It's going to be impossible for me to focus this blog on one topic or recent event so I'm just going to list several things that have been happening in Honduras lately and explain each one briefly.

Coloring Book distribution-Thanks Knoxville Christian Church! My home church donated the funds to purchase coloring books and crayons for each of the Destino students. The kids have been so excited to receive their gifts since most of them don't have any art supplies at their home

Jonathan(Prepa)

Toy Turtle Distribution-Thanks Oakland Christian Church! My friend Amanda Moore's church has donated stuffed turtles for Bruin and I to give to our students. The Kinder students had to learn all their colors to earn their turtles.

Scarleth with her new toy.

Trips to the beach at Balfonte and Lago Yojoa/Pulhapanzak(waterfalls)-Lately I've been on 2 great trips with fellow teacher friends. Bruin, Nathan, Mallori and myself traveled for 2 days, through a river and a herd of cows to visit a beach called Balfonte. It was definitely the most remote, untouristy place I've visited in Honduras. The next weekend Lacy, Steven, Stephanie, Bruin and I went hiking at Lago Yojoa and Pulhapanzak Falls.

Nathaniel and Mallori(the parents, haha) driving us to the beach. Our pastor and his wife let us borrow their car since buses don't go to this place.

Myself, Stephanie, Bruin and Lacy in a tiny taxi on our way to the Lake.

Pulhapanzak Falls

The Rose Children-A trio of siblings has begun to visit our house frequently trying to sell us roses/take our food. Their habit of ringing our doorbell at 7am on the weekends is beginning to strech our pateince.

Reading in Primero-The primero students have begun to read! We began using the Hooked on Phonics program when we returned from Christmas break.

Self Defense Classes- I attended my first one today and it was great stress relief. Plus, it's a nice feeling knowing that I could beat someone up(supposedly) if they tried to mess with me. Siguatepeque is a safe city but it never hurts to be prepared.

Preparatoria-My pride and joy! Their English has come so far since the beginning of the year.

From the left: Javier Antonio, Claire and Franklin(please pray for him, he has a really short attention span and is struggling in my class).

The Neighborhood Children's paterna cravings-In Honduras there is a fruit called paterna's and the neighborhood kids love it. It just so happens that the only paterna tree is in our yard and they are in season. EVERY DAY the neighborhood kids look through our gate to see if any more paternas have fallen off the tree and demand them. We are working on setting some ground rules.

Regina's return!-Our English supervisor, Regina, has returned from her visit to the states!Hallelujah! I never thought I would be so excited about having my classes observed but it's a relief to finally get some feedback.:)

Please Pray For:

Exam Week- The school year is divided into 4 parcials and the exams for the 3rd parcial will be given in 2 weeks. This means a lot of work for the teachers and students. Fortunately, we have a week off for Semana Santa to relax after exams are completed.

Raising more support- So far raising financial support hasn't been as challenging as I feared it would be thanks to my wonderful church. My parents have also been extremely supportive, planning fundraisers and being good pr people. Hopefully, I will be sending out support letters within the next few weeks.

Visiting the USA during Semana Santa-Pray for safe travels and that this will aid in my attempts to raise more support.

Plans for next year-I have ideas, pray that I choose the right one.