Lore

I just thought of a funny thing that happened today.  Everyone in the preschool class has "gripe" (coughing with runny noses dripping down their face).  Today in class I asked if anyone wasn't sick.  One girl said she was not sick.  But I reminded her that few hours earlier she had told me that she had a bad cough.  I told the class, we are no longer the preschool class, we are the class of "gripe".  We had a nice giggle over that.

One of the moms came to me this afternoon stating that she was very happy with what her daughter is learning in the preschool class.  Over the weekend her three year old daughter had been reciting bible verses at home.  The mom was surprised and asked where she learned the verse.  Violet responded "Genesis 1:1"  Hahaha!  I told the mom to ask Violet about 1 Timothy 2:13.  Violet knows that one too.  :)

Lorenzo is still working hard every day with me.  We basically have a 1-1 class, but he does bring a friend with him.  I let Lorenzo choose who he wants to bring.  Lucky for me Lorenzo has a great friend in Jarvin.  Jarvin is teaching Lorenzo as much as I am.  I think Jarvin understands that Lorenzo needs the extra help.  Jarvin is younger, but far advanced compared to "Lore" as Jarvin likes to call his buddy.  Jarvin never acts superior or bored.  He doesn't try to answer all of the questions to prove how much he knows.  Jarvin always plays along with every lesson I prepare and gives Lorenzo room to learn, even when it's not much fun.

In the past Lorenzo was a scapegoat.  Kids were always tattling on Lorenzo, even if he did nothing wrong.  I haven't seen any of that lately.  I think it is great that Jarvin and "Lore" are buddies.  Lorenzo seems to get be getting along with everyone much better.  It makes my heart feel good to see Lorenzo doing so well socially.  We still have a ways to go educationally.  But Lorenzo tries hard and has the support of a good friend, so I am very hopeful!

Check in

Saturday afternoon I got a cold again.  It came on suddenly with an annoying cough.  Since then I haven't been feeling well.  For several reasons (which I will keep to myself) I had a frustrating day Sunday, and then again today.  Know that I am fine.  Just keeping my mouth shut for a few days until I have something positive to say.

Nesting

Those of you who have been to any of the places I lived in the US (or any of my campsites at Telluride) know that I am a nester.  When I had a desk job my office was even cozy.  But for some strange reason I have never nested in this house.  I have lived here for more than nine months.  Usually I am nested within a few weeks.  It's a beautiful home.  But for some reason I could not make it my own.

Last week Jetty knocked over my "night stand" (4 cardboard boxes labeled "FOOD FOR RELIEF" covered by a fleece blanket).  I came home to find the lamp that has been the basis of all of my decorative schemes was smashed to pieces.  My night time bite plate was also broken, as was a candle.

I've been trying to catch up with reading for my women's book club at the church, but with no night lamp I haven't been reading as much as I should.  SO today after the Breakfast Program Plentiful Life Program I headed out to a place Marcela recommended to buy a lamp.  I stopped at one place along the way and found nothing.  (Funny side note:  The store is pronounced K Mart but spelled Key Mart.  Hahaha.)  Key Mart's prices were high and all of the night lamps UGLY!

 Then I went to the place Marcela recommended.  It was great!  It had Rite Aid and Walmart brand stuff.  There was a huge selection and I found the lamp of my dreams as soon as I walked in the door.  Plus bungi cords, light bulbs, and Downy fabric softener.  I also got a mug for the desk at my office at the church.  I've been searching and searching for things to make the office more my own and hadn't made much progress in that area either.

I searched for real night stands, but they were over $50.  It seemed like too much.  Even the street vendors who make wooden furniture were asking more than I expected.  I am sticking to the cardboard boxes for now.

I came home and hung up all of the things I set aside nine months ago and never found a place for.  Then I put up my new lamp.  There was a brief moment when the lamp didn't work.  But I figured that out.  I re-arranged my curtains so more light comes into the kitchen and the storage space under my sink is covered better.

Can't wait to have guests!  Don't know why I wasn't ready to nest before.  It sure does feel cozy now.

Little Carlos and Junior both showed up at the Plentiful Life Program today.  We didn't have class because Belinda was gone so I had to watch all of the kids.  But they did sit calmly and eat.  That is already progress.

Looking forward to waking up tomorrow in my newly redecorated home!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Well, we almost had 48 hours without rain.  A storm is rolling in right now.  I'll get this written now while the thunder and lightening are still a little ways off.  I thanked God several times today for the sunshine.  I have never been so grateful for sunshine before.

One of the schools was closed today so we had a ton of kids.  Thursday is free day for the preschoolers.  It was a little hectic with the extra kids.  Especially since some of them, like Carlos and Junior, have no experience with structure and following rules.  They are used to doing whatever they want.  Therefore it is not their fault that they struggle when asked to follow directions and rules.  They are more accustomed to running wild.  I am encouraging Carlos and Junior to start attending the program every day in hopes that after a week or so they might have a better understanding of the rules and how to follow them.  A real classroom is going to be so hard for them.  But so far they only show up consistently when North Americans are around because they expect there will be special gifts.

The class is really, really good at cleaning up after free time.  I told them in advance that they could play for extra time because last week they did such a great job at clean up.  This week they did just as well!  They put everything back in the right place and only Carlos continued to play after I said it was time to pick up.  Very impressive for a class of 3-5 year olds!

I led the bible study today for the ladies from Los Pinos.  It was my first time to lead a bible study.  I see some things that I could do better, but I think overall it went well and we all got something from it.  There was one point when I wished I were speaking in my native language because one of the ladies was off track and not understanding the verse.  But Belinda helped explain and finally the lady understood.

I chose to share my favorite verse from New Living Translation:  Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do.  And He will show you which path to take.

There is a lot in that verse to think about.  Trust.  What is trust?  What does it mean to trust with ALL of your heart and how does a person go about doing that?  Why should we not depend on our own understanding?  Why is it so easy to depend on our own understanding and sometimes difficult to seek God in those times?  How can we seek His will in ALL we do?  BUT, the payoff is big!  If we do trust and seek He will show us which path to take!  So simple, yet so difficult at the same time.

Well, the rain is here.  I'll get this published before the power goes out.

I am having a hard time taking pictures since my camera broke so my blog might be light on photos for a while.  For some reason I can only publish them to facebook, I can't email them to myself and download them from my phone.  Here are some I published on FB today:

Jose chose to use his free time learning about shapes

Waiting for class!

Samuelito doesn't like salad

Got my new license!  It was uneventful.  The line was short and the computers were working so I breezed right through.  At the very end I learned something sad.  I wondered why the workers at each phase kept being surprised that my license was lost.  I never thought about the fact that I could either check the box for "lost" or "stolen".

