Un Dia Nuevo - A New Day

Alright my faithful readership, after my attitude change yesterday, today went much better! Although, this morning at 5:30, I did wake up thinking, "If this were a regular job, I would totally call in sick!" But after washing my face, brushing my hair, and doing my other morning rituals, I felt alright. 

Today was fun I think because I was able to be much more interactive with the students. I was a little less intimidated, and the professor, Gabriel, really opened up the floor for me. It was cool teaching a group of teenagers, and even though I felt totally inadequate, Gabriel really believed I could do it, so it seemed more possible. They were all a little rowdy, but it wasn't impossible. I also got to go over the differences between "good," "better," and "best," and "bad," "worse," and "worst" with a more advanced class. So that was fun!

So even though in the back of my mind I felt ultimately unnecessary to the class, it was cool to see the kids excited about english. Gabriel even mentioned that privately the students tell him they want to speak english with us, which is great because they really don't see a need to speak it in daily life.

Then we finally got to meet the American missionary we were supposed to have been in contact with in this city. I think I mentioned that Mark lives about two hours away. Well, he went back home, and left us in the capable hands of Hondurans. However, we were supposed to meet a local CAM missionary, Edith Peters, earlier in the week, but she has been sick... Well, we finally met her today and let me tell you, she is a firecracker! She seems to know almost everything about anything! She's very old and very blunt! I want to be just like her! She talked with Amy and I for about 10 minutes and then left. Not exactly what we were expecting, but still alright. 

As a treat, after school, Ian took us to the Museum of Honduran National Identity. The boys, Jason and Matt, took a taxi and met us nearby. I'll save Matt's taxi experience for when he is able to post. The museum was cool! I love history, so it was really neat for me! We got to see all about the countries beginnings with indigenous tribes all the way up to the banana republics and then to some modern presidents. Then we watched a virtual reality tour of Copan, one of the Mayan ruins left in Honduras. That was cool since I think we won't be able to visit the ruins in person (they're about 4 hours away). Afterwards, Ian gave us a tour of the city. He showed us some of the wealthiest areas, and a few of the poorest ones. By 6:45pm it was time to take Matt and Jason back to the church they were staying at. The pastor of the church they're working on, Pablo, said it was too dangerous to be out any later (especially for Americans). So we get to the area (community/neighborhood), turn down a dirt road, pass a lot of impoverished houses, and get lost!!! ...So after about 30 minutes of driving through shady, dirt streets, we finally get it right and drop them off! It was definately a relief to be out of there and have everyone safe inside. Just one more thing we can praise God for! 

So to finish the day off, Amy, Ian and myself went up to their roof and chilled. It's one of those flat roofs with a normal staircase in the house leading up. It was awesome! There was such a great view of the city from up there! Since the city is set in a valley and on so many hills, you can really see just how far it stretches. We chatted up there about everything from Christian traditions to the cost of housing! I loved every minute of it!!! I really love just spending time with people and building those fundamental relationships!

Anyways, I'm feeling really good tonight and I'm praying that the rest of our time at the school goes well. Also, if you could take the time to pray for a few things for our group and our purpose. First, on Saturday we have two more interns joining us. Their names are Allison and BJ. I'm praying that us girls can get to know each other and really feel united as sisters and servants of God (I say girls because we're not around the guys too much). Second, I'm really praying that the kids we're helping teach are able to see how important and useful it would be to learn english. Finally, Monday we girls are starting at an orphanage, and although I'm not sure of all the details, I know that they're needing a new roof that I might get to help design. Thanks for your continued prayers and talk to you again soon!!

~Allie

Galations 2:20