We made the decision to start school late this year, mostly because we had no water.You can imagine that 300+ people at the school and no working toilets would be awful! (We actually DID start without water, but we had a supply of water with which to flush the toilets. We ran out on Wednesday and things were bad. Very yucky.) So we took extra time to decorate our classrooms, cover a million books (all the text books need to be covered) and just have a good time getting to know each other more. We had a meeting for all the parents of the school, mostly mothers came and it got me really excited about starting school. We gave them all their children's uniforms and told them about new school rules and expectations for the year and I could easily imagine kids filling the seats in each class. That whole extra week we had, I was so antsy to meet my students.
At the end of that week, we went out to dinner with all of the teachers. I thought this was just a normal informal dinner. WRONG! Turns out t-shirt and jeans was.....not quite was everyone else was wearing. I couldn't solve said problem, so I just acted like it was OK. Anyway, we had a great dinner and at the end of it each of us took time to share what God had taught us the last few weeks. Many of the teachers shared how excited they were to work in a truly Christian environment and be able to teach children about the Lord. Most of us agreed how eye opening it was to visit our students home and see how they live. We can also see God's hand clearly in the ministry and know that is it going to be a fantastic year.
We had a long weekend before school started, so a bunch of us went hiking at Panacam. It was great to just spend some time in nature, far from taxis honking, people yelling on the street, motorcycles racing past my window at midnight. Peace, quiet, friends. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. That evening we went to our pastor's house, just to fellowship and MAN was it raining! We've had some crazy rainstorms since I've been here. I know it's rainy season, but I don't think I'll ever get used to it raining every afternoon! I do so love to sleep to the sound of rain though.
Monday morning, bright and early I hopped out of bead and rushed around my house getting ready for the first day of school! We got on the bus and picked up all the kids. They all look so adorable in their uniforms and they all say "Good morning teacher!!" and give you a big hug. Honduran kids are small so we squish 3-5 kids into a seat. Let me tell you, there is nothing cuter than 5 first grade boys all squished into a seat. When we first got to school, we had an all school chapel service. It was pretty fantastic. All the kids were SO EXCITED to be back and we started the year by talking about King Solomon and how when God said He would grant him anything he asked, Solomon asked for wisdom. We need to ask for wisdom, teachers and students alike, in order to have a great year.
My first class of the day was assisting in 1st grade. They are so cute and I think I finally have their names now, but seriously, about 5 of the boys look exactly alike and there are actually twin girls in our class. Gisel and Jasel. I love twins so much! After that was my 4th grade class. This week, for everyone, was just review. Games, conversation practice, introductions and getting to know each other.These kids are so stinking smart! I love to hear them speak English, knowing it is their second language and still hearing them put together sentences and ideas that are hilarious at times and deep at others. I love making them laugh and getting hugs from each one of them before they pile on the bus for the day. I didn't start 8th grade yet because our Jr. High building isn't quite done yet. There is a roof over one of the classroom and Amanda and I agreed that a roof is all we need! Doors and windows...not essential!! I did end up switching to 2nd grade so starting Monday I'll have my first 2nd and 8th grade class!
Today we spent the day in Comayagua, which is a cute old town about 40 mins from Sigua. It was relaxing and we got to spend lots of time squished in taxis and buses. I have lots of lesson planning to do this weekend AND a couple parades to attend! Honduran Independence Day is Saturday and there are parades tomorrow and Saturday. I love parades and holidays :D. On Saturday at 7am, a bunch of us from my church are going to meet to hand out free coffee and fliers and tell people about our church and the coffee shop we're opening soon! Should be fun!
Just so you all know, I am so out of the loop with all of your lives, so if you want to send me an email and tell me what is up and let me know how I can pray for you, I would love that :D (christine.rankin10@houghton.edu).
I will leave you with one last thought. I was reading in Acts and read this scripture. Wow. The name of Jesus is powerful and He is the only way to be saved!
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4: 8-12
:) Excited for you! Kids are cute, Jesus is good!
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