Everyone else in line with me had their licenses stolen because they were robbed.  The guy next to me was robbed on a bus.  He said armed men took everything valuable from every person on the bus.  I told him that a girl from my church have been robbed twice in one week in collectivo taxis.  He said that his female cousin was robbed twice in one DAY in a bus.  He said it is getting worse and worse.  Sad.  Now you can understand why I am not allowed to use buses or taxis.

Last night I realized that I misunderstood the women's book club assignment.  People were discussing chapters far beyond where I had read.  This morning I learned I am supposed to be done with chapter 6.  I was purposely waiting on chapter one so it would be fresh in my brain.  Ooops!  I have some catching up to do.  My goal was to read it in English AND Spanish.  Not sure I'll make it thru the Spanish by Sunday.

Today we made pupusas at the Plentiful Life Program.  My buddy Louis and the boy who went to the soccer game with me, Fabricio, cooked while the ladies did food prep.  The boys are good about helping out wherever they are needed.  After they cooked they helped me get Samuel to eat.

Samuel, one of the boys in my class is a very picky eater.  Every single day he makes a horrible face and says, "I don't like this," holding up some piece of food as though what he is holding is the most disgusting thing in the world.  Then everyone else in the class starts picking things out of their food and it becomes the cool thing to do.  Today he refused to eat his salad.

I am tired of trying to get him to eat, so I told him to take his plate to show his mother.  Bad.  I know.  She told him to go back and sit down and eat.  Usually he eats the parts he likes, then is hungry an hour later, asking for more food.  I was happy she had him finish his plate today.  Except he didn't.  He cried.

Samuel used to cry every single day.  Now he only cries when he doesn't get his way.  Yesterday he didn't cry at all.

Finally I told him that his baby sister (who is 6 months old) is going to be bigger and stronger than he is.  He said no, she is a baby.  I told him yes, but she eats all of her food.  Well, he couldn't argue with that.  So he picked tiny slivers of carrot out of the salad to eat.  It was a lot of work picking out those carrots and it wasn't really getting him anywhere.  So he cried some more.

Finally an hour later he was tired of crying and picking out carrots.  He had tried pretending he was gagging and going to vomit, dropped some on the floor, went to the bathroom twice, and realized everyone else was playing while he was sitting there.

Then I thought of distraction.  I asked if he would like a fork.  (Pupusas are normally eaten with your fingers.)  He said yes, so I shoveled the food into his mouth with my fork.  He did the fake gag a few times.  Pretty sure that works for him at home.  He also asked for more water.  Fair enough.  With me feeding him on my fork he finished every bite.  We showed everyone his clean plate and I told him I thought it was possible his muscles might be getting bigger already.  I hope Samuel likes whatever we serve for lunch tomorrow.

I'm supposed to drop my car off with the mechanic one of these days when the parts are in.  I'm eager to get the work done and have all of my major expenses behind me.  For now.

Honduran DMV

Today was nothing as I planned.  I spent the day running all over the city, following the incorrect information I was given by Transito (DMV).  Don Juan had to go there because his drivers license was taken from him unjustly by a police man who said he had run a red light when he did not.  So I drove us both and then he went with me to local police stations, searching for the place where I could get the paperwork I needed.

Don Juan found it easy to get his license back.  He didn't even have to pay a fee.  He talked to a lawyer and was given a piece of paper.  Then he had to wait in a line.  At the end of the line he got his license back and was told he would have to pay a lot of money if he got another infraction in the future.

If you lose (as in can't find) your drivers license in Honduras you have to make a report that it is missing, but only at two specific police departments in the city.  Now I know.

I also got my car registered.  It had to be done in September.  For the first time it is in my name and I have the paperwork to prove it.  The dealership had a hard time transferring it to my name and had to make 2 attempts.  Turns out each time they attempt to transfer a car to your name you have to pay $15.  So I paid $30 plus the registration fees which were double what I was told they were.  And tomorrow I drop the car off at the shop to finish fixing the remaining things that needed to be done when I bought it.  I am going to put off buying new tires for as long as I can.  Having a car is a huge blessing.  It is a great car.  But upkeep is time consuming and costly.

Tonight I attended a special workshop about domestic violence.  I didn't realize I had attended the same workshop last year.  It is really good.  There were 13 ladies and 2 men there, all from Los Pinos.  It was a little strange for me because I work with the kids of a mother who attended.  Her kids have told me that their mother is physically abusive to their father.  I was glad the workshop also addressed the fact that women can be abusers too.

Last time the workshop was given by a special lady who is a pastor in the US.  She rode home in the same car as I did.  On the way home she told me that night she believes I will serve women in Honduras.  I had forgotten all about that.  At the time it seemed like something in the distant future.  During the workshop today I remembered that she said that.  Then I remembered the two dreams I had a couple of weeks ago.  I dreamed that I was working with women who were in hiding because they were escaping violent situations.  The two dreams were in different settings, with different people, but they both shared the same theme.  I had them both the same night.  It really felt like they were special dreams.  I thought they were from God.  They stuck with me for a long time.

The ladies who gave the workshop commented about how well I get along with the ladies from Los Pinos.  Maybe I will end up serving them in a way I can not see right now.  That would be awesome.

:S

Caught Don Juan's flu so I woke up at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, shivering with a fever.  By 7:30 it felt like seizures, but I had to get out of bed and go to my first pre-discipleship meeting.  In Honduras it is seen as weak and unprofessional if you don't keep up with your social/work commitments when you're sick.  I went to the meeting and then left before church to go back home to rest.  I knew I would be alone at the Breakfast Program today and I wanted to do everything I could to get better.  The funniest thing was, there is one other North American who attends church here.  He did the same thing.  He said he felt obligated to go to the pre-discipleship group, but left right after.  Yes, we North Americans are weak.

As I was leaving the church everyone else was coming in for the service.  I swear everyone I talked to was sick.  They still hug and kiss hello.  I am such a freak about not wanting to spread my own germs, I just don't understand this mentality.  But, I do feel better today.  A tiny sore throat and a headache, but no fever, so it was fine.

We fed 86 kids and everything was calm.  Last week on Tuesday we set a record with 125.  I wonder how many we will have tomorrow.

I lost my drivers license.  It fell out of my purse onto the ground a few days ago, but I thought I just hadn't put it in there right.  Seems like it must have fallen out again.  I can't find it anywhere and it's driving me nuts.  In fact I feel really frustrated so I'll keep this entry short.  Don't need my negativity flowing out onto you.

