves.

Christmas Galore!

Today we finished our last day of school before Christmas vacation. Three glorious school-free weeks stretch before us!

Yesterday we barely had school. The entire school spent most of our morning classes practicing for our massive Christmas concert. Then, 5th grade had their Christmas party. As is becoming usual for parties, I supervized the pizza, soda, and candy distribution for my 5A class while Emily (my co-teacher) took 5B.

Then, the best part---we combined the classes for our Secret Santa! The very first person to go was Cristian (check out my earlier blog to learn more about him...). He shyly handed his present to.... ME! So adorable! The kids went crazy every time a gift exchanged between a boy and a girl--I think I even heard shouts of 'Beso! Beso!' (Kiss kiss!). Haha.

And again, today, Emily and I decided that it would be worthless to teach anything. So, once the Christmas program practice ended this morning, we did absolutely nothing! I played Simon Says, On the line Off the line, and we sang Christmas songs. Throughout the rest of the day, we had the kids color Santa Clause, do Christmas word searches and puzzles. The kids loved it, obviously, and so did I. :D

Tonight's the Christmas concert! Wish my kids luck!

Student Files: Eduardo

Don't let his baby face fool you. Eduardo's a joker to the core.

I picked him as one of my favorites before the first two weeks of class ended. He cracks me up and infuriates me within the same class period. He stands up during the middle of my Math class constantly!

The other day, as I checked their Math homework, Eduardo looked at me and said, 'Miss, I am a fox.' I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but I didn't really have time to ask further so I just nodded and said 'Ohhhh really, Eduardo.' He nodded (with the same smile you see in this picture) and I moved on.

Miss Emily (my co-teacher) had a chance to ask him more questions when he told her the same thing. The conversation proceded as follows:

Eduardo: Miss, I am a fox.

Diana(who sits directly behind Eduardo): Oh yes, Miss. He is a fox.

Miss Emily: Oh really, and what does that mean?

Diana: It means he has many girlfriends.

Miss Emily: Oh really? Well did you know that, in English, when you call someone a fox?

Diana: What?

Miss Emily: It means you think he's very handsome!

Diana (and all the girls sitting in the vicinity): OH NO, MIIIIISSSS!

(Eduardo gets embarrassed.)

I guess he's quite the loverboy! hahaha. My kids crack me up!

Christmas comes!

Count-down to Christmas!

Last week my kids' parents decorated our classrooms! In 5B I have to push garland out of my way in order to open the door. In 5A twinkling Christmas lights cover half the whiteboard, which makes it difficult to do long-division, but I love the decorations! (Despite the fact that the sun's out and I change into shorts every day as soon as I get home from school....Merry Christmas?)

In preparation for our Christmas program next week, each class is learning a Christmas song. 5th grade will sing 'O Come All Ye Faithful' (which also happens to be one of my favorite Christmas songs). All week long we've been practicing at 11:00 in the auditorium--too bad we haven't had a chance to practice with the keyboard yet! Still, they manage to keep on tune (most of the time).

On Friday we don't have school, but we're giving the parents their students grades for the first Partial (quarter). Basically, it's an all-day Parent-Teacher Conference. Should be interesting!

This week the SMs chose Secret Santas! . On Monday paper snowflakes and packages of cookies covered my bed. On Tuesday one of my students told me that there was juice sitting on my desk, accompanied with a cute note. Yesterday I found a bag of cheetos and a Christmas card taped to the wall in the Teachers' lounge. Since there are only 7 of us, the hardest part is trying to do anything without another missionary seeing it! We live and work in such a close proximity! :D

Mostly, I can't believe it's December already. In 6 months I'll fly home. Talk about a weird feeling.

May God bless you this Christmas season! :D

Student Files: Onintza

Before I even met my 5th graders I heard about Onintza. She's a star.

Oni doesn't have to study very much at all, and she gets perfect scores. She's not the over-acheiver type like Sally--she just knows she's the best.

This girl loves to tease.

One day I'd given the class their assignment and they started busily scratching in their Science notebooks. I was trying to decide if I had enough time in class to do my second activity and ended up zoning into oblivion. (oops.)

