Back in Honduras

By the way.... I'm back in Honduras now. A number of people were wondering....I've been here since July 26th. Currently I'm taking more Spanish classes, and next Friday we start in our classrooms.

:) Theresa.

Faith

"Pilgrimage of faith [:] It involves miscalculations, thrills and hardships, long periods of waiting and long periods of simply truding. No matter how thoroughly I prepare, make precautions, and try to eliminate risk, I never succeed. Always there are times of whiteout, when I can see nothing and avalanches roar down around me."
~ Philip Yancey

I dare say in addition that the "whiteouts" and the "avalanches" of life remind us sharply of the awesome and fearful God we serve. They often cause an open heart to run to God's outstretched, protecting arms.
T.S.

Transition Fun

Things to remember upon returning to Canada after my second year in Honduras:
- The lakes are very cold (compared to the Ocean and Sea surrounding Honduras!)
- Social caution is needed: people in Canada usually don’t greet with the kiss on the check like we do in Honduras! (I had to refrain myself many times!)
- TP can be thrown in the toilet! (I get confused when there isn’t a garbage can near the toilet…and then I remember…)
- The sun is still hot in Canada and I still need sunscreen.
- My family and friends love me no matter how long I’ve been gone! :)

Backpacking!

Backpacking
After classes ended, I worked in my classroom for a few days cleaning, organizing, etc. Then…the real adventure began. I went backpacking in Costa Rica and Panama with two fellow teachers, Krystal and Naomi!

It was sooo fun to be adventuresome and flexible as we journeyed along amidst the local “chicken buses” and the plenteous youth hostels. The general plan was in place, but half of the fun was being spontaneous! :)

Trip highlights:
- Spending a LOT of time with Krystal and Naomi…many deep talks and hysterical laughs!
- Hiking in the tropical rainforest! We saw a tonne of really cool animals and insects. We have such a creative God! (The picture on the right is a sloth - camouflaged).
- Seeing the third most active volcano in the world: Arenal in Costa Rica. Fabulous! (The volcano is in the picture below with Krystal, but it's covered with clouds at the time).
- Swimming in the ocean…always a treat. (Never mind that Krystal and I almost drowned by a terrible rip tide. Yikes!)
- Being totally amazed at how in each step of the way God provided people to “look out” for us (so many locals were suddenly “there for us” in potentially dangerous situations).
-Being “Dutch” and trying to find the best deals in town. He he he.
-Seeing the Panama Canal and the ancient ruins in the city.
-Surfing! It was hard at first, but with determination I was able to get up!

End of the story

Oops…I’ve been a little negligent on the blogging. Sorry! Here’s the story …. backtracking to June and school stuff.

Sleepovers! I had many fabulous opportunities to visit with the families of my students, which often resulted in a sleepover! I love how I have become a part of some of the families here! :)


6th Grade Promotion As the only returning 6th grade teacher, I was in charge of the promotion for our students. My teammates were great helpers, and we put together a beautiful ceremony. Thankfully the many changes we made (anti-tradition) were well accepted.
Hightlight: I said an introduction speech in SPANISH! :)
(PS - this picture is my students doing their favourite activity: making a unity web!)

Last day of School: I cried. My students cried. The parents cried. Happy tears of all the special moments and memories made this year….God blessed us all with a special measure of unity, teamwork, and grace! I am so thankful for this past year, each student, and all of the families. I know God is doing marvelous things in their young lives!

Later this week I’ll catch up on what has been happening SINCE school…(always an adventure or two!) :)

Rest

"We must be wholly at rest that God may work in us; we must yield our will; we must resign our heart; we must give up all our fleshly desires. In short, we must rest from all activities of our own contriving, so that, having God working in us (Heb. 13:21), we may repose [rest] in Him (Heb. 4:9)..."

John Calvin

Phew!

I apologize profusely for the lack of blogs! I need to make sure I do it for 10 minutes a week or something, but the past three weeks have been SOOO full...of everything!

Here are some of the highlights: :)
June 1: Surprise birthday party
My students threw me the most beautiful surprise party ever! Actually, it is the only surprise birthday party I've ever had....which made it even better! (My birthday is June 22, but we're not in school. ) It was sooo sweet because they really did surprise me, and they had planned it ALL on their own, down to the last details of collecting their allowance money and throwing balloons at me! :) We shared a special time together.


June 2: Field Trip to the Children's Cancer Center
My students decided that for their field trip, they'd like to do a service project to the locial hospital to visit the children in the cancer center. I was so encouraged by their enthusiasm and excitement for this event; they were so full of love and compassion! We collected used clothes and shoes, books, crayons, and snack food to share with them. Loaded up with stickers (including on our faces), balloons, and our supplies, we spent the morning reading, sharing, listening, and playing games with the children. Some of my students spent time in the intensive care ward while others spent time with the day-treatment children.
Although it was hard for some of them to see the suffering, it was very special/important to the children there. I was very encouraged by the entire process and look forward to building a long-term relationship between the school and the children's cancer center!

June 8: Visiting my Sponor Child, Victor
This is Victor Moises, my sponsor child at Nueva Esperanza (here with his teacher). It finally worked out for me to go down and meet him and his family. He is a very sweet and bright young four-year-old. :) It was very special to meet his Mom, two sisters, and his brother and to visit their tiny house-shelter. It once again reminded me of the needs in Honduras and of the incredible opportunity I have to share with and encouarge others. I'm excited to spend more time with his family next year! :)

June 11: Choir Concert
I have been part of a staff choir this year, and we held a joint Sunday afternoon concert with the choir from the local Spanish church. It was so fun and beautiful to hear the different music. I love any opportunity to sing! :)))

More on the end of school, 6th grade promotion, etc. later.
:)
Thanks for your patience!