I prepared a bible study for today.  But Belinda and Marlin were both gone so we had to postpone it.  Marlin has been in bed sick since Saturday with this stupid flu bug and swollen feet.  She almost went to the emergency room today, but decided to wait because she has a doctors appointment tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are hosting a conference about violence against women.  It should be interesting.  I am looking forward to it.

Apparently they announced that I will be giving swimming lessons yesterday at church because today all of the mothers were coming to me and asking if their kids could attend.  I had to tell them I have no idea how many kids will go, or what ages.  I don't even know when it will begin.  But there sure is a lot of interest.  Some of the Moms are even trying to figure out how they can go themselves because they heard the pool was so nice.  All I could say was that it is not up to me.

Colorado got their first snow and I am craving NY style pizza.  Maybe that is why I'm feeling a little irritable.  I am not homesick, but I sure am ready for this rainy season to be over.  Phew.  Coming from 300 days of sunshine a year to four months straight of rain is not easy.  I had remembered January and February being cold and rainy.  But it has rained hard every day for a week, and every night for about 3 months.  Sorry y'all.  I'm grumpy.  Hope to catch some Duck Dynasty on tv tonight.  Maybe that will cure what ails me.

A little story

Yesterday as I was driving home in the rain I had a cool realization.  Once again I saw an example of how God prepared me for this phase of my life.

It was raining hard, but not as hard as the day before when I considered pulling over.  As I passed through my daily commute I looked at the fútbol field where I have watched friends play soccer.  It flashed into my mind that would be a safe place to stop in the rain.  I know that place and have always felt safe there.

Then I remembered the first week I lived in Chicago.

After I graduated from college I was living with my parents and waitressing.  A friend called and said, "What are you doing still living with your parents?  Come to Chicago!"  In reality my friend needed someone to help pay the rent.  But that's how I ended up in Chicago.

What I didn't know at the time was that I would be in Chicago alone for the first 3 months.  My friend was touring with a band in Japan.

I don't remember the details, but somehow I rode from my tiny village in Northern NY to Chicago with a friend who had a Volkswagen bus.  I remember I had a garbage can that my Mom bought for me in college, a stereo (the big ones that everyone had back then with tall speakers), some clothes and my cat.  No dresser, no bed and no money.  An ex-boyfriend gave me $100 on my way out of town.  I never thought about paying for all of the gas my friend used for the 12 hour trip.  (Sorry Chris!)

My only previous experience with city life was when I went to college at Syracuse University.  A few blocks North of the University were housing projects.  My father told me never to go there.  (I did, to visit my friend who lived there because he got shot, but that is a story for another time.)  The projects in Syracuse were nicknamed "The Bricks".  Therefore, in my mind, brick buildings meant poverty, crime and an overall lack of safety.

My home in Chicago was not made of brick.  But most homes on the way to the grocery store were.  So I walked to the grocery store once, scared the whole way, and after that it took me a week to leave the apartment.  I was even scared to go out the back door to take out the garbage!

Now here is the funny part which I didn't realize since I was not familiar with city life.  My house was about 5 houses North of Wrigley Field.  It was one block from Clark Street where everything cool happened.  One of my neighbors collected Porsches.  I lived in a fairly wealthy part of the city.  But I didn't know that because I was too scared to leave the house.

Finally the parting words of my ex boyfriend rang in my ears.  "See you soon!"  "No you won't." I responded indignantly.  "You'll be back," he told me.

I had to leave the house or he would be right.

To make a long story shorter, I did leave the house.  I got a job the same day.  That was January of 1992.  As soon as my roommate got back from Japan I moved out and moved into my own place.  Good thing I didn't own much because I carried everything by myself to my new apartment which was four blocks away.  I lived in Chicago for a total of 15 years and learned to thrive there.

In the end I did learn about the projects.  I learned more than most Chicagoans know about the projects.  As a social worker I was in and out of Cabrini Green more than any other person I know.  I changed my own flat tire in the parking lot of Robert Taylor Homes, which was the most dangerous place in the city at that time.  Finally I was assigned the whole West Side of Chicago as my territory and worked there every day without incident, thank God.

So now I live in Honduras, the "Deadliest Region on Earth".  At first I was nervous to do things.  I lived in a gated community where I was safe.  Yet in the beginning I had to work up the courage to walk outside the gate at the end of my driveway to go to the pulperia down the street.  I was very cautious every time I left the house.  Looking back it was wise to think that way, but I didn't need to be as nervous as I was.

Now I have been in Honduras for a year and a half.  I am falling into the pace of day to day life.  I am aware, but not wary.  I am thoughtful, but not pensive.  I am living more fully.

People did say they thought I would return to the US soon.  I am not here to prove anyone wrong.  If God calls me to leave Honduras, I will do so willingly.  However, I hope He doesn't because I am just starting to get the hang of things.  I have found my own comfort zone and am reaching out from there.  I am starting, once again, to thrive.

Plentiful Life

Wow!  Sorry it's been so long!  For those who were concerned, don't worry.  Everything is fine.

Monday Lad enjoyed a morning of playing with the kids at the Breakfast Program - which is now officially called Plentiful Life since it offers so much more than breakfast.  In the afternoon we visited 2 homes in Los Pinos.  Lad noticed how different poverty looks in Honduras from what he is used to in Africa.  While we agree that need is need, the people in Los Pinos actually have better living situations than the people he is accustomed to serving in Swaziland.  I was surprised to learn that.  I can't imagine a lifestyle much more difficult than my friends' in Los Pinos.  Although I know that God has called me to serve in Honduras, I would like to visit Africa one day just to see what it is like.

First we visited Marlin's house.  She said she was very honored to have a pastor in her home.  She really loved the bag Lad gave her, which was made by Swazi women who cook for the children in Swaziland.  It was cool to imagine the ladies in Africa making a beautiful bag which is now a gift for another woman who cooks for underprivileged kids across the world in Honduras.  Marlin promised to pray every day for the lady who made the bag.  She is a woman who keeps her word.

Next we visited Ana's home.  I had never been there before.  It was very nice, made of brick with fruit trees in front.  But what we could not see was the fact that Ana had no food at all in the house.  Her husband left over a year ago.  He usually helps a little financially, but this month his money was very late.  Ana hadn't told anyone that her family was without food.  But the next day she came to the church and told me that she was very thankful for the groceries we brought.  I told her that the groceries were not from me.  Only God knew she had no food, so she should thank God for the groceries.