Suddenly a movement caught my eye and I re-focused to see Oni's little impish grin. She waved her tiny hand, raised her eyebrows and asked, 'Miss, what are you looking at?'

Eduardo and Cristian have taken to pestering her. Cristian leaned back in his chair, teasing her for every word she said, and Eduardo (completely turned around in his desk which sits in first row) egged Cristian on. Finally, Oni cried, 'Miss! Tell them to stop!' (as she attempted to hide a smile.)

Poor Oni. They all love her.

(Belated) Happy Thanksgiving!

(I totally forgot to post this on the day of, although it was written at the right time. Haha.)

Happy Thanksgiving a todos!

Yesterday the administration took the missionaries to the US Military base just 5 minutes away. EAch year the base puts on a special meal for Thanksgiving and most Americans in the area find a way to go. I was so excited to have a chance to see the base that we've heard about.

School got out early and, after a quick party with my 5B class (each kid brought something to share--cookies, chips, sandwiches), we hopped in cars and drove to the base.

The food=amazing. Good old American Thanksgiving with all the fixings. It was weird to see so many Americans and hear so much English!

Since we're having another Thanksgiving celebration on Sabbath, the SMs decided to make this Thanksgiving truly unique--we're fasting! We met together this morning to consecrate the day with prayer for those in our lives and for families at home.

This will be the only Thanksgiving on which I won't eat anything! :D

I wish you all well this holiday!

Awesome God

I forgot to tell this adorable story! Last week I taught my 4th and 5th graders the song Awesome God, including the first verse. 6th grade had learned the song (thanks to Miss Heidi) and when they sang it for chapel, my kids demanded to learn it. I wrote the words on the board and sang it through with all four of my Bible classes (4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B) all week long. Honestly, it got a annoying.

On Thursday my 4B class (the WORST behaved class) begged me, 'Miss! Can we sing Awesome God today???' again. A little wearily, I agreed. We started the verse:

When he rolls up his sleeves he ain't just puttin' on the ritz.
Our God is an awesome God.
There is thunder in his footsteps and lightning in his fists.
Our God is an awesome God.
And the Lord he wasn't joking when He kicked 'em out of Eden,
and it wasn't for no reason that he shed his blood.
His return is very soon and so you better be believin' that
Our God is an awesome God.

(you have no idea how cute that sounds in Spanish accents)

Then they blasted the chorus as loud as they possibly could:

Our God is an awesome God,
He reigns from Heaven above
with wisdom, power and love.
Our God is an awesome God.

As the force of their singing hit me I couldn't help but realize the power of our God. He hears these kids' praise. He cares for each one.

He really is awesome.

Honduras vs. Mexico!

Wednesday night rocked! Seriously.

Some of us watched the big Honduras vs. Mexico game at Julio's house (the computer teacher). To be honest, I almost fell asleep on the couch--sorry, I find soccer kinda boring. Honduras won 1--0. The city exploded!

Julio walked us home, but he wanted to go down the boulevard on the way back. There, an impromptu parade had started. People rode in trucks up and down the 5 blocks from the school to our street, shouting, cheering, screaming, hugging random people on the street.Crowds lined the street, cheering. Groups of teenage guys ran from truck to truck, shaking them. Everyone wore blue and white (Honduras' flag colors). We wore our newly-purchased soccer jerseys and joined the crowd.

My throat is sore from screaming 'Hon-dur-as! Hon-dur-as!' or singing 'Ole! Ole-Ole-Ole!' all night. Not only did we join the crowd, but we hopped in a minivan belonging to a mom of one of our students and joined the parade! We rode the boulevard twice, a pack of gringas sporting Honduras pride.

On Thursday my 4th grade boys asked me after class, 'Miss, when Honduras plays the USA, who you cheer for?'

'Both!' I said--'Hon-dur-as! U-S-A!'

Castillo de Omoa trip!

Sunday we drove to the coast!

