It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.

Not very often do such extremes happen in succession like they did this past week. It was one of absolutes for sure. I still am shocked by how much happened to me in such little time. So, here I go.

Monday I started my new project at the school. On Monday Tuesday and Wednesday the plan is that I work with the struggling students of the 1st grade (mon.), 2nd grade (tues.), and 3rd grade (wed.) For 45 minutes each of these days I talk with about 20 students who need help due to poor performance in class or behavioral problems (bad language, fighting, disrespect, you name it). So Monday, the very first group, went anywhere but well. It was close to impossible for me to keep their attention and the notes I had went out the window. It was a learning experience. After Monday I realized that these kids need positive attention as much as they need to hear good words. They need someone who cares. So, that being said, I felt like a failure to the max after the first day. Kids have sooo much energy. Trying to speak a different language is difficult enough, haha.

Tuesday I woke up hungry (which is strange) but this was soon to change. About 900 I tried to eat at break time and knew something strange was happening. To make a long story short I made some bad food decisions and it cost me. I made it through the class with the second graders Tuesday and it went extremely well!!! I was so surprised. I found out they like using colored pencils :) After classes I had a monstrous headache and stomach problems unlike anything I have ever experienced. I was sick! I cannot explain the immense discomfort. Anyhow, I could eat nothing. I could barely drink anything. Tuesday night was rough.

For safety reasons I accompanied the pastors and their daughter on their planned trip to the north coast beach Wednesday. This was a great idea since they didnt want me to be alone in the house while sick and I needed a relaxing break as well.

I joined them for approximately 6-hour trip to Tela, and we arrived Wednesday evening my stomach only accepting very little of anything. I woke up the next day early to enjoy the peace, sand, and waves. Thursday was a phenomenal time at the beach. I soaked it in (maybe a lot too much) and enjoyed swimming and such. I was able to eat more, too. I love the beach. It is so relaxing and beautiful. However, I was sunburnt. It was almost like I used no sunscreen or something. I was really red and in some pain. However, I relaxed and stayed in and Friday we returned back to Tegucigalpa. My stomach was improving but my shoulders and back were not. I had a blast anyway. I got in one good day of fun at the beach for sure.
Last night we used aloe straight from the plant and applied it to my sunburn- wow it was cool. Anyhow, I am doing alot better- stomach is still a little weak- and I am enjoying a little down time.
Through it all I am doing okay now. I had some fun at the beach and some time away which was nice. I just hope I don't get sick again. I will be alot more careful about what I eat, you can guarantee that. I am also hopeful that my teaching experience with the struggling kids will continue to improve. Sometimes it takes a little while for things to work out.

Here are some photos of the beautiful beach city of Tela.