It hurts to think that Ana, her three beautiful boys, and her baby girl would not have eaten without those groceries.  As much as they tell me that I am starting to be just like them, I have never gone without a meal because I had no food in my life.  I can't even think of a time that I ever lacked a necessity.  No matter how long I spend here and how much I care about these families, I will never really be like them.  But that doesn't keep me from loving them and holding them close to my heart in friendship.

As we walked through Los Pinos I was telling Lad about David, Ana's second child.  He is a sweet, sweet boy.  Lad said that I am good at seeing the positive things about people.  David is smart, kind, extremely caring and loving, so it is easy to see good things in him.

Since Tuesday was Lad's last in Honduras and he had yet to try a pupusa, I took him out to lunch at the place where Jairo takes people for pupusas.  It was nice to just sit and talk.  Lad gave me some ideas about fundraising and some things to think about for the future.

Dinner was postponed because our hosts had been without electricity since 11 a.m. the day before.  I expected them to cancel or relocate, but instead they cooked at a friend's house.  We drove over the downed electrical wires in front of the house.  Boris, our host, shared with us about "Stepping off the boat" - that we may be fearful and face storms, but we need to have courage to take that first step to walk on water.  He had prepared a whole study, which he read and I tried to translate.  By that point my brain was fried and I was doing a poor job.  But Marcela came in and saved the day.  I think other than that occasion, I did well translating.

We had a nice dinner of stuffed pork and beef.  There was a whole house full of people eating by candlelight.  Part way through the meal the electricity came on.  We opted to keep most of the lights out and finish the meal by candlelight.  Afterward we talked and joked.  It was nice to sit and laugh with a group of friends.  I think Lad enjoyed himself too.

Tuesday morning we stopped by the Breakfast Program - oops - the Plentiful Life Program to say goodbye.

Don Juan with his favorite "Gringo" - Lad

The kids prayed for Lad.  Ashley, who won't let anyone else near her, had her last moments of clinging to her new friend.  This was also a special day because we fed 125 kids - a record since I have been here.

Then we headed for the airport.  After we got baggage checked we went upstairs and had coffee.  Walter had a chance to talk to Lad pastor to pastor, which I thought was super cool.

Walter and Lad at the airport

My landlords and Lad at Valle de Angeles Sunday afternoon

Wednesday I spent the afternoon translating things for Eunice to send to K2.  It was a lot of technical terms.  By the end both of us had a headache, but I was happy to help.  Eunice is always very helpful to me.

Thursday after all the kids left the church I translated letters the boys from El Sembrador wrote to their sponsors.  The letters were really sweet.  I am always proud and happy when I hear the way these boys share their hearts and open up their lives to people.

On the way home there was a crazy thunderstorm.  It was the worst storm I have ever driven in.  At times I thought of pulling over, but I thought it safest to try to make it up the mountain.  People in Honduras don't turn on their headlights in torrential downpours.  Some did turn on their flashers, but almost nobody turned on their headlights.

The road was like a river.  Sometimes I was driving upstream, sometimes across the river.  I felt like a snowplow plowing through three feet of snow as I drove through the lakes of water and it splashed up around me.  Manhole covers were missing.  One hole was so huge a motorcycle could have fallen inside and been swallowed whole.  Rain poured off rooftops like waterfalls.  I thought of all of the flooding in Colorado and was thankful we have good rain gutters along the sides of the road, trees to keep most of the earth in place, and strong roads that are built to hold up to this kind of rain.

Once I made it home, exhaustion from the past week hit me.  I was sound asleep before dinner and didn't wake up until this morning.

Today Don Juan was sick.  I took him to the clinic where he has insurance.  They told him they can't see him today and told him to come back at 5 a.m. tomorrow.  Bismar was with us.  Bismar warned me that Don Juan was so weak he couldn't walk.  I was glad Bismar told me, and shocked when Don Juan agreed to stand in the shade and wait while I went to the parking lot down the street and pulled the car around.  He must have been really, really sick because normally Don Juan doesn't let me go anywhere alone.

I called Dr. Gustavo, the pediatrician who is always willing to help a church member.  He recommended some meds so I stopped and got them, then grabbed some orange juice and ginger ale from the grocery store.  Don Juan spent the whole day sleeping in the baby's nursery.  I have never known him to rest, never mind sleep.  It was worrisome.  I hope he feels better tomorrow.

Lad asked me to make a video for K2.  Belinda and I have been working on it for 2 days, but today after we had all of the kinks worked out my camera broke.  It was time.  My camera was 10 years old.  But bad timing.  I have been enjoying photography a lot lately and have been doing a lot of it for the church.  I am thinking I would like to get a nice camera to replace my broken one.  In the meantime I have my phone.  Here are some pics from today:

Violet is a princess

Misael is a fireman

Jarvin giving the baby a ride on the moto

Pics from Lad preaching

Ethel welcoming Lad, with Walter, Lucy and Carlos

Praying for Lad before he preaches

The church blessing Lad

Walter praying for Lad

Lucy, Lad, Ethel

Sunday

Pictures to follow, but yesterday was another great day in Honduras.  Lad spoke at church and was well received.  Everyone liked how he spoke from the heart and made it very clear that K2 and Iglesia en Transformación will continue to partner together.  His message was about giving "mas y mas" (more and more).  He told the church that they are known for the way they love, but that God always wants us to love more.  It was a nice acknowledgment of the good work Iglesia en Transformación is doing, and motivating in the fact that God still wants more.

After church we went to Valle de Angeles, a pretty little town outside of Tegus, for lunch and to wander around.  Since it was Honduran Independence Day, there were a ton of people there.  Little bands were playing with people circled around.  We checked out most of the shops, got some coffee and relaxed.

Today we are going to the super, then to the Breakfast Program.  It will probably be packed because there is no school for any of the kids in honor of the national holiday.  Afterward we will walk into Los Pinos with some of the older boys who are known there as "body guards" so Lad can have a chance to see some of the homes there.  I am hoping we will have time to go to the Jesus Statue on the way home before we have dinner with the Vermonts  and some other members of the church.

Tomorrow Lad will leave.  I never thought about it before, I think when he leaves I am going to have that feeling like you have after a vacation you have looked forward to for a long time and then you have to go back to every day life.  I love my every day life.  But having Lad here, sharing this place and these people with him, has been really great.  I will be a little sad when he is gone.  In the meantime we are enjoying every minute!

3 dinners and a trip around the city

I ate 3 dinners tonight.  Each of them were delicious, but I am suffering from exhaustion mixed with food coma.

