A lot has happened since I last wrote. I’ve wanted to write but haven’t had much motivation. Depression is gripping me very tightly and it’s hard to do anything when I’m feeling so down. This blog will be a little more positive than the previous one. We just had a spring break, which was a four day vacation. It was so wonderful to take a little pause from all the many things that cause stress in my life. I’m currently laying around in lots of pain from over exposure to the sun and also from running down a volcano.
My roommate and I joined some other friends to Amapala, an island off the south part of Honduras. Amapala is the closest beach to Tegus, its not as beautiful as the beaches that the north coast has but I enjoyed not seeing so many other gringos. This trip was simply refreshing. On Saturday morning, we took the public bus for two hours and then waited for another bus or a hitch to take us to Coyolito (where we would have taken a boat to Amapala). We ended up getting a ride; brace yourself… this is the best part of the story.
The guys who picked us up were wearing camouflage, so I thought they were military personell, later we found out that they were hunters. When we first hopped into the bed of the truck, they said that they would drop us off 5 kilometers away from where we needed to go which was fine by us. When we got to the point where they needed to turn, they invited us to see their property and informed us that they had a boat that would be able to take us across so we agreed. Once we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by the “property.” Basically, we stumbled upon what appeared to be a resort but what was actually just an occasional get-away for the guys to spend the weekend hunting. (There are about 900 deers some imported from the states.) This was so very random! The three main guys were obviously very well off and were very hospitable; we stayed for lunch, which was a plate of fried fish with all the typical sides. They told us that they didn’t see gringos very often in this part of Honduras and wanted to make sure that we were enjoying ourselves. After lunch, before they took off for their hunting trip they asked, multiple times, if we wanted to stay. They made it very clear that we were welcome to stay as long as we wanted. We declined; then, they provided a private boat to take us across to our final destination.
When we arrived we checked in and threw on our swim suits so that we could hit up the water. Later, Marnie and I went exploring a little. We had dinner at our hotel and then went downtown to eat some more. At the end of the night, we played some cards. Afterwards, I went to the beach with my towel to lie underneath the starry night and reminisced of Santa Barbara.
The next morning, we woke up early and taxied to the base of the volcano. It took us about an hour and a half to get up and under an hour to get down. At the top we were able to see Nicaragua and El Salvador, although I was unable to distinguish which piece of land was which. (I’m not great with geography, its true.) I loved sprinting down the mountain, at the time it wasn’t pleasant but I do love the sensation of flying with each leap. We met our other friends on Playa Grande, where we baked in the sun and splashed around- relaxing the afternoon away.
Thankfully, we were able to get a ride with another friend and his parents who were also visiting the island that day thus avoiding a packed bus. Overall, this vacation was everything I needed it to be! Now I ought to go to bed to prepare for another day with my kids but will stay up a little later to watch Olympics. Night all and I miss you bastante.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Should I stay or should I go?"
Happy International Women’s Day! In Honduras, people actually recognize las mujeres! We received some snacks provided by the school and I received some extra hugs. Last year, in my cross cultural studies class we passed a candle and remembered women in our lives that really played a part in forming our character. It’s crazy to think that a year ago I was at Westmont about to graduate. Life has a way of developing into something entirely different than what you had envisioned. The beauty of life is living outside of oneself and out of the box. There are trials that come with choosing to live outside the norm.
I haven’t had much to write about in the last few weeks. Things in Honduras have a semi-rhythmic pattern when working Mon-Fri (7am-3pm) as a Kinder teacher but in each day there’s loads of variety. I have not yet found my rhythm; one day I feel like I have the hang of it, then the next day I feel like God throws a wrench in my life that makes me seriously question what I’m doing here. The topic of what I’ll be doing next year has consumed my mind. I know that I’d be able to do this again next year. My main struggle with this decision is the possibility of being deeply unhappy for another year. No doubt, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever confronted in my life.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
I haven’t had much to write about in the last few weeks. Things in Honduras have a semi-rhythmic pattern when working Mon-Fri (7am-3pm) as a Kinder teacher but in each day there’s loads of variety. I have not yet found my rhythm; one day I feel like I have the hang of it, then the next day I feel like God throws a wrench in my life that makes me seriously question what I’m doing here. The topic of what I’ll be doing next year has consumed my mind. I know that I’d be able to do this again next year. My main struggle with this decision is the possibility of being deeply unhappy for another year. No doubt, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever confronted in my life.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Years in Guate!