Thanks to one of the Honduran teachers, all the missionaries piled into a (mini-sized) 15 passenger van. We drove 4 hours to Omoa, a coastal town, and toured the old Spanish fort there! (It cost about 10 lempiras for locals--40 lempiras for all 'foreigners.' Fair? I think not!) I loved exploring, taking pictures, and soaking in all the green-ness that grows there.

We drove about a block down the street and stood on the beach! I didn't realize how much I've missed the basics of a beach--wind, the sound of surf, and sand! Of course, the beach didn't invite much swimming or sunbathing. It looked slightly iffy and trash littered the tiny stretch of sand. Better beaches are farther away....

On the long drive back we stopped in San Pedro Sula, the biggest city in Honduras, and wandered around the big mall. It's MASSIVE! Talk about reverse culture shock. :D In the food court I bought Honduras' version of Mexican food.... quite the experience!

This week we're calculating grades. 6 kids in each section didn't pass Math, but they have one more chance to make it up--the Recuperation test I'm giving on Thursday. Sigh. I hate telling kids that they didn't pass.

Student Files: Alex

Alex cracks me up 24-7. He is the funniest kid I've ever come across. He's always so happy, but in such a quiet, contained way!

I got a tour of his house a few weeks ago. I walked down the street with one of the full-time missionaries, Jenny, to her apartment after school one day. She lives next door to Alex.

He saw me and, containing his excitement, asked, 'Miss, come see my house.' I said sure, and was lead through the nicest house I've seen in Honduras--beautiful tables, two TVs, designer drapes. Wow. His parents are rich! And the whole time Alex stood there in quiet pride, giddiness, and excitement.

Just yesterday I called him up to my desk to show him his grades for the first Partial (quarter). I pointed at my grid, 'Alex, you got 86% in Math, 98% in Science, and 96% in Bible. You did very well, Alex!'

His face glowed with concealed pleasure. 'Yes, Miss,' is all he said. And he started chanting '86 Math, 98 Science, 96 Bible' over and over on the long trek back to his seat, his face all scrunched up in concentration.

I wish I had a video of him for you--he does daily, normal things in such a (i know i shouldn't say it about a boy, but it's true!) cute way!!

Champas, Tests, and a Soon Approaching Battle

Last Thursday our school hosted a cultural night called Champas! I love it!

For me it was a Honduran blend of WWU's Barn Party and MGA's (my high school) Fall Fair. The secondary classes set up booths that represented Honduras' states and sold traditional food. I broke down and bought food from a couple booths and walked away stuffed for only 40 lempiras (2 dollars)!

The picture on the left shows me with some of my 5th grade girls all dolled up for the night; Kora, Celeste, Amy, Linda, (me), and Daniela.

Each grade wore old Honduran costumes and danced! Oh my word, my 5th graders looked so adorable as they twirled all over the cancha. I snapped pictures continuously, cheering and feeling very much like a proud parent. Haha! Even my crazy 4th graders ( shown in the picture below) looked like angels.

We had Parent Teacher Conferences again on Friday. I think my class does so well because their parents are so involved! One mother asked if I could tutor her daughter two days a week: I'm really looking forward to the one-on-one interaction!

This week the teachers are all preparing for Partial exams. Next week is test week--even the little kids have tests! Have I mentioned how much I hate calculating grades?

I witnessed a rat in our house. Bethani attempted to hide his presence from the rest of us(apparently she thought we'd over-react??), but the secret's out. I sailed through the kitchen last week just in time to see him scamper down the windowsill. I was not as discreet in my disdain.

This means war.

Student Files: Cristian

Cristian Noel Juarez Fiallos.

Insert frustration here!

This boy is my most difficult student behavior-wise. He repeated fourth grade last year. He should technically be in 6th grade now, but instead he disrupts 5A daily.

Unfortunately, he's smart. This shouldn't be a problem except he's lazy, too. He sits through most of my classes, tuning me out or distracting other students, and then manages to pass the tests. He doesn't do well, but he passes without any effort.

When he wants to be helpful he rocks! But some days he makes me fight him about the dumbest things. If I have to tell him to tuck in his PE uniform shirt one more time..... sigh. haha!