This morning we went to La Tigra to celebrate The Day of the Child with the kids there.  I don't know the kids in La Tigra very well, but I have always really liked them.  They live in poverty, but it is a different kind of poverty than the Los Pinos kids.  Their household income may be little or nothing and their homes are very simple, but they generally have a more supportive family life and live in a safer environment.  They have difficulty accessing resources because they are so far from the city and most don't own a vehicle.  So they have their own struggles.

Their party was more simple.  They had piñatas that they had made themselves, a fruit salad and a little paper bag of gifts.  They played traditional games, had scavenger hunts, jumped rope and played soccer for hours.  Lad and I joined in.

I told Lad he had to get his picture taken at the on the overlook because every member of K2 who has been to La Tigra has this picture.

I thought we were taking a walk to show Lad where many people from K2 (including me) were baptized, but we ended up doing the ropes course which is new and improved.  I did skip the mud pit and walking on the tree, but we did a rock climb and a tight rope walk that wasn't there before.  It was really fun.  Gerardo, who is the head of everything in La Tigra now, Erik, my landlords, Lad and I all went.  We ended up at the place where I was baptized.  I was trying to get a better view of where the water goes after if flows out of the pond and down the ravine when I slipped and fell into the water.  I almost slid right down and got washed away, but caught myself.  It was scary.  Then I had wet pants for the next 2 hours.

Erik on the tightrope 

Lad rock climbing

Carlos, Lad and I after I almost slid down the ravine

After a quick shower Hermida fed us homemade chicken soup and bread.  Then we headed down to the jovenes group.  It was a nice meeting about the traditions and culture of Honduras.  Walter and Jose talked to the kids about being proud of their culture and their beautiful country.  That was very cool.  They showed movies of all the beautiful places in Honduras, but then talked about how the kids could also experience culture within their own city.  They served a traditional meal with 3 entrees, 3 deserts, horchata and coffee.  Lad is starting to see the same kids repeatedly, so some faces are familiar to him.

Don Juan had invited us to his house for dinner.  We almost didn't go because he doesn't live in a great neighborhood, but we considered the fact that Don Juan does not invite people to his house.  This was a special honor.  So in the end, with some counsel from Carlos and Hermida, we decided that it was something we should do.  Don Juan really, really likes Lad.  Well, everyone really, really likes Lad.  But Don Juan is a person who normally sits back and observes.  He told me that Lad is the nicest Gringo he has ever met.  He told Carlos something similar.

So we went to Don Juan's house for dinner.  It was a great meal - tacos Honduran style, which is a tortilla wrapped into a tube, stuffed with meat and deep fried, topped with a cabbage salad and cheese.  By this point my tummy was bursting.  I explained that I loved the food, but was full and Lad finished mine.  On the way home he said that he was not at all hungry, but that if he had to "take one for the team" that was not a bad way to do it.  We talked with Don Juan, his wife Dora and their 2 kids Moises and Nancy for a while.  Then we got a text from Hermida, which meant it was time to head home.  I called her to say I was on the way home after we left.  She was relieved.

But then we got lost.  And I hit a big pot hole which could have popped a tire.  (We are hoping it won't be flat in the morning.)  Then I got more lost. I considered calling Hermida, but I didn't even know where we were and I didn't want to freak her out.  I knew the city lights were on the right hand side and they should have been on the left, so we turned around.  Then I saw a sign for El Anillo which is the road I wanted, but I thought it meant to turn there and really it meant to stay straight.  We got really turned around.  At least we were lost in a wealthy neighborhood.  There were security guards and police all hanging around outside a gated community.  I asked for directions, and they told me to go back where I had come from, but they didn't seem too sure.

I headed back and thought I knew where I was, but got nervous and stopped at a gas station.  The guard told me the only way to get home was to go downtown by Hospital Escuela.  I told him I can't go there at night, there has to be a different way.  So he called over his buddy.  Thank God his friend knew exactly where I needed to go.  He said if we get lost again, only ask directions from taxi drivers.  Don't stop and ask just any person because it's not safe.  We got all oriented and it ended up I was headed in exactly the right direction.  Turned out I was really close to the same route I drive every day.  If I had driven 3 more minutes I would have known exactly where I was.  Finally we were headed home, almost an hour later.  I called Hermida to tell her we were lost, but now were found.  She sounded extremely worried.  I felt horrible because Lad has to preach in the morning and we both were exhausted, but at least we made it home safe and sound in the end.  And at least I wasn't all alone.  That would have been scary.  Now I realize what I did wrong and won't make that mistake again.  It was a long day, but a really good one.

Sorry if there are typos.  I am too tired to proof read this tonight.

Lad is here!

Everyone was bustling around the church today.  It was like a Honduran version of Downton Abbey, with all of us doing last minute things in preparation for Lad to come.  I realized I hadn't put the chairs back after I mopped the classroom yesterday, so Meylin helped with that.  Then Ana, 2 boys and I got to work washing my car.  Don Juan was busy doing other things.  Of course it started raining as soon as we finished, but I was cleaner than before.

I started taking pictures at the airport, of the airport sign, of the video feed, but then I got so excited I forgot to take a picture of Lad coming out of the glass doors!  Nestor was there to help with his bags, which was so kind.  We got some things straightened out and then headed out to have lunch.

Ethel was thinking Lad might like to ease into things so she asked if he wanted to go to Chili's or try Honduran food.  He said he would be crazy not to want to eat Honduran food so we went to a place called Orgulloso Catracho (proud Honduran).  It was all kinds of means and traditional side dishes.  We all enjoyed our lunches and had a nice talk.

Then the food coma settled in.  All of us were sleepy, but Lad was exhausted after leaving SLC at 1 a.m. so he took a nap.  Eunice and I went to my house and sat on the balcony chatting.  Then it was time for dinner.  Ethel asked the church committee to meet Lad tonight at dinner.  We ate at a Brazilian restaurant like Fogo de Chao with a salad bar and lots of meat.  Some of the committee are going to be gone for the weekend so it was nice that Lad got to meet them tonight.

It is cool to see how the 2 churches are on the same page with so many things - discipleship and small groups being of great importance to both.  Everyone was really excited to meet Lad and he seemed to enjoy meeting them too.  I am learning that people here whom I never heard speak English before, actually speak really well.  Very interesting.

Tomorrow we will go to the Breakfast Program in the morning.  In the afternoon the church is doing a big presentation about everything they have planned for the future so that Lad can understand the vision of Iglesia en Transformación.  At night we are going to Carla and Jose's house for dinner.  I can't wait for him to meet the kids and the ladies at the Breakfast Program.  Everyone is eager to meet him.  We are going to get there early enough that he can stand near Eunice's office and greet all of the kids as they come in.  It should be a fun day!

