First off, I just want to say that I'm pretty proud of myself because my Internet hasn't been working for the past few days and today I fixed it! Okay, so basically I just followed the directions after clicking on the button to diagnose the problem. But it still gave me a sense of accomplishment in this techno world.
Next, I can't believe it's only been one week! There hasn't really been time to process anything because we stayed so busy with orientation at school this week. Up at 5:30 and home around 3:30 with enough time to go grocery shopping, buy school supplies, and create posters and materials. In the mix there were also a few card nights and dinners at local restaurants. Last night I had a balleada at a small restaurant in our neighborhood called Comida Fer, which is sort of like a huge tortilla with beans, cheese, eggs, and chicken. It only cost 20 lempiras (about a dollar), but I'm still paying for it in other ways.
We had Open House on Friday, and it was great to meet the students and parents! I was so nervous before it started, but it went really well. At the beginning we all went to the deportivo (like an outdoor gym), where the principal introduced the first grade teachers to all the parents. It felt like a game show as he announced our names and we walked out as everyone clapped. "And your Section C teacher is..... Miss Wrasman!" Then the students and parents came to the classroom. My assistant translated for me, but I got to practice a little Spanish. I have 20 students who are Honduran and 1 who is Chinese. I think my heart is going to melt within a week. School starts tomorrow!
God has certainly been working on my heart this week, namely in the area of giving up my life for the sake of Christ. It seems like all of the devotions and sermons I have heard since I got down here have focused on how God can do anything through us if we are willing to serve and suffer for Him. We shouldn't just be willing; we should consider it a privilege to serve and suffer for Him. Is that not what Christ did for us? There is a verse in Psalms that says, "Those who sow in tears will reap with sounds of joy." It hit me hard when one of the teachers spoke on this verse at morning devotions because it was the theme verse during my mission trip to Calcutta, India, three years ago. I have been encouraged lately by the truth that God is always with me and He will give me what I need for each day. Though it may be hard, it will be worth it. Seeing my students on Friday helped me remember why I'm here. I'm not saying that I've got in together down here in Honduras - far from it. This is only the beginning; the seeds are being planted.
Some pics from my first week:
First successful attempt at laundry
My new favorite spot to relax and think
First house dinner
(left to right) Me, Jen, Burns, Laura
Lemon and cilantro seasoned chicken with onions, instant mashed potatoes, and canned corn with a touch of cinnamon
Impressive, huh?
I made the corn =)
Welcome to my classroom!
This is the view I will look at every day from my desk. But with 21 students.
And 21 chairs (hopefully...)
I take them with me wherever I go.
(Fletcher, you need to send me a picture of you!)
Excellent song!
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