Honduras, I love you. But you know, sometimes you really... anger me. (I am using different words in my mind.)
Yesterday I was so excited for Erika. She was excited too. But I knew better. I even said to people in my prayer group last night that I will truly be happy and accept it as reality once Erika is seated in the class, learning.
In case you missed it, yesterday Erika and I went to a local vocational school. A lady there told us we arrived just in time to enroll. Friday is a holiday, but if we came back today (Thursday), we could sign up for the English class that Erika wants and start Monday.
As we climbed the four flights of stairs today I said, "I hope the same lady is here." Erika didn't seem concerned. But I have lived in Honduras and dealt with these crazy systems long enough to know that the word of the kind lady yesterday really means nothing until Erika is seated in the class, learning.
The office was full of women, but none were the lady from yesterday, and surprise! The English class that we came to sign up for suddenly does not exist. In the future they will have a basic English class, but it will be at 8 a.m., which is a time Erika cannot attend because she has nobody to watch her baby.
We did not make up the fact that the lady told us a Basic English class would start Monday from 3-5 p.m. That is not something we just invented.
I am so frustrated and disappointed! Why is it so hard to get a young girl who wants an education enrolled in classes? It is no wonder that most people here do not make it past 6th grade!
As always, Erika was calm. She signed up for the computer class, which the lady basically told her that she is not going to pass because of the Excel part. I am going to check with some friends who can help with Excel. People my age never took Excel in school, so I am no help. Maybe Erika and I will learn together. I asked if she is good at math and she said, yes, which made me happy for more than one reason. The class shouldn't be so tough for her, AND every time I hear Erika speak say something positive about herself, I love it. Her self confidence is going to be part of what makes her successful in life.
After such a high yesterday, today I am a little bummed. But I love walking through this with Erika. She is so relaxed, yet motivated. She never seems to feel defeated. She is the perfect person for me to learn about "doing life with". She is as much of a blessing in my life as I am in hers.
Also, Erika agreed to attend the womens' group next Wednesday in Los Pinos! That made me super happy. I purposely didn't mention that I would like to take her to eat afterward. My goal was to have her be there because it was her own, personal decision with no outside incentive. I am not sure how to lead Erika to a deeper relationship with God, but this seems like a great start! It will also be great for Erika to meet other women.
I cannot control the way things go in Honduras with schools and other governmental agencies. However, if I leave things in God's hands, He will take good care of Erika and show us the path He has laid out for her. I have complete faith that God has an amazing future in store for Erika. She is open and ready to receive. That is all He requires. Praise God for Erika's disposition, and praise God for His greatness, which can overcome all obstacles. Including the craziness of maneuvering the systems of Honduras.