This holiday season was great considering that I was away from home for the first time. Although I was not with my family and friends in the states, I was able to have a wonderful time with new friends and awesome families. Many doors were open wide for me to come in whenever I wanted. Most of my time prior to Christmas was spent between my neighborhood and downtown. In Centro, I mostly hung out with Jenna and the Micah boys.
I was tremendously blessed that my friend Susan and her sister came to visit me in Central America for the New Years' half of the break. If it weren’t for my friends, I would have had a blue Christmas. The day after Christmas, I traveled through El Salvador to Guatemala on a 13 hour bus.
Together we traveled to all the major cities in Guatemala: la ciudad, ChiChi, Lake Atitlan, and Antigua. It was a once in a life time experience with my dearest friends; loads of firsts for all of us. Each of the cities had so much sabor (flavor).
Our first stop was Guatemala City. Not too exciting except we met a really
awesome friend through couchsurfing. I arrived late and met up the girls and our new friend at a small. Then, we went to his house where we started a camp fire and exchanged stories. It was so good to be with someone who was so familiar with me!
Next, we traveled to ChiChi. We used our first chicken bus for the three hour trip. All the seats were filled three to a seat. When we stepped on, all the eyes were on us because we were obviously foreigners. ChiChi is well known for the bi-weekly markets. On Thursday and Sunday the city awakens to the largest market in Central America. The whole city becomes a market; every street is consumed with vendors and tourists. ChiChi was unique because it has a very Mayan influenced culture. The Mayan men and women wear very vibrant colored fabrics and spoke their own dialect. In Guatemala, there are 21 different languages spoken throughout the regions, most of them are Mayan dialects. The next morning, we witnessed a Mayan procession into the Catholic Church. Each group of people that entered the church had a drummer, a piper, about four women, and some men. There were fireworks going off all throughout the previous night and also in the morning; needless to say ChiChi was very lively.
Then we headed to Lago de Atitlan where we stayed in Panajachel, the main tourist town around the lake. The main street, Santender, was overpopulated with vendors who targeted tourists in attempts to make a quetzal or a 100 Q. Everything had a price tag. We stayed at a nice lodge which was a little more isolated and away from all the traffic. The time on the lake was very relaxing and refreshing- except for a few moments when we were frustrated due to travel plans. The second day, we took a boat to Santiago and walked around the more local market. I purchased three live crabs and was able to cook it on a grill in Pana. It was one of the most hilarious moments. While people passed by the grill they would laugh at the gringa who was courageous enough to buy, cook, and eat a live crab.
Our last stop together was Antigua where we spent our time walking the streets getting familiar with the city layout and checking the cathedrals, ruins, and cafes/restaurants. Antigua was very different than the other cities that we visited; it had a more colonial feel. The roads were made out of cobblestones and the buildings were all connected. It reminded me of Spain and also Harry Potter.
The morning of New Years Eve, we woke up really early to climb the Picaya volcano. This was the most amazing adventure that we did together! The hike took more than an hour and a half to get to the top. Once on top, we saw three rivers of red and black lava spewing from the mountain. We were less than a yard away from the lava. We were able to roast marshmallows using sticks; a tasty treat after our hard climb. That night we hung out in the city center to count down 2010! It was very crazy! After midnight, a man dressed in a wired torro danced in the streets with fireworks exploding from the metal figure. I hope you all had a great holiday!
