Well, I am back in los estados for good, now. I have been back for approximately two weeks and it still doesn't feel real. When I went scuba diving, I described being under the water by saying that it felt like I was in another world. like i was a different person walking on the ocean floor. And, that is how I feel now. It doesn't feel like the Caitlin that is sitting in Starbucks sipping a Iced Mocha and typing this blog post is the same Caitlin who was driving around two weeks ago on the streets of La Ceiba searching for children sleeping on the street. I mean, how can I be the same person in such different places? How do i connect who I was in Christ in La Ceiba to who I am in Him here? that is something I have really been struggling with since coming back. That, and remembering to flush my toilet paper. I'm telling you, that will never feel normal.
Life seems the same here, but I am different. I feel unknown, undignified, and unraveled. I can tell a million stories and they won't even begin to sum up who I am. And even if they did, people can't understand the stories or feel the significance of them like I can. It's hard. But, I had a good friend remind me that even though I am in the States and comfortable, the Lord is still growing me and that these struggles are sculpting me into the woman He desires. I am being stretched for His glory. So, I can't run away or hide from the reality that I am in. I am not in Honduras. I am home. I am different. I have been changed. And now I must pour into my relationship with Christ and share my story for His glory and honor. I would appreciate prayers as I begin to process these truths.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
last week ponderings
I have four days left in Honduras. How did that happen. I'm very sad to be leaving the home, job, and community I have been blessed to have here. I love so much about this place and I never in a million years believed that I would feel at home here, but I do. I could definitely stay for another year, I think. But, that's my desire for myself, and not the Lords. He has made it clear to me that I am to return home and that is what is best for me. So, I'm seriously just relying on the character of my God and His will because I think if it were up to me,I would have already cancelled my plane ticket. That is not to say I'm not going to be thrilled to see my family because let me tell you, that's going to be a reunion like no other. I just really really love living life here in La Ceiba. That's all.
On funny, side note, I said goodbye forever to three people earlier this week that I have seen around town later on. This city is too small! Stop making me say goodbyes, La Ceiba! And also, many of the street children Kate works with have learned how to say "Caitlin, please don't go" in English. Seriously, you try leaving those precious faces.
Four days. Too many goodbyes to count. Dreaaadddd.
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." - Luke 2:29-32
On funny, side note, I said goodbye forever to three people earlier this week that I have seen around town later on. This city is too small! Stop making me say goodbyes, La Ceiba! And also, many of the street children Kate works with have learned how to say "Caitlin, please don't go" in English. Seriously, you try leaving those precious faces.
Four days. Too many goodbyes to count. Dreaaadddd.
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." - Luke 2:29-32
Sunday, April 8, 2012
siempre anda por la veinte
Before going on this retreat I mentioned in the previous post, Kate found a t-shirt that had phrases said in Honduras on it. She took a picture of it in hopes of learning what they meant at some point. Well, we ended up taking two cars filled with people to the retreat and so Kate spent the way there learning what they meant from our new friend and teacher, Jansen. Also, he may have been our driver the whole week because Kate hates driving her manual car for longer than ten minutes. He never knew what he was committing to by becoming our friend.
Anyways, turns out, we found a phrase that defines Kate perfectly. "anda por la veinte" is the Spanish version of "out in left field" and let me tell you, that is Kate. She is willing to admit it too, no worries. In fact, she admitted it within the first minute of learning the phrase. However, we both equally defined it when it came to our sense of direction in San Pedro. I'll give you an example:
One night, Kate was forced to drive her own car home because Jansen was going to his hotel. And we had no one to follow because Shannon had left early. It was the perfect storm. We left the church chatting and laughing about different things that passed throughout the day, until we both grew silent in thought at the same time. I knew we were both thinking, "hm, I don't recognize this road very much". We sat for a while until finally Kate declared us lost. Many roads, tear of laughter, and ten minutes later, we were back in the church parking lot, scrunched down in our seats with hopes that Jansen wouldn't see how pathetic we were. I wish I could say I kept my cool while we were lost, but truth is I was terrified. Up until Kate stalled out on a speed bump, then it was just plain hilarious. After picking up some randos from the church from Teguc who directed us to the main road, we were on our way........until we got to the neighborhood of the hotel.
The problem I think is that we realize we don't know where we are going at the exact same time and so there are no warnings. We are 100% confident until we have zero idea where we are. So, it takes a good amount of wrong turns. But, I think I can say with confidence that Jesus performed a miracle that night. Because we were again terribly lost in the neighborhood, until we were somehow directly in front of the hotel. With literally no idea as to how we got there. So yes, when it came to directions, we certainly define the phrase, "anda por la veinte"
Unfortunately, I think thats the only phrase we can use of the new ones we learned because turns out, we were taught what they meant. But, we were not taught which ones were appropriate. So, after Kate used a couple of them to the wrong people at the wrong time and received the wrong reaction, we might have to stick to what we know and risk sounding a little too gringa.
Anyways, turns out, we found a phrase that defines Kate perfectly. "anda por la veinte" is the Spanish version of "out in left field" and let me tell you, that is Kate. She is willing to admit it too, no worries. In fact, she admitted it within the first minute of learning the phrase. However, we both equally defined it when it came to our sense of direction in San Pedro. I'll give you an example:
One night, Kate was forced to drive her own car home because Jansen was going to his hotel. And we had no one to follow because Shannon had left early. It was the perfect storm. We left the church chatting and laughing about different things that passed throughout the day, until we both grew silent in thought at the same time. I knew we were both thinking, "hm, I don't recognize this road very much". We sat for a while until finally Kate declared us lost. Many roads, tear of laughter, and ten minutes later, we were back in the church parking lot, scrunched down in our seats with hopes that Jansen wouldn't see how pathetic we were. I wish I could say I kept my cool while we were lost, but truth is I was terrified. Up until Kate stalled out on a speed bump, then it was just plain hilarious. After picking up some randos from the church from Teguc who directed us to the main road, we were on our way........until we got to the neighborhood of the hotel.
The problem I think is that we realize we don't know where we are going at the exact same time and so there are no warnings. We are 100% confident until we have zero idea where we are. So, it takes a good amount of wrong turns. But, I think I can say with confidence that Jesus performed a miracle that night. Because we were again terribly lost in the neighborhood, until we were somehow directly in front of the hotel. With literally no idea as to how we got there. So yes, when it came to directions, we certainly define the phrase, "anda por la veinte"
Unfortunately, I think thats the only phrase we can use of the new ones we learned because turns out, we were taught what they meant. But, we were not taught which ones were appropriate. So, after Kate used a couple of them to the wrong people at the wrong time and received the wrong reaction, we might have to stick to what we know and risk sounding a little too gringa.
campamento
This week, I was in San Pedro Sula on a retreat with the church. Gran Comisión has this retreat every year where all of it's campuses come together for three days of Semana Santa (holy week) and worship/grow together. 4,000 people from 35 different cities in 9 different countries. I'm sorry, but that's awesome. It was just so cool that the church is obviously so big and such a huge community, but that we were all able to worship as one. And meet new people and celebrate in who Jesus is. That's mu favorite thing about a true Christian community. There is just such joy in meeting new people because you feel instantly united in Christ. It was definitely a time of new friendships, sadness, growth, worship, and seriously endless laughter. Oh and also, unintentionally always using inappropriate phrases in Spanish. More to come.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
pictures, pictures
i figured that while i have Shannon's computer, i mght as well post some pictures that I am unable to post on my iPad. As, I promised, I took a picture of Arnold and some other cuties that I get to see on a regular basis. Love them all so much. Here we go:
Above is cute little Maricela. She is a handleful, but she has got the cutest little giggle.
