Soon!

We are just hours away from being State-side.  Can't wait! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

(in case we don't get a chance to update while we are on vacation)

Christmas Break

It is hard to believe we’ve only lived in Honduras for a little over four months.  The time has flown by, and it’s already time to pack our bags and head to the states for Christmas.  We’ve been thinking about all the things we've missed in the past four months and also made a list of things we want to bring back with us. 

Here is a short list of a few things we are looking forward to…

1. Driving in an organized road system (with traffic laws that are obeyed and enforced)

2. Road signs

3. U.S. Dollars

4. Signs in English

5. Family

6. Flushing toilet paper (Tim's #1 choice)

7. Hot water in the sinks (Tim's #2)

8. Reliable electricity

9. Heat
10. Trash cans that get used (Tim's #3)

Even though teaching in Honduras is enjoyable and learning a new culture has been exciting, I'm looking forward to a break away from the confusion to a place of comfort and familiarity.  However, I’m sure I’ll be ready to return to my new home in two weeks.

Merry Christmas

Thankgiving with the Neighbors!

We planned to go on a trip over Thanksgiving break, but it just didn't work out.  So we decided to cook our own meal.  Ruth and I worked hard on the turkey as well as LOTS of other items.  Susan made amazing mashed potatoes and hot apple cider!  The six of us enjoyed spending the day together.  Of course there was football on TV for the guys, a huge bird for them to carve (way to go Luke!), and then later a movie to relax after a long, hard day cooking and eating.

Before putting the turkey in the oven...

...the finished product! It was delicious!  Good job Ruth! :-D

Working hard carving the turkey perfectly.

Homemade pumpkin pie...by Ruth Holtrop

 
Friday, the six of us piled in Susan and Joe's car and headed to a Bed and Breakfast down the road.  We rode horses for a little while, played card games, had a great dinner at the restaurant, and finally watched a movie before heading to bed.  It was such a relaxing time away from home with friends.  Saturday we rode horses once more (Tim was an expert by the end) before rushing home to watch the Michigan Ohio State game (MgoBlue!!!).  Ruth and I decided to watch a movie during the game, but we still heard the guys yelling from the house next door.

 We had a great weekend of relaxing and spending time with friends.  Now we are all ready for our Christmas break! :-)

Tim and I, Susan and Joe, Luke and Ruth

Tim and I are so thankful for the opportunity to serve here in Honduras and for the many friends we have made in the past four months.

Thanksgiving Party in My Class

Here at Pinares we have Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday) off from school.  Thanksgiving is not a holiday that Hondurans celebrate but some parents told me they enjoy spending the day with their families, having a nice meal, and thanking God for the many blessings He has provided.  Two sets of parents signed up to plan our class Thanksgiving party.  They did an amazing job and I wanted to share some pictures of the food they provided.

Such a cute idea! 

We Saw Jesus!!!

One of the advantages of living in the mountain of El Hatillo is that you have breathtaking views near El Picacho ("the statue").

El Picacho is a park that is full of beautiful scenery... and of course JesuCristo.

Jesus stands at an impressive 65' in the air on a 40' pedestal.  From a distance when you first see him, he looks clean shaven.  Kinda funny.

The park was absolutely beautiful w/ gardens and reconstructions of ancient Mayan buildings.

And busts of famous Honduran leaders =-D  There is even a statue of Confucius at this place.  Pretty impressive park if you ask me.

There was a lemon tree that Stephen and Tim decided was worth the eating... we were pretty hungry.