Honduras or The Hunger Games?

So I am ending my first week in Honduras, and I can’t help but think of how unprepared I am. I packed absolutely everything I could think of; from lice-protectant shampoo to workbooks for my classes. But this experience is definitely going to test me. Don’t get me wrong; I love the family I’m living with and the kids are amazing. But I am definitely going to have to figure out a way to keep 20 kindergartners in their seats and working who are used to running around. I am also in over my head when it comes to bug bites. Did I mention the giant welts all over my legs? One of the other gringas said it looked like I had some weird disease.

Because let’s face it, I run into accidents no matter where I am. During the first week I was sick. But I think my stomach is stronger now and I’ve become better adjusted to the heat and the food. Which leads me to the book I’m reading now; The 2nd in The Hunger Games Series. In comparison, I definitely live in the “Seam” of Honduras. And it’s amazing in that the families all survive off of little and expect nothing. However, also like The Hunger Games, I ran into a snake yesterday called a ‘Corral’ snake that apparently would have killed me in an instant if I had been bitten. Honduras, meet ‘Not-so-nice Honduras.’

But above everything, I have also figured out why I am here this week. While on my first night here, my house-mate asked me if I wanted to help her read to the children at the ‘Hogar.’ These are the children that used to live at the horrendous orphanage, IHNFA. I walked over to the home with her and found 13 happy boys ranging from 6-14 wanting to read before bed. Pedro, one of the six year old twins, climbed into my lap while I read. As he was falling asleep in my lap he said that he remembered me. He said that I had helped teach him English two years ago.

Now, whether or not he was actually there while I was teaching is another debate in itself. But he literally made my heart melt. On my first night, I knew exactly why I was spending my summer in Honduras. I spend most of the day with the kids at the Hogar while I’m not teaching. We read, do math, and attempt the puzzle I brought which is apparently extremely difficult. These same kids are also in my classes….and I promise I’m trying my best not to show them favoritism. :)