Giving Thanks

While Thanksgiving is clearly not celebrated in Honduras, my students are very well aware of this American holiday.  Since I teach at a bilingual school that follows closely to the U.S. school schedule, my students have grown up learning about Thanksgiving and have always had the Thursday and Friday off of school in respect of the American teachers. I was surprised of their knowledge of Thanksgiving, and was even more surprised when one of my students wanted to make turkeys during Art class.  While I am not exactly thrilled with the holiday being taught through cliche turkeys and pilgrim fables, I was intrigued and asked why she wanted to make them.  She replied, “Mizz even though we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, you do! So lets make them!”  Yes, yes, I do celebrate Thanksgiving! A day of stuffing myself with my moms yummy, mouth watering food, and a day to appreciate and ultimately “give thanks” for the special things in life. 

While the turkeys themselves are some of the most adorable pieces of art I have ever seen, the messages they wrote inside are even more special.  While my students don’t celebrate thanksgiving, they still understand it is important to reflect on what they are thankful for. Their writing makes me want to smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. 

Naara and Sara modeling the turkeys :) 

David- "I am thankful for my family"

Kensy Sofia- "I am thankful for my mom,
family, and food."

Hector- "I thankfull to have my two parents"
PS- The turkey is in fact holding a
bouquet of flowers. 

Emilio- "Thankful for my mom"

Naara- "I'm thank for because God give me lots
of years of life!"

Sara- "I am thank of my life and parents"

Josseph-"I am thankful of: My family"

Fernando- "I am thankful for my house"

Just as my students’ reflected on what they were thankful for, I wanted to do the same.  This is the first year I have been unable to partake in Thanksgiving festivities with my family and friends at home, and yet it has made me realize I have more blessings than ever. 

I am thankful for:

my amazingly beautiful roommates

FaceTime

my Mom and Dad’s voices

hearing “good morning, Mizz Jenny”

all of my loving family

clean water

Sarita’s Icecream

homemade soup

my pieces of home- Morgan’s stories, Allie’s smile, Bri’s laugh, Kelsey’s text

Happy Hour

all the beauties at La P

Spotify playlists

Bon Appetite

the warm embrace of childrens’ hugs

Jenna’s plantains

1861 Indian Springs Ct.

my supportive grandparents

two wandering feet

19 unique and extremely special 5^th Graders

my hammock

Carmen’s Papusaria

snapchats of Lambeau

lets be real- Lambeau anything

Yefferson singing “What a Wonderful World”

my education

selfless Lucas and her loving family from the pottery village

the hunger to travel and explore

all the things I have learned from my parents

Wisconsin Badgers

silent reading time/2^nd grade reading buddies

amazing co-workers and colleagues

all of the tea

a roof over my head

fresh guacamole

Roommate dinners

5th Graders playing cops and robbers at recess 

pictures of home on my bedroom wall

German Beer

sweet memories of smiles and laughter

$1.50 weekend street food

Dunya’s weekly Spanish lessons

tuc-tucs

talks of inspiration/hardship/love/dreams in the Nunnery

Dad’s weekly sport update

all things Christmas

chocolate

Only 25 more days until I can spend some time with my family and friends

A Forever Kind of Change

Even only after a few months, living abroad has instilled a forever kind of change in me. There is something about being catapulted into a whole new life and culture that forces you to rethink your idea of who you are. 

You face new challenges, some you never expected to face, and hope never to again.  You get to know parts of your mind, body and soul that you didn’t know existed.  You’re amazed at the changes within yourself and at the world. You learn, you broaden your horizons. You relearn, unlearn, and after coming down and embracing a few lessons, you start growing as an individual. You evolve. You feel homesick…you begin endless countdowns.  You shape memories that will stay with you forever. Memories of my students’ laughter, the many smiles, the man on the corner of the street I pass every day, the woman that knows my Papusa order by heart, the hour and a half hike up to visit the cutest and most kind abuelita. With so many memories I have already made in this town, tugging at my heart. 

