akatzlms

So I have been home for almost a week now, and while it is nice to be back in the air conditioning, I think often of my experiences in Honduras. My time there helping others will always remain an important part of me, as well as the families and friends that have touched my life. My mosquito bites and sunburn are a constant reminder of an unforgettable week, and I love that I already have many Honduran friends on Facebook. My last day in Honduras was Saturday. I was psyched to wear my new soccer jersey that I had bought at the market on Thursday. While eating my breakfast, Sentella came in to visit, and excitedly I picked her up and passed my camera off for a picture. I guess she was excited too, as she ... read more

Hola! I can’t believe it is almost the end of my stay here in beautiful Honduras. I have had so many amazing experiences and met so many incredible people. I will be bringing home lots of stories, memories, and stuff I bought today… Did I mention today was our trip to the market and last day of work? So the trip I have been looking forward to all week- El Mercado! One of my favorite stops during all of my travels, where I can buy things for friends and family, but most importantly add to my classroom museum where I display cool things from foreign countries. And did I make out well! Fortunately I had my new buddy Hector with me; to let me know if the final price I was given was truly the best ... read more

Am I sore! I have never worked so hard in my life! I don’t think I am cut out for this manual labor. Mixing cement, sifting dirt, laying brick, filling in cement walls, etc. And this is all in over 100 degree heat! So I am sunburned, and had to forgo the tank top this afternoon. I gave in and cut the sleeves off of one of my t-shirts. Not as good as a tank top but my back can’t take any more sun! And the mosquitos love me! Almost as much as the kids do! Especially the ones I bought ice cream today, from the ice cream truck! Aside from the heat, bites, sunburn, and sore muscles, today was still a great day. The highlight for me was sitting in on one of the classes ... read more

What a day!! Aside from being awakened at 5:30am by barking dogs and roosters, I slept great! It did take me a little while to fall asleep, as tired as I was, but it is pretty hot here. Our day started off with breakfast: cocoa krispies and a banana, and then we were off to the supermercado to take out some Lempiras (Honduran currency) and buy some snacks. As I am one of just a few Spanish speakers here, I was the ATM chaperone. As many of you know, I am not very good at math so I had a little trouble figuring out how many Lempiras to take out based on the amount of American dollars they wanted. $1.00 American = 18.5 Lempiras. I think I kind of got it. Our next stop was to ... read more

Two days from now I will be arriving in Honduras. I can't believe the time is almost here! I have everything I need (I think) and my clothing is being pre-treated for protection against skeeters and buggies. Vaccinations are up-to-date, preventive medication picked up, and I have my travellers insurance. I would also like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the following people who have helped to support my effort in raising money for Villa Soleada Elementary School and those who contributed to my trip. I have raised close to $600! Michelle and David Rothstein Art and Janyce Katz Randy and Cris Katz Bridget and Mike Baill Eileen and Mark Cramer Emily and Jeff Levi Priscilla Taylor Kim Stackhouse Laura North Alec Alterman Dino Gatsoulas Meghan Walter Andrea and Don Glasgow Donna Porwancher Rhona and ... read more