Right now, I’m watching the Honduras vs. USA soccer game… The score is 1-1 and its half time. Everyone here is really enjoying it, but I have to admit, I’m not that much of a soccer fan. I find it a little boring. Nevertheless, I bought a Honduras jersey. Well you’re probably wondering what new adventures we’ve gotten ourselves into, and lucky for you, I’m going to tell you!
Thursday was another great day of school! I did some more teaching today, and its cool because the students actually seem to listen while I’m talking (which isn’t common for here). I’ve also gotten to know the English teacher very well. He’s 28 and married, no children yet. In his spare time he sings for a Christian rock group! Isn’t that interesting! He was telling me all about his latest gig in El Salvador. I also got to finally meet the American Bible teacher, Amanda. She had been sick all week, so this was her first day back at school. She was really nice, and I wish I had gotten to know her better. That night we went out to a Chinese restaurant with the whole family, and then turned in.
Friday was a little sad, knowing that it was our last day at Penzotti. It was still great though. One of the classes were making baleadas (remember the tortillas and beans? These also had Honduran cheese in them) to sell to raise money for projects around the school. So naturally I bought a couple. We also had a full lunch of flank steak (fajita meat) with onions and bell peppers, a small salad, rice, and a cooked plantain with refried beans stuffed into it. Yes you heard me right: refried beans stuffed into a plantain!! It wasn’t terrible… it was surely interesting though! Then we headed home to get everything packed up since it was our last day with Gladys’ family. We played a few games of cards, loaded up, said our goodbyes, and took off.
For the weekend we’re staying at Mark’s old house just on the outskirts of Teguc. Before Mark moved to Siguat, he helped the church that owns this property turn it into a retreat for youth groups, Americans, and who ever else. So its pretty nice here! Beautiful buildings and gorgeous plants and trees. It’s called Villa Gracie.
So I guess that brings us to today, our latest big adventure! We woke up for breakfast at 7:30 and then went to a pastor’s house nearby. His name is Alex and he’s a Honduran who’s married to an Aggie named Holly. And I believe the boys will be working with Alex this coming week. Anyway, we went with his church’s youth group to a national park called La Tigre, which means 'The Tiger'. Now, they had told us we would do some hiking, and that it was a little difficult, but naturally we all felt good about going. Unfortunately Amy got a little sick during the night, so she didn’t go with us. So that left Matt, Jason, Tracy and I. Oh ya, Tracy is Mark’s cousin from Bastrop. He’s going into his senior year of high school and flew in yesterday to join the mission.
After a terrifying bus ride up the mountain, we started up the trail. Alex’s group was going hiking on a shorter trail, so it was just the four of us! Our map said it was about a 3.8 km hike to this waterfall, and then we’d double back another 3.8 km. Let me say this, it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I took lots of pictures so you can see the rainforest-like place we were in. We basically had to hike up 2000 meters then back down to the waterfall, then do it all over again! It was crazy, and really tough! But I’m happy to say we’re all alive and happy to be relaxing! The waterfall was gorgeous! Not as much water as Pulupanzak, but almost as tall. The water was really cold, and there wasn’t much of it collecting at the bottom, so no swimming. However, we did eat lunch out there before heading back. It was really awesome!!
When we got back to Villa Gracie, we met two more team members, BJ and Allison. They’re dating and both come from A&M and are going in to their senior year. Whoop! BJ’s a Spanish major, and Allison’s a psychology major. I’m excited to get to know them; they seem like great people with really great hearts!
Well, now the game has 20 minutes left, USA just scored another goal, and they’re bugging me to pay attention. So, tomorrow the girls are heading out to the orphanage, so be praying for us! I’m not sure what the boys will be doing, but I know they’re staying here at the retreat through the week.
Continue praying for us, and thanks for taking the time to check up on us! Your support is very much appreciated! So thanks again to all of our friends and family!!!
~Allie
PS. I'm still working on pictures, so I'll let you know when they're available.
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