I was tremendously blessed that my friend Susan and her sister came to visit me in Central America for the New Years' half of the break. If it weren’t for my friends, I would have had a blue Christmas. The day after Christmas, I traveled through El Salvador to Guatemala on a 13 hour bus.
Together we traveled to all the major cities in Guatemala: la ciudad, ChiChi, Lake Atitlan, and Antigua. It was a once in a life time experience with my dearest friends; loads of firsts for all of us. Each of the cities had so much sabor (flavor).
Our first stop was Guatemala City. Not too exciting except we met a really
awesome friend through couchsurfing. I arrived late and met up the girls and our new friend at a small. Then, we went to his house where we started a camp fire and exchanged stories. It was so good to be with someone who was so familiar with me!
Next, we traveled to ChiChi. We used our first chicken bus for the three hour trip. All the seats were filled three to a seat. When we stepped on, all the eyes were on us because we were obviously foreigners. ChiChi is well known for the bi-weekly markets. On Thursday and Sunday the city awakens to the largest market in Central America. The whole city becomes a market; every street is consumed with vendors and tourists. ChiChi was unique because it has a very Mayan influenced culture. The Mayan men and women wear very vibrant colored fabrics and spoke their own dialect. In Guatemala, there are 21 different languages spoken throughout the regions, most of them are Mayan dialects. The next morning, we witnessed a Mayan procession into the Catholic Church. Each group of people that entered the church had a drummer, a piper, about four women, and some men. There were fireworks going off all throughout the previous night and also in the morning; needless to say ChiChi was very lively.
Then we headed to Lago de Atitlan where we stayed in Panajachel, the main tourist town around the lake. The main street, Santender, was overpopulated with vendors who targeted tourists in attempts to make a quetzal or a 100 Q. Everything had a price tag. We stayed at a nice lodge which was a little more isolated and away from all the traffic. The time on the lake was very relaxing and refreshing- except for a few moments when we were frustrated due to travel plans. The second day, we took a boat to Santiago and walked around the more local market. I purchased three live crabs and was able to cook it on a grill in Pana. It was one of the most hilarious moments. While people passed by the grill they would laugh at the gringa who was courageous enough to buy, cook, and eat a live crab.
Our last stop together was Antigua where we spent our time walking the streets getting familiar with the city layout and checking the cathedrals, ruins, and cafes/restaurants. Antigua was very different than the other cities that we visited; it had a more colonial feel. The roads were made out of cobblestones and the buildings were all connected. It reminded me of Spain and also Harry Potter.
The morning of New Years Eve, we woke up really early to climb the Picaya volcano. This was the most amazing adventure that we did together! The hike took more than an hour and a half to get to the top. Once on top, we saw three rivers of red and black lava spewing from the mountain. We were less than a yard away from the lava. We were able to roast marshmallows using sticks; a tasty treat after our hard climb. That night we hung out in the city center to count down 2010! It was very crazy! After midnight, a man dressed in a wired torro danced in the streets with fireworks exploding from the metal figure. I hope you all had a great holiday!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Micah
Last night we went to a church to celebrate Christmas with some street kids (mostly young men but there were two women). The street kids are linked with a ministry called Micah Project. The Micah house takes boys off of the street and instructs them on how to live well and meaningful lives. At the beginning of the night, one of the Micah staff members requested that the boys leave their glue (a cheap drug from the street) outside the church. While another person labeled the bottles with the person’s name, I collected the glue in a box. I felt like a bouncer. Such an odd and hard situation these boys live everyday. The night continued with some songs, a performance, and a meal. Each person who attended received a Christmas gift of practical items; such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and also some candy and cookies. While I watched the gifts being distributed, I wondered if this would be the only gift that some of these guys receive for Christmas.
