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