Below are a few observations/snippets of my thoughts during these past 3 months in Honduras.

WHAT EVEN IS NORMAL?

Living in a different country makes you realize that ‘normal’ only means socially or culturally accepted. When you dive head first into a different culture and a different society, your idea of normality soon crumbles. You quickly learn there are other ways of doing things; one is not necessarily right and the other wrong.   After a while, you too take habits you never thought you’d embrace. You get to know yourself better…doing things, handling situations, thinking differently in ways you never imagined in your previous life. You discover that there are differences between the ideals you really believe in, and ideals that are just cultural customs of the society you grew up in.

Time.

It’s as if you were looking through the car window.  In the back of the car, everything moves really slowly, in the distance.  While life passes by at full speed in the front of the car.  In the back of the car, you receive news from home, occasional iMessage from friends, birthdays you missed, family-get-togethers, Badger Saturdays, celebrations you won’t be able to attend. On the other hand, life here seems to speed by full force.  Time is so extremely distorted, you learn how to measure it in tiny little beautiful moments.  A Skype call with your family and friends, a beer or cheesecake J with the new friends, million dollar smiles from the most beautiful children passed on the streets, the rare free time enjoyed on the hammock with a good book.

The inevitable change.

While there are many things in life that I am still unsure of and are questioning, I know for certain, living here in Honduras has profoundly changed my life and who I am.  Living abroad- It will shake up your roots, your certainties and your fears. Living Abroad- 3 short months- I’ve learned, I’ve got scars, I’ve changed, I’m living...I’m evolving.

                                                                                                     

My mom was able to visit me at the end of October.  Her visit was something I will always remember.  I am so fortunate to have such a strong support system.  It was extremely special to share this experience with my best friend.  It is always nice to hear a new perspective, here are her thoughts! 

From a Mother’s perspective…

I spent 11 wonderful, fun and adventured filled days with Jenny and her roommates.  My impression of Copan Ruinas is it is a beautiful city due to its lush’s surroundings and its simplistic and rugged beauty.  The people are kind and family oriented with wonderful smiles.  It was very apparent to me that after living there for 3 months Jenny and her friends had already adjusted to life in Copan.  The things I saw or experienced for the first time didn’t even register to them as being unusual.  A prime example is the lack of a quiet night!  Copan has more roosters than any place I have ever been and these roosters must have missed Crowing 101, where they are told to only crow at dawn and dusk….no these roosters crow 24/7 all night long.  If by chance they do get tired and take a break their backups are the many dogs who seem to have a lot to say during sleeping hours.  I asked for a shot gun and Jenny gave me ear plugs! To see a bike, a motorcycle, a beat up car, a brand new truck and 4 guys on horses walking down the street was a normal occurrence.  Once in a while there would be a horse meandering down the road…all by himself…
REALLY??

As with any city, you quickly learn the do’s and don’ts; where to eat, walk, which ATM is safer for getting money without your card being compromised, and most importantly who has happy hour on any given day.  They know where the best deals are and shop frequently at the “Farmers” type market opened daily where the fresh vegetables and fruits are delicious and very inexpensive!  I have been introduced to Papusas, Plantains and Tipicos…all delicious and won’t cost you more than $2 for a meal.

For a parent to watch their child in their natural setting is a sight to see.  I spent 3 days in the classroom with Jenny as Mizz Mary Jo…Room Mom.  What I saw those 3 days was a well-organized, confident, patient, caring but in control of her classroom teacher.  Jenny’s students are very much aware of when it is time to listen and do their assignments and when it is ok to have a bit of fun.  Before walking her class to recess one day the kids were being a bit excitable.  Jenny stood silently at the door waiting for things to calm down, when I heard one student say “Shhh, Mizz has that eye face!” and the class quieted down instantly! 