A little about the Micah Project: on Fridays, some of us teachers go to the Centro (downtown) to play soccer with the street kids. The boys play very intensely, it’s a little frightening because they have so much strength and nothing to lose. I usually join a team but end up mostly watching, I may kick the ball a few times within a night. My nick name amongst the boys is China Pop or Chinita. The translation is pretty obvious. Their lives are very broken; they are so young (their ages range from 6-25) but have lived such a dark life. Most of the boys who we play soccer with have a strong addiction to shoe glue. They carry old bottles around that contain a yellowish/brownish substance which they are constantly inhaling; the fumes are strong. After the game of soccer the boys are served a meal: usually a big pile of fried rice and 3 corn tortillas. Micah meets the boys where they are at, regardless of how high they are, and attempts to inspire them to move from despair into hope. It’s amazing to witness a project that really touches the hearts of these boys. This is their website http://www.micahcentral.org/Streets07/streets07.htm
Lastly, as most of you know I will be in Honduras for Christmas. If you'd like to send me mail I would really appreciate that. I would love to have some encouraging words from you. Here is my address:
Michelle Prince
IST
Box 2282
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
CA (Central America)
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010! I'll maybe write next week, if not for sure after I come back from Guatemala!
22/12/09
I stayed the night on Sunday with a friend who works on staff with Micah Project-it was a really good night. Every Sunday night they have a worship time for the boys and the staff. I am no longer alone in Honduras for Christmas due to various people who have invited me over.
I also have a better website to check out Micah: http://www.micahcentral.org/
A little about the Micah Project: on Fridays, some of us teachers go to the Centro (downtown) to play soccer with the street kids. The boys play very intensely, it’s a little frightening because they have so much strength and nothing to lose. I usually join a team but end up mostly watching, I may kick the ball a few times within a night. My nick name amongst the boys is China Pop or Chinita. The translation is pretty obvious. Their lives are very broken; they are so young (their ages range from 6-25) but have lived such a dark life. Most of the boys who we play soccer with have a strong addiction to shoe glue. They carry old bottles around that contain a yellowish/brownish substance which they are constantly inhaling; the fumes are strong. After the game of soccer the boys are served a meal: usually a big pile of fried rice and 3 corn tortillas. Micah meets the boys where they are at, regardless of how high they are, and attempts to inspire them to move from despair into hope. It’s amazing to witness a project that really touches the hearts of these boys. This is their website http://www.micahcentral.org/Streets07/streets07.htm
Lastly, as most of you know I will be in Honduras for Christmas. If you'd like to send me mail I would really appreciate that. I would love to have some encouraging words from you. Here is my address:
Michelle Prince
IST
Box 2282
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
CA (Central America)
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010! I'll maybe write next week, if not for sure after I come back from Guatemala!
22/12/09
I stayed the night on Sunday with a friend who works on staff with Micah Project-it was a really good night. Every Sunday night they have a worship time for the boys and the staff. I am no longer alone in Honduras for Christmas due to various people who have invited me over.
I also have a better website to check out Micah: http://www.micahcentral.org/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
El Salvador- a lot like California- a little bit of paradise!
During our Thanksgiving break three of my friends and I went to El Salvador.
I spent most of Thanksgiving Day in a bus; we spent more time at the border entering El Sav than we did Monday returning back to Honduras. Sage’s friend met us up at the bus station; she waited two hours because our bus was majorly late. Then we hooked up with an awesome Taxi company that took us directly to our hostel at Playa San Diego, near La Libertad, a little over an hour south. This was seriously my favorite hostel experience, no lie. We met some really neat people and had a blast playing various games. The couple that ran El Roble was very warm. I seriously would love to move here permanently, when I finally decide to form roots but I say that about a lot of places.
On Friday and Saturday we went to the beach and surfed. The first day I only got up once but the next day I was able to get up three times. I felt like I had complete control of my motion well until I got knocked down. San Diego was very isolated; it was nice to have the entire beach to ourselves. For lunch, we went back to the hostel; I ordered ceviche which was very tasty. Then we played pool volleyball and lounged around most of the afternoon. In the evening we went to the main beach, La Libertad, and explored. La Libertad was mostly a pier with a fish market. We found a light house that had a restaurant at the top. Our dinner sun-set was very beautiful. Back at the hostel we played some card games and jumbo janga. By the end of the night, I danced to Thriller in a ridiculous red dress because I lost and then played volleyball until 1 am. Loads of fun!