I KNOW he's smart and I KNOW he could be an amazing influence on the other boys in the class.... I just haven't figured out how to get him to realize his potential. So, that's something you can definitely keep in your prayers!

Cockroach Massacre 2008

Our third long weekend this month! I have no idea what holiday we're celebrating but I won't complain.

Unfortunately, our plans to visit Tela (our closest beach... only 3 hours away by bus) fell through due to weather. It rained for about 2 and 1/2 days straight--one of my students told me there's a hurricane near Mexico? Oh well. We decided we didn't want to pay all the money for transportation and rooms just to watch it rain on the beach. Haha.

Saturday night I chatted online with 4 people in 4 different countries--3 fellow SMs in Pohnpei, Palau, and Australia and an ACA student in Spain. It was awesome! What are the odds that we'd all be online at the same time, despite our different time zones? I was thrilled!

The girls in my house and I decided to get our weekly cleaning chores done on Sunday. The cockroaches had to die. I came downstairs from scrubbing the shower and found a small battle raging--Kayla mastered the Raid and Bethani wielded the dustpan, squashing anything that moved. At that point, the cockroach death count totaled 12. Gross. I attempted to help, but only the mop handle remained as a weapon.


I thought the battle ended twice, but the war had only begun. Just when we thought we'd killed them all, more cockroaches evacuated the Raid-covered cupboards. Screaming, flailing, crushing cockroaches right and left. Since I had no real weapon, all I could do was scream and point: "There's one! Get it! Get it!" Bethani shouted, "Kristen, screaming will not kill them!" Without a thought, I replied, "I can't help it!" Apparently I was the only one screaming. Haha! We sprayed so much Raid we couldn't breathe. Then we started counting. 61 COCKROACHES in one day. Gross.

I haven't seen a single cockroach since.

Student Files:Alondra

Oh Alondra.

Matter-0f-fact. Direct. Curious. Helpful. Honest. This girl never ceases to crack me up.

I remember my first real encounter with this girl. I heard some Spanish jabbering behind me (which they are NOT supposed to be doing--the school is very strict about the students speaking only English in class) so I turned around from the whiteboard, marker in hand, and asked the oh-so-obvious question, 'Are you speaking Spanish?' (Brilliant, I know.) Two little boys shook their heads furiously, saying, 'Nooooo, Miss! No Spanish!' Alondra stopped, blinked, held up her hand, and stated, 'I will not lie, Miss. Yes, I spoke the Spanish.'

Her name went on the board and I had to laugh to myself the rest of the day.

Alondra is my Science girl. She had THE BEST questions for me when we learned about the Human Heart. I was afraid to answer some of them without confusing the rest of the class.

Unfortunately, she's the only one who still wrinkles her nose at Human Reproduction, even after my 'You guys are mature 5th graders' speech. After a long discussion about ovaries and ova, Alondra raised her hand and asked, 'Miss, you like this topic?'

In true teacher fashion I said something along the lines of, 'Yes, isn't it interesting to see how complicated the reproduction process is and how everything all works together, just like the human heart does!'

Alondra frowned, 'But this is gross!'

She knows her own mind, that's for sure. :D

Inspections, Columbus, and Sleep overs.

Hello again, and Happy Columbus Day!

This weekend we stayed in Comayagua because we'd been assigned to bring cake for Sabbath's potluck dinner. Yes, we have potluck in Honduras, and it is goooood! :D

On Thursday the group of professionals quickly toured the school Rumors circulated that they'd observe our teaching, so I spent the first 3 class periods on pins and needles. But they returned to the office without stopping. Phew!

Despite the stress of the week, I thank the SDA committee for the best church service I've experienced in Comayagua. One of the committee members, a pastor, preached in our church on Sabbath. Here's the best part--he asked someone to translate, just so the missionaries could

understand! I didn't realize it until then, but it was the first sermon I've understood in two months!

Besides that, this weekend of rest has been much-needed. The seven of us decided to celebrate with a good old fashioned slumber party, complete with a pillow fight. :D

Sometimes it's hard to remember that I'm a teacher. Haha!

