Ex-President Manuel Zelaya, who was removed from office after having broken many laws, left the country in great debt, and tried to make himself dictator, returned to Honduras on Monday and has been staying in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, the capital. A national curfew was imposed at 4:00 pm Monday and keeps being extended so that no one can go out at any time of day and schools had to be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. To use a comparison made by some coworkers, it's like a snow day, minus the snow, plus an ex-president. Hundreds of people have been arrested in the major cities for defying the curfew, and others have been imprisoned for what has been called violence, vandalism, and terrorist activities. The jails have run out of room, and they have started to use stadiums. I heard on the news that even children and the elderly have been arrested. Zelaya has many supporters who have carried out violent demonstrations in the capital in his favor. He says he wants peace, but he had to know that his presence would only bring chaos. He, along with Hillary Clinton and many other authorities, are asking for a peaceful dialogue...to what end? The Organization of American States is demanding his reinstatement as president. Micheletti, the interim president until November elections, insists that Zelaya is either to leave the country or be brought to trial for his crimes.
We are fine in Siguatepeque. There are no demonstrations here - the only evidence of the situation is the curfew. I haven't left the house since Monday, but a Honduran friend walked seven blocks to get to the teachers' house and told us that many people are out, and there are even some stores open. He claims that whether the country is faced with disaster from a hurricane, an earthquake, or war, Siguatepeque is always peaceful. The day things turn scary in Siguatepeque is the day we know we have a serious problem on our hands.
I am thankful to have had this time to rest and catch up with my work, but I also realize the implications of this situation and know some people in Tegucigalpa who are very scared. Please pray for God's peace in this situation and in the hearts of the people. Pray for Him to raise up godly men and women to facilitate a smooth transition into the next presidency and unity among Hondurans.
The nations exhaust themselves for nothing. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea... The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. -Habakkuk 2:13-14,20
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Stomach bugs and Utila vacation
Like I did with my students last year when I was frustrated with their behavior, I asked my 5th and 6th graders to write me letters, telling me one thing they liked about my class and what they would like to be changed. I was surprised at how positive the letters were and how few complaints they had. Some students said there was nothing they would change. There were many specific comments about what they like in my class (independent reading and read aloud were two big hits, and some students said they like how I treat them) as well as some good insights into what I need to change. One point brought to my attention was how hot it is in the classroom. I'm not as bothered by heat as most people are, so I didn't realize how much it was affecting them. I'm seeing what I can do to get more fans in the classroom. I also need to put more thought into science class and devotions and find better ways to reward students who are on task and not always punish the whole class when most but not all of them are misbehaving...not easy.
I continue to be encouraged by the 5th graders: love notes left for me on student quizzes, hugs and "I love you"s throughout the school day. Also, a comment was made by a sixth grader to his mother that out of all the English teachers he's had since he started school, I'm his favorite. I'm still very frustrated with my students' behavior, though, especially the 6th graders'.
I was going to sell Tova to a student, but his family decided not to buy him when they found out he was not capable of making puppies. Another student offered to take him in and treat him as their own until I could get another house and take him back! It's more of a blessing than I could have wished for - no expenses on my part, and I don't have to get rid of my dog. I'm just praying that is works out, though. He's been there for a week, and he gets along great with their other dogs, but he's chewed apart several things in their house already :-/ There are pictures of him in his new home on my online album.
Two Saturdays ago, I came down with some severe symptoms of intestinal problems...I won't go into detail. But I went to the doctor's on Sunday and found out I had a virus and bacteria. Let's see...
2007: parasites from Bolivia
2008: rotavirus and bacteria from Honduras
2009: rotavirus and bacteria from Honduras
The strange thing is that the virus and bacteria aren't necessarily related, so I don't know how they came together both times. I'm declaring that next year is going to be a year free from stomach problems. Please pray for my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, because I know the three are intertwined.
