Hello Honduras!

Estoy diciendo “¡hola!” de Honduras! I’m saying hello from Honduras! I had a pleasantly smooth journey from Denver, to Houston, to San Pedro Sula in Honduras. When I arrived most of the teachers had just gotten there too; we spent a few hours at the airport loading up our bus, eating lunch, and exchanging dollars to Lempiras (the national currency of Honduras; the rate is 1L = $20). From there we started driving to Gracias and although I could not tell you exactly how long the drive took, I can assure you it was an unpleasant one. It was hot, humid, slightly nerve-wrecking, crowded, and bumpy. The best part of the whole trip was finally getting to Gracias, not only because we could finally get off that blasted bus, but also because we were a giant group of 20 or so gringos each with at least four various-sized suitcases – talk about sticking out!

All of us teachers were going to stay in Gracias for the week for orientation and to get to know one another before parting ways to our separate schools, but the La Union crew actually got to leave on Wednesday. Jake, the director of foreign recruiting and an 8-year teacher in La Union, wanted to get back to La Union quickly because his church was finishing up a mission trip there. He wanted to be able to say goodbye to them all and make sure they got to the airport safely. Even though we left earlier, we still had a packed few days in Gracias. Day 1 we spent the entire day taking care of business things like buying cell phones, getting bank accounts, and signing insurance papers. Another teacher, Lori (who you will end up hearing a lot about), and I also did a small hike up to a fort on a hill in Gracias. That night we also had the treat of soaking in some hot springs and eating a typical Honduran meal.

Day 2 we visited the Abundant Life Christian School in Gracias for a day of orientation and we had to all dress up in our teaching uniforms – navy blue pants and a white polo/button-up shirt. I won’t bore you with the details of all the meetings and information sessions we sat through. The school there is absolutely beautiful because it is nestled up against some mountains in a glorious national park. This day just made me excited to get out and see where I would be teaching and stand in my own classroom! Day 3 we went back to the school and finished orientation with the director of that school. Then, as if moving to Honduras wasn’t commitment enough, I signed my very first teaching contract! I am now legally bound to teach at ALCS for the year. I was giddy all day long; my career as a teacher is finally starting to become a reality. That afternoon we hopped on the bus again and began our trek to La Union. We drove for 30ish minutes on a paved road, but the rest of the 3-hour trip was all on dirt roads. There was no body sleeping on this bus ride. Although, we drove through some of the most breathtaking cloud forests and views – the clouds would just settle into the mountains and float through the trees, coffee and corn fields were carved into the mountain sides, and curious Honduran faces stared at us as we passed through each tiny village. My face was glued to the window the whole ride there; I am just mesmerized by the innocent beauty of this country.

Pray for me as I take my first steps as a teacher. Pray that I will be devoted to my students and helping them achieve academic goals that they never thought would be possible. Pray that I will not only challenge them academically, but also shape and mold them into little warriors of Christ. And pray that I exhibit these Godly qualities as a teacher and leader in my new school: sincerity, enthusiasm, patience, perseverance, common sense, and self-control.