On Saturday morning, we participated in a turtle release. Each of us was able to free a baby turtle into the ocean. We watched as they got tossed back and forth, we called it the Turtle Liberation Movement. We had to say goodbye to la playa and begin the second half of our trip. We were going back to the capital, San Salvador, to visit Sage’s friends. We met them at a very posh coffee shop. We continued our conversations over sushi (the first sushi since being away). The parts of San Salvador that we experiences reminded me a lot of the OC. Later that night we ate some home made pupusas and watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness.
On Sunday, we went to church. Sage’s friends have really found a home within their church congregation, something I envy. In the afternoon, we went to a coffee plantation where we drank coffee and ate dessert. The coffee plantation was located at the top of a mountain. That night we country lined danced in the living room. (I miss you Laura!)
The last adventure was our Taxi ride to the bus station on Monday morning. We had a friend call our taxi for us and we thought he knew where he was going. He didn’t… so we arrived at our bus station a little after noon when it was supposed to leave at noon. Good thing we are in Central American time. Oh, also for those who are curious, we were able to enter the country after the election. Things went more smoothly than a lot of us had envisioned.
PS: I received the best news when I returned. I will be having a visitor during the holiday season.
Thanks Mego for the pics!
I spent most of Thanksgiving Day in a bus; we spent more time at the border entering El Sav than we did Monday returning back to Honduras. Sage’s friend met us up at the bus station; she waited two hours because our bus was majorly late. Then we hooked up with an awesome Taxi company that took us directly to our hostel at Playa San Diego, near La Libertad, a little over an hour south. This was seriously my favorite hostel experience, no lie. We met some really neat people and had a blast playing various games. The couple that ran El Roble was very warm. I seriously would love to move here permanently, when I finally decide to form roots but I say that about a lot of places.
On Friday and Saturday we went to the beach and surfed. The first day I only got up once but the next day I was able to get up three times. I felt like I had complete control of my motion well until I got knocked down. San Diego was very isolated; it was nice to have the entire beach to ourselves. For lunch, we went back to the hostel; I ordered ceviche which was very tasty. Then we played pool volleyball and lounged around most of the afternoon. In the evening we went to the main beach, La Libertad, and explored. La Libertad was mostly a pier with a fish market. We found a light house that had a restaurant at the top. Our dinner sun-set was very beautiful. Back at the hostel we played some card games and jumbo janga. By the end of the night, I danced to Thriller in a ridiculous red dress because I lost and then played volleyball until 1 am. Loads of fun!
On Saturday morning, we participated in a turtle release. Each of us was able to free a baby turtle into the ocean. We watched as they got tossed back and forth, we called it the Turtle Liberation Movement. We had to say goodbye to la playa and begin the second half of our trip. We were going back to the capital, San Salvador, to visit Sage’s friends. We met them at a very posh coffee shop. We continued our conversations over sushi (the first sushi since being away). The parts of San Salvador that we experiences reminded me a lot of the OC. Later that night we ate some home made pupusas and watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness.
On Sunday, we went to church. Sage’s friends have really found a home within their church congregation, something I envy. In the afternoon, we went to a coffee plantation where we drank coffee and ate dessert. The coffee plantation was located at the top of a mountain. That night we country lined danced in the living room. (I miss you Laura!)
The last adventure was our Taxi ride to the bus station on Monday morning. We had a friend call our taxi for us and we thought he knew where he was going. He didn’t… so we arrived at our bus station a little after noon when it was supposed to leave at noon. Good thing we are in Central American time. Oh, also for those who are curious, we were able to enter the country after the election. Things went more smoothly than a lot of us had envisioned.
