Sobreviviendo

I have officially completed a full week of teaching here in Gracias. I would be lying if I said that it went smoothly, because it was a week full of glitches and unexpected cultural norms. I was more prepared for the differences of day to day life than the differences teaching a class of all ELL but the more I get to know my students, I enjoy them more and more. Though my students are getting better I haven't quite gotten used to the frequent chorus of "Meez! Meez! Meez!" when a student needs my attention. Nor the fact that they don't take turns when they talk so raising their hand without shouting has been one of our biggest challenges. The most frustrating part of working here is the fact that we are bound by worksheets in workbooks for every subject, which are boring for me and the kids, but don't you all worry I attempt to put my creativity to work here.
My favorite part of the first day may have been the end of the day when the kids tell me they are going to the bus. My eyes quickly scan the road for big yellow buses but I then see my kiddos run to 3 minivans where they pile in about 20 per van. Maybe not the safest but it works for the Hondurans.
Not only has teaching been quite an adjustment but I can't fail to mention the fact that we lost water for over a day and then also lost electricity for a day as well, with a forecast of many power outages to happen in the future. It's imperative to also mention the ridiculous rodent and insect infestation that occurs at the casa amarilla on a daily basis. There was an epic battle between mouse and man in which the poor mouse was defeated by the almighty bucket of death (not something I am proud of, but little mousie friend had to go) We have encountered many cockroaches, which I am actually quite proud of my growing ability to smash them though I may make comments like "I need a bigger shoe!" Today marked a brand new edition to the bug conundrum here where we had a swarm of flying ants rapidly building a nest by our front door. We didn't know what to do so we asked our kind neighbors for assistance. They promptly doused the nest with raid and we could only run and scream in horror as flying ants came dropping out of the sky like raindrops.
After a grueling week of teaching and mortal kombat insect version I have had one of the nicest weekends since being here. Friday night was spent by candlelight potluck with drinks, live guitar, and great conversation. Saturday was for relaxing and hanging out. Sunday, I played soccer for the first time ever, and I literally mean the first time ever. There was a group of us gringos and some Spanish teachers as well. I had a lot of fun and was actually proud that I made small contributions to the team (very small contributions but contributions nonetheless) . We then topped off the evening by going to our neighbors house who cooks tortillas over a flame in her backyard, and she attempted to teach us how to make tortillas. She made it look so easy while we struggled and she just laughed at us.  I am definitely content living here in Honduras and appreciate the small things in life much more!