Heart in Education Teacher Outreach

I was reminded this morning why we are here and why our work is so important.  This morning we went to Monserrat and visited Carla, the director of the school.  We brought our customary suitcase full of school supplies and then a teacher bag full of items specifically for the teacher.  I always emphasize that the bag is ONLY for the teacher and not for the kids!  Joe and I were talking with her about her needs and the needs of the school.  She thought for a moment and said that she had been worried because she didn’t really have any supplies for her school until we showed up with our suitcase.  Now, her students can color, measure, write, calculate, read and be ready for the school year.

She of course has many more needs, but we were able to help get her started.

Thank you for the continued good thoughts and prayers.  We feel them and are so thankful!

Gracias!!

I have tried unsuccessfully each night to post a blog!  I´m going to try one more time! 

As usual, we had a great day and a great couple of days.  Despite it being cloudy, the days have been fantastic.  Today we drove up the mountain to Buena Vista and taught there for a few hours.  It never fails to amaze us how incredible the children are and the conditions in which they learn.  The evidence is overwhelming that their teachers care and do so much to ensure that they are learning everyday.  It´s so nice to be reminded why we became teachers.

  As we were driving further up the mountain, the mist grew.  When we arrived at the school it was full on raining!  Besides it being cold and rainy, the road we drove up on was going to be muddy on the drive back so we didn´t stay too long.  It´s ALWAYS an adventure but today was slightly more than we expected.  Thanks to our wonderful drivers, Nina, Jose Antonio and Wilmur, we made it down the mountain safe and sound. 

This afernoon we had the opportunity to tour a well known cigar factory, Rocky Patel Cigars.  One of our drivers from a past trip works there and ivited us up to see it.  WOW!  It was fascintating to see how a cigar is made and the work that goes in to one.  There are 700 people working there and each cigar is made by hand. 

We are hoping for nicer weather tomorrow, however we are happy just to be away from our heavy coats for a few days!  I will try and post pictures but the computers move so slow it takes a long time to do much besides type.  You might have to wait until we return home to see pictures ;(

Buenas Noches!

SO, I just tried to post something and it dissapeared on me, so I´m going to try again! We made it safe and sound. The landing went smooth, thank goodness!
Today we went shopping for school materials that we weren´t able to bring with us. It was so amazing to be able to buy materials that will really make a difference for the Honduran teachers. Look for pictures of us passing them out later this week.

After school shopping we headed to Valle de Angeles (Valley of the Angels) for personal shopping and souvenirs. We just finished dinner and are in the midst of sorting all of our supplies. Tomorrow is our first day in the schools, so please keep those good thoughts and prayers headed our way.

Hasta mañana

Our flight leaves in approximately 9.5 hours.  In that time I need to finish packing, sleep, wake-up, shower, lug 100 lbs. of school supplies into the new Indianapolis airport, check in 9 teachers, work our way through security and finally plop myself down onto the plane that will take us to Houston, then ultimately Tegucigalpa!

Whew!!!  It is an exhausting journey, but it is more than worth it when I look out the window and see the familiar sights, sounds and smells of Teguc.  I think the best part, is the first day and observing the other teachers who will look at the country with fresh eyes and ears and noses (quite fragrant).  It refreshes me and reminds me why I love the country and people so much and why I love what I do so much.

Out of the 9 other teachers traveling, 4 are making their maiden voyage.  I’m so excited for them and the adventure that awaits.  It never fails that each time I bring a group of teachers, it somehow changes their outlook and perception of education, the world and themselves.  It is an amazing change to be a part of.  The remaining 5 are returning for the second, third and fourth time.  It does my heart good to see these amazing individuals give of themselves so much and so freely.  Thank you in advance to all who are joining and sharing in this experience with me!

I want to thank Lindsay, Suzi, Steve, Mom, and Evie for helping me get ready for the trip.  Your reward will be great in heaven.  Ok, signing off for now…I must go to bed!

Buenas Noches!

When I first landed in Honduras in 2003, I was in awe of the beauty.  Mixed in among this beauty is an extraordinary amount of sadness as well.  This sadness is short lived, as soon as you begin to look at the people, animals and nature you realize that there is joy and love in it all.  I’ve been to Honduras many times, yet each time is so different and I meet so many incredible people and am reminded to slow down, breathe, keep my eyes open and find joy in the simplest of place.  It’s my wish that everyone traveling with me on Saturday will remember that we are guests in the country and we are there to learn and share.  It’s going to be a wild ride!!

The HETO TIA brigade will be leaving for Honduras on Saturday, February 21st.  Please subscribe to the RSS feed to get regular updates on our work with the teachers and schools.  Peggy Esselman, HETO founder and Director, will be blogging the trip as it happens.

Thank you for visiting HETO online.  We are so excited to share our mission with you and hopefully receive your feedback on our programs, events, and fundraisers.  Please also visit us at www.heartineducation.org.