In 2 days I will be hopping off a plane in Canada. 

I have loved every day here in Honduras and I'm sad to see my time coming to an end so fast. I've been joking with the teachers saying that I'm not actually leaving but I'm going to stay in Sigua forever. I laugh but I'm tempted. Although I'm going home now, I don't doubt that I will come back to Honduras again. This place is too great not to come back. 

I've been blessed with sweet students who write adorable letters for me and have given me giant hugs, saying that I can't go. They make it difficult to be excited to go back (although I still am. Don't worry, mom.) I'm thankful for each person I've met while I've been here. Whether I've known them for months or days.

This is probably my last post about my journey here in Honduras as I will be leaving this sweet country on Saturday. So thank you for reading and being apart of the adventure. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement over these last few months. I'm blessed to have amazing support back home. 
Please keep the teachers at the school in your prayers as a lot of them are flying home for Christmas. Please pray for me as I travel home and that I would adjust to Canadian living easily. 
Thank you! 

See you soon Canada! 

Goodness gracious, the weeks are flying by.

I can't believe I've been in Honduras for 10 weeks now. Even these last few weeks have been full of adventure and new experiences. I've met some amazing people and have been able to get to know others better. Although my Spanish is "muy malo" (very bad), people are patient with me and suffer through it.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit a children's home, and spend time with a few kids that live there. We coloured,  watched a bit of Dora the explorer, and laugh a lot. My little bit of Spanish came in handy and I actually knew what we were laughing about, so that was nice. When it was time to go, big hugs were given and I was happy to say that I'd be back.

This week Dave had a team from Canada come and they went into the community to fix wells. On Tuesday I tagged along to see what the process was like and to help in any way that I could. After preparing the pipes and the pump, we went to the well and replaced the old pump with the new. While we were there, kids came to see what we were doing and decided to stay and watch. Precious little ones were walking on the rough gravel/dirt roads without shoes, but that didn't stop them from having the biggest smiles ever. Some of the team members played soccer with the kids and others just spent time with them. Once the well was fixed, we were all excited to see water actually come out of it. I'm so glad I tagged along and saw how they fix the wells and to see the kiddos faces when the water came out of the well.


A few things to pray for:

• The team from Canada as they are flying back tomorrow. 
• Renewed health for the teachers and students. 
• That I wouldn't be counting down the days to leave but would continue enjoy and grow while I'm here.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement while I've been here. I definitely appreciate it. 

Grade 1 sweethearts

Celebrating CEE's 25th anniversary

One of the markets

One of the markets

The children's home

Doing the Whip & Nay Nay dance

Sports day

Replacing the well

Some of the kids who were at the well with us

It works! 

You don't see that everyday..

My time in Honduras has been full of new experiences and adventures. Some are fun and exciting and others are strange and discomforting. God has opened my eyes to see things in a new way and to be open to other people's way of living. One of my hopes in coming here was to not change people but to learn from them, and I believe that's what God is helping me do. I'm thankful for the good experiences and definitely thankful for the hard ones as well. I'm seeing God's goodness and love in many different ways. 

So here are few things you wouldn't normally see in Canada: 

• Cows. Now I understand that cows are in Canada, but this is different. These ones are everywhere. They do what they want and go where they want. On my walk to school, it's normal to see a cow on the side of the road (or even on the road.) In Canada, they're usually seen in barns or on a farm, but those aren't here so they just do whatever they want. 
• Eventful taxi rides. I know there are taxis in Canada as well, but again, this is different. I don't know how many times I've reached for a handle to open the window or to open the door and realized that there isn't one. Now this isn't a sketchy halloween movie where you can never escape the vehicle and you die there, but it's really just because the handle broke off and he hasn't fixed it. Usually it's just one handle that is missing so you would use the other to open the door but other times the taxi driver has figured out a way to open the door using different tools. 
• Driving conditions. In Canada there are lines, signs, and rules to be followed, with police to enforce them. Here, there are general rules but most of the time they aren't followed. I can't help but laugh when I see people driving on the sidewalk to pass someone or pass people when theres obviously a car coming and you could crash. Also, one day I saw 4 people on a motorcycle. It's common to see children on motorcycles with their parents, wearing helmets that would be big on me.
• While walking to school (about six blocks from my house) I see 7 or 8 men with giant guns, protecting different construction stores. You don't see that everyday in Canada but here, I don't even notice them anymore. Although the first time I saw one I was pretty shocked and didn't know if I should be scared or feel safe. 
• In Canada, I find people are very concerned with how their house looks. The grass is usually cut, leaves are raked, garbage is all picked up, and the garden looks beautiful. Here, it's a little easier to get away with not doing that kind of stuff because there are giant cement walls blocking any view of your house. People protect their houses by putting up walls and big gates so that people can't break in. On top of the walls there is barbed wire for extra protection. It really does make me feel safer knowing that I'm surrounded by a cement wall and people can't see our house. 