Last week was Independence Week, and we had Wednesday through Friday off from school. I had wanted to go to Utila, one of the Bay Islands off of Honduras, with some of my fellow teachers, but I didn't know if I'd be well enough by then. Thankfully, Tuesday was my first day of good health, so I was well just in time. We spent Wednesday traveling by boat and ferry. On Thursday, the owner of our island inn lent us his snorkeling masks, and we found a beach and started to snorkel. We couldn't find the coral reef, so we asked a native islander for direction. She called in her son from where he was swimming, and he became our tour guide. He took us to the reef, then drove us in his golf cart to the caves where we swam some more. He brought us to a beach to see volcanic rocks, then another beach called the Iron Shore where Hurricane Mitch washed up dead coral onto the shore ten years ago. This was all free of charge. On Friday, we rented a boat to take us to Water Cay, an uninhabited island near Utila. We saw dolphins on the way - it was completely unexpected! The snorkeling off of that island was breathtaking. The whole trip, we felt like we were in a completely different country because the Bay Islands were colonized by the UK, then later turned over to Honduras. All the natives speak English as their first language, with an Irish accent. Most people speak Spanish as a second language, and only here and there did we meet Hondurans who live on the island and don't speak English. There aren't many cars on the little streets, but there are a lot of motorcycles and golf carts. You can see pictures of the trip here. I came back to Siguatepeque on Saturday, while my three companions stayed another day. An 8-hour trip turned into a 12-hour one because of a bridge that had collapsed after too much rain. Our bus was stuck in dead-stopped traffic for hours. I can't tell you how good it is to be home. And now it's back to the craziness of school, for which I need your prayers. Thank you.
I continue to be encouraged by the 5th graders: love notes left for me on student quizzes, hugs and "I love you"s throughout the school day. Also, a comment was made by a sixth grader to his mother that out of all the English teachers he's had since he started school, I'm his favorite. I'm still very frustrated with my students' behavior, though, especially the 6th graders'.
I was going to sell Tova to a student, but his family decided not to buy him when they found out he was not capable of making puppies. Another student offered to take him in and treat him as their own until I could get another house and take him back! It's more of a blessing than I could have wished for - no expenses on my part, and I don't have to get rid of my dog. I'm just praying that is works out, though. He's been there for a week, and he gets along great with their other dogs, but he's chewed apart several things in their house already :-/ There are pictures of him in his new home on my online album.
Two Saturdays ago, I came down with some severe symptoms of intestinal problems...I won't go into detail. But I went to the doctor's on Sunday and found out I had a virus and bacteria. Let's see...
2007: parasites from Bolivia
2008: rotavirus and bacteria from Honduras
2009: rotavirus and bacteria from Honduras
The strange thing is that the virus and bacteria aren't necessarily related, so I don't know how they came together both times. I'm declaring that next year is going to be a year free from stomach problems. Please pray for my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, because I know the three are intertwined.
Last week was Independence Week, and we had Wednesday through Friday off from school. I had wanted to go to Utila, one of the Bay Islands off of Honduras, with some of my fellow teachers, but I didn't know if I'd be well enough by then. Thankfully, Tuesday was my first day of good health, so I was well just in time. We spent Wednesday traveling by boat and ferry. On Thursday, the owner of our island inn lent us his snorkeling masks, and we found a beach and started to snorkel. We couldn't find the coral reef, so we asked a native islander for direction. She called in her son from where he was swimming, and he became our tour guide. He took us to the reef, then drove us in his golf cart to the caves where we swam some more. He brought us to a beach to see volcanic rocks, then another beach called the Iron Shore where Hurricane Mitch washed up dead coral onto the shore ten years ago. This was all free of charge. On Friday, we rented a boat to take us to Water Cay, an uninhabited island near Utila. We saw dolphins on the way - it was completely unexpected! The snorkeling off of that island was breathtaking. The whole trip, we felt like we were in a completely different country because the Bay Islands were colonized by the UK, then later turned over to Honduras. All the natives speak English as their first language, with an Irish accent. Most people speak Spanish as a second language, and only here and there did we meet Hondurans who live on the island and don't speak English. There aren't many cars on the little streets, but there are a lot of motorcycles and golf carts. You can see pictures of the trip here. I came back to Siguatepeque on Saturday, while my three companions stayed another day. An 8-hour trip turned into a 12-hour one because of a bridge that had collapsed after too much rain. Our bus was stuck in dead-stopped traffic for hours. I can't tell you how good it is to be home. And now it's back to the craziness of school, for which I need your prayers. Thank you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Overwhelmed
I am so overwhelmed right now, but I'm taking the time to write this update because I need the prayer support...
