Goodbye For Now

This little guy is always walking around town selling handmade dolls.
He wasn't expecting to be photographed in this moment, so this isn't necessarily his model pose.

Locals in Copan won't see me around for the next couple weeks. Stepping away to travel a bit.

I have learned that it's a funny sensation to roll back into town, walk through the bus station, and catch a taxi now that I have clue how to do those things. What makes it feel funny is the vivid memory of what I felt and experienced back in July when I arrived with no language skills and no sign of the contact who was supposed to drive me from the bus station to my apartment.

Leaving The Classroom

The students got to ditch class to complete beautification projects across campus and around town. All this was done for the annual Tree Day celebration.

Perks

The market in Copan.

One of the perks of living in an agricultural society like mine is
the availability and affordability of quality produce! Love my fruits and veggies.

My big problem in life right now: the little worms I find sometimes while cutting open a delicious mango!

This Is Me Now

It's clearer now than ever. The time in Honduras confirmed some things about my identity.

I was made to live a life that is simple, minimal, and rich...rich in experiences and relationships, and rich in gratitude and generosity.

That Was Me Then

Reminds me of the feeling that stirred inside me for a couple years leading up to my move to Central America. I was head over heels in love with Nashville and the life I was blessed to find there. Still, there was a desire to shake up that beautiful existence.

I'm so thankful I was able to find and seize the opportunity in Honduras.

Some Things Never Change

After eleven months, sometimes I still walk out the door and step onto the street to realize again that I can't believe I live here.

When I was about 17, someone talked to me about the benefits of keeping a journal. Right away, I knew I should start one. Following through, however... Never happened.

The idea of journaling came up again several times over the years. I made a few attempts to keep a journal but ended up being unable to sustain it as a habit. Now, when I read the sporadic journal entries I did record, I am reminded that it's true what they say about the good things journaling adds to a person's life.

These days, this blog is a journal for me, and I am glad to have it.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For Tuesday

I never stop feeling thankful for the experience I'm having here, but it has been a while since my last 10 Things post on a Tuesday.

Allow me to name the things currently evoking my gratitude.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For Tuesday

SUMMER 2015 EDITION!!

It's finals week for us, and now I'm dreaming of what summer brings.

Things I'm thankful for and looking forward to are these:

1. Focused language practice without obligations at the bilingual school.

My Spanish has come a long way and has a long way still to go!

2. Time to write (music and other things) every day.

Even if it's just one line or one measure of music, writers write every day. I know I'm capable of this kind of discipline...just need to find the right process and the right inspiration to get me going.

3. Time away from the routine.

I love what I do. I also love opportunities to step away from it.

Can't remember if I heard this from someone else or myself, but here's something I think is true in education:

when it's time for students to leave for their summer vacation, educators are happy to see them go...and when it's time for students to come back after summer break, educators are happy to see them return. Makes a pretty good life, I guess.

A couple of my 9th grade boys with their upperclassman friends.

4. The flight that will take me to see my favorite southerners in Alabama!

5. Quality time with the old digital camera!

6. The belated birthday celebration I've planned for my sweet mother.

I'm too embarrassed to name the details here, but let's just say I cooked up something so good, mom is guaranteed to flip out.

7. First fishing trip since July.

Fishing reminds me of what they say about alcohol for those in recovery:

you can be away from it for years and years, but as soon as you get a taste of it again, you're right back hooked.

8. The chance to find a few good arts experiences while I'm home.

9. Adult education classes.

Summer means more time to help some of my talented friends -- men and women who already know some English and wish to learn more. I get the feeling that's part of what my contribution is supposed to be while I'm living here.

10. Tourists.

Some things about them can be annoying when they invade the town, but there's always the possibility for an interesting conversation or friendship to emerge with a fellow American or international traveler you meet.

I Decided To Shoot Some People

My friends agreed to be models for my photography hobby one afternoon. They ended up deciding to bring along their young son since he wouldn't stop crying as we headed out.

I enjoyed myself that day and also managed to get several shots I actually liked (I'm not always so lucky).

Here's some of the work.

My Kids Make Me Proud!

It's good to see 14-year-old bilingual Hondurans correcting each other's English grammar mistakes in conversation.

Kinda makes me swell with pride because my students didn't get to this place overnight. But after a lot of intentionality from me (respectfully confronting  grammar issues/insisting on correct speech and writing), I can see the students beginning to remind each other of things.

It feels nice to witness this peer correction and see it replace the need for teacher correction. People say young folks learn better from other young folks sometimes anyway!

The school hosted its annual Science Fair this week. I'm not much of a science guy,
but the event went well, and many students chose projects that were interesting even to me! 

Life Goes On Without Me

Honduras amazes me. It also makes me miss out on things happening elsewhere.

My friend Mike's recent wedding is an example.

Thank heavens for the photo someone snapped that let me into a moment during the ceremony when Mike and Lindsey prayed together.

I guess it got a little emotional at the altar!

Looking at the picture and knowing Mike is married now, I feel a lot of emotion welling up in me too. It's because he and I have experienced so much together...

Years of wondering and conversations and uncertainty and being ridiculous to make each other laugh and relationships and disappointments and realizations and growth and breakups and rekindling.

And now, I am pleased to know Mike has found what he was hoping for. So thankful he has Lindsey!