Children´s Day 06

Today was a great, yet long, day, and you’d think it wouldn’t feel so long because I didn’t have to teach. We celebrated Children’s Day, another day that I don’t really see the point of, but it’s a lot of fun and the kids have a time to participate in dramas, songs, and speaking.
The day started with each elementary class performing an act, song, etc. Our class made posters about “20 thing we like about being children” and they each drew a picture of their favorite thing about being a kid and presented it. I forgot to take a picture because I was directing them. The picture of the kids performing with masks was done by a group of kids that were in a summer class together this past summer. It was about a coyote who was persuaded to “steal summer” by some Oak trees, so he gets the help of the rabbits, foxes, and eagles to steal it from the TP people(those who live in TP’s, not use it).
After all the acts, the older kids from the 7th-10th grades spread out to different classes and led games for the younger kids, including piñatas. Each student in my class brought enough food to share for lunch and we ate together with the older kids who helped us with games. It was a lot of fun but not too structured, but my class of 2nd grade is good and it wasn’t so bad. I like the picture of the on the slide. It was just put in 2 days ago. They all wanted to go down on their shoes because it had rained, but then there was mud on it so those that went down on their bottoms got real upset about having dirty pants.
I took one picture as best I could of all my second graders, minus one who was absent. I have 10 boys and 10 girls, but Monday we get another girl who’s new to the school and started in 3rd grade, but is going to have to come back down to second.
I love my job, so far. I am so blessed to have this job that I actually enjoy with pleasant people and in such a delightful town. I’m getting used to living here now. I’ve been here about a month and am a little anxious, but mostly excited for my 4 day vacation in Teguc next weekend. I am anticipating a little “culture shock”. Some differences now that I live in La Esperanza…

1. My shower is a “widow maker”, the hot water comes through electrically.
2. Sometimes during a storm the electricity goes out, so either freezing cold shower or no shower!
3. I had to put pieces of old t-shirts in the cracks of my windows (not in the glass, in the sides) to keep the cold and bugs out.
4. I walk my trash down the street 2 blocks and drop it off in a public bin.
5. I walk everywhere, hardly ever take a taxi, unless I’m really tired, or it’s late, or it’s rainy hard, or I’m a little far and could walk but have my hands full of groceries.
6. I go to the same internet café everyday because of the 3 in town I’ve tried, it’s the best! No more internet in the house, so if I don’t write anyone for a week, just know that it’s probably just before payday and I’m low on cash.
7. There aren’t any ATM machines here, so I save the cash I get from my paycheck once a month.
8. It’s a lot cooler here. Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh….
9. No T.V! This is a good thing for the most part, but at times, like Friday nights and the weekends, I really miss it. I think I’ll go hiking…
10. I have to clean my own apartment and clothes! Neither paid cleaning lady nor washing machines. I’m getting pretty good at washing clothes outside on Saturday mornings, before the rain comes!
Thank you all who have been and are praying for me and my time here. I am so blessed and know I am where God wants me to be.
Blessings to all of you!
Romans 15:13