Guys, TOMS is reallife. Here all some kids with their TOMS and me. Hint: I'm the one with the holes in the TOMS, ironic no? The kids always tell me I need new shoes.
Danesi. I wrote about her a couple of posts ago. She is beauiful and terrifying.
I mean, can you get any cuter??
YES YOU CAN! Arnold. This guy. seriously??? Such a beautiful child.
Alejandra loves, loves, loves to swing. she is just so teeny tiny too.
Precious little kindergarteners.
makeshift hammock. inventive.
Katerin is a little super star!
Above is cute little Maricela. She is a handleful, but she has got the cutest little giggle.
Guys, TOMS is reallife. Here all some kids with their TOMS and me. Hint: I'm the one with the holes in the TOMS, ironic no? The kids always tell me I need new shoes.
Danesi. I wrote about her a couple of posts ago. She is beauiful and terrifying.
I mean, can you get any cuter??
YES YOU CAN! Arnold. This guy. seriously??? Such a beautiful child.
Alejandra loves, loves, loves to swing. she is just so teeny tiny too.
Precious little kindergarteners.
makeshift hammock. inventive.
Katerin is a little super star!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
scuba noobs
That's right folks, yesterday I went scuba diving for the first time in my life with my roomies. They were so sweet and took me as a going away present because apparently I'm leaving in two weeks. Whoops. I've heard going into denial is the best way to deal with reverse culture shock, so I'm going with that.
Anyways, we headed out to Cayos Cochinos, a chain of beautiful islands that I've snorkeled at before, to do an adventure scuba for us noobs that don't have our scuba diving license. IE Kate and me. HEYO. Needless to say, there were lots of laughs.
this picture is for Kate. I do not care for it as much, but we are on a boat and we are friends, so whatevs.
Me with the roomz. Gonna miss these guys. Seriously though, the water is more beatiful than the pictur is able to capture.
th wittle island we first stopped at.
Kate and I decided to wear the wetsuits since its cold in the water. Except really, i decided i needed it and guilt-tripped Kate into wearing it. She ended up taking it off before we got in the water and I might add, i saw goosebumps on her arm while we were swimming. victory is mine. But, here we are modeling our beauty.
so much laughter.
im just saying, the guy gave us all of this equipment that weighed so many pounds and then made us sit in the waves. We almost drowned in a foot of water because we kept being swept up by the waves and we had no way of controlling where they took us. but really, this trip was awesome. It's cray because it felt like such an out of body experience while I was down there. I was in a whole other world and it was so inexplicable. I absolutely loved it!
Anyways, we headed out to Cayos Cochinos, a chain of beautiful islands that I've snorkeled at before, to do an adventure scuba for us noobs that don't have our scuba diving license. IE Kate and me. HEYO. Needless to say, there were lots of laughs.
this picture is for Kate. I do not care for it as much, but we are on a boat and we are friends, so whatevs.
Me with the roomz. Gonna miss these guys. Seriously though, the water is more beatiful than the pictur is able to capture.
th wittle island we first stopped at.
Kate and I decided to wear the wetsuits since its cold in the water. Except really, i decided i needed it and guilt-tripped Kate into wearing it. She ended up taking it off before we got in the water and I might add, i saw goosebumps on her arm while we were swimming. victory is mine. But, here we are modeling our beauty.
so much laughter.
im just saying, the guy gave us all of this equipment that weighed so many pounds and then made us sit in the waves. We almost drowned in a foot of water because we kept being swept up by the waves and we had no way of controlling where they took us. but really, this trip was awesome. It's cray because it felt like such an out of body experience while I was down there. I was in a whole other world and it was so inexplicable. I absolutely loved it!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
today I had to...
Say my first goodbyes to some of the girls in Armenia Bonito, where I used to work. They were some of the first Hondurans I ever met. Point is, I hate goodbyes. And I have lots of them to say in these next couple of weeks. Shoot.
Monday, March 26, 2012
baby steps
Today, as usual, I went to CNI to work and play with kids for four hours of my day. Exhausting, beautiful, saddening, laughable, inexplicable. The Lord painted for me just little pictures of children's lives today and gave me little ways to connect with so many precious kids.
Little Cindy floats up and down in her polka dot dress, attempting to reach the next part of her hopscotch course. Hearing me call for her to come over to me, she runs and buries her face into my arms for a hug, giggling into my neck. I really just wanted to tie the back of her dress.
As Miguel enters the classroom, it looks to be a day where he is willing to learn. He slides into the seat next to mine, facing the desk and I breathe a sigh of relief. Until I begin to speak. With my words of hello, he covers his eyes from the world around him, curls up his legs to his chin, and it's as if I can see his mind shutting off into himself. His mental disabilities left undiagnosed, I can't label his mind. But I can pour love and loving discipline into it with the hope that tomorrow he will give me his toothy grin when he thinks I'm not looking.
Danesi' talking voice is a violent scream. Her walking pace, a crisp stomp. Her daily expression, a harsh scowl. This morning is no different. She momentarily shakes my eardrum with her greeting and stands so close I can feel her belly against my forearm. I return the greeting in the same manner. And with that, a grin sneaks up before she can tell it to stop. It's too late, I know she's happy to see me. She follows me for a while and uses taking a picture as an excuse to give me a hug. I debate pointing this out, but remember that she may only be 11, but her appearance tells me she could win a fight. Be it verbal or physical.
I hand out toothpaste to the 106 kids brushes that a thrown into my face after lunch each day. I wait for the green Buzz Lightyear brush and the pink one that tags along behind it. It has yet to make it's appearance. Walking outside, I see it's owner, swinging with his cousin, pink toothbrush girl. It only takes me yelling his name. Arnold. He sheepishly grins, grabs her hand, as they follow me back to where their toothbrushes wait for them. And tomorrow, it will be the same.
Little steps. Little glmpses. There are deep heart issues that are shown in the simplest things. And then there is the resistant to brushing their teeth, and I can just smile. And remember that theses kids are just kids too, even though their burdens are far heavier than I am capable of holding for them. And Jesus whispers to me, "I am Healer. I am Redeemer. I've taken their place. In me, all things hold together. I am enough, beloved."
Little Cindy floats up and down in her polka dot dress, attempting to reach the next part of her hopscotch course. Hearing me call for her to come over to me, she runs and buries her face into my arms for a hug, giggling into my neck. I really just wanted to tie the back of her dress.
As Miguel enters the classroom, it looks to be a day where he is willing to learn. He slides into the seat next to mine, facing the desk and I breathe a sigh of relief. Until I begin to speak. With my words of hello, he covers his eyes from the world around him, curls up his legs to his chin, and it's as if I can see his mind shutting off into himself. His mental disabilities left undiagnosed, I can't label his mind. But I can pour love and loving discipline into it with the hope that tomorrow he will give me his toothy grin when he thinks I'm not looking.
