Monday I did feel better, but today I feel great. I still have a runny nose and little cough occasionally, but I think I have FINALLY gotten rid of the cold. I have been sick since December 22. You can imagine I was sick of being sick!
Yesterday we were at the church until really late again. I got home at 8 pm. Part of that was because it took us forever to get up the mountain. At 7:30 the road was FULL of cars coming down from El Hatillo and we were in a traffic jam on our way up. I was scared there was a horrible accident until I realized that traffic would not be pouring down the mountain if there were an accident. Finally we came upon cars parked on both sides of the road and lots of people walking up and down the streets. Apparently the mayor, who lives on a side street was having quite a party on a Monday night. I asked Lourdes how all of those people could possibly fit in a house. Lourdes said the mayor's house is enormous and could fit all of those people. Today we found out that Jairo's brother was at the party. I wonder what it was like. I think half of half of the city was there.
Today was the last day for Chantal, the lady from Canada, to be with us. We had a going away party for her at the Breakfast Program. We got her a gift and bought her a cake. The kids all gave her kind words and hugs. Chantal was really happy, I think. I told her what a great help she had been to me and to the preschool class. I feel completely different about teaching preschool now. I feel competent and prepared. Before Chantal came, teaching was a struggle for me. But Chantal has given me a lot of ideas and confidence. I am more excited about the class now and I believe we are going to make a bigger difference for the kids. Tomorrow I will miss her, but I don't NEED her to be here anymore. She has been a great teacher for me. I have more photos on my phone. I will post them tomorrow.
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| Lorenzo is working on writing his name |
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| Anai in her new school uniform! |
In the past I have been too passive and agreeable when people approach me in an aggressive or argumentative way. I think that sometimes North Americans have a reputation for being loud and disrespectful, so it was important to me that I not be seen that way. Today someone interrupted an important conversation I was having with a parent. They started speaking to me loudly and aggressively. I was so proud of myself! I tried explaining to the person, but they kept repeating themselves. Finally I told the person that I heard them, I understood them, but they needed to speak to Lourdes. They kept insisting that I do what they wanted me to do. I kept repeating that I heard them, I understood them, and they need to speak to Lourdes. It felt so good not to get pushed around. I never let myself get pushed around in the US, and I will not let it happen here either. Later I talked to Lourdes and Jairo. Lourdes said I did exactly what I should have done.
Today we had a new couple helping us at the Breakfast Program. They RODE THEIR BIKES FROM CANADA TO HONDURAS!!!!! When Lourdes introduced them and said they had come here from Canada on their bikes, Memo (age 4), said, "Porque ellos no tienen pisto". Basically he said they didn't have the cash to travel in another manner, so that's why they road their bikes to Honduras. He is so darn funny! He is the same boy who wears a leather coat when it's hot, rubber boots when it's dry, and looks like he is screaming when he sings. I love that boy.
Lourdes fell down last night when she got up to go to the bathroom. She hurt her hip and shoulder. She also banged her head. Today the Dr came to the Breakfast program. He said her head is fine, but her shoulder and hip are bruised. He gave her a prescription for a muscle relaxer and said she needs to rest for a week. For the next week Walter and I will run the Breakfast Program. I hope that Lourdes really takes this time to rest. I told her she is not allowed near an iron. She exhausts herself with tons of ironing. Her discipleship group and I offered to clean her house this weekend. Jairo is taking care of meals. Now if we can just get Lourdes to sit down and relax!
I am really liking my new house. It has been sunnier for about a week now, which makes everything better. I washed my towels and for the first time since I moved here, they dried without smelling musty! I can feel the seasons changing.