(p.s.--These pictures don't really have anything to do with this blog other than the fact that these 6 girls are my Honduras family and I wanted to share some of our adventures with you!)

Student Files: Carlos Gerardo

I spent the first 2 weeks of school thoroughly confused. I have two Carloses: Carlos P. and Carlos G. The good news is that their middle names are different!

Carlos Gerardo is another one of my brainiacs in 5B. He's as neat as a pin. While the other boys' books lay in tatters, he has his fastidiously piled on his desk until class starts.

He straight-up made me laugh the first day we had our Memory Verse recitation in Bible class. I had 5B working happily on a craft and I called them up one by one.

Carlos Gerardo walked purposely to my desk, spat out the first five words, and hit a mental brick wall. He strained and sputtered, winced, shifted his weight at least 8 times, and eventually pled, 'Miss! I knew it! I did!'

I couldn't help but laugh. I gave him 2 more minutes to study. 3 minutes later he told it to me perfectly and smiled.

His favorite class is Math. I have to keep reminding myself NOT to call on him for every question.

Student Files: Sally

Here is the first of my Student Files! I want to introduce you to my students.

I've thought about doing this for a while, so I finally broke down in my Science class yesterday and took pictures of all my students. Of course, they all turned uncharacteristically shy on me. :D

This is Sally Batres, one of my star students in 5B. Every time I ask a question, no matter what subject, her little hand shoots up before any of the other students have even registered the question. She wants to be the best student in Primary! I'm sure she will be.

The very first day of school I gave 5B the assignment, 'What did you do this summer?' and sat down, feeling a little unsure of my spot behind THE teacher's desk. Before I could look up I realized that Sally stood across from my desk.

Her huge dark eyes gleamed and she smiled her now-typically energetic smile, whispering, 'Miss, I'm not from Honduras either. I'm from Guatemala. Welcome!'

Yes, my heart melted. And every day her bright eyes dance as I watch new concepts click in her oh-so-fast mind.

Some students make teaching TOO much fun. Sally is one of them.

Weekend on Lake Yojoa

I'm starting to realize that we are NOT the only Americans in Honduras.

This Thursday the 7 of us strapped on our backpacks to get the most of our long weekend. Three bus rides later (complete with a 3 lempira bathroom break at a little store in the middle of no where) we found our self at the Lonely Planet guide's pick of places to stay at el Lago Yojoa--the D&D Bed and Breakfast. It was also a brewery. Haha. The seven of us opted to stay in one cabin instead of two (saving 300 lempira--approx. $15!!). 7 girls in 3 beds makes for an interesting night.

We met so many eccentric people! The D&D is run by an American--Bob Dale from Oregon-- and an eccentric British nomad named Malcolm. At breakfast on Friday he told us about the area and his uprooted life--working on farms in France, traveling through India, and finally deciding to settle down in a third world country village because of the amazing amount of unique bird species. He just looked odd, stroking his waist-length white beard and speaking Spanish in a British accent. Every time I thought the conversation was about to get interesting he'd jerk his head towards the bushes and pronounce, "That's a violet saber hummingbird making that clicking noise." Haha. The traveling community exists and thrives at the D&D.

We also met a group of 6 college-aged Americans! They're part of a group studying Spanish in a homestudy program from Calvin College in Tegucigalpa. On Sabbath morning we combined groups and rented rowboats out on the lake. It felt like something straight out of the Amazon... our guide Rafael probably found our rowing skills entertaining; he had 12 Americans to laugh at for 3 hours on the lake. Unfortunately, I didn't put on sunscreen on; the sky opened up and roasted me.

The lake was gorgeous and calm, but my knees and my shoulders have taken on the appearance of rare meat. But OH BOY did I lather myself in bug spray and I didn't get bitten once! Haha.

We've exchanged info with the Calvin kids, and they're going to come "student teach" in our classrooms one of these days.

I keep realizing just HOW AMAZING it is to be here. We are sooooo blessed!

Just Keep Swimming...

Another week over and another short week on the horizon. Friday is another holiday... I really don't know what holiday it is or why, but I have one less day to plan for, so I'm okay with it! The month of October is going to go quickly--we have 3 long weekends!