I loved every minute of each day.  Hiking to see Lucas in the Pottery Village, the adorable kids at Pintada, a three day trip to surf town El Tunco, El Salvador…crossing the Guatemala boarder, walking through town, visiting the Tea and Chocolate Place for some amazing tea and beautiful landscape. Hanging out on the deck of the apartment and picking out cows grazing on the distant hillside. Whether you are in Copan Ruinas or San Pedro the hills/mountains are visible in all directions.  Many living in Honduras may not have a lot of material things but they love their families believe in God and seem to live simple but very fulfilling lives.

Below are some pictures from my Mom's visit to Copan Ruinas. 

El Tunco, El Salvador

Playa El Tunco

Learning to Surf

Class Surfers Town

Beautiful Art Work

5th Grade Classroom

Math Centers- Stacking Multiplication Cups!  

They all latched onto MJ! 

MJ came.. Our classroom library tripled in size...
Thank you all for your donations!!!

THE LITTLES!

Josseph asked if he could organize the new books in our classroom library..
OF COURSE YOU CAN!

Happy faces because we have new amazing books!

Amelia Bedilia in the house! 

Fernando had to give me the 101 on Fluffy

Hector....The dimples...

WE LOVE TO READ.

Mom and the "Extra Cookie Crew"

La Pintada 

young love

Walter and Orlean get some lovin 

Brothers- Yefferson and Orlean 

:) :) :) 

My favorite duo

Yefferson 

MJ brought these awesome frisbees, the kids love them! 

Walter <3

The Tea and Chocolate Place

Loved our visits to the Tea and Chocolate Place :)

Next to the heart leaves :) 

The View

Cold days, Warm tea

The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

The light at the end of the tunnel…. This past month has been filled with ups, downs, and everything in between.  My roommate described this beginning period of teaching similar to putting a 500 piece puzzle together. I could not agree more.  You know the end result, but you have to figure out how to get there.  Using various teaching methods, activities, and strategies trying to figure out what best fit the needs of your students.  Many times, you find pieces that do not fit, but you keep trying.  You find that pattern, color, texture that meshes together.  Before you know it, you have already put together the corner pieces of the puzzle.  You see glimpses of your end result, a piece of hope and a sense of relief that you may actually be doing something right… A shine of confidence growing in your shyest student, a simple understanding or “A-HA” moment, excitement, eagerness, and teamwork.  All of a sudden a student that you didn’t think was paying attention in math for the past two days comes to the board and perfectly executes a rounding problem following the exact steps you taught.  And my cheeks hurt so damn much because I am so proud I cant stop smiling while writing this thinking about all the pieces that my class has already been able to put together. This puzzle called teaching is never ending.  Teaching will be continually trying to put this chaotic, insane, yet amazingly beautiful puzzle together.

It is hard not to love these kids.  My heart bursts looking through pictures reassuring me that I am where I’m supposed to be.  Here are some pictures of 5^th Grade during Dia Del Nino and Dia De La Independencia.  Children’s Day was a day celebration at school where my class participated in a “Secret Santa” type gift exchange, beat down two piñatas, and ate so much candy that they had a sugar hang over the next day in class.  Dia De La Independencia was on September, 15^th, and on this day almost 200 years ago, Central America was granted their independence from Spain.  Each school within Copan marched in the parade throughout town.  The town was packed with people, covered with bright vibrant colors, decorated with tiny Honduran flags, and pine needles filling the streets.

Dia Del Nino:

Fernando (far right) is totally peaking during our
"Secret Santa" gift exchange.

Emilio and his gift

The girls 

a few students :)

5th grade!

They requested a "girls only" picture. Such Sass!

Sara

Hector

Dia De La Independencia:

Hector rocking the shades! 

One of my students, Nahomy

5th Grade girls: Sara and Naara 

Some of my 5th Graders :) 

What happens when I ask Hector to smile... OYYY.

