November felt, in a way, like a normal month. I feel like I'm in the groove of things are Casa de Luz and we have a routine! In the mornings the kids come between 7am-9am. During that time they eat breakfast. Then we begin the day with prayer, a Bible story, and little songs (silly and Bible stories). The kids love singing! After this, we usually have story time, then I teach the numbers, colors, shapes, letters, and days of the week in Spanish and English. I think they know the numbers in English better than in Spanish. Then we sing 'Head, shoulders, knees, and toes' in Spanish and English, then 'Yes Jesus Loves Me'. Check out my Facebook for videos of this! After this, we usually divide the bigger kids (4-6 years) and little kids (2-3 years) and do a craft and writing. After this we have snack, then we usually have free time to play with toys. Then we have lunch, wash up/ change clothes (if they bring extra), naptime, freetime, and go home.
We are getting ready for the Christmas program, so we are practicing songs and doing Christmas crafts. There is never a dull moment! I can see improvement in the kids. With the structure, they are getting used to it, which makes it more orderly and easier to control. There are, of course, the few that act up, but even they are having more good days!
I am encouraged! Public school is out for the kids in the neighborhood, so there is always more activity and noise. Here the public school year is from February to November.
Outside of Casa de Luz, November has been an interesting month. Aben, my boyfriend, is in the States and I am here in Honduras. Its the first time we have had the roles reversed, usually when I'm in the States, he is here. I never realized how much he helps me out and goes places with me here.
Other November news is that my refrigerator broke, 4 weeks before the Christmas deals come, so I'm holding out and its been interesting. Fortunately it still keeps things cool, just not cold enough to keep the milk from spoiling. So I use it to guard my fruits and vegetables from the ants.
With all the extra free time, I have had time to read and think. Today I put up Christmas lights that someone gave me and cut out pieces for a felt angel the kids are going to make. I have been thinking a lot about what I have and how I can use it to help others. My friends have told me, you are already doing so much with your kids, you don't need to feel like that. But the reality is, I have been blessed with so much, and the kids on my corner that wear trash bags and ask for money do not have the same opportunity as I do. I don't know what that will entail, but I've been wrestling with the issue for at least a month now. How do I view poverty? How can I cut back or live on less, so that I can do more for the poor. How do I view my needs and wants? Can you imagine life living only for needs, and never having the privilege to consider your wants?
Please continue to pray for safety and protection. I am constantly hearing stories, seeing things, and trying not to think about these realities, but its hard to do.
My plans are to be in the States December 26- January 31. If you would like me to share in your church, Bible study, Sunday school or with friends to share the ministry, please contact me. My plan is to visit people during this month.
Sorry, no pictures this time!
