Sunday morning I got really sick, like worse than the stomach flu sick. I'm still not 100% sure what it was, but I spent most of the day laying in bed with a bucket. Monday morning was a little better, so I attempted to eat more food, only ti discover that I was definitely NOT better. I took another lazy day to rest and soak up some vitamins from the sun. I wasn't able to keep anything down until later Monday night and even then I was still very icky, but I was able to sleep without the bucket right next to me. Tuesday morning, I had so much more color back in me. I was still very pale, but it was so much better! My stomach was still very iffy, but way better than the past two day. We took the last day before classes started to have a day on the town and do more than run errands in the truck. Adria and I spent most of the morning running errands and then had the best nachos I have ever had at a little restaurant. Unfortunately I could eat very little of these delicious nachos. After lunch, Adria gave me the freedom to go wherever (with her of course), so we went to a few random stores in the market and throughout town to get souveniers and items. We also took time to get some ice cream! *Side note: Long ago, like 15 or more years ago, Mennonites came here as missionaries and have done very well. They have an orphanage, school, and a couple of stores where they sell: ice cream, peanut butter, different kinds of jelly, different kinds of bread, rolls, milk, and cheese. They have set up quite the name for themselves- which is awesome!* Anyway, back on track, after ice cream, we headed home to relax and have dinner before the first day of school on Wednesday. One thing that I am so thankful for about Job and Adria, besides all that they have already done for me, is that at the end of every day, before I leave for my apartment, we take the time to pray and thank God for all His goodness and for the safety He has granted me. I really could not have asked for a better host couple. They are amazing and go above and beyond to do what is best for me!
Wednesday 1-4-17
"HAPPY FIRST DAY OF TEACHING MISS. REBEKAH!"
I started the day at 5:30 this morning and left for school at 6:50. School starts at 7:30 every morning and its at 2:45 for students and 3:45 for teachers everyday. I arrived at La Providencia, which is located even deeper in the mountains, not sure what to expect. As we drove up I was amazed by all that I saw: the hospital, the clinic, houses, play grounds, and school. I knew this place was amazing, but I had no idea it would be this amazing! I headed into the office where I met a few people who are still learning English and was then escorted to what would be my classroom for the next week or so. This was the first time I was seeing the room, the kids, and the lesson plans, yet I was not super frazzled. God gave me the peace I needed and the wisdom I needed to start the day and teach 4 adequate lessons to crazy kiddos.
My day started with 13 wild 3rd graders by teaching English (nouns and pronouns), followed by reading( I read a book aloud and then they read to me, while I listened to make corrections). I ended my time with the 3rd graders by teaching Science. This lesson I winged a little more than the others, because the notes did not make it clear that there was a book assignment, but we made it through. I then dropped them off at library and had 45 minutes of free time to regroup. I spent half of my time at recess with sweet little kindergartners. Those little boogers love soccer!
After library, we had snack and headed out for recess, where I was stuck on duty. Once recess was over, I dismissed my 3rd graders to their next class and welcomed in my 4th graders. I had 18 ornery 4th graders in this class. This class I luckily had name tags for, so I started the class by handing those out and attempting to say their names as they laughed at me. Little stinkers. I only taught them Science that day, which we had only half the materials for, but made it work. We then headed to lunch (beans and tortillas) and once everyone was finished we went to the bathrooms where they brushed their teeth and I handed out floss and dismissed them to recess. that was it for me that day, which is my least busiest day for the remainder of my time there. I hung out in the teachers lounge, drank coffee, and met other teachers. I was also dragged to the clinic to get some medicine for my stomach and cream for my bug bites. (My legs are covered with bites and before anyone lectures me, yes I have been using bug spray). Job picked me up and we went even deeper into the mountains into a part of Puran I had not been to yet. I had a bit of anxiety on the way up, because some of the roads were definitely not roads and there were no guard rails between us and the very steep ledge. While there I met some more lovely people and hugged little runs that I met previously who ran up to me with excitement. Such sweet children with beautiful laughter. It's hard to see them in such poverty. We hiked to different parts on the mountain and once we reached the top I stood in awe of my creator. There I stood at the top of a mountain in the middle of Honduras. I am oh so very small. I blinked numerous times to make sure my eyes were seeing correctly and they were. a beautiful setting sun burst across the sky behind jagged mountains and pine trees. I stood in disbelief as soaked up every bit of that moment, enjoying the beauty my God has created.
We headed back home for dinner and went to bed early, because the power went out again, unfortunately, which left me grading papers by a flash light.
**Other Updates**
- Geckos are seriously the worst creature ever. I still have yet to sleep through the night, because of their need to croak so loudly. I also have dreams of them jumping at night, but hopefully my mosquito net will save me.
- The power has gone out 3 times since Sunday and it always happens at super inconvenient times.
- I have some of the sweetest, but orneriest kids and I already love them so much!
- Always carry toilet paper, because chances are where ever you go, there won't be toilet paper, and probably not running water either.
- I have finally had a warm shower and it was so good! Missing my hot showers and the water pressure.
- Mosquitoes are just as bad as geckos, but what are even worse, are genes, which are evil Honduran bugs that are a mix between a mosquito and a fly (in my opinion) they are smaller than a mosquito, but hurt wayyyy more than a mosquito and the bites are brutal. My legs aren't looking too fine.
- I'm not sure how many more times I can eat beans. The tortillas are fine, but ahh beans are not so great.
- People will kiss you on the cheek as a greeting and you just have to get used to it and accept it.
- WiFi is iffy, so forgive me for not having a post earlier.
- My 3rd graders think I am old (22) *insert eye roll
- My Spanish is actually getting better and I can understand more.
- I'm starting to pick up a slight accent and my students think it is hilarious.
Much love,
Rebekah
Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure you are on! I find myself eagerly waiting to see another post from you and what new adventures you have experienced. May God's many blessings be upon you and those you meet. Take care Niece!
Love,
Auntie Sharlynn