Danesi' talking voice is a violent scream. Her walking pace, a crisp stomp. Her daily expression, a harsh scowl. This morning is no different. She momentarily shakes my eardrum with her greeting and stands so close I can feel her belly against my forearm. I return the greeting in the same manner. And with that, a grin sneaks up before she can tell it to stop. It's too late, I know she's happy to see me. She follows me for a while and uses taking a picture as an excuse to give me a hug. I debate pointing this out, but remember that she may only be 11, but her appearance tells me she could win a fight. Be it verbal or physical.
I hand out toothpaste to the 106 kids brushes that a thrown into my face after lunch each day. I wait for the green Buzz Lightyear brush and the pink one that tags along behind it. It has yet to make it's appearance. Walking outside, I see it's owner, swinging with his cousin, pink toothbrush girl. It only takes me yelling his name. Arnold. He sheepishly grins, grabs her hand, as they follow me back to where their toothbrushes wait for them. And tomorrow, it will be the same.
Little steps. Little glmpses. There are deep heart issues that are shown in the simplest things. And then there is the resistant to brushing their teeth, and I can just smile. And remember that theses kids are just kids too, even though their burdens are far heavier than I am capable of holding for them. And Jesus whispers to me, "I am Healer. I am Redeemer. I've taken their place. In me, all things hold together. I am enough, beloved."
Monday, March 19, 2012
ordinary people
I'll set the scene. Two weeks ago, I road on the bus to San Pedro Airport with my mom and will to send them back to the states. It's about a two and a half hour drive that I rarely take. On the way home to La Ceiba, the Lord really blessed me with distractions so that I would not be sad about my family abandoning me. Maybe they didn't abandon me, but you can't prove otherwise. One of those distractions was in the form of two gringas sitting next to me on the bus. They had come to La Ceiba to meet their missionary friend who was living there for two years. They were college aged and just fun to talk to. I gave them my blog link...so, oops you might be reading this. Shout out to Tori and Lori.
Okay now, fast forward to present day. My roommate Kate just got back from a week in the states with her family. We are all sitting in the living room tonight when she remembers a story she forgot to tell us. Here is how it went, "So, I was waiting in the airport in San Pedro to go to the states when I ran into a couple gringas. Well, we got to talking and started talking about Katie Davis in Uganda. (side note: if you don't know her, look her up on the Internet an maybe stop living in a cave) Anyways, we got to talking and turns out they know her really well. They went to high school with her then the same college before she decided to move back to Uganda. So, I got to talk to them all about her journey and their perspective on it. It was so cool. Wait, I became friends with them on Facebook. Let me look them up."
At this point, I asked what their names are and she said, "oh, Tori and Lori."
I mean, seriously?! What are the chances. We never go to San pedro, I am never confident enough to talk to people I don't know, and they only were here for one week. And, they mentioned me to Kate not knowing we were roommates. So random! And just cool that the Lord's family is so small and big at the same time. I mean let's see: five girls, one from Alabama, two from Nashville, one from North Carolina, and one in Uganda. And somehow, we all became connected only through our love for Jesus and our response to His call. So, so neat.
And we have one more thing in common, I guess. Our names are Kate, Cait, Katie, Lori, and Tori. Who ever said Jesus doesn't have a sense of humor.
Okay now, fast forward to present day. My roommate Kate just got back from a week in the states with her family. We are all sitting in the living room tonight when she remembers a story she forgot to tell us. Here is how it went, "So, I was waiting in the airport in San Pedro to go to the states when I ran into a couple gringas. Well, we got to talking and started talking about Katie Davis in Uganda. (side note: if you don't know her, look her up on the Internet an maybe stop living in a cave) Anyways, we got to talking and turns out they know her really well. They went to high school with her then the same college before she decided to move back to Uganda. So, I got to talk to them all about her journey and their perspective on it. It was so cool. Wait, I became friends with them on Facebook. Let me look them up."
At this point, I asked what their names are and she said, "oh, Tori and Lori."
I mean, seriously?! What are the chances. We never go to San pedro, I am never confident enough to talk to people I don't know, and they only were here for one week. And, they mentioned me to Kate not knowing we were roommates. So random! And just cool that the Lord's family is so small and big at the same time. I mean let's see: five girls, one from Alabama, two from Nashville, one from North Carolina, and one in Uganda. And somehow, we all became connected only through our love for Jesus and our response to His call. So, so neat.
And we have one more thing in common, I guess. Our names are Kate, Cait, Katie, Lori, and Tori. Who ever said Jesus doesn't have a sense of humor.
go ahead, give me a kiss
I remember in my sophomore year of high school, an Austrian told me that Americans are way too affectionate. We say we love you to anyone we've known longer than a week, we give big hugs, we smile lovingly. At the time, I loved this because let's be honest, you always want to think that your culture is the best so any compliment solidifies your inner thoughts. But, let me tell you, Latinos put us to shame.
The way to greet someone here is to give them a kiss on the cheek. Strangers, friends, family alike, you see someone at church, grocery store, or at your house, you greet them immediately with a kiss. Just lean in, gently place your hand on their elbow, and do a little air kiss. Or, if a pro, you merely stick your head out (picture a turtle coming out of his shell), cock your head to the left, and pucker up. And let me just tell you, I love dem kisses. I'm not even a physical touch person. I know, whatta freak. It's just that, people act like height is not a significant factor that plays into hugs and it is! There are only certain heighted (not a word, but I made it one) peope that I permit to hug me consistently.
But I digress. I love the kisses. Nope, I lerf them. Which is stronger than love. Plus theyre great ice breakers because if you are comfortable enough to kiss someone's cheek and hold their elbow, you're confident enough to say your name. Kisses are the best way of life and I will stop at nothing to make them popular in the states.
The way to greet someone here is to give them a kiss on the cheek. Strangers, friends, family alike, you see someone at church, grocery store, or at your house, you greet them immediately with a kiss. Just lean in, gently place your hand on their elbow, and do a little air kiss. Or, if a pro, you merely stick your head out (picture a turtle coming out of his shell), cock your head to the left, and pucker up. And let me just tell you, I love dem kisses. I'm not even a physical touch person. I know, whatta freak. It's just that, people act like height is not a significant factor that plays into hugs and it is! There are only certain heighted (not a word, but I made it one) peope that I permit to hug me consistently.
But I digress. I love the kisses. Nope, I lerf them. Which is stronger than love. Plus theyre great ice breakers because if you are comfortable enough to kiss someone's cheek and hold their elbow, you're confident enough to say your name. Kisses are the best way of life and I will stop at nothing to make them popular in the states.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
glory to god
I've been thinking about a lot of general things about missions today. It all started when I realized how grateful I am for my family and the way they love the Lord. My parents are such great examples of what it looks like to trust your whole life to Christ. They're not perfect, no one is. But, I can't remember a time in my life where I ever questioned their love for the Lord and their love for me. That is so incredibly rare. But the reason I am grateful for them today is because they love the Lord more than me. They haven't put me on a pedastool this year and praised me for going to a different country, they have praised the Lord who lives in me. They have thanked him for his goodness and guidance. And so have my siblings.
