Okay, well, good morning from Houston....the last time I wrote a post and then wasn't able to get online...so, there it has been sitting on my desktop....so, since I am on my way to Honduras....returning to finish up my OTD Capstone (graduation is around the corner!), I will post what I wrote last August to get you back in the swing...Lots going on between now and May! Thanks for following along and hopefully I can update you while on this trip! Talk to you soon....joni

August 20, 2011

Buenos dias, mis amigos! Well, it has been a week and I am just getting to write some things down! It has been a great week with good observations in the classroom at CasAyuda for my project. By Wednesday I was done with my information gathering and was able to start helping with the kids in the classroom. Lenin’s classroom has 21 children, two assistants and himself. The children range from 3 years to teenager and varying disabilities – Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, deafness, and assorted other learning disabilities (no specific diagnosis). Things have changed for the better since March and it is very apparent that he has incorporated things from the in-service day, which has been a benefit to the overall functioning of his classroom. It is so good to see.

On the flip side, Mishelle and her mom are great. I am very fortunate to be staying at their house, which happens to be just around the corner from CasAyuda. So our days start at 6 a.m., with about a two mile walk around the boulevard, followed by breakfast, then to work between 7:30 and 8:00….usually closer to 8:00. Lenin’s class gets out at 11:00 and the kids are usually all picked up by 11:20 or so…then I help clean the classroom and on most days have lunch at CasAyuda. Mishelle had told Daphne, the cook that I had been working on eating better, etc., so each day for my snack they give me fresh fruit, and check in with me “if I can eat” what they are making for lunch. Very nice of them!

After lunch Mishelle usually rests for a bit (I am in siesta country) but let me tell you, with this heat, I know why! Let’s just say I can tell I haven’t been in Honduras in August for the past couple of years! It is Sooooooo HOT! The other night when I was going to bed (which by the way is often by 10p.m. – if you can believe that!) it was 92˚ in my room! I have managed to balance the sun/sunscreen and happy to report no sunburns! Anyhow, then we run errands (which is no quick task here in Honduras) and go to the mall where she has a kiosk. I have sometimes been lucky with the wireless at the mall, but again yesterday I could NOT figure out how to get it to connect – maybe my Mac is just fussy! At night it varies, it is usually low-key. We have worked on translating my interview questions for Lenin, and we are also doing the same two-mile walk in the evenings – really trying to keep moving and not put on a bunch of weight while I am here! We can now both feel it with all the walking, which I take as a good sign.

I have been able to see Wendy (and her 3 kids), Valesca (and her two kids), Franklin, (and his son) – all of which I have known for 20 years now, since my first trip here! They all lived at the orphanage (siblings – there are 5 of them!) – I am closest to Wendy and Franklin, and always grateful to be able to spend time with them! Wendy and Valesca (and all of the kids) came over for dinner last weekend (or maybe Monday?) – wat a fun time!

No big plans this weekend. We were going to take a road trip, but with the impending tropical storm Harvey, we decided not to and will stay close to home. I of course have plenty to do with PTN work, CSUDH work, and upcoming school work – so, no shortage with things to do.

I am grateful to friends and family at home who so willingly watch my Winston and Minina – without them, such trips would not be possible! With that, I will sign off and hopefully be able to post this! Hope everyone is doing well! Hasta luego!