First Week of School!

It is hard to believe that the first week of school has finished!  It has been filled with many ups and downs.  I have 19 little Honduran students, who LOVE to talk!  During our new teacher orientation, my elementary principal did warn us that Honduras is a very relational and social culture; therefore, the students love to talk!  If talking is the worst of my worries, I think we will survive! :)

Lauren, Gabrielle and I on the 1st day of school!

The academic side of things has been keeping me at school very late!  I hope the lesson planning gets easier!  It has been great getting to know my students' personalities this week.  They are all so different and it has been neat watching them come out of their shells!  One student brought me cookies this week with a little note that said, "I love you, Miss Matthews."  Receiving that little note and the hugs and kisses I get each day make teaching in Honduras completely worth it!  My students can be a tough bunch, but I am growing to love them deeply!

Wednesday was a rough day this week.  I was feeling very discouraged in my teaching and very overwhelmed with life in general.  I came into school on Thursday at 5:45am, like I always do, and felt the need to pray!  I prayed that God would give me a love for these students and that He would give me eyes to see my purpose here as a 3rd grade teacher.  Later that morning, a student asked, "Miss Matthews, is heaven real?"  Our entire class dove into a great conversation about God and Heaven.  It was such a blessing to speak openly about God and share my excitement with the students.  God gave me that moment to help me refocus and remember my purpose in serving here!

Today was a half day, as the school had Open House for Pre-K-12.  I had the opportunity to meet most of my parents and all of them were absolutely wonderful!  Two of my parents did not speak much English, which made things difficult, but even then I was welcomed with open arms.  Several mothers mentioned, "If you need ANYTHING, give us a call and we will be right there!"  What a blessing to be in this community!

I hope all is well!  Thank you for your prayers!  They truly are a blessing:)