So these are just a few things that are different but I hope you've been able to understand a little bit more about my experiences here in Honduras. 

Side note: This passed weekend I was able to visit the beautiful Tela with a sweet family. We relaxed on the beach for a long time, had delicious food and I drank from my first coconut while standing in the Atlantic ocean. It was amazing. 

A convenient store

I ate a fish eye in Tela

Sunset in Tela

The Kindergarten class

"Miss, lets take a selfie"

He was sad because he peed on the playground 

Buenas tardes! (Good afternoon!)

These last weeks have been really great. I've had many ministry opportunities and I've learned a lot. 

I went to a missionary conference here in Sigua last weekend with Dave and Esther. I met numerous missionaries from all around Honduras and was able to talk to them about their ministry and how they came to Honduras. It was amazing hearing what God is doing not only in Sigua but all over the country. 

We also experienced a huge amount of flooding here in Sigua. It rained Friday afternoon and all throughout the night. People's homes were destroyed, possessions lost, and a few people died. We were expecting more rain on Saturday but it didn't come, thank goodness. People were digging trenches in front of their homes to stop the water and others were taking truck loads of stuff to the dump. I had the opportunity to go to a house and help prepare a meal for people and then went with some teachers from the school to help clean out a lady's house. We took a truck load of her things to the dump which was also an overwhelming sight. Piles of garbage everywhere. People, birds, and dogs rummaging through garbage. It was amazing to see people from the community come together and help someone they don't even know. The community of believers are so caring and are ready to help at any time. We haven't had any more huge amounts of rain. Praying we won't experience a flooding again. 

My schedule this week was a little crazy because the elementary classes were doing exams, so I was all over the place. I helped in 5 different classes and each one was my favourite. It was my first time helping in the JK/SK class and those kids are so precious. Seeing them so excited to learn their numbers and letters was so sweet. 

God has been opening my eyes and helping me to understand more about missions and ministry and what it looks likes. I'm thankful for the people around me who are willing to talk to me about their experiences and the support I have back home in Canada. I'm truly blessed. 

Sunsets are a rare commodity in Sigua

A stand from the High school's Culture Day

Grade 3 class 

The school 

The school 

The school 

A precious Honduran boy

The pool near my house

A sunburn in October seems very strange to me but here it's completely normal and I'm definitely experiencing it. The weather has been amazing. It's mostly sunny during the day and rains at night -- my favourite. 

Last week there was a three day holiday that started on Wednesday. Amanda and I decided to explore Siguatepeque a little bit which consisted of us going to a restaurant/cafe right off the highway. It's called the Rittenhouse, and it was beautiful. Tall trees, plants, and delicious tasting coffee and cheesecake. 

On Thursday the Bettney's and I took a 3 day roadtrip to Gracias Honduras to visit a family friend who taught at the Bilingual school in Sigua. The trip was full of adventure as we explored old castles, the bilingual school she teaches at now, relaxed in hot springs and went zip lining. The weekend was relaxing, exciting and fun. I'm thankful for the adventures I'm able to go on with so many wonderful people. 

This week I've been able to work in grade 1 science, grade 2 & 3 PE, and grade 3 reading.  I love volunteering in multiple grades because I'm able to work with different kids and build relationships with them. The teachers are amazing and you can tell they're passionate about what they do and they love the kids they work with.

Please pray that God would continue to work in my life and in the lives around me. Pray for safety and strength throughout my days, and that God would open my eyes to see what he wants me to do now and in the future. 
Thank you for you support and prayers throughout these past three weeks. 

I hope you enjoy these pictures and can get a glimpse of the beauty in Honduras. 

Grace & I amazed at the view

A green houses at the Rittenhouse

My first time riding in a MotoTaxi 

Amanda and I 

A church in Gracias

Noni fruit (Alien fruit in my mind) 

The castle in Gracias

Zip lining pros 

I hit the 10 day mark today (crazy, I know.) Time has flown by. There's never a dull moment here in Sigua. Always something exciting happening or a new adventure to experience. 