6:22

It is 6:22 a.m.  I have already done a load of wash, seasoned and cooled the beans, ironed 2 shirts and mopped the floor.  Oh, and I read the first two chapters of Extraordinary Woman.  Woke up at 4:30 and couldn't go back to sleep.  Excited/nervous for Lad's visit.  Mostly excited.

Rainbow

Someone could have told me that the people throw urine, not beer, in their beer cups at the soccer game!  Yesterday when Jose left my backpack at the church it had my shampoo, toothbrush and a change of clothes in it.  This morning I went to the church without brushing my teeth or washing my hair.  In the afternoon I commented that I hadn't taken a shower since the game and at that point - almost 24 hours later - they told me that people don't throw cups of beer (which I did think was wasteful) they throw urine!  Gross.  I had already changed the sheets on my bed this morning.  All that was left to do was shower.

Don Juan and I cleaned the inside of my car today in preparation for Lad coming.  We took all of the carpeting out and cleaned everything.  We decided to leave the outside for tomorrow because it looked like rain and we figured my car would get muddy.  We figured right.  It rained all of the way home.

I got a schedule of Lad's time here.  I am starting to get a little nervous.  I wasn't nervous at all when I translated for the team in Costa Rica.  But this time I am a little nervous.  Not sure why.  I guess it is really important to me that he enjoys his time here and is able to communicate easily with everyone.  It's also important to me that the people in my church here are able to communicate well with him.  They wouldn't have asked me to do something that I am not capable of.  I don't know why I am doubting myself.  I talk with them in Spanish every day.

Last night I was so wound up from the game I couldn't fall asleep until 1:30 a.m..  Tonight I want to get some sleep because I need to be fully rested for Lad's visit.

Driving to work this morning a plane came really close to the side of the mountain.  It brought back bad feelings on September 11th.  I've never seen a plane in that area and I know the planes all come in at noon, not at 9 a.m.  It was a little scary.  On the way home tonight Belinda said, "Look at the rainbow!"  I was driving and couldn't see it for a while.  Then I turned the corner and saw it.  It was the most enormous rainbow I have ever seen, with bold, bright colors.  It was completely full.  At one point it looked like it ended behind my house.  The picture doesn't show how bold it was.  It was beautiful.

My first Olé!

Today was like 3 days packed into one.  It started out at the Breakfast Program, like normal.  Ashely and her Mom were there right at 9:30 when they opened the gates.  I was happy to see that!  Although we celebrated The Day of the Child last Friday, it was actually today.  We celebrate it on a different day because otherwise half the world shows up just to get presents and gifts.  The original plan was a small acknowledgement of The Day of the Child today, then a birthday lunch for Eunice, tire shopping for Jose, and then the fútbol game.

However, all plans changed when we learned that Clara needs surgery and in order to have surgery she needed 2 people to donate blood.  I offered to donate since I am O+ and can match with anyone.  A boy who never normally comes to the Breakfast Program said he woke up this morning and felt called to go.  He wasn't sure why until he realized he, too, has O+ blood.  His name is Fabricio.

Marlin had a Dr appt at the same hospital and Jacky came along to be sure Fabricio and I figured out where we were supposed to go and what we were supposed to do.  We were actually really lucky to have her because thanks to her we were the first ones to leave.  Some people had been at the hospital since 5 a.m. but Jacky knows how to get things done!

We left the hospital at 4.  Friends had been waiting for us since the gates opened at 3 but they couldn't get in because I had all of the tickets.  Poor Fabricio was pacing and pacing while he waited for them to call his name to give blood.  Partly because he was anxious to go to the game, and in part because we all needed to use the bathroom but they closed the bathrooms at 3 p.m.  That hospital is nuts.

We didn't expect to spend the whole day there.  We thought we'd be done by 11:30.  I hadn't brought my backpack with my raincoat and sweatshirt.  The streets were at a standstill when we left the hospital.  Jose kept calling every few minutes while we were stuck in traffic.  We had only moved a few feet and he would call again.  Finally he said I should pull the car over at the next gas station, pay one of the guards and park there.  I pulled into the gas station but nobody was parked there.  The main guard was a young guy with a big automatic weapon.  Fabricio walked up to him on foot at the same time that I pulled over in my car.  Fabricio let me do the talking, which I didn't think was the best idea at first but I was wrong.

I told the guard I was looking for a place to park while we went to the game.  He said they have strict rules that nobody is allowed to park there.  But I was determined, so I just said, "And..."  He said the rules are enforced.  I smiled and said, "And".  I saw him start to soften.  He said one more thing about the rules.  I kept my smile and repeated my "And".  And then he said that he thought he could let me park there, in the third spot from the left.  I said thank you and asked if we should come back to see him (to pay him) after we park.  He said no, he was doing this from his own willingness.  So I got a free parking space!

As Fabricio and I sprinted through the rain to find our friends (me in flip flops that splattered mud up the back of my pants and have my feet cramping even at this moment) Fabricio announced that he thought his ticket was bad and he would have to buy a new one.  I asked why.  He said it had a mark on it.  I said it's just a smudge, it will be fine.  Buy he was clearly worried.  In Honduras if your cash has any marks or the slightest tear, nobody will accept it.  I'm sure he thought the ticket was the same.  He kept listening each time we passed a scalper, sure he would have to return to buy another ticket.  I told him your ticket is fine.  It will get you inside.  He said yes, that is the way I need to think.  But later he told me that he had been really worried.

We caught up with Jose, Danny from La Tigra, and a friend of Jose's.  Then we ran further in the rain.  When I told Jose I had to go to the bathroom he was not happy.  He didn't think it was safe or sanitary to use the bathroom in the stadium.  I told him we had been waiting for hours and unless he could find another place, I had to use the bathroom in the stadium.  Turned out the bathroom in the stadium was fine.  No toilet paper, but that is to be expected in any public bathroom in Honduras.  There was also no garbage can in a country where you can't flush your toilet paper, so there was a pile.  I was happy I went before the game started because the pile was still small.  Sounds grosser than it was.

Got my cheek painted with a Honduran flag.  A tv camera passed down the line of people who were waiting to get in.  When it got to Fabricio and me it stayed way longer than for anyone else so we cheered and jumped up and down for the camera.  I'll hear tomorrow if we were on tv tonight.

The whole stadium experience was awesome.  I kept wishing I had brought my phone to take pictures, but I figured that was not a safe idea.  Turned out it wasn't a safe idea.  I bought a blue soccer flag and it got stolen out from under a lady's butt.  One second it was there, the next it was gone.  I was sad.  But as we were saying good bye Fabricio told me he left me a gift in my car.  It was another flag.  He is such a sweet boy!  I am glad I got the chance to hang out with him today because I see him every week at church but he is always really quiet, so I had never really talked to him before.  I enjoyed getting to know him better.

