We are in our second week of Spanish Language School and have never felt so confused and helpless in all our lives. I'm not sure how much Spanish I will absorb, but I am learning a huge lesson in humility as I am constantly the source of poor communication and misunderstanding. Everone is very supportive as we all just laugh and go on. We both have been assigned a professional tutor who works with us individually four hours per day; but most of my learning has come from walking around the village and visiting with neighbors. Sophi has especially been helpful (picture). She wants to be a teacher some day, and has been doing a great job practicing on us!
What has been most amazing this past month, are the individuals we have met who are quietly going about as ambassodors for Christ - loving others on a daily basis wherever life takes them - and all without official "sanction" or salary from a religious group or organization. On Roatan is Peggy and Henry (past posting); and here in Copan we met Ellen, who is a retired Jazz musician that has fallen in love with the Honduran children. She walks weekly up into the mountains to visit and support local schools. These are all one room school houses (usually inside one of the families homes) that contain f
rom 30 - 60 children of all ages 5-12. Most of these schools have one teacher with no books, no paper, no pencils, no chalkboards, and of course, no computers. All they have is a parent or community member who has a heart for education and the children. Ellen raises funds to provide books and other basic school supplies. She has sold all she owns in the states (except for a couple of violas in storage in Seattle) and willingly lives a paupers life - and says she is more fulfilled and happier than ever before in her life. It has been our honor to accompany her on a couple of outings - with more to come.
rom 30 - 60 children of all ages 5-12. Most of these schools have one teacher with no books, no paper, no pencils, no chalkboards, and of course, no computers. All they have is a parent or community member who has a heart for education and the children. Ellen raises funds to provide books and other basic school supplies. She has sold all she owns in the states (except for a couple of violas in storage in Seattle) and willingly lives a paupers life - and says she is more fulfilled and happier than ever before in her life. It has been our honor to accompany her on a couple of outings - with more to come. Did I mention Copan is in the mountains? Actually, it is in a valley surrounded by mountains. But, it seems everywhere we go is up hill. How does that work out??? Our host home is only one block from the school - put another way - it is 127 stairs from the school. (picture)
The village sits at 6,000 ft above sea level with the surrounding mountains at 8k - 10k. The evenings are refreshing to me (Terry translates that as cold). We are approximately 5 miles from the Guatemala border - so both cultures are present in the village shops and markets.We are thankful the tropical storm/hurricane that was headed for Roatan pulled a u-turn and returned to the carribbean. Thanks for your prayers and support. Roatan did receive some heavy wind and rain, but nothing compared to what Cuba received . . . twice - going to and coming from Honduras!
God seems to have embedded the Hondurans of Roatan on our hearts. As many needs as we are witnessing on the mainland - our thoughts continue to return to "La Colonia" on Roatan. (see previous posting) Pray with us that all concerned will be given confirmation and clear direction. At this point it looks like we may cut our language school time by one week to spend an extra week on Roatan before returning to the States.
Once again, we are greatly indebted to you for your prayers and spiritual support - however, we are most indebted to Jesus Christ for His willingess to allow us a part in His love and affection to others. We recently purchased a "Santa Biblia" (Holy Bible) and are having fun learning new expressions (in Spanish) and a deeper appreciation for all Christ has provided. You are a big part of that!!!
Still in love with Him, you and each other!!!!
Henry & Terry
1 comment:
If your comments, as quoted below are true then you have missed a whole lot of Roayan And Honduras is about and you really should take a look be=ack before posting this on a public forum
Either you have everything the average medium income American has (car, hot water, electricity, pure drinking water, cable TV, indoor toilet, telephone, cell phone, kitchen appliances, etc.....) or you have nothing but a mud hut, the clothing on your back and maybe a burro.
Either you have everything the average medium income American has (car, hot water, electricity, pure drinking water, cable TV, indoor toilet, telephone, cell phone, kitchen appliances, etc.....) or you have nothing but a mud hut, the clothing on your back and maybe a burro.
Post a Comment