We're here!

Saturday-09/17

We arrived safely with all of our bags Sat. Sept. 17^th. The trip was uneventful save for a massive “speed bump” off the coast of Central America. Kaleb was in the infinitesimally bathroom trying to relieve himself (standing) when things got bumpy. I quickly finished my business and turned around (bracing myself) when all of a sudden, I was flying not only in the plane, but in the bathroom. After a graceful landing, I opened the door to find a mildly-amused middle-aged Hispanic man sprawled out of the bathroom across from me. I offered my hand, to which he replied “Big Bump” and laughed. Stacey was smiling in her seat and said that everyone in the plane levitated for a moment (to shouts of many unrepeatable words and whoopees). Needless to say, when we landed, everyone clapped. Once on the ground, we took the bus to Copan Ruinas, and met our host family.

Damos gracias a Dios por: Un buen viaje (Good travels)

Sunday-09/18

Our host family is Ernesto and Sara Vega.  They have 3 children 2 of which still live with them Sofia who is 25 and Dulce Maria (Sweet Maria! seriously) who is 13.  Their oldest son lives one block away with his wife and 2 children.  We were invited to go to church with them on Sun. and enjoyed the singing and scripture led by our host mother Sara.  They are believers and we have enjoyed having that in common.  After a much needed 3 hour Sunday afternoon nap we walked around the town and then watched a soccer game and Man vs. Wild (in Spanish with Bear Greeels) on TV with our family.  We have our own bedroom with private bath.  It even has a fancy (exposed wires) hot water attachment that really takes the bite out of personal hygiene time!  Sara feeds us 3 meals a day and even allowed us to make some tortillas with her on Sun.  They are very gracious and willing to tell us about their country and culture.  We’re looking forward to spending the next 2 weeks with them.

Damos gracias a Dios por: Nuestra familia quien nos recibe. (The family that's hosting us.)

Monday 09/19

As we lay in the dark (se fue la luz = electricity is out) in the middle of a massive rain/thunder storm we thought we’d write another update about the school.  Guacamaya Language School is only about a 10 minute walk on the way there, but feels like 45 coming back (uphill in the heat of the day). We’ll go for 4 hours in the morning and then review on our own in the afternoon/evening. The building is really nice, with little “study stables” out in a beautiful garden where we spend one-on-one time with our teachers. Kaleb’s teacher is Emma (or Ergmagmaea to my ears) and Stacey’s is Delmy. They both seem very kind. At first, Emma wasn’t very willing to make corrections, but as the day went on, she began to realize that we had a lot of work to do and became more helpful. Stacey’s teacher basically asked her if she wanted to teach instead.

Out of the many amusing exchanges between Kaleb and Emma, we managed to make do. The most interesting question I got was about my coffee.  I explained that I drank it black and without sugar, and she (seeming concerned for herself), asked if that truly made you grow hair on your chest (our non-English speaking tutor had apparently been lied to previously). I assured her that no, hair will magically sprout on your chest if your coffee isn’t sweet. Hopefully she’s relieved. I think that the classes will be beneficial for us both. My Spanish should improve, and Stacey should begin to even look Honduran by then end of it.

Damos gracias a Dios por: Oportunidad de mejorar como hablamos Espanol (Opportunity to improve our Spanish)