I think it's so easy to forget that missionaries are nothing special. We have no special abilities or strengths that have made us more capable than others. I am a shy girl, I love the Lord, I am not fluent in Spanish, I hate meeting new people, and I am 19. What part of that makes me able to live in Honduras for this year? The Lord. Every other part is shouting "don't go!" and yet, the Lord has called me to this place. Although I have the stubborn, defiant Keegan gene, Jesus quieted my heart long enough for me to agree to go. And since being here, He has confirmed more and more that it is not me doing good works here, but Christ in me. I fail in the language, I don't have any idea how to teach a special needs child to speak, I don't like putting myself out there. And yet, I find myself doing things daily that involve all of these things. And, sometimes I succeed at a task. And those days, I have to remind myself that Jesus is to be glorified. Because if I was to leave tomorrow, the Lords name would still be glorified here.
And so, I am so thankful for my family and their ability to understand that. Because I think if they didn't praise Jesus over me, my heart would be filled with selfish pride. Turns out, God knew what he was doing when he made me a Keegan.
" The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness,
and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure."
Isaiah 33:5-6
I think it's so easy to forget that missionaries are nothing special. We have no special abilities or strengths that have made us more capable than others. I am a shy girl, I love the Lord, I am not fluent in Spanish, I hate meeting new people, and I am 19. What part of that makes me able to live in Honduras for this year? The Lord. Every other part is shouting "don't go!" and yet, the Lord has called me to this place. Although I have the stubborn, defiant Keegan gene, Jesus quieted my heart long enough for me to agree to go. And since being here, He has confirmed more and more that it is not me doing good works here, but Christ in me. I fail in the language, I don't have any idea how to teach a special needs child to speak, I don't like putting myself out there. And yet, I find myself doing things daily that involve all of these things. And, sometimes I succeed at a task. And those days, I have to remind myself that Jesus is to be glorified. Because if I was to leave tomorrow, the Lords name would still be glorified here.
And so, I am so thankful for my family and their ability to understand that. Because I think if they didn't praise Jesus over me, my heart would be filled with selfish pride. Turns out, God knew what he was doing when he made me a Keegan.
" The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness,
and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure."
Isaiah 33:5-6
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
daily occurences
These are some of the questions/conversations that are a part of my daily life here:
1. Are you Honduran? Americans, hondurans, males, females, adults, children alike. Apparently, Ive got the Honduran skin tone.
2. Is that your mom? Usually "that" is whichever gringa is closest to me at the moment. Age makes no difference. My 26 year old friend, Heather, is the most likely victim since I work with her.
3. Is that your baby? Nope, I just love to hold babies and I happen to have a friend here who loves for me to hold her baby. And why woud I ever move to a different country by myself with a baby? For seven months.
4. All of my names so far are: Usted (meaning "you"), gringita, Cait, cayleen, case, cach, kite, kis, kais. Oh,and one kid thinks my name is Allison.
5. and your family? Yup, that's the entire question. Doesn't really lead you to any particular answer does it? I just assume they mean, and your family, why aren't they here?
6. Wow, how tall are you?
7. Will you ever have children of your own? As if I'm behind schedule or something.
8. Advice from a student I had:" look, he is beautiful, you're beautiful, so what's the problem? You'll never get a boyfriend if you're so picky." to be fair, I don't get this one daily.
And this one is my all time favorite:
Do you not like your family? Is that why you moved here?
Im going to miss these daily laughs.
1. Are you Honduran? Americans, hondurans, males, females, adults, children alike. Apparently, Ive got the Honduran skin tone.
2. Is that your mom? Usually "that" is whichever gringa is closest to me at the moment. Age makes no difference. My 26 year old friend, Heather, is the most likely victim since I work with her.
3. Is that your baby? Nope, I just love to hold babies and I happen to have a friend here who loves for me to hold her baby. And why woud I ever move to a different country by myself with a baby? For seven months.
4. All of my names so far are: Usted (meaning "you"), gringita, Cait, cayleen, case, cach, kite, kis, kais. Oh,and one kid thinks my name is Allison.
5. and your family? Yup, that's the entire question. Doesn't really lead you to any particular answer does it? I just assume they mean, and your family, why aren't they here?
6. Wow, how tall are you?
7. Will you ever have children of your own? As if I'm behind schedule or something.
8. Advice from a student I had:" look, he is beautiful, you're beautiful, so what's the problem? You'll never get a boyfriend if you're so picky." to be fair, I don't get this one daily.
And this one is my all time favorite:
Do you not like your family? Is that why you moved here?
Im going to miss these daily laughs.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
dinnertime
The Carolina v. Dook game was tonight. In case you were wondering, Carolna swept the floor with them. I don't care that I am going to State next year, I will always be a Carolina basketball fan, sue me. Suit me? Spelling, so difficult.
Anyways, so I wanted to watch the game, but surprisingly the rivalry doesn't hold the same weight here in La Ceiba. My one hope was going to Expatriates, a bar and grill, that is owned by an American and he normally plays American games. So, off Shannon and I went to said location. Well, turns out it wasn't on any of the channels. We only have Espn in español that plays soccer all day everyday. Bums. The owner came to apologize and we all talked for a while about it. Well, a gringo at the table beside us joined in and long story short, he ended up eating dinner with us. And then another gringo joined midway through and we all had a jolly good time.
But, the thing is: it wasn't really that weird. I mean, imagine being in the states at a restaurant. Would you ever end up joining tables with the one beside you? I mean, I would never ever. But, I only thought that about 3/4 of the way into dinner and I never once felt awkward. And I love that! I love the community that travellers build together and just community in general that you can find so easily outside of the states. It's so cool to hear the stories of people around you and how they got to Honduras. Love it. Maybe next time im at the olive garden or something, I'll snuggle up to the table beside me and see what happens.
Anyways, so I wanted to watch the game, but surprisingly the rivalry doesn't hold the same weight here in La Ceiba. My one hope was going to Expatriates, a bar and grill, that is owned by an American and he normally plays American games. So, off Shannon and I went to said location. Well, turns out it wasn't on any of the channels. We only have Espn in español that plays soccer all day everyday. Bums. The owner came to apologize and we all talked for a while about it. Well, a gringo at the table beside us joined in and long story short, he ended up eating dinner with us. And then another gringo joined midway through and we all had a jolly good time.
But, the thing is: it wasn't really that weird. I mean, imagine being in the states at a restaurant. Would you ever end up joining tables with the one beside you? I mean, I would never ever. But, I only thought that about 3/4 of the way into dinner and I never once felt awkward. And I love that! I love the community that travellers build together and just community in general that you can find so easily outside of the states. It's so cool to hear the stories of people around you and how they got to Honduras. Love it. Maybe next time im at the olive garden or something, I'll snuggle up to the table beside me and see what happens.
Friday, March 2, 2012
adventurous adventures
In other news, my mom and will came for the week to visit me this last week! It was such a blast. And a blessing. And a bash. Impressed I just used three b words in a row? I am. But I digress. We did so many things that Im pretty sure Jesus added hours to our days. I need to ask Him that in heaven. It really was cool though, because it was very clear that the Lord ordained our days and what we were going to do each day perfectly. Here's a list of things we did:
Friday: picked them up from San Pedro Sula Airport and went to Expatriates for dinner. Whattup best nachos in the world!
Saturday: toured La Ceiba, the mall, bought 22 movies for 25$, ate lunch at Tipicos (typical Honduran food), haircut for mom and pedicure, dinner with some hondurans and gringos alike.
Sunday: hiked to a beautiful waterfall in the rainforest...normal, right? Went to church at Gran Comision
Monday: snorkeled at Cayos Cochinos (string of islands of the coast) and at fish. A whole fish.
