I've now been here for five full days and still loving it! I don't really know where to begin, so I'll start with my favorite thing: food. Honduras is known for these little gems called baleadas (ba-lee-a-da). They're basically a tortilla with mushed red beans, eggs, mantequila (sorry Spanish speakers, I have no clue how to spell that, but it's their version of sour cream), and cheese. First off, Honduran cheese is NOT like the cheese we're used to in the States. It's *super* salty. I've learned to get my baleadas withOUT cheese, and man is it heavenly! Seriously, I know I won't be leaving here for a while, but I'm already sad thinking about not being able to have these whenever I want! That's one great thing about the food here, it's so cheap!!
I went with a couple of my roommates and the other teachers to get dinner and then see a movie, and it only cost $4.50 all together! The average size of a baleada here is, well, rather large, so it's plenty to fill you up. We went to see Monsters University afterwards. Granted, it was in Spanish so I couldn't understand 99% of it, but it was still really cute!
We started orientation on Monday and have enjoyed getting to know each other on the staff this year and doing a lot of group bonding activities. It has been much appreciated and definitely helping me feel more at ease with this huge life transition. As I type this, it is raining, once again. I usually do not enjoy the rain in the States, but I love it here. It just reminds me of how God cleanses us and renews our spirits. Another thing that happens here a lot is barking dogs. All. The. Time. Especially right when I am trying to go to sleep at night. I like it, though, because it reminds me of my dog, Bella. But, seriously, it's sad that most dogs here just live off the streets, so they don't have an owner telling them to be quiet or to come inside. They do, however, make a really great alarm clock in the morning!
I've been more amazed than ever with the way technology works these days. I've been able to talk to all of my friends and family back home almost as if we were still in the same country. It's the little things that make my days here easier. It also helps that all the girls I live with have been through the exact same thing as me before and know how to encourage me. They also don't mind if I just burst into tears on the spot. It's going to be a really, really good year, of that much I am sure. I love the staff here and how Christ-focused we all are. It makes this transition SO much better.
School starts next Wednesday, and if you are praying for me, that is what you could pray for, and not just me, but all of us teachers here. It is going to be stressful, and difficult to let go of our own expectations and respect the Honduran culture, but, it'll be great! Other than that, there isn't much new happening here. In fact, in many ways, it's like I'm still at home! I still eat peanut butter sandwiches, watch North American cable from time to time (we're not sure how we got that, but alas, we have it. What are ya gonna do?) , and I'm still on the internet a LOT in my downtime. We have extremely reliable internet here at the house, and for that I am thankful.
Oh, and for those wondering about my backpack? My boss's parents went looking for it and nothing had turned up. There was a chance it could still be there, but they wouldn't say over the phone. The only way I could find out was if I went to the airport (two hours away) myself and then there was still the chance that it wasn't even there. My only chance to go was during the first day of orientation, so I decided to let it go. It got me thinking why I came here. It wasn't so I could have all my stuff here with me. It was to serve Jesus by serving these kids and this school as a whole. I couldn't really do that if I missed orientation. God is good, though, as I still ended up with all the necessities in all of my other bags. Yes, I;m sad about losing it, but life goes on and I forgave myself for losing sight of it. I'm looking forward to starting this school year and really diving in to the Honduran lifestyle!!
Thank you for your prayers and all of your support. It is so comforting to know I have so many people back home who love and care about me so much. Ready for the Lord to stretch my faith in unthinkable ways this year!!!
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