Wednesday, February 15, 2012

En Las Cárceles


All of my classes begin with conversation and sharing time. I do this because if you can read and write in a second language, that's great. However... and I base this on my own personal experience, it's much more difficult to speak a language well than read it or write it. During my 1st year here, if I could have written down everything I needed to tell those around me, communication would have been a breeze. I'm certain that my students feel the same at times.

Anyway, I begin my days with 2nd grade English class and they always have plenty to say. Conversation topics are usually light-hearted. Something like "Teacher, I am happy because today is gym class." or "I am sad because the weather is cold." is the norm but occasionally we discuss more serious topics. So on Wednesday when one little girl raised her hand and told the whole class that she was sad her because grandfather had died I really wasn't that surprised. The kids are pretty open about what's going on in their lives. What did surprise me was when another little girl chimed in with "My uncle died." and then used a flurry of Spanglish to describe how it had happened in a huge fire that morning in Comayagua(a city about 45 minutes from Siguatepeque). That was how I found out about the prison fire that killed at least 382 inmates Wednesday morning.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17055231



http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/Latin-America-Monitor/2012/0215/Honduras-prison-fire-kills-more-than-300-highlights-regional-problem-video

Basically what happened is that a fire started in the overcrowded prison sometime on Tuesday night and quickly spread. By the time the guards had found the keys to unlock the cells it was impossible to get everyone out. Everyone seems to know someone who was at the prison and there are several Destino students who had family members there. In addition, this morning a huge fire burned down part of a market in the capital. To sum it up, this has not been a great week for Honduras. House visits are coming up within the next couple of weeks so this will be the perfect opportunity to see exactly how many families have been affected and how we can support and encourage them.

David(2nd Grader) and I




Gaby (2nd grader)



Throwback Pic! Some of my 2nd graders goofing off when they were in kindergarten!




A picture from last year when they were in 1st grade.



This year's Christmas performance. 2nd grade

Friday, January 6, 2012

It was the Most Wonderful Time of the Year





The Holidays in review...

In the middle of the fall semester...

Ana & Blanca 7th Grade


we received a surprise. After the well's pump broke(and a few days of no water in the school) classes were canceled for a week and a half.


Surprise!



So the English teachers went to language school during the unexpected vacation. Fortunately the well was fixed and we returned to Sigua in time for exams.

We learned to make tortillas!



After exams, everyone gave thanks. Thanks for water, food, and especially the school's new well pump! We had all gained a new appreciation for running water and indoor plumbing.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Enjoying recess. A team visiting in October repaired all the broken equipment on the playground.



Sixth Grade and Teacher Jenna impressed us all with their rendition of Our God by Chris Tomlin.

"Our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God you are higher than any other." Chris Tomlin





And before we knew it, Christmas came!


La Programa Navidena/The school's Christmas Program



Crafting with 3rd grade. Christmas party!




Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. I consider the fall 2011 semester a great success and look forward to all the surprises and adventures I'm sure 2012 will bring!

Angeles-2nd Grade