Tuesday: souvenir shopping in the morning, typical food for lunch, played soccer with Kate and her street kids she is ministering to (avoiceinthestreets.wordpress.com) Best day for Will by far (best brother in the whole wide world), ate at Expatriates for dinner. Wattup best nachos in the world for the second time!
Wednesday: Canopy zip line tour in the rainforest for the morning, soccer again with Kate and the boys, swimming in the ocean with the boys (in my clothes...those children have got some muscles, man)
Thursday: CNI where will played soccer again for three hours, such a good sport. And, so fun to show my family my work. Plus, we went to dinner at Shannons girls home and dessert. And I bought so many clothes from their up and coming store. Read her blog: shannoninhonduras.blogspot.com
Friday: back to the airport
So, pretty low-key week, right? It was just what I needed though and I got to do all the touristy stuff that's hard to find the time to do when you live here. So awesome. I miss them already, but excuse me, I go home in 6 weeks. WHATTTTTT. speechless.
Friday: picked them up from San Pedro Sula Airport and went to Expatriates for dinner. Whattup best nachos in the world!
Saturday: toured La Ceiba, the mall, bought 22 movies for 25$, ate lunch at Tipicos (typical Honduran food), haircut for mom and pedicure, dinner with some hondurans and gringos alike.
Sunday: hiked to a beautiful waterfall in the rainforest...normal, right? Went to church at Gran Comision
Monday: snorkeled at Cayos Cochinos (string of islands of the coast) and at fish. A whole fish.
Tuesday: souvenir shopping in the morning, typical food for lunch, played soccer with Kate and her street kids she is ministering to (avoiceinthestreets.wordpress.com) Best day for Will by far (best brother in the whole wide world), ate at Expatriates for dinner. Wattup best nachos in the world for the second time!
Wednesday: Canopy zip line tour in the rainforest for the morning, soccer again with Kate and the boys, swimming in the ocean with the boys (in my clothes...those children have got some muscles, man)
Thursday: CNI where will played soccer again for three hours, such a good sport. And, so fun to show my family my work. Plus, we went to dinner at Shannons girls home and dessert. And I bought so many clothes from their up and coming store. Read her blog: shannoninhonduras.blogspot.com
Friday: back to the airport
So, pretty low-key week, right? It was just what I needed though and I got to do all the touristy stuff that's hard to find the time to do when you live here. So awesome. I miss them already, but excuse me, I go home in 6 weeks. WHATTTTTT. speechless.
beep beep gringo!
My roommate Kate and I have made a game of sorts for ourselves. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Jeffrey, Kevin, and Ever (the kids from our house) have a game called "beep beep Colombia". Whenever they prank someone, the say that phrase. For instance, Kevin will look at me and tell me there is a mosquito on my forehead. So, I'll hit my forehead that does not in act have a mosquito whilst he screams "beep beep Colombia"! Turns out, that is not a Honduran child's game, it's a Jeffrey,Kevin, Ever game. Learned that the embarrassing way one day at Niños.
Now, to continue, there are lots of gringos (Americans) here in La Ceibz. Especially since it's spring break/summer, aka short term mission team season. And, clearly, my 5'9" self and my blonde 5'10" roommate do NOT count as gringos. Don't be ridiculous. So, since we aren't gringos, we love to point them out around the city. But the hum and drum of always pointing and saying, "hey look, an American!" became dull. So, now, eveytime we see them, we scream "beep beep gringo!" and the other party has to search for the white faces with matching tshirts. It's quite fun. I have a feeling that come may, when I return to los estados, I might win.
Now, to continue, there are lots of gringos (Americans) here in La Ceibz. Especially since it's spring break/summer, aka short term mission team season. And, clearly, my 5'9" self and my blonde 5'10" roommate do NOT count as gringos. Don't be ridiculous. So, since we aren't gringos, we love to point them out around the city. But the hum and drum of always pointing and saying, "hey look, an American!" became dull. So, now, eveytime we see them, we scream "beep beep gringo!" and the other party has to search for the white faces with matching tshirts. It's quite fun. I have a feeling that come may, when I return to los estados, I might win.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
a honking shirt
So listen, ever seen a kid that's so cute you tear up every time you see him? Yeah me either, before Arnold. Normally, I tend to overdramatize my reactions to things or what not when writing, its what writers do. But, I'm sadly not lying when I say I LITERALLY tear up every time I see Arnold. Which is, oops, two hours of every day. My tear ducts work out more than the rest of my body. He is five years old, has the cutest smile in all of the universe, his pants are too big, and yesterday he wore a shirt that had a truck on it. Yeah, when you squeezed the truck, it honked. I mean, cooommmeee on. Of course, I immediately cried. Who wouldn't.
These past two days though have been the worst, or best, I guess. Because his pants seriously are just too big for him. So he chases his friends in his little work boots, holding up his pants that are already at his knees. And, he loves to play on the swing. Oh sheesh, here come the tears just thinking about him. He just looks at me and goes "calame, Cait! Porfa!" (swing me Cait, please!) he did this yesterday with his baggy khakis and honking tshirt. At this point he was supposed to be going home so I said no. But, then he took five more steps towards the swings, smiled, and said it again with a little giggle. My strength was dwindling, but I stayed firm. Then he took a few more steps and repeated it. At that point, I told him he wasn't being fair because he is too cute. He jumped on the swing, kicked his feet a little, and smiled. Bah, who wouldn't give in! Of course I said yes and of course I pushed him for ten minutes. I mean seriously, that kid could convince me to do anything. If I do nothing else before I leave, I will get pictures of him!
And I mean, his name is ARNOLD. weeping.
These past two days though have been the worst, or best, I guess. Because his pants seriously are just too big for him. So he chases his friends in his little work boots, holding up his pants that are already at his knees. And, he loves to play on the swing. Oh sheesh, here come the tears just thinking about him. He just looks at me and goes "calame, Cait! Porfa!" (swing me Cait, please!) he did this yesterday with his baggy khakis and honking tshirt. At this point he was supposed to be going home so I said no. But, then he took five more steps towards the swings, smiled, and said it again with a little giggle. My strength was dwindling, but I stayed firm. Then he took a few more steps and repeated it. At that point, I told him he wasn't being fair because he is too cute. He jumped on the swing, kicked his feet a little, and smiled. Bah, who wouldn't give in! Of course I said yes and of course I pushed him for ten minutes. I mean seriously, that kid could convince me to do anything. If I do nothing else before I leave, I will get pictures of him!
And I mean, his name is ARNOLD. weeping.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
show me the kingdom
I've been trying to find words for my heart in this past week. What to say, how to describe my burdens. The truth is, I don't think words would do it justice. You know when it says "the holy spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" in the bible? That's what I think is going on in this heart of mine. The truth is, I'm so tired of this world we live in. I'm tired of having to see children abandoned or malnourished. Of seeing death and pain and suffering all around. Of people murdering people for a sense of pride. For a sense of power. What have we become? How have we convinced ourselves that to kill and steal and deceive is the way to find true life? How can parents see their children hurt and dying and yet do nothing for them? My heart fills with questions that all lead to the same answer. We are sinful. Not them, we. I am just as screwed up and sinful as the man who looks into the eyes of his children and abandons them. As the murderer, the adulterer, the liar. I'm just as deserving of death. But, I have hope. This world is not my home. I am created for the new earth, for the kingdom. "As for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." I understand this verse fully for the first time. I am called to this earth. And I will serve in it, to give others the hope of His redemption and his love. That they were not made for this life and this world. I will serve, all the while begging Jesus to come tomorrow! Because I yearn for the day were there is no more suffering. My heart is crying out for my true home. But, I just have to trust the Lords goodness and faithfulness to His children.
