It poured rain all evening yesterday. It came down in massive amounts and soaked everything. It started at about 4:00, I finished doing laundry and hanging it out to dry at about 1:00. I'll let you figure out the rest.
Today it's sunny and hot and I'm planning to go swimming in the river with a few other volunteers. I haven't been down there yet, so I'm not sure what it's like, but it's supposed to be really nice and better than the beach because there you can get bitten by sand flies...whatever that is. I guess just another species of bug that makes humans uncomfortable. I was attacked by ants yesterday. My foot started burning and I looked down and there were tiny black ants covering my toes. I ended up with itchy red toes for the next couple hours. I just keep telling myself it's all part of the experience.
So yesterday was my first day of teaching! (kind of). In the morning I observed the class which I will assistant teach until the end of July. At that point the lead teacher will leave and I will take over, and I believe Leah will be my assistant! CAN"T WAIT till she's here!
The kids in the class are really cute, but don't really speak any English. Since the current teacher is fluent in Spanish, the only English spoken in class is when they repeat the sentences she's teaching them. This will change soon, not only because myself and the other volunteer are not fluent, but because I think it's super important to speak in English, it's the only way they will learn!! There is also an afternoon class with a different teacher and they don't really need another person to teach, but I might help out sometimes. I went to observe yesterday, but the kids asked if I would teach so I jumped right in!
In the afternoon yesterday I went back to La Ceiba to do grocery shopping becuase they have bigger stores there that basically have everything. I went with two other girls that are both from Ohio (one from the same place Mark is from, can't think of what it's called). They are very nice and helpful, like true Ohioans :) The other girls I've met are nice too, but unfortunately I don't feel like I get along with them as well as I did with Monica. But Monica will be in Ceiba the whole time I'm here so I'm sure we'll get to hang out again. I also haven't met everyone yet, and there is a whole other house full of volunteers. I will meet most of them Thursday because we're having a potluck at our house. We have a big front patio/yard area with a table and lots of seating which is nice!
Last night I braved the downpour and went out to dinner with Stephanie and two other volunteers, Eddie, who is Irish and the volunteer I'll be teaching with, and his girlfriend Amy, who is British and works in another school. The restaurant was right on the beach and the food was delicious! I had shrimp with rice and plantain chips. I think I'm going to come back liking seafood!
I forgot to mention we have a kitten! He is about 6 months old and so adorable. Stephanie, the volunteer who is leaving tomorrow, takes care of him and feeds him, so I told her I would take over when she leaves. He doesn't have a name because I guess it has changed so many times when new volunteers come in, but I really want to name him! Any suggestions?
At some point today or tomorrow, I'll take some pictures of where I'm living. I really love El Porvenir and I want you guys to see it!
xxD
...the other volunteer and I are not fluent :)
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog (don't judge me. I have an infant,) and 1) you are a lot braver than I am because cockroaches and I don't get along. I know this because myself and the entire cockroach population have talked about this. 2) Fresh fruit?! You are going to be so healthy! 3) One way to brave the heat is to put your under garments in the freezer or under cold running water then put them on. Don't ask how I know this, just do it. I'm not sure if you have access to a freezer (or if your abuelo/abuela will let you put them in the freezer) OR if you trust that water being near your "area", but if you do, it works.
ReplyDeleteToday the comments are almost s interesting as the blog! The first one makes me laugh because I do the same thing with my daughter. The second comment needs no further explanation as to why it's interesting! Leila is now reading your blog too, Laura, and I'm sure she'll find John and Rahea's tip useful when she's living in Houston!
ReplyDeleteKitty!! :) Name him Alejandro or Pedro :)
ReplyDeleteYea yea Dad....Rahea, good idea! I'm def gonna try it. Judy, are you implying my blog is not very interesting?? hhaha :) And Meg, thanks good call! I really like Alejandro..Ale for short.
ReplyDeleteHow bout Margarita! That was my name in high school Spanish class... surprise :)
ReplyDeletename him donatello and call him donny for short ;)
ReplyDelete