PS: I received the best news when I returned. I will be having a visitor during the holiday season.
Thanks Mego for the pics!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thanksgiving
So the last few days I’ve been feeling down. I think there are a lot of various factors that are causing this “funk”- I feel as if I’m not teaching well, I don’t have enough patience when I know its necessary, I don’t feel like I belong, and believe it or not I miss home. There are loads of people I miss. I miss people who care about my well being, care enough to truly listen, and care so much that they help me grow and develop. I know in these moments, when I’m on the edge about to fall, I need to have more faith that God is present. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As God’s provision is evident in little and great ways, I have hope that God has a vision for me even when that vision is not clear to me.
Recently, the student that I’ve been struggling with revealed that he enjoys my class. One of the options for him was to move to another classroom to see if he would behave better in a different environment. When the principal asked how he would feel if he were moved, he said that he would be sad. She asked why and he said that he likes his teacher. I just hope that in the future, he’ll be able to respect me more. I’m thankful for his challenge; he inspires me to strive to become a better teacher.
Yesterday we had a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by our school. It was located at a nice inn owned by parents of IST students. The food was great, all the essential thanksgiving food was present (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato, cranberry sauce, turkey, and drum roll…. pumpkin pie). Todos es rico! I’m thankful for tasty food.
Today was an uplifting day, despite the fact that we haven’t had water since Thursday. (I’m thankful for showers whenever someone opens up their bathroom doors.) Originally, I was going to spend my day waiting for a call so that we could get a dress fitted. (I need to get a dress made for the Christmas program. The Kindergarten Christmas program is a HUGE deal. The kids are so cute singing and shimmying.) However, I got an email from one of the other kinder teachers saying that our dress appointment will be postponed. I let out a little gasp of glee because I finally have a Saturday free! My housemates, another friend, and I went to El Centro, one of my favorite places in Teguc. It was so sweet not to have any time restraints and just roam wherever our feet wanted to wander. Our first stop was Nicolati’s, a creperia located on a 16th street like strip (it reminds me more of a walking mall in Chihuahua). I ordered a pinnini primavera with a granita (like a Starbucks frapp but better) and some papaitas. The ambiance of Nicolati’s is phenomenal. We had some other Centro encounters, the best was a couple who escorted us to an ATM after they noticed our gringa and lost faces. I am thankful for great hospitality.
And our final destination: the market. The market has become my little escape; my goal is to go at least two weekends a month. This place is a place where I feel real- not sheltered- not terribly lost but happy and blessed. Happy because I’m living in Honduras and blessed because I am privileged in that I can purchase all that I need and want. My life is saturated by North American culture (a blog in itself) so I very much look forward to any opportunity to take part in Honduran culture. Currently, I feel the most myself when I’m embracing Honduras by doing something “outside the comfort zone”. I’m thankful for three movies for $5 but more than that I’m thankful for a reality check.
In a few days I’ll be going to El Salvador. I’m thankful for a break!
Recently, the student that I’ve been struggling with revealed that he enjoys my class. One of the options for him was to move to another classroom to see if he would behave better in a different environment. When the principal asked how he would feel if he were moved, he said that he would be sad. She asked why and he said that he likes his teacher. I just hope that in the future, he’ll be able to respect me more. I’m thankful for his challenge; he inspires me to strive to become a better teacher.
Yesterday we had a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by our school. It was located at a nice inn owned by parents of IST students. The food was great, all the essential thanksgiving food was present (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato, cranberry sauce, turkey, and drum roll…. pumpkin pie). Todos es rico! I’m thankful for tasty food.