The whole time I was in the stadium I kept wishing I had brought a pen and paper.  There were so many things I wanted to share in my blog.  I can't remember them all but I'll try to hit the highlights.

The stadium didn't have any individual seats that I saw.  It may have had a few on the other side.  Everything was solid concrete.  We searched for a space and finally found one big enough for all of us.  They weren't the best seats because we got there late.  But I didn't care.  I was so excited to be there.  As we sat down and watched the place fill up I had the most amazing time soaking up my surroundings.  The Jesus Statue and the Coca Cola sign were on the side of the mountain behind the stadium directly in my line of sight.  I wished I had my camera.  It was awesome.

Soon we were squeezed in, sitting hip to hip with our knees pinned together.  You can't call it shoulder to shoulder because we weren't.  Our shoulders were too broad to fit, so we had to wedge them in sideways.  Finally at about 6:30 the team came out to stretch.  Fabricio and I stood up to watch.  Jose kept telling us to sit down.  I wasn't sure why.  All I knew was that I had been sitting in the hospital all day and it was too squishy to sit any longer.  I thought Jose was concerned we would tire and not be able to stand through until the end of the game.  But that wasn't it.  More on that later...

When the other team came onto the field many people booed.  I felt uncomfortable.  I felt more uncomfortable when they booed as their flag was brought out.  I felt horrible when people booed and blew their noise makers during the other team's national anthem.  Jose said he didn't like it either.

To cheer on their own team people thrust their arms straight out toward the team and chant "HON-DU-RAS!" then clap, clap, clap,  "HON-DU-RAS!" clap clap clap.   Jose's friend bought me a noise maker so I blew it like others did during the claps.  I got so excited when I heard my first "Olééé!  Olé Olé Olé!"  I couldn't believe I was experience it live!  Later in the game I realized they also use the Olé chant as the players pass the ball.  When one player kicks it they yell "O" and when the next person receives it they finish with the "lé".  Then they start again with the "O" when he kicks it to the third player and "lé" when it is safely received by another Honduran teammate.  This continues until the ball is intercepted by the other team.  It gets more exciting the longer the exchanges go on without interception.

Being part of the crowd is fun, until Honduras makes a goal.  Then the people throw their paper cups of beer as far as they can.  Thankfully, beer is not a very common beverage at a Honduran soccer game.  But my hair was pretty sticky by the time we left.  When you are not getting drenched with beer, it is really fun.  People do the wave.  They also do this thing that looks like a rowing crew.  You grab the person's shoulders in front of you and push them forward forcefully, then yank them back.  It looks really cool across the stadium but it is also really fun to do.  We also did it side to side.  Everyone is wedged in so tight it is fun to move as a unit, shoving the person next to you one way and the other.  To celebrate a goal, everyone jumps up and down and hugs each other.  Then you quickly sit back down.  In a country where few people bother to follow the law, everyone sits down during the whole soccer game.  They only stand when the team is close to making a goal.  If you stand too long, people yell at you to sit down.  It is a rule that is very strictly followed.  I was surprised by that.  They don't pay attention to traffic lights, but they sure do sit down during soccer games in Honduras.

I kept checking the big screen out of habit, but it wasn't much help in following the game.  It did show live footage before the game of the teams stretching and the flags they carried onto the field for the National Anthems.  It showed men talking, but you couldn't hear what they were saying.  During the game there was no live footage.  There was also no time clock.  At the end of the game I noticed a man standing on the side of the field with a digital clock that counted down the last 3 minutes for the players to see.

From the time the stadium opened until the very last second when the crowds rushed outside after the game, vendors passed constantly.  They sold everything you can imagine - noise makers, flags, hats, headbands, soda, beer, individual cigarettes, gum, different ice cream products, and a huge variety of food.  There were also stands in the hallways that had lots of food which looked really good, but Jose said we could only eat Pizza Hut pizza or Chicken Campero.  He said it was too risky to buy something else because we could get sick.  They venders had hamburgers, plantain chips with all kinds of toppings and sauces, baleadas, and lots of other things I can't think of right now.

Jose pointed out the spot where he wanted us to sit, but I was glad we hadn't gotten those seats.  Apparently there were some trouble makers there.  The police had to go up there twice and pull people out of the crowd.  It looked crazy from where we were.  They had marched out before the game in full riot gear with shields and helmets with face masks.  They had wooden bats.  They were stationed throughout the crowd, but it was really impressive when they marched out and lined the whole stadium, making a barrier between the crowd and the field.  As though there weren't fences and nets.  The field was impenetrable.  I told Jose in the states our security is usually some overweight guy in a polo shirt who stands there, leaning against the wall.  The security in Honduras was pretty intense.  Plus I got a full pat down on my way in.

Right now US is in first place and guaranteed to go to the World Cup in Brazil.  Honduras is in third place, so we are hopeful!  I can't wait to go to another soccer game.  But the next game is scheduled to be in San Pedro Sula, which is not only THE most dangerous city on earth, it is also a pretty far drive.  I'm not sure when I'll be able to see a game again.  But I am looking forward to it.  My first soccer game in Honduras was awesome!

Lots of new faces

We had 15 preschoolers in the Breakfast Program today, including three new boys who were sweet but not accustomed to the structure of a classroom (understandable), a one year old in diapers who screamed and cried until he almost hyperventilated, and a two year old whose mother has never left her behind before.  Needless to say it was not easy, but it went pretty well overall.

Belinda was able to see (or maybe she was able to hear) that a one year old is not a good fit for the preschool, so she said he will not be in the class again.  When the kindergarten teacher from Canada was here, she said I should only have 4-6 year olds in the preschool class.  But I have to do as I am told.  So we are getting by with two and three year olds.  The older kids aren't learning as much as they could and the two - three year olds aren't getting the attention they need.  I guess some classroom time is better than no classroom time.

The ladies checked me over for lice and found nothing at all.  I was surprised.  This morning I had myself convinced that I was still infested.  We had an impromptu bible study today with the ladies at the Breakfast Program.  I was supposed to have a meeting with Belinda about her expectations and my wishes for the Breakfast Program, but it never happened.

I am really excited about the soccer game tomorrow.  Wednesday I will get all of my errands done so I am free when my pastor from K2 comes.  I think I am going to be with him all of the time when he is not at his host family's house.  We will be busy!