I spend every waking moment teaching or planning, and it's still not enough time. There are some lessons that fall flat on their faces or are just boring because I didn't have enough time to think about them. My 6th graders make me feel horrible, telling me they're bored and sometimes giggling throughout class. Some of them are always on task and eager to learn, but it's the rest of them that really draw my attention. I've learned how important it is to praise my students and motivate them with positive comments, but I so often find myself in that class unable to find anything good to say. My 5th graders make me feel wonderful most of the time... When they come into the classroom, I have them greet me with either a "hello", a high-five, a handshake, or a hug. There are a couple of girls who every day walk up to me and give me a high-five, then a handshake, and lastly a loving hug with a big smile on their faces. One of the other girls tells me every day, without fail, "Miss, you come another time pretty." Though they're not an easy group, and they give me plenty of classroom management challenges, I still feel they respect and admire me. I need prayer for the ability to get things done efficiently, creative ideas, a love for my students that they can see, rest... Also, a couple of certain students need prayer for the desire to be good and to learn. They need to realize that they can be good, and I need to find ways to encourage them and show I believe in them.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow is Children's Day, and I don't have to plan lessons because it's going to be a day of celebrations. Next week, we only have a day and a half of classes because it's Independence Week. So I'll have a chance to catch up a little, though I would like to go on an outing or two.
Because of the money I earned and received this summer, I have a financial cushion right now. But I am making payments on bills and loans from college. Come January, the payments will be much larger, and my paycheck will not cover them and my living expenses. So I need prayer for regular donations to come in.
Tova is enjoying his new living situation, but as it turns out, I can't leave him there for very much longer at all. So I brought up the dilemma to my students, saying I need someone to either take care of him for a year or buy him. They all want him, and so far one set of parents has agreed with their student that they will take him. They want to buy him, and as much as I hate to lose him, I'm thinking that option would be more convenient and economical for me. I've already poured so much money into him, and if I have someone take care of him for a year, I'll still be paying about $40/month in food, plus vet expenses. Please pray that I'll make the right decision and find the right home for him.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and the widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. -Psalm 146:8-9
I spend every waking moment teaching or planning, and it's still not enough time. There are some lessons that fall flat on their faces or are just boring because I didn't have enough time to think about them. My 6th graders make me feel horrible, telling me they're bored and sometimes giggling throughout class. Some of them are always on task and eager to learn, but it's the rest of them that really draw my attention. I've learned how important it is to praise my students and motivate them with positive comments, but I so often find myself in that class unable to find anything good to say. My 5th graders make me feel wonderful most of the time... When they come into the classroom, I have them greet me with either a "hello", a high-five, a handshake, or a hug. There are a couple of girls who every day walk up to me and give me a high-five, then a handshake, and lastly a loving hug with a big smile on their faces. One of the other girls tells me every day, without fail, "Miss, you come another time pretty." Though they're not an easy group, and they give me plenty of classroom management challenges, I still feel they respect and admire me. I need prayer for the ability to get things done efficiently, creative ideas, a love for my students that they can see, rest... Also, a couple of certain students need prayer for the desire to be good and to learn. They need to realize that they can be good, and I need to find ways to encourage them and show I believe in them.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow is Children's Day, and I don't have to plan lessons because it's going to be a day of celebrations. Next week, we only have a day and a half of classes because it's Independence Week. So I'll have a chance to catch up a little, though I would like to go on an outing or two.
Because of the money I earned and received this summer, I have a financial cushion right now. But I am making payments on bills and loans from college. Come January, the payments will be much larger, and my paycheck will not cover them and my living expenses. So I need prayer for regular donations to come in.
Tova is enjoying his new living situation, but as it turns out, I can't leave him there for very much longer at all. So I brought up the dilemma to my students, saying I need someone to either take care of him for a year or buy him. They all want him, and so far one set of parents has agreed with their student that they will take him. They want to buy him, and as much as I hate to lose him, I'm thinking that option would be more convenient and economical for me. I've already poured so much money into him, and if I have someone take care of him for a year, I'll still be paying about $40/month in food, plus vet expenses. Please pray that I'll make the right decision and find the right home for him.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and the widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. -Psalm 146:8-9
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