"perhaps the circumstances causing my sorrows will not be removed and my situation will remain the same, but if Christ is brought into my grief and gloom as my Lord and Master, He will 'surround me with songs of deliverance'(psalm 32:7)" streams in the desert
"It tapped me on the shoulder today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
So I pour over pages desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table has what I'm longing to find
Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet
Help me see the light, I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide, death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Why are some women barren while the wicked's house is full?
The stories never seem to end, give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up but maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood, I'll learn to lean in"
The kingdom by Bethany dillon
"perhaps the circumstances causing my sorrows will not be removed and my situation will remain the same, but if Christ is brought into my grief and gloom as my Lord and Master, He will 'surround me with songs of deliverance'(psalm 32:7)" streams in the desert
"It tapped me on the shoulder today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
So I pour over pages desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table has what I'm longing to find
Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet
Help me see the light, I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide, death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Why are some women barren while the wicked's house is full?
The stories never seem to end, give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up but maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood, I'll learn to lean in"
The kingdom by Bethany dillon
Thursday, February 2, 2012
you are...my fire
Backstreet boys, anyone? Today's post is dedicated to may favorite music of the moment. Don't worry, this won't be on the list. Though it has been in my head all day. Mostly, I'm doing this to appease myself. The thing is, I love sharing music with people and when I was in high school, I would use the precious five minute ride to Moe's for lunch to share my recent loves in music. No such luck in the hondyland. So, I'm sharing it with my faithful blog followers. Enjoy.
Of the singer/songwriter genre:
1. I Can't Make You Love Me/ Nick Of Time by Bon Iver. This is MY JAM.
2. Te Hill by Marketa Irglova. Weird name, great song.
3. My Father's Father by The Civil Wars
4. I'll Kill Her by Soko. Bahhh, such a classic song. Prepare yourself for laughter.
Also, I'd like to promote the movie, Once. It's an indie movie about two songwriters. If you don't love music a lot, youll hate the movie. If you do love music, you'll never want the movie to end.
Indie goodness:
1. Once soundtrack
2. Lonelily by Damien Rice...is he indie? Dunno, don't care.
3. Brooklyn Blurs by The Paper Raincoats
4. Safe and Sound by The civil Wars and...Taylor swift. Can't stand her, but this song is good. Don't worry, I don't consider her indie.
Never gets old type songs:
1. This Years Love by David Gray
2. nothing Better by The Postal Service
And if you happen to like Spanish churchman music as I'm sure all of you do, buy "Con Todo" by hill song without question and "Tu Haras" by Marcos Witt as well. I could continue this list for days, but the chances of any of you listening to all these songs are zero to negative two. But, I feel good about it.
Of the singer/songwriter genre:
1. I Can't Make You Love Me/ Nick Of Time by Bon Iver. This is MY JAM.
2. Te Hill by Marketa Irglova. Weird name, great song.
3. My Father's Father by The Civil Wars
4. I'll Kill Her by Soko. Bahhh, such a classic song. Prepare yourself for laughter.
Also, I'd like to promote the movie, Once. It's an indie movie about two songwriters. If you don't love music a lot, youll hate the movie. If you do love music, you'll never want the movie to end.
Indie goodness:
1. Once soundtrack
2. Lonelily by Damien Rice...is he indie? Dunno, don't care.
3. Brooklyn Blurs by The Paper Raincoats
4. Safe and Sound by The civil Wars and...Taylor swift. Can't stand her, but this song is good. Don't worry, I don't consider her indie.
Never gets old type songs:
1. This Years Love by David Gray
2. nothing Better by The Postal Service
And if you happen to like Spanish churchman music as I'm sure all of you do, buy "Con Todo" by hill song without question and "Tu Haras" by Marcos Witt as well. I could continue this list for days, but the chances of any of you listening to all these songs are zero to negative two. But, I feel good about it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
oh introversion
So, I've always known that I'm an introvert and have come to terms with this fact. It's not bad that I get energy from being alone, rather than with people. Or that I value sleep. Or that I prefer to listen in a group setting rather than talk it up. I'm more of a one on one girl. Catch me by myself and I won't stop talking to you. But, here's the thing about learning a new language. Introversion is not an option. If you want to learn quickly and have a better range of vocab, youve gotta put yourself out there. And if you don't talk in big settings, people assume you don't know their language. And quite frankly, this stinks. I just want to sit and listen and not have to explain to people that it's not because I don't understand. It's just who I am. But, alas, no such luck. So for now, I have the trouble of being confident enough to speak in a new language and being confident enough to change personalities in order to do such speaking. What's a girl gotta do to disappear in the background these days?
Oy with the poodles already.
Oy with the poodles already.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
changes
My life has taken some turns. I am no longer working at the boys home, Ninos De La Luz. For lots of reasons, but mostly since it's such a long commute and I can no lnger take the buses, I felt the Lord pointing me in a different direction, and so I followed. Through getting to know the church more, I have found a program that I love and am now involved in. I will be working for a children's nutrition center from 10-2 every day at the church. We play with the kids, feed them, tutor them, help them brush their teeth, and just love on them. I went for the first time yesterday and had a great time. I got to play a little soccer and by pure luck in the form of a header, I think I won some of the boys over. But, I'm excited for this new adventure and am trusting in the Lord to provide financially for transportation there each day. Prayers for that would be greatly appreciated. The Lorx is good and he provides for his children in the moment they need it. So, I am trusting in that. But, that's my new life and I'm excited about it!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
i don't even really know how to title this post. how to sum up the past 72 hours of life in Honduras. to begin, I should say that I went to a women's conference at my church here, Gran Comision. It was at one of the church campuses and it was an all weekend event that was in english! so awesome. my favorite part though was the time in between and after the talks where i got to know the women of the church. seriously, this church is so solid and the people in it even more so. Kate and I got closer to women that spend every day pouring into the community they live in and loving it with Christ's love. Which is more than I can say for myself. I think it is actually easier to move to a different country to show Christ's love than to do it consistently in your hometown. I have a friend crush on pretty much everyone i met.
Well Sunday afternoon came along and I was reminded of humanity and just how sinful our flesh is at it's core. A member of the praise band died at the age of 22 on his way to church. And it was hard to deal with. it's still hard to deal with. and for a while I couldn't put my finger on why it was. I mean, i had never talked to him or known him on any personal level at all. and yet, i felt pain. and i think the reasoning is two-fold. One, I got to know the church and the people in it this weekend and so, I felt their pain as a sister in Christ. But also, i think it's just feeling the pain of this world. In the states, it was very easy for me to turn the other way when it came down to the sinfulness of humanity. I felt it's effects, but on a minimal level. Here, children live on the street because their parents have abandoned them, others are thrown into the drug world or prostitution. People are shot daily. some because of gang evolvement and some because they got caught in the crossfire. there is starvation, abuse, death, theft, sadness, hatred. every day, everywhere. and i can't pretend to be ignorant. and it hurts. it's exhausting. and i plead for Jesus to come so that those children have no more pain. no more suffering.
but for now, this is the world i am called to live in. and i have to respond. so, I look to love the community the way christ would. to forgive the gangs for their constant killing. forgive the parents of the neglected. forgive the drug lords. and live every day as if it were my last. when I sing "with everything, we will shout forth your glory, your praise", "if our god is for us, who shall we fear", "lord, you are faithful and your mercies eternal"...i have to mean that. because today could very easily be my last. and i have to glorify him even in my death. and have no fear. and believe that in this pain and suffering in this world, he is faithful. and I am so grateful for this church body I have found that is a constant reminder of just that. praise Jesus for that.
