October is here already!

So, here we are in October and we can even feel the fall season in the air here in Honduras.  The last few days have been chilly (55-60 degrees) in the mornings so the Hondurans throw on their winter coats, hats, and gloves.  By the afternoon, the temps rise back up to 75 or so.  For those of us who are used to the lower temps, we appreciate the autumn chill as it reminds us of home.  While somewhat embarrassing to admit, I found myself scanning the pages of an October 2007 Martha Stewart magazine and reminiscing about October activities.  We hope you all are enjoying the change in seasons.  Here in Honduras, there really isn't a fall season so this little "cold" spell has actually been somewhat welcome.

The reality of life here in Honduras is sinking in more and more as we experience things and hear stories about students at our own school. We are quite safe here at the school because we are outside of the city about 20 minutes but here are few things that we've seen or heard since arriving.  First of all, we attended a church service downtown a couple of weeks ago and on our way to the bus stop, a crowd had gathered at the edge of a river that flows through the city. I, of course, had to see what was going on and saw the police pulling a dead body out of the river...not something you see every day.  The kids asked about what was going on and it lead to a nice discussion about being smart and safe here in Honduras.  Another story I'd like to share is that of an elementary student here at Academia Los Pinares (ALP).  She was riding in the family car with her single mother last year when some guys came up to the car, shot both of them, and took off.  Unfortunately, her mother died yet she lived and has bullet scars on her neck as a reminder of the tragedy.  Since then, people have surrounded her with love and support and she has been able to continue to attend here at ALP.  My last story is of another student whose father was assassinated last year.  He held the position of drug czar here in Honduras.  One day after he dropped his student off at school, he was followed back into town and was ambushed while stopped at an intersection.  I mention all of these not to strike fear or cause worry but just to portray some of the differences in safety that people have to live with here in Honduras.  I urge you to truly be thankful for the general order and safety you experience in the states.  It's not like that everywhere.

On a more positive note, we recently purchased a used Honda Accord from one of the teachers here.  We were feeling a bit isolated without transportation so this car is truly a blessing.  Below is a slideshow of a few activities we've been involved in over the past month or so.  We are enjoying our time here yet do miss you all and think of you often.