Friday was our first Parent-Teacher conference. I survived. Okay, better than that--I enjoyed meeting my students' parents! Some of my kids are miniatures of their parents. Haha. I'm sure my positive experience was due to my co-teacher Emily: the parents already love her from last year, so the pressure was off me. We had a translator with us, but most of the parents spoke English, which explains why our kids are so fluent.

Heidi got her violin in the mail this weekend. Friday night we brought out all our instruments and played song after song after song for worship. It was the most beautiful thing I've heard since I've been here. I played around on the violin on Sunday--I haven't played in a long time, but Heidi's going to teach me how to play with a praise band! :D

Back to school. I'm afraid my first Math class this morning lacked a little energy, but at least they understood the concepts, right? If only Cristian would stop distracting Eduardo, life would be perfect. :D

As hard as it is, I wouldn't want it any other way. I can't shake the feeling that I'm supposed to be here, that God prepared this position with me in mind. It fits.

I know I'm going to have to hold on to that. November is going to be a loooonnng month.

Parque Nacional de Cerra Azul Meamber

After traveling the 6 streets we've come to know and (sort of) love, the SMs decided we needed to get out. Comayagua is a great city, but the most grass we see is the tiny patch of crab grass outside the apartment; tile, tile, tile everywhere.

So this Friday a group of 8 (we brought along a native Honduran--Paul, the school's cashier. haha.) hopped on a bus to Cerra Azul Meamber National Park. According to our travel book it looked like a 1 and 1/2 hour bus ride to La Guama followed by a 30 minute taxi ride. As always, we were quite the spectacle.

On the bus, I couldn't help but notice the paradox of this country. My kids in Comayagua are wealthier than I am right now--they all have Hannah Montana backpacks, stickers, notebooks, and pencil sharpeners, they watch TV allll the time, and some of my kids have their own Wii. Five minutes out of Comayagua people live in the fields they work under a 5-square-foot shack. I know this difference exists in the US, but it seems so much more drastic.

The National Park rocked. The only cabin left for the night had bunk beds for 20... so all us girls slept on the top bunks, listening to the rain pound on the tin roof all night long. Finally, we saw some of the Honduras I'd always pictured. Sabbath morning we met our guide and headed out on the trails. Picture everything you've ever thought of when you hear the words "Rain Forest" and that's what it was. We swam in three waterfalls, hiked into the cloud forests, and ate our lunches of bread and PB on the top of a mountain. 5 hours after we left, we collapsed on the benches outside our cabin.

One exciting ride in the back of a truck and one squished bus ride between a little boy and a not-so-little woman later, we were back. It was nice to get back to Comayagua--it wasn't as strange looking as the first time we drove in. I recognized our very own Wendy's, Pizza Hut, and of course, the school.

Now I'm ready to hand out those Math tests tomorrow morning. :D

Honduran Independence Day 9/15

What a day. What a weekend.

Okay, nothing spectacular has happened this long weekend other than some major relaxing. Until this morning.

We were told to meet at the school at 6:00 for the parade. So we left our house around 6:05... and we still stood around for about half an hour before we left. Our kids looked so cute--all decked out in their band uniforms (complete with blue capes) or cheerleader outfits (Martha, a girl in my 5A class, was the head cheerleader... she got to carry the whistle and called the routines). I took pictures, which embarrassed the boys to no end. Priceless, really.

Then the parade started... Drums, pom poms, people lining the streets! The route ran 4 blocks down the main boulevard, turned left into the town, and then another left as we ended right in front of the Central Plaza. 10 blocks took 3 and 1/2 hours. And we were the 3rd school in the parade... I don't know what I would've done if we'd been assigned 12th. Most of the parade was spent standing still--or walking very very slowly. I have a very nice v-neck tan from my polo shirt. gross.