Well Sunday afternoon came along and I was reminded of humanity and just how sinful our flesh is at it's core. A member of the praise band died at the age of 22 on his way to church. And it was hard to deal with. it's still hard to deal with. and for a while I couldn't put my finger on why it was. I mean, i had never talked to him or known him on any personal level at all. and yet, i felt pain. and i think the reasoning is two-fold. One, I got to know the church and the people in it this weekend and so, I felt their pain as a sister in Christ. But also, i think it's just feeling the pain of this world. In the states, it was very easy for me to turn the other way when it came down to the sinfulness of humanity. I felt it's effects, but on a minimal level. Here, children live on the street because their parents have abandoned them, others are thrown into the drug world or prostitution. People are shot daily. some because of gang evolvement and some because they got caught in the crossfire. there is starvation, abuse, death, theft, sadness, hatred. every day, everywhere. and i can't pretend to be ignorant. and it hurts. it's exhausting. and i plead for Jesus to come so that those children have no more pain. no more suffering.
but for now, this is the world i am called to live in. and i have to respond. so, I look to love the community the way christ would. to forgive the gangs for their constant killing. forgive the parents of the neglected. forgive the drug lords. and live every day as if it were my last. when I sing "with everything, we will shout forth your glory, your praise", "if our god is for us, who shall we fear", "lord, you are faithful and your mercies eternal"...i have to mean that. because today could very easily be my last. and i have to glorify him even in my death. and have no fear. and believe that in this pain and suffering in this world, he is faithful. and I am so grateful for this church body I have found that is a constant reminder of just that. praise Jesus for that.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
an assortment of thoughts
You see, I've taken this past week off to rest because there are no volunteers going to the orphanage until next week. So, here are some ponderings/tidbits/stories/anecdotes and what have you from my rest period.
God has been so great this week. Since I don't have anywhere to be, I've been able to spend a lot of time in the Word every morning. I have seen the affects of starting everyday with the Lord and I want to continue it as my life gets busier. He's just awesome.
These past few weeks have been exhausting. I've come to realize that going home for me was awesome and such a blessing, but it wasn't restful. Most would view that time as a vacation, but I came back pooped. I hope that's not a permanent thing now that I'm not living in that house anymore.
I'm a wittle sick. Nothin too major, I just have had terrible migraines off and on this week. I am currently in my room with no lights, squinty at my iPad screen where the brightness level is as low as possible. So, you could pray for that if you so desire.
If I have to watch The Incredibles one more time in Spanish with the boys at my house, I will cry. I don't even like that movie. But it's that or let them play with Barnabas and undo all the training he has. So, the Incredibles it
I love TOMS shoes even more than ever. A kid, Edwin, who comes to our house has some from a shoe drop they did here. And, they have rubber soles so they last longer and they are so so good for him. Also, our matching shoes have made us better friends. I think I'll write mr. Tom a letter saying just that. Buy TOMS people! They really help!
We found today one of the kids has a sister who lives in North Carolina. Add one point to NC on the scoreboard my friends.
God has been so great this week. Since I don't have anywhere to be, I've been able to spend a lot of time in the Word every morning. I have seen the affects of starting everyday with the Lord and I want to continue it as my life gets busier. He's just awesome.
These past few weeks have been exhausting. I've come to realize that going home for me was awesome and such a blessing, but it wasn't restful. Most would view that time as a vacation, but I came back pooped. I hope that's not a permanent thing now that I'm not living in that house anymore.
I'm a wittle sick. Nothin too major, I just have had terrible migraines off and on this week. I am currently in my room with no lights, squinty at my iPad screen where the brightness level is as low as possible. So, you could pray for that if you so desire.
If I have to watch The Incredibles one more time in Spanish with the boys at my house, I will cry. I don't even like that movie. But it's that or let them play with Barnabas and undo all the training he has. So, the Incredibles it
I love TOMS shoes even more than ever. A kid, Edwin, who comes to our house has some from a shoe drop they did here. And, they have rubber soles so they last longer and they are so so good for him. Also, our matching shoes have made us better friends. I think I'll write mr. Tom a letter saying just that. Buy TOMS people! They really help!
We found today one of the kids has a sister who lives in North Carolina. Add one point to NC on the scoreboard my friends.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
making the non monumental, monumental
You know how during the Christmas season everyone likes to countdown? Everyone follows the Christmas countdown on twitter, people watch 25 days of Christmas on ABC Family, and we fill our advent calendars with chocolates for each day. Well, we as the family living in the two story pink house in La Ceiba, Honduras, decided to make our own advent calendar, inspired by pinterest.
We all filled out notecards with fun activities to do in preparation for Christmas (ie watch Elf, learn a Spanish christmas carol, make cookies) and hid them in the different days of the calendar. And loved it. Well, most people would pack up the calendar after the 25th and call it quits till December 1st of the next year. But, that is where most people miss out on the true wonder of a countdown calendar.
You see, a countdown calendar knows no bounds. It is not constrained by our failures and labels we place on it, nor does it's forsake us in our moments of doubt and disbelief. In fact some would argue that you can find the gospel in the truths of the countdown calendar. We three are the faithful few, though. We have kept it's glory alive and let it shine. Here are the ways we plan to use the calendar for the next couple months:
1) 23 days till Shannon returns from the states
2) 19 days till Kate leaves for a week to Peru
3) 16 days till we start a new calendar
You get the point. Some would argue that we are countdown gluttons. And, I don't necessarily dispute that. But, I also don't dispute that that little guy makes my day every day (minus the days that we have to learn a Spanish Christmas carol, that one was, admittedly, a dud to say the least). To learn more about the countdown calendar read: www.shannoninhonduras.blogspot.com AND www.avoiceinthestreets.wordpress.com
We all filled out notecards with fun activities to do in preparation for Christmas (ie watch Elf, learn a Spanish christmas carol, make cookies) and hid them in the different days of the calendar. And loved it. Well, most people would pack up the calendar after the 25th and call it quits till December 1st of the next year. But, that is where most people miss out on the true wonder of a countdown calendar.
You see, a countdown calendar knows no bounds. It is not constrained by our failures and labels we place on it, nor does it's forsake us in our moments of doubt and disbelief. In fact some would argue that you can find the gospel in the truths of the countdown calendar. We three are the faithful few, though. We have kept it's glory alive and let it shine. Here are the ways we plan to use the calendar for the next couple months:
1) 23 days till Shannon returns from the states
2) 19 days till Kate leaves for a week to Peru
3) 16 days till we start a new calendar
You get the point. Some would argue that we are countdown gluttons. And, I don't necessarily dispute that. But, I also don't dispute that that little guy makes my day every day (minus the days that we have to learn a Spanish Christmas carol, that one was, admittedly, a dud to say the least). To learn more about the countdown calendar read: www.shannoninhonduras.blogspot.com AND www.avoiceinthestreets.wordpress.com
Friday, January 6, 2012
cute as the cutest little button
Last night, as a way of sending off Mallory and Amanda, we had some of the boy come over for pizza at our house. They were all so sweet and kind the whole night which is a rarity, my friends. I can't remember a day before yesterday where we didn't have to kick at least one boy out. So, last night was just so relaxing. Little Kevin was the absolute cutest.