Today was an uplifting day, despite the fact that we haven’t had water since Thursday. (I’m thankful for showers whenever someone opens up their bathroom doors.) Originally, I was going to spend my day waiting for a call so that we could get a dress fitted. (I need to get a dress made for the Christmas program. The Kindergarten Christmas program is a HUGE deal. The kids are so cute singing and shimmying.) However, I got an email from one of the other kinder teachers saying that our dress appointment will be postponed. I let out a little gasp of glee because I finally have a Saturday free! My housemates, another friend, and I went to El Centro, one of my favorite places in Teguc. It was so sweet not to have any time restraints and just roam wherever our feet wanted to wander. Our first stop was Nicolati’s, a creperia located on a 16th street like strip (it reminds me more of a walking mall in Chihuahua). I ordered a pinnini primavera with a granita (like a Starbucks frapp but better) and some papaitas. The ambiance of Nicolati’s is phenomenal. We had some other Centro encounters, the best was a couple who escorted us to an ATM after they noticed our gringa and lost faces. I am thankful for great hospitality.
And our final destination: the market. The market has become my little escape; my goal is to go at least two weekends a month. This place is a place where I feel real- not sheltered- not terribly lost but happy and blessed. Happy because I’m living in Honduras and blessed because I am privileged in that I can purchase all that I need and want. My life is saturated by North American culture (a blog in itself) so I very much look forward to any opportunity to take part in Honduran culture. Currently, I feel the most myself when I’m embracing Honduras by doing something “outside the comfort zone”. I’m thankful for three movies for $5 but more than that I’m thankful for a reality check.
In a few days I’ll be going to El Salvador. I’m thankful for a break!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Looking Into the Heart
The last three weeks have been hell. Everything is just SO hard. I feel like I’m very inadequate. I feel like I’m failing. My class room is the most trying obstacle but in so many other ways I’m being challenged. Nothing is simple. Everyday is an up hill struggle. And I still ask myself why. What is my purpose here, ahorita (now)?
On a completely more positive note: I was really blessed by the parent conferences. I was a little nervous before hand because I have a handful of students that I’m truly worried with. The conference in general went very well. Most all of my parents are very understanding and supportive. They are so willing to assist in any way that they can. After the first partial, I realized how many bright students I have. Sometimes I forget because I focus so much attention on those who are struggling academically and behaviorally. I have some really mature students and I have others who just bring a smile on my face after the end of the day.
One conference in particular was very unique. The mom didn’t open her student’s report card at all in my presence. Her first question was, “How is my son’s behavior in class?” She continued to ask questions about his interactions with others, “Is he kind?” “Does he share?” “Does he fight with others? “How does he treat girls?” Later she said that she is much more interested in his character than in his academics. That was such a surprise! I wish more parents had her heart. I wish my parents had such a philosophy. She modeled God’s prime concern for our heart. It reminded me of the song, "The Heart of Worship," one line states:
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I was encouraged by her desire in molding his heart. Her child gives great big hugs and is one of those who make me smile. I’m very privileged to work with each of my twenty-one students. This hardship is worth it.
On a completely more positive note: I was really blessed by the parent conferences. I was a little nervous before hand because I have a handful of students that I’m truly worried with. The conference in general went very well. Most all of my parents are very understanding and supportive. They are so willing to assist in any way that they can. After the first partial, I realized how many bright students I have. Sometimes I forget because I focus so much attention on those who are struggling academically and behaviorally. I have some really mature students and I have others who just bring a smile on my face after the end of the day.
One conference in particular was very unique. The mom didn’t open her student’s report card at all in my presence. Her first question was, “How is my son’s behavior in class?” She continued to ask questions about his interactions with others, “Is he kind?” “Does he share?” “Does he fight with others? “How does he treat girls?” Later she said that she is much more interested in his character than in his academics. That was such a surprise! I wish more parents had her heart. I wish my parents had such a philosophy. She modeled God’s prime concern for our heart. It reminded me of the song, "The Heart of Worship," one line states:
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I was encouraged by her desire in molding his heart. Her child gives great big hugs and is one of those who make me smile. I’m very privileged to work with each of my twenty-one students. This hardship is worth it.
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