A new lady came to help at the Breakfast Program today.  She has a 3 year old daughter who is very cute.  Lourdes's mother discovered that they are homeless, without food and have only the clothes on their back.  However, they appear very clean.  Isabella is well educated.  She speaks great English.  But her family are not supportive and Ashley's father left.  We are on the lookout for clothes for them both.  We'll try to be sure they eat.  We will pray they get a place to stay.  I really like Isabella so far.  She seems very calm and sweet.  Her daughter Ashley seems happy, despite their struggles.

They came late today because the bus that is cheapest only runs a few times/day.  They come from pretty far away.  I wish it was near where I have to drive because I would offer her a ride, but it is far.  I'm thinking it is cheaper to help them with bus fare.  We can really use Isabella's help in the kitchen since Marlin is having her baby next month.

Isabella didn't attend the preschool class today because she came too late.  She isn't talking to us yet, but she does talk to her mother.  She smiles a lot and seems friendly if not talkative.  After hearing about her situation I was happy that I hadn't rushed Ashley in any way.  She came when we were cleaning up for Lorenzo's class.  I was tempted to let her sit and eat while I started working with Lorenzo.  That probably would have been fine, but I sat down with her and made small talk while she ate slowly.  Very slowly.  I wanted to encourage her to eat faster, but for some reason I didn't.  She deserves to have a nice lunch with some company.  It will be nice when she starts talking.  I hope Ashley and Isabella are able to be a daily part of the Breakfast Program from now on.

Weekend Update

The past 24 hours has been a blur.  Not sure why exactly.  I went back down to Karla and Jose's house to spend the night as we had originally planned more than a week ago.  We went to the mall to see if the banks were still selling tickets for the soccer game, but it was sold out so we had to go to the scalpers outside the stadium.  Since Honduras won Friday everyone wants to go to the game Tuesday.

Then we stopped at the church.  Jose had to oversee the youth group and Karla had to meet with the elders.  I observed the Ester Project.  My friend Raquel runs it.  She is due to have her first baby in November and she needs some help.  I don't know if I am the right person for the job.  There are still a lot of words that I am not familiar with when it comes to bible language in Spanish.  Some bible language in English is a little strange, so imagine teaching it in a different language.  The Ester Project is awesome though.  It is for girls who are 11-14ish.  It teaches values and how to live as a Christian.  I love the girls who are in the program.  They would be patient with my Spanish if I did help lead it.  But I think there could be someone that would do a better job right now.  It is something that I aspire to be a part of when I learn more "Bible Spanish".

I should learn more biblical terms quickly because I am joining 3 different groups.  One is a discipleship that I have to do before I am allowed to join a small group.  The second is a book club.  We are reading 12 Extraordinary Women and the men of the church are reading 12 Ordinary Men.  Also, starting in 2 weeks I will join a bible study.  Actually it is a formal class that my landlord Hermida has been going to for 6 months.  She and Jairo both thought it would be great for me.  I definitely agree, especially after sitting in with the girls of the Ester Project.  All of these things should help me become more fluent in my biblical Spanish.

After dinner last night Karla, Jose and I watched a movie.  Part way through I noticed Karla had fallen asleep.  Then I started falling asleep too so I told Jose I was going to bed.  We never finished the movie.  It was only 10:30.  This morning the girls were awake early.  I heard them doing the Zumba workout for the 3rd time in 2 days.  One of them passed by my door and I said good morning.  The next thing I knew my bed was covered in stuffed animals, bears to be specific.  Dana, Valery and I played until we were late for church.  Karla got a chance to sleep in and Jose got to read his 12 Ordinary Men.

At church they announced that my pastor from the US is coming to visit this week and will preach next weekend.  I am sooooo excited!  Afterward I was talking to a man who is known to have the gift of prophecy.  I told him I am excited to see how all of this is unfolding between the two churches, that my church in the US wants to support us in any way they can and that I think it will be a great visit.  He stopped me and said, "This is going to be a big blessing for you."  I told him it is a blessing for the whole church!  He took my arm to get my attention and said, "No.  Listen.  This is going to be a big blessing for you.  Take it."  I didn't really know what to say to that, so I said thank you for telling me.  He said again, "It is going to be a big blessing for you.  Take it.  Take it."  I said okay and thanked him again.  Then he said, "You are blessing others so you are going to be blessed in a big way.  Take it."  I think he even said it more times, but you get the point.  I don't know what exactly it means, but we'll see!  God often speaks to him.  In fact I am pretty sure God told him that the Sarmientos would leave and now...

Everyone at church liked my Carlos Costly picture on Facebook.  I told them I am going to the game Tuesday.  They love that I am enjoying their culture so much.

After church we learned that the tire on Karla and Jose's car which popped yesterday was stripped by the kids who tried to help Karla change her flat.  Jose and a mechanic spent hours today trying to get the tire off.  They are going to have to cut it off and Jose has to ask his job for a pay advance because he can't afford the whole tire.  They are not sure when they will be able to pay to get the car fixed.  Ugh.  It is tough to work full time, raise 2 kids (one with special needs), go to school full time, and deal with extra crap like that.  I am going to help them as much as I can with rides but we live almost an hour from each other and don't have similar schedules at all.

Jose and Dana took me to buy an official Honduras soccer jersey this afternoon.  I got a free Honduras umbrella with it!  I am excited to wear my new jersey to the game, but I realized that I bought the shirt that is for away games.  :(  Jose said it doesn't matter.

I finally got a full length mirror for my house.  I've been getting a little bigger than I like to be over the past couple weeks.  I think it was all of the going away parties for Lourdes and Jairo.  Even my big pants are starting to get tight, so I figured a mirror might help.  Although my Honduran friends think it's great, I am not comfortable.  I am going to start doing the Insanity Workout after my pastor from the US visits.  We are going to have some long days when he is here, so I don't want to start now and then not stick with it.  Yesterday Dana Sofia (Karla and Jose's 6 year old) and I did Zumba.  I got a good idea of just how out of shape I have become.

When I got home tonight Carlos, my landlord, was still fixing my washing machine.  He started yesterday after the guy who was supposed to come didn't show up.  I felt bad that he was still working on it tonight.  He seemed okay with it.  I think he is almost as excited as I am about my pastor from K2 coming to visit.  Carlos is going to accompany us on Friday and Saturday.  He took a day off from work as soon as I told him that Lad was visiting!  Carlos is the vice president of the elders and a great guy, so I am glad that he will get a chance to spend time with Lad.

Lice update:  I feel like I still have a few.  I am not as itchy as I was, and nothing comes out when I comb my hair with the special comb, but I still have some itches that don't feel normal.  We'll see tomorrow when I get my next check up from the ladies at the Breakfast Program.