All is well....at least here in Sigua

Hey all,
I tried posting a blog yesterday...but the power flickered which caused the internet connection to disappear...all that being said "Things are fine here in Sigua" but elsewhere in Honduras and Nicaragua this was not the case. There was some massive flooding and the street were impassable to many cars. We received a lot of rain in the early morning of Wednesday, but it did not last - the sun attempted to peak through the clouds continually throughout the day, which was cooler than normal but nothing to be alarmed at. Most people were panicked because many have fresh memories of Mitch, just nine years ago, which devastated the country. But God has kept us safe in the mountains and school recommenced today after two very nice days off (if not slightly boring). So back to classes, labs, discipline, and fitness testing.

On that note, teaching is going better than last week, but there is always fresh problems and dilemmas, as well as the challenge of making science interesting (especially with limited amount of resources). I am continally learning about the culture and how high my expectations can (or cannot) be in regards to homework and comprehension. I confess that I am a little dejected today after receiving the first assignment of a lab which followed the Scientific Method to the letter. (Or at least I hoped it would) It did not, and I am faced with the problem of trying to sort out whether it is my teaching inadequecies, their laziness, their ignorance, or a combination of all three. Hmm...I really do not want to have to do a lot of hand holding, but it seems that I might have to...though I was hoping for more. Well, I can set objectives for the year: less hand holding by the teacher!

PE classes however I feel very blessed to have: it seems to be an excellent way to connect with my students and I am blessed to be teaching something that they love. In fact, yesterday some of my 'boys' (gr.9) called me and invited me to play soccer with them. (Yes, it was me and eight guys playing - girls are not generally expected to play sports - which breaks my heart.) They even came by and walked me over! I feel quite honored to be included into the group - plus it is nice to know that I can reveal another side of myself that isn't tyrannical. Plus it is a good way for me to establish relationships with my students that is not limited to the classroom - and those who know me know how relationally-oriented I am.

Well- it is pouring rain which makes me have to go the bathroom....so tur-rah!