To rewind, about 6 weeks or 2 months ago, one day Shannon and I were working with Kevin and Ever on their writing. Kevin has this habit of whenever he doesn't want to do something, he just says he can't. Actually, he puts on his adorable Kevinness, shakes his index finger, and says "No pueeeedo, Cait." So, that day, I just kept looking back at him with my Caitness, nodding my index finger, and saying "Si, se puede. Kevin!" (translation: yes you can!) And, in the moment, he kept switching from being annoyed at me to trying to hide a giggle about it.
Well, last night, we were playing that game where two people face each other and try to knock each other over. It sounds like a very weird game if you don't know it, but trust our wisdom here, it's a good game. Kevin was loving it an laughing so hard about it. He looked at me at one point and asked me if I wanted to go against him. I just looked at him and put on my best Kevin face and said, "No pueeedo, Kevin." Well, that little cutie just looked back at me, nodded his index finger, and said, "Si, se puede, Cait!"
I laughed so, so hard. You've got to realize that 1) I haven't done that to him since that one day, so he remembered it, and 2) It's rare to find a kid here who has a witty sense of humor. It seriously made my day. Maybe my life. Too extreme? never.
To rewind, about 6 weeks or 2 months ago, one day Shannon and I were working with Kevin and Ever on their writing. Kevin has this habit of whenever he doesn't want to do something, he just says he can't. Actually, he puts on his adorable Kevinness, shakes his index finger, and says "No pueeeedo, Cait." So, that day, I just kept looking back at him with my Caitness, nodding my index finger, and saying "Si, se puede. Kevin!" (translation: yes you can!) And, in the moment, he kept switching from being annoyed at me to trying to hide a giggle about it.
Well, last night, we were playing that game where two people face each other and try to knock each other over. It sounds like a very weird game if you don't know it, but trust our wisdom here, it's a good game. Kevin was loving it an laughing so hard about it. He looked at me at one point and asked me if I wanted to go against him. I just looked at him and put on my best Kevin face and said, "No pueeedo, Kevin." Well, that little cutie just looked back at me, nodded his index finger, and said, "Si, se puede, Cait!"
I laughed so, so hard. You've got to realize that 1) I haven't done that to him since that one day, so he remembered it, and 2) It's rare to find a kid here who has a witty sense of humor. It seriously made my day. Maybe my life. Too extreme? never.
sweet friendness
So, last wednesday, I flew home. Not home home (as in the States), but home to Honduras. Sheesh, I'm a nomad these days. Side note, I was able to switch the first leg of my flights from RDU to Miami because the flight was overbooked. So, I cut off my 10 hour layover and got a 300$ voucher for American Airlines. Holla praise.
Anyways, that Friday, my friends from high school, Amanda and Mallory, came to visit me for the week. It was such fun friend time. I just love being able to show people my life here, so that they actually know me and who I am. Plus, I got to do cool touristy things that I wouldn't normally do since I am living here. We went exploring on the mountains and the beach, went snorkeling at Cayos Cochinos, walked along the river bank near my house, and loved on the boys that come to my house. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure my life is real. It was a great transition to my life back here because I had a little piece of the states with me while I got adjusted to being here for another 4 months.
I feel like the 4 months is just going to FLY by. I kinda tried to express that last night to the roommates, but they made fun of me. Apparently saying that January is pretty much already over and February is not a real month because its short and that I'm not here for all of April, is not a fair argument for my time being almost over. But, I am totally not worried about "surviving" four more months here. I got to see my family and it made me realize how short my time is in Honduras and that I can totally do it and in fact, it's going to be over before I really want it to be. It's just weird. January, stop ending!
Anyways, that Friday, my friends from high school, Amanda and Mallory, came to visit me for the week. It was such fun friend time. I just love being able to show people my life here, so that they actually know me and who I am. Plus, I got to do cool touristy things that I wouldn't normally do since I am living here. We went exploring on the mountains and the beach, went snorkeling at Cayos Cochinos, walked along the river bank near my house, and loved on the boys that come to my house. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure my life is real. It was a great transition to my life back here because I had a little piece of the states with me while I got adjusted to being here for another 4 months.
I feel like the 4 months is just going to FLY by. I kinda tried to express that last night to the roommates, but they made fun of me. Apparently saying that January is pretty much already over and February is not a real month because its short and that I'm not here for all of April, is not a fair argument for my time being almost over. But, I am totally not worried about "surviving" four more months here. I got to see my family and it made me realize how short my time is in Honduras and that I can totally do it and in fact, it's going to be over before I really want it to be. It's just weird. January, stop ending!
the past month
Well, life got busy and it got busy very very fast. Last time I blogged, I was in the airport, waiting to pick up my sister, Anna, so that I could hang with her in the Hondyland for a week. I absolutely loved that time with her. She is the best friend a girl could ask for and it was awesome to be able to show her my life here. I finally felt like my life in the states was combining with who I am here. But, big news came my way while she was visiting. That Sunday, we skyped my oldest sister, Sarah Jane. During that Skype convo, Anna handed me a christmas card from Sarah so that I could open my present while Sarah could see my reaction. Turns out, my present was COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!
Needless to say, I was so shocked. I flew home with Anna and was able to surprise my entire family for Christmas. It was the best Christmas of my life. Seeing my mom and dad be absolutely surprised was priceless and emotional and wonderful. I think I was blocking all of the things I was going to miss about being home out of my mind because I didn't want to be miserable in Honduras for Christmas. But, once I got home, I was thrilled to go to Christmas Eve brunch with my family, hang out with family friends on Christmas, eat Papa Jack's pancakes, see my parents and siblings, watch Star Wars, and so many other glories. I mean, our Christmas tree in the states is real. and it smells real. And I will never take that for granted again. So, that's why I haven't blogged in a while. I was scared for the week before that I was going to spoil the surprise and then the five days I was home, I wanted to spend every second with my family. Sorry that I'm not sorry. No worries, I am back in full force now.
Needless to say, I was so shocked. I flew home with Anna and was able to surprise my entire family for Christmas. It was the best Christmas of my life. Seeing my mom and dad be absolutely surprised was priceless and emotional and wonderful. I think I was blocking all of the things I was going to miss about being home out of my mind because I didn't want to be miserable in Honduras for Christmas. But, once I got home, I was thrilled to go to Christmas Eve brunch with my family, hang out with family friends on Christmas, eat Papa Jack's pancakes, see my parents and siblings, watch Star Wars, and so many other glories. I mean, our Christmas tree in the states is real. and it smells real. And I will never take that for granted again. So, that's why I haven't blogged in a while. I was scared for the week before that I was going to spoil the surprise and then the five days I was home, I wanted to spend every second with my family. Sorry that I'm not sorry. No worries, I am back in full force now.
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