As I read a former coworker's blog about corruption and injustice in Honduras, I began to reflect on my time there but even more so, the time I have spent back in the states. Growing up, I was quite possibly the most optimistic, idealistic child you could have ever met. After university, with a degree in cultural anthropology, I was ready to take on the world. Two years of working at Head Start (preschool program for children from low income families and children with disabilities) and I still thought I was making a difference. Honduras definitely took some of that fight [View Full Entry]

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I wore flip flops outside today for the first time since I have been back in the states. My mood has mimicked Wisconsin springtime weather for the past few months, sunny and warm and then suddenly stormy and frigid. Getting readjusted to the weather and pace of life back home has been some what of a rollercoaster ride. But being as it is sunny and warm outside and I feel much the same way, I figured it would be a good time to update my blog. Stories from School (I wish more than anything I could share the precious pictures [View Full Entry]

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It has been said that you don't realize how much you love someone until they are gone, but this was probably said by someone who has never been away and returned after months. I have never felt such profound love and support from my family and friends as when I returned home. My hope that is that everyone, during their lifetime, is lucky enough to have: 1. A dad who will sneak a pitbull into the baggage claim area of Chicago O'hare airport to see its mommy after being away for 5 months. 2. Employment at an agency that will [View Full Entry]

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Almost all of my entries have been positive and up beat, so I apologize in advance for this one. I was very sad about leaving Honduras and no matter how I tried, I couldn't put a spin on it. I had planned to stay in Honduras for a couple years, if not more. And I've never been a person to walk away from a job, especially one I love. Unfortunately, however, with distance during family illnesses, personal safety concerns and dealing with a school administration that does not value their teachers or students, I had to reconsider where I was [View Full Entry]

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Once a week, I have a class meeting with my students. We talk about things we like about the class and things we would like to change and the best way to make those changes. In the true spirit of 5th grade class meetings here is a list of things I love about teaching in Honduras and a list of things that I would change if I could: Things I Love About Teaching in Honduras: 1. My fifth graders aren't too cool to give me hugs and kisses. 2. The preparatoria (grade between kindergarten and first) kids, for whose class I [View Full Entry]

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Eight in the morning is usually a late morning here for us in Honduras, however it felf very early to me as I had only had two hours of sleep the night prior. It would have been a day for sleeping in had we not had plans to go to the small town (more like village) of Rio Negro, which is about a 2 hour drive up a mountain from the city of Comayagua. Chris (Mr. Chris, grade 3) had asked around earlier in the week to see if there would be anyone interested in going up to Rio Negro with [View Full Entry]

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Given the that we had next Monday off of school due to a national celebration of some historical figure, Sarah and I decided to head to Tegucigalpa for a couple days to explore. And by explore, I mean explore the mall. It was huge. Its hard to even put it into words. Although.... I should probably start from the beginning. So, we set off Saturday morning to catch the bus from Comayagua (my new home) to Tegucigalpa (capital of Honduras). Upon arriving at the bus station, we attempted to buy tickets in the bus station. The man behind the counter told [View Full Entry]

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Its never good to wake up with a fever and chills, but even worse to wake up here with a fever and chills. I didn't feel so hot this morning when I woke so I wrote about 6 pages of directions for the sub and asked Sarah to let Mr. Cesar (our principal) know I was sick. I soon thereafter curled up on the couch underneath my down comforter and fell back asleep. When I woke up, there was three men standing over me. Although I was startled, I realized it was the school maintenence man and two of the workers [View Full Entry]

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After a long weekend in the Caribbean, it was time to go grocery shopping. I made a surprising discovery today. I actually found something a little more exciting than tortillas and beans that I could make for dinner. Supermercado Jumbo has coconut milk, curry powder, and asian noodles and had snow peas, peppers, and onions in their produce section. I was so excited! When I got home I set to work making vegetable curry. And it worked! (A special thanks to my bestest friend from back home who taught me how to make curry who is now living in Burma: Christina, [View Full Entry]

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Rising, like always, before the sun does, we got up and ready to go catch the 9 a.m. ferry that was a walk, a bus ride, and a taxi ride away. I would just like to add that it only took me 40 minutes to take a shower and get ready and I was ready to go on time! Like I said in my last blog, anyone who knows be knows that that is quite the accomplishment for me. I think the Caribbean is a good influence :) La Ceiba is much more hot and sticky than Comayagua and we felt [View Full Entry]

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