#thirdworldproblems

I can't believe in less than a week I'll be back Stateside and adjusting to life back in the first world.  I certainly have had my share of adventures during my time in Honduras.  Many times I just had to laugh so I wouldn't cry.  If you've ever lived in a developing country, you can probably relate to many of these things (and yes, all of these things happened at least once).

H O N D U R A S █:∙:█

Status updates from Honduras:  #Thirdworldproblems...

1.  I forgot to pack toilet paper in my backpack today and my parasite friend is back to visit.

2.  The water went out before I rinsed the dye out of my hair.

3.  There's no butter in town and I need to bake 50 mini apple pies.

4.  There's a cow blocking my front door and I can't leave my house.

5.  I locked the keys inside the house and the porton is locked.  I'm now trapped between the house and the outside gate.

6.  The electricity is out and it's computer day at school.

7.  A terrifying half rat/ half squirrel is hanging from my shower curtain and I can't get him out of the house.

8.  It's payday and my passport is at the Embassy in Teguc.

9.  The electricity went out and I'm in the middle of cooking dinner (a daily occurrence).

10. I'm 2 miles from home and my shoe just broke.

All joking aside, I know my time here has changed me in so many ways.  I am humbled by the kindness and love I was shown by complete strangers who welcomed me into their homes and taught me to count all of my blessings.  I will always hold Honduras in a special place in my heart, and hopefully I'll be back sooner than later. 

The Video

It's been an incredible year!
Minerva Video 2011-2012

Homecoming Bucket List

Two weeks from today I'll be home!  And here are my top 10 "Must Do's" this summer:

1.  Meet and love on new babies (and a few big boys too)
2.  Eat a meal that doesn't involve refried beans or fried meat
3. See a movie in a movie theater
4.  Drink a REAL margarita 
5. Take a bath in Mom's jacuzzi tub
6.  Sample every kind of cheese available
7.  Make every recipe on my Pinterest board
8.  Get a LONG overdue haircut from Marcy (who is Honduran ironically)
9.  Get a mani/pedi
10. Watch lots of reality TV in English

Note:  I apologize to those of you who are waiting on the edge of your seat to hear the conclusion of the ABC's of Honduras.  After I take time to wrap things up at school and reflect on my time here, I will be back to that project.  I promise!

The ABC's of Honduras: J is for...

Jalón

Traveling along the bumpy roads across Honduras, you are bound to see trucks with dozens of people packed into the back.  Hitchhiking is one of the most widely used forms of transportation.  Not surprising since the majority of people do not own a car and the public buses do not travel to some of the most remote towns.  So put on your sunscreen, make sure your mouth is tightly shut, and pile on in!

Spring Break On Fire

La Semana Santa started out with a boom...literally.  After a gorgeous day at the beach in Tela, Honduras, the skies opened up. The winds were howling and lightening filled the sky.  All the sudden a crash so loud that the house shook and the lights went out.  A few minutes later, the sound of sirens.  Lightening had struck the giant palm tree across the street from the house where we were staying.  It continued to burn through the night and was still smoldering when we left the next morning.  Despite the storm, we had a wonderful time on the white, sandy beaches soaking up the sun and enjoying the delicious fruits of the sea.

 On day 3 we squeezed into the chicken bus and headed to Santa Rita for our next adventure.  We enjoyed days at the river, grilling with family.  We toured the Mayan ruins at Las Sepulturas.  We spent time in Copan Ruinas where we got to see the intricate sawdust alfombras (or carpets) that are created in the streets for the Easter procession.  We even got to see a movie at the little cinema in town.  It was the perfect getaway from all of the tourists that flooded into town. 

 We started back to school today.  It's time to get back to reality.  It's going to be a fast and furious couple of months.  It will be bittersweet to leave my students and "family" here in Honduras, but I'm excited about starting the next chapter of my adventure in Baton Rouge. 

Stay Tuned

Well, you may have noticed that my ABC posts have stopped.  It has been quite a week in the electricity department.  We're losing power MULTIPLE times a day (as in the power is on for a few hours a day.)  That, combined with Science Fair this week and our front door falling apart, has left me little time for writing.  I'm headed out of town for the weekend, but I promise I'll be back to blogging soon.  Stay tuned for more :)

The ABC's of Honduras: I is for...

Iglesia

Each town in Honduras is built around a Central Park with a historic church.  Many have been beautifully restored.  Every time I travel to a new town, I make sure to visit the church. 

Erandique

Santa Lucia

Valle de Angeles

San Sebastian

Gracias

The ABC's of Honduras: H is for...

Hammock

Nothing says true relaxation quite like a hammock.  I have fallen asleep to the gentle swaying on numerous occasions during my time in Honduras.  The local prison actually makes hammocks to sell.  This is one souvenier I'll be bringing home for sure.

The ABC's of Honduras: G is for...

 Gracias

The place I have called home for the past three years.  Located at the base of Mt. Celaque (the tallest mountain in Honduras), Gracias is a quiet mid-sized pueblo in the department of Lempira.  Life in Gracias can be interesting.  We often don't have running water or electricity.  You'll probably look out your window to see a goat or other farm animal staring back at you.  Mastering the art of drying laundry during rainy season can be tricky.  But, I have enjoyed the breathtaking views and natural resources that Gracias has to offer.  I can take a hike in my own backyard or stroll over to take a dip in the natural hot springs during the evening.  Most of all, I have enjoyed getting to know the people of Gracias.  They have welcomed me with open arms and extended a helping hand on more than one occasion.  I will forever hold Gracias and the friendships I have made here close to my heart.

The ABC's of Honduras: F is for...

Fútbol

Is there any other sport? I've coached an elementary soccer team.  Many of my weekends are spent traveling with the Gracianos to watch games.   I was  even fortunate enough to be here when Honduras played in the World Cup in 2010.  Immediately when Honduras qualified, the whole city burst into an impromptu parade.  Beer was flying.  Horns were honking.  Fans were chanting.  It was neat to see an entire country supporting a single team.  ¡Hoy Si Papi!



The ABC's of Honduras: E is for...

Escuela

Obviously, the majority of my life these past three years has been centered around the school.  That's what brought me to Honduras and it has been what has kept me here this long.  To say that I love my job is an understatement.  It hasn't always been easy.  Teaching 27 first graders in a language that they don't speak can be challenging.  But it is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.  Watching the pieces start to click and seeing my kids putting sentences together in English is one of the best feelings.  They make me so proud and it makes all of the tough times worth it.