Honestly, though, it was cool to see the town come alive. Our band played so hard and energetically the whole time; I'm pretty sure my arms would've fallen off before we'd gone one block if I'd been playing the drums like those 11th graders were. Some of the other bands were crazy--one had clowns on stilts! Oh, explain this to me; the Catholic school marched right behind us... Nuns swarmed on every side, organizing the kids while their cheerleaders wore some kind of corset-and-mini-skirt combination with 3-inch heeled white boots. Ironic. haha.

Now we have two more glorious days of vacation, and Thursday is Teachers' Day! Apparently the 11th graders have some activities planned for us--I heard rumors of American Idol and Top Model. Hopefully I won't have to get involved. Haha. Then my 5th graders have their first Math test... it's written and ready to print. :D

Life goes on. Yesterday us SMs celebrated our 1 month anniversary in Honduras!

Dia de Los Ninos! 9/10

"Miss! What do you do for Kids Day where you come from?"
"We don't have Kids Day where I'm from! This is my first one ever!"
*mouths gaping open in shock*

Kids Day is amazing. School ended early and each class planned their own party! I helped out for 5B, who all brought money to school for Pizza Hut pizza! The rest of the afternoon, the kids played outside, played Heads Up Seven Up (they looooove that game), or Duck Duck Goose. The last game led to cries of "Miiiiiisss! Miiiiss! Come play with us!" One round of Duck Duck Goose on tile floor.... I almost landed on my face. Then, everybody got a piece of cake AND a brownie, and the day was just about over. Now I definitely don't understand why we don't do a Kids Day at home.

Yesterday we played our first soccer game! The girl teachers were supposed to play the 11th grade girls, but when we showed up at the school only 2 girls had shown up. We played against each other; my team won 9--3 (because we had 2 native Honduran teachers on our team, but shhhh!) It was fun!

Lesson plans are due tomorrow. Oh boy. And the big Jamaica vs. Honduras soccer game is tonight... fireworks keep going off randomly on our street.

I'm looking forward to a nice long weekend. Yay for Honduran Independence day!

Let me know how your summers are going!

First Week of Teaching 9/5

I´m about to finish my first week of school! So far, I love my kids, but I know I´m going to have a ton of work to do. I can´t wait for Sabbath! :D

My co-teacher Emily had this class last year in 4th grade and she trained them so well! They just do what I tell them to do! It´s amazing. And they´re so smart! I hope I don´t bore them!

Emily and Greg are an American couple (about 27 years old or so) who accepted God´s call to work in Honduras. This is their second year here, and they´re super helpful!

In contrast to my fabulous 5th graders, 4th grade is a nightmare! And I only teach them Bible. Okay, they´re not horrible, but they´re definitely a little on the crazy side. Every other word is ¨Miss! Miss! Miss!¨ I feel like the most boring teacher in the world because I can´t do anything fun with them. If you guys have any creative ideas for Bible classes, I would appreciate your help! I´m going to run out of ideas soon! haha.

Last night Bethani and I decided to make homemade pizza and we invited a couple of the other teachers over. It took forever! We always forget exactly how slow our oven is. :D

So far, I love teaching. I hope it lasts!

Week 1: Discoveries 8/25

Hello world!

So far, so good! All us SMs have fallen into a semi-routine, although things will be much more structured once school starts. The first day of school is on Friday (only a half day, though).

I'm teaching 5th Grade Math, Science, and Bible, and 4th grade Bible! I'm super excited. The principal says the 5th graders are one of the best behaved classes, and very fluent in English, too!

I'm still getting used to living in a city! We have a 7-10 minute walk to school every morning, down the main boulevard in town. Cat calls, kissing noises, cars honking, random English phrases thrown in our direction. I suppose a pack of seven American girls walking down the street is an odd sight. We'll get used to it.

Kaylah smashed a massive spider in our house yesterday with the broom. It was the size of a salad plate! I hid behind Bethani.

I felt very Laura Ingalls Wilder yesterday. I finished my lesson plans and helped Bethani knead our homemade bread. Then I washed my clothes by hand (our washing machine doesn't work) and hung them on the line. As Bethani says, all we need is the long braid of hair. Haha.

Today we're hoping to explore the town and do some tourist-y type stuff, while we're still tourists. :D