It's so strange to me that I'm now half way into this journey. I'm thrilled with everything I've been able to experience and learn so far. I'm happy with the great friends I have made and fun times we've had exploring this part of the world. I'm also really happy with how far my students have come. It's hard to believe that the first week of school we could barely understand each other with them just staring at me with confusion in their big ol' brown eyes. They are learning a lot and I'm also now really proficient at understanding 2nd grade Spanglish. Let's hope that, by the end of the school year, they are talking less of the "Span" and more of the "glish." On the flip side, I hope for me, I can converse more in Spanish. Not at school, but in all the other daily interactions. I really need to push myself further and hit the books!
Here's some recent fun from school:
These are pictures of my class with Miss Richelle's 4th graders doing reading buddies. They love to read to each other, except for maybe Anthony. Can you tell which one he is? He's not a huge fan of sitting still or having to listen for more than 10 seconds...ever.
Each grade level at the school takes a turn at leading Hora Civica on Friday mornings where they pay tribute to their country and pray. My class' Spanish teacher, Miss Christy, spent several weeks preparing them for their Hora Civica duties. They did a really wonderful job! They were also super nervous to be up in front of the entire student body.
Something special that I was able to do, thanks to my mom, was take one of the Minerva students shopping for Christmas presents for her family. She picked out clothes for everyone and toys for the kids. She then came over to sort through it all and made up bags for her mother, father and each of her siblings. They were all really appreciative and happy. Thanks, Mom!!
Last weekend, I attended the wedding of Ana Maria, one of the staff members at my school. Ana Maria is fun gal. She's sassy and loves to gossip, but doesn't speak a lick of English so our interactions are brief but always entertaining. Another reason to kick it up on my Spanish!
As we were getting ready for the wedding we, of course, were concerned about getting there on time. So, we show up right at 7 pm as the invitation had stated. But, we walk into the room, and hardly anyone is there. The wedding didn't actually start until 8:30!! How have we not learned by now? Once the ceremony was over, they served us dinner. It was 10:30 pm by the time we were eating. If I'm ever invited to another Honduran wedding, I know to show up an hour late and feed myself first.
Yesterday, my friends and I had our last Saturday morning brunch of 2012; a tradition we will for sure carry into 2013.
This week will be a busy one, with us finishing up finals, turning in grades, and doing our final preparations/practices for the Christmas parade and show on Friday. It is a HUGE and ridiculous production and I can't wait to share pictures after the event takes place.
Here's a link to the latest video my class made for their video pen pals in Omaha. It includes a sneak peek of their Christmas dance in there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJZ6g2dyyOQ They are superstars!
Lastly, I have no words to describe how excited I am to go home one week from today!!! I can't wait to see my family, my friends, eat anything and everything, sit on my couch, sleep in my bed and drive a car. See you in the States!
