Landing on my feet

OK! I have officially arrived in Honduras. Well, I got here on Thursday of last week. It has taken me this long to get the energy to sit down and WANT to write this blog. Writing is a bit of a chore for me, but I want to share my experiences with you all and I made promises...unfortunately. That's enough negativity for one post, the rest will be really upbeat! After forgetting my passport and having to leave a day later than planned (yes I have officially had the worst travelling experience EVER) I did make it here. I panicked for about 5 mins in the airport because my flight got in early and the family who I am working for was no where to be seen. I had no plan B. Stupid - I know. Luckily Americans are easy to find and inside the airport I was very safe. I did finally find them and they fed me lunch and the "getting-to-know-each other" phase began.
There are 3 children in the family I am working for (3rd, 5th and 8th grade). They are high-energy and very fun. I am getting along with them and their parents very well so far! Today was day 2 of school for me and I help, teach and guide for 3-4 hours in the morning, then we eat lunch like we haven't seen food in days - learning is hard work! Afternoons are for chores, playing and secret learning (when Christine tries to sneak learning into everyday activities). I am also developing a learning schedule for Spanish and Honduran sign language. Phew! My brain hurts just thinking about it!
Over the weekend I got to visit the town and learn more about Honduras and the specific town we live in, Siguatepeque. It is a good sized town half-way between the two major cities in Honduras. The most important thing I learned was that, even though we're really safe in our home (which is beautiful - more on that later) I have to be aware that when I step through the gate, I am in danger. Crime (drugs, stealing, killings) is just a part of life in this city and as an American female I need to be aware of the dangers all the time. Essentially, I stay out of the bad parts of town, I don't go places alone and I don't get in taxis. (Sorry Mom, Dad and Laurie...I know this is scaring you - God is keeping me safe!!) On Sunday I went to church with my family. It is a small North American style church that has services in English, Spanish and Honduran Sign language. I met about a million people on Sunday! There are also Wednesday night services. I think I am going to enjoy being a part of this church. I will be helping with children's church occasionally too!
Another thing I will hopefully have the chance to do is volunteer at the VERY SMALL public school nearby. Many of their teachers are untrained and Paul, the dad in the family, I am working with, said they would love to have me help out there. Also Paul works with a children's home that has many special needs children and they are struggling with education for them because they aren't sure what learning disabilities the children have. He asked if I could help test them and talk with the teachers there about specific way to teach children with learning disabilities. Do you know how exciting and terrifying both of those things are. I am so young and so inexperienced, but with the little experience I do have and with God on my side, I know I am qualified to help in some way!
Can I tell you the craziest thing? These kids think I'm cool. I know some of you are thinking - man I wish I could tell them some stories about how weird Christine really is. But they love my weirdness, they think I know cool games, they love crafts and playing outside. They also love to ask questions. I told them I am seriously considering making a list of the questions that they ask me everyday and posting the answers as well so I can say "Refer to questions #7 on the list on questions you ask everyday". Question #1 is: Do you like the cat? We adopted a gatito on the way home from the airport on Thursday. He is SO ugly, but has the best personality of any cat I've ever met. He is going to be cute some day (when all his hair grows in and you can't count every rib...) and he will be irresistible then. Already, it has conned me into sharing ice cream with it twice, in 5 days- I'm a sucker!
This house is I'm living in is nice! Lots of plants indoors, room  to play outside and I don't have to share a bedroom!
This is getting really long.
I will leave you with this thought. We talked about how truly great Christians are the ones who serve others, put others ahead of themselves, and bear one another's burdens. It left me thinking, because by virtue of my job right now I am a servant. I chose to come here and volunteer for a school year to help this missionary family. BUT, that doesn't mean I have a true attitude of service or selflessness. It is something I know I am moving toward and need to work on everyday.
If you are reading this and you are my friend or family - I love and miss you!!!