Half-way Point

Pinares just finished their 2nd quarter and the first month of 2011 is almost over. It seems like just last week we got back from our Christmas break. Looking back at these 2 quarters, it's amazing how much work and information I have done. We have gone through 12 chapters in Math, 5 chapters in Social Studies, 4 chapters in Science, 19 short stories, 17 Bible and Spelling Lessons... and the list goes on and on. Teaching here in Honduras has been awesome. As a new teacher, I have been learning how to effectively teach certain subjects and to discipline certain students. For example, my students and I played hide-and-go-seek for Science to teach them about adaptations and camouflage. It was tons of fun, but it taught them something. In terms of discipline, I have a 9 year old boy who is not scared to go to the principal's office, so I had to find a different consequence for him when he becomes disrespectful. I told him he couldn't play soccer at recess if he does not change his attitude and habits and now, his behavior has improved and I have less issues to deal with :)

In the last month, I have seen a new Calvin student each week. My best friend, Keri, moved here 2 weeks ago and is now working at Pinares as well. I am so happy to have her here. God is so faithful! Carla Lindemulder came for a day before leaving for volunteer work. We use to study in the same Math group in college and had such fun in the summers at the beach or doing random things. Brooke Van Eck was here for a day observing our school. She had come down with a group of Calvin students for interim. She is thinking about teaching here in Honduras next year and it would be lovely to see her grow and make a difference here. And yesterday, I met with Alex Cortez whom I worked with at the Calvin Admissions office. He has such a fun personality. We had dinner with a small group of Calvin people. I never realized how small our world could be. It's awesome to have gone to a college with such close relationships and connections. If any of you would like to come down to Honduras, please come visit me. It has been so refreshing seeing people and catching up. I miss you all. Thanks for thinking of me as I am thinking of you too. Enjoy the snow... it's been in the 90s here in the city :) With love, An