Check out that view

Emilio "mid parade photoshoot"

5th Grade boys: Roberto and Emilio 

Bright and Beautiful colors 

La Pintada- Every Saturday I am eagerly excited to wake up at 7:30 and hike an hour up a steep mountain… WHO AM I?! Don’t worry… you will understand my excitement after you check out the pictures below.  La Pintada- a place filled with barefoot, fearless, playful children that have so much love that it is flowing out of their ears.  They bombard you with smiles, hugs, and simple conversations that tug at your heartstrings.  My heart grows one size each week after being around these amazing children.  This is my happy place here in Honduras. (PS We are always looking for school supplies: books, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, ect to bring up to La P. Let my mom know if you are interested in donating!) 

Looking like the next Ranchero 

Sweet Deimi

Bryan 

Julie and beautiful Suyapa 

These Boys: Neiser and Junior

That SMILE!!!

Walter and his cutest Mohawk 

Milten: so excited to be working on his homework

Jefferson

A Jefferson "Selfie"

The Bad….Creatures

1) I arrive to school around 6:15 every day.  6:15 is way too early for me and I have barely had time to guzzle one cup of coffee.  It’s a Tuesday morning, I am dragging my feet walking up to my classroom door.  I take out my keys with my eyes half open and begin unlocking my door.  I feel something on my foot, not being in the mood, I just kick it off.  Well… come to find out after one of my students waiting for me to open the door screamed, “MIZZ MIZZ, ESCORPION!!!!” Yes, yes, it is what it sounds like… It was a scorpion.  It was about the size of my palm and it crawled on my foot.  I think I peed my pants a little.  Thankfully one of my fearless 5^th graders grabbed a rock and smashed it with no issues.  Oh Honduras…

 2) The bathroom rule is still in FULL effect for my 5^th graders. It is the 6^th week of school so you can only imagine my annoyance when one of my students during the first 20 minutes of the day came to me and asked if he could use the bathroom. He held one of his arm straight out reminding me of Frankenstein and was plugging his nose with his other hand. I was then intrigued.  I asked him what was wrong and he pointed to his arm and he gave me the classic “MIZZ”.  I looked closer only to see a gooey black mark.  I asked what happened and the whole class burst into laughter.  He said, while still having his nose plugged, “The Gecko on the ceiling pooped on me.”  Oh. My. God. How do you not laugh at that? Of course, I let him go to the bathroom… without using one of his bathroom passes… rules always seem to have exceptions. 

3) While at La Pintada last weekend, I saw moms doing lice checks on their daughter’s hair.  My worst childhood memory came rushing back to me.  I had lice a few times when I was in primary school… and it is something I NEVER WANT AGAIN.  I have been freaking out about having lice ever since I saw the moms checking for it.  My head itches while I write this, which is totally me just freaking myself out.  I am begging the lice gods… please, please, please spare me from getting lice….

The ugly…

Learning a new culture can be hard work.  There are times where your body, mind and soul crave normalcy. I am very thankful for the friendships I have made here.  They are my piece of home and my peace of mind.  There are many times when the culture shock can be extremely overwhelming and push the buttons within you that you never knew existed.

1) Treatment of animals-  There are stray dogs almost everywhere you look here in Copan.  They are extremely mistreated and malnourished.  As an animal lover, it is so extremely hard to see so many dogs suffering.  I want to take them home with me, give them baths, and feed them.  Unfortunately it is hard to go near them because they are so skittish around humans.  

2) Staring and Cat Calls- It doesn’t matter what time of day, if a Honduran male sees you walking past him… he will stare…and stare… and stare.  To make it worse… he will ask if you have a boyfriend, make cat calls at you, whistle, practice their English, which consists of “Hey Baby” and “Hey Honey.”  While they are completely harmless and are only trying to boost their ego, it can at times be too much to ignore.  It is hard to hold back your anger, frustration, and eagerness to punch them in the balls.  

5^th grade quote of the day:

During recess… Naara-“Miss Jenny, you can be weird sometimes.” Me-“Oh well that’s good! I don’t want to be normal.” Naara- surprised by my comment… begins to smile…”I want to be weird too!”