Brooke's Birthday Weekend

Balloon Jumping Races

April 19, 2013

Some very energetic 3rd graders

Last weekend was a big one simply because it was Brooke’s 23^rd birthday and because of this we took the opportunity to celebrate multiple times.  On Friday at school Kara and I planned a party for her with her students in the afternoon.  We made cookies and the students made cards in the penmanship class with Beth.  The students had a blast and enjoyed the fun and games…it was a bit wild at times.  Friday night we spent the evening watching the final episode of Dowton Abbey.  We are so disappointed its over but excited to see what comes next season because the ending was so emotional. 

Saturday morning we had parent-teacher conferences for the 3^rd and final time (finally!).  Kara and I took on the 9^th and 10^th grades together and had a pretty normal morning.  We spent most of the time discussing with the 9^th grade parents their lack of motivation and desire to do well in school.  There is something weird about that class but they are not very enjoyable to teach because they are so moody, don’t take school seriously and even when you plan something fun they don’t participate.  I’m quite sure that many of them got a tongue lashing from their parents because they were a bit surprised that their child would act in such ways.  We actually had a discussion today about the behavior of students and came to the conclusion that there is some sort of disconnect between the school and parents when it comes to such things because the parents are surprised to hear of the behavior but the student never changes it later.  Saturday afternoon was spent the typical way after conferences, on Brooke’s couch.  Her and I took naps and watched some movies while enjoying popcorn and some chocolate because sometimes it is the little things in life.  Then on Saturday night the students had organized a fundraiser to earn money for SAG so we attended this.  Brooke and I had to coach the girls because part of it was a mini-exhibition game.  The event was called a cultural night but was meant to show the community some of the talents and competitions that will appear at SAG.  It was good night and we topped it off with a great homemade chocolate vegan cake by Heather to celebrate Brooke’s birthday. 

Swimming spot

Darwin being a dare-devil

On Sunday, Brooke’s actual birthday, I got up early and went to the school to get things planned and ready for the week.  Then around noon Kara and I went grocery shopping to get things for dinner.  We then spent the afternoon with all the teachers and Brooke.  It has been so incredibly hot and dry here that we are constantly sweating and since there is no air conditioning anywhere we are often seeking some sort of refuge.  We decided it would be a good chance to find some water to swim and relax together.  We paid 2 students to take us to Las Playas, which isn’t really a beach but a place that a river runs through.  They took us to a secret spot where we had lunch and then were able to swim a bit.  The water was shallow but we enjoyed just sitting in it and exploring a bit.  I was expecting and looking forward to cold, refreshing water but since it hasn’t rained the water level was low and the water was very warm, just slightly cooler than bath water.  With a lot of stressful things going on at school with lack of communication and differing priorities it was a good chance to escape and regain oneself to prepare for another week.  We came back in the late afternoon, and Kara and I got quickly to work preparing Brooke’s birthday dinner.  On the menu…chicken k’bobs (shrimp for Brooke), mashed potatoes, homemade hummus, fruit salad and cake for dessert.  We enjoyed the dinner on the terrace and were enlightened with Brooke’s birthday wisdom (a tradition we have here) to always laugh.  In life there are so many things you cannot control, especially here that sometimes you just have to make light of things and crack a smile. 

It was another great weekend and with only a limited number left it is important to take advantage of them and to cherish the time spent with the unique family we have created here.  It seems as of recently though the weekends just aren’t long enough.  I am going back to school feeling less refreshed than I used to and always looking forward to Friday.  I know this is common for teachers but it is only increased with the mix of emotions I am feeling now.  I am so excited to get home to everyone I love and to share my travel adventures with people, but I am also looking forward to the week I will spend traveling with Brooke and her mom after school gets out.  We are going to Copan to see the ruins and then headed to Utila one of the other islands off the coast where they will scuba dive and I will get my scuba certification, something else to check off the bucket list.  I am also very burnt out from teaching and each day seems to be more difficult and carry more stress with it.  On top of it while looking forward to the end of teaching, I am already thinking about the things I will miss and more importantly all the people I have met who have made a lasting impression on me.  I am beginning to realize how difficult it will be to say goodbye when the time comes.  All I can do now though is enjoy the moment and keep thinking of the students I am here to serve.