This last week has been jam-packed with opportunities to serve. On Monday, I was able to work in a classroom with grade 3 & 4's. The children are so welcoming and sweet, giving me hugs without even knowing my name. Miss Amanda (the teacher/my roommate) asked me to lead the children in a reading and help them to understand specific words. And although I did it wrong, I loved spending time with the kids. 
That night there was a parade, celebrating the day they received their letter of Independence. There were marching bands, performers, people with little torches, a man on stilts and other exciting things. People were walking around trying to sell popcorn or cotton candy. Food stands selling typical Honduran food such as Wendy's.. (Yes. Wendy's.) And even though it rained like crazy, people continued on with the party. 

Yesterday we celebrated culture day at school. Little girls showed up in their colourful Honduran dresses, and boys with their white shirts, red handkerchiefs, and a sombrero. It was adorable. We sang songs, played games, and ate delicious food. It was fun getting to know more kids and being able to play with them.

I was even able to go to the market, which was amazing. Seeing all the people selling their vegetables, hammocks, and whatever else they could sell was so neat. People lined up on the side of the road with their tarps up and baskets on the ground filled with fresh food, waiting to be bought. The street busy with people walking around, buying or promoting their products (and me not being able to understand anything they're saying.) Inside, people are selling clothing, more food, and other household items. So much stuff and different smells in one place. It might have been a little overwhelming, but it was really fun.

I have loved everything about these past 10 days. I know these next 11 weeks will fly by. 

God is good and He has big plans. He continues to give me opportunities to serve and the strength to do so. My prayer is that I would constantly be reminded of His power and that He is with me wherever I go. 

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

A few prayer requests:

• The children at the CEE Bilingual school. That they might know Christ in a personal way. 
• The teachers at the school. For patience, and opportunities to teach the Gospel to not only the kids but their families as well. 
• That I would continue to be able to serve in the different ministries in Sigua. 
• That God would comfort me when I'm feeling homesick. 
• Safety. 

Thank you for your prayers and support, and your sweet words of encouragement. 

Other random exciting things: 

• I saw a gecko for the first time. Which I wouldn't have minded it if it wasn't found in my room...
• I ate a real Tamale. Not the candy, although those are delicious too. 
• I was able to eat supper with a student's family. 
• I saw my first dead pigs head. It smelled and looked gross. 
• I toured Comayagua, Honduras, (Honduras's first capital city.)

*Culture day

*a Cathedral in Camayagua

*The market

*One of the many marching bands

Just the beginning..

I'm here! I made it to Honduras! 

My first plane ride was amazing. Going so fast right before you take off is exhilarating. I loved watching the buildings become smaller and smaller, and flying above the clouds as I watched the sky change colours while the sun rises. 

*Flying over Atlanta

Driving up to Siguetepeque from San Pedro Sula was an adventure in itself. The roads and driving conditions are not like what they are in Canada. People seem to be a little less impatient, but a lot better at driving through a maze. While you wait for an opportunity to move, people don't hesitate to go up to your window and try to sell you things. Whether it's baskets, food, or drinks, they want to be the one to satisfy your need. 

The scenery is unbelievable. I love looking around outside and seeing mountains and trees in every direction. I'm still not used to it. I don't think I ever will be. I'm definitely not used to seeing horses or cows outside of a fence, or having a rooster outside my window who crows bright and early. 

*Our first dinner at home (Spaghetti) 

My living situation is so nice! I'm living with a roommate, Amanda, in a house which is in a woman and her grandmother's backyard. It has a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and two bedrooms. Everything you need! My favourite part is the tin roof because it sounds so nice when it rains, although the coffee maker is a close second. 

I'm slowly picking up basic Spanish. I'm able to say "excuse me, I'm sorry, thank you," and different greetings and goodbyes. Although trying to have a conversation with someone is quite entertaining and consists of a lot of laughs, facepalms, and taking out my Spanish phrase book to be able to say simple words like "Dinner" and days of the week. I want to absorb as much Spanish as I can so I'm able to have a proper conversation with someone and not embarrass myself. 

It's easy to say I'm already in love with Honduras and I know these next 3 months will be an amazing experience. God has a lot in store and I'm excited to be here.

*The walk to the school

*A banana tree 

*A cafe downtown