Well, now that we are here, I will tell all of you about our spring break trip. We are now sitting in the hospital with Catherine. Our original plan was to just come for our week break, but since we heard about the severity of Cat's situation we decided to extend it and make it two weeks. So, when we walked in, Cat just looked at us with big eyes and asked us "What are you doing here?" She is so happy that we are staying for two weeks, and we are looking forward to the time we get with her!
Our plan is to just spend as much time with family as we can. We have a few "American" products that we will pick up before we leave, but that is our only plan. We are just so thankful that the Lord provided a way for us to come home and visit.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bagope-High School Retreat
Aaron and I attended the High School Retreat this past weekend at Bagope. It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive, and there were about 70 or 80 high school students that attended. Aaron stayed with some 9th grade boys and I stayed with some 9th grade girls. I have not had the chance to spend a lot of quality time with high school students since I am in the elementary all day, so this was a wonderful opportunity for me to get to know these girls. All of the students were able to see the competitive sides of Aaron and myself. He and I were on different teams for the games, and YES, my team won!!! I was so excited!
The Lord truly blessed this past weekend. Before the retreat, the girls I stayed with told Aaron that I "was intimidating because I don't talk very much and they never know what I am thinking." I was able to share my testimony with them and have a few heart-to-heart talks with them. By the end of the weekend, they were sitting by me, hugging me, and wanting me with them most of the time. They told Aaron that I wasn't intimidating anymore, and that I was "way cooler" than him! I am thinking about starting a Bible study for these girls. They like me and respect me, for some odd reason, and I think the Lord has opened that door for me for a reason.
Aaron was able to show some of his talents this weekend by entertaining a little. He organized some really fun games when the rain would not stop outside. (It rained ALL day and night Saturday) Several leaders came up to me and complimented him on his ability to entertain. His experience in youth group came in handy this weekend!
We are very glad to be home now. We went to sleep VERY early last night. This week is extremely busy because Spring Break is next week. I am working on report cards and grades, and we have meetings two nights this week. This week will fly by, and we are so ready for next week!
The Lord truly blessed this past weekend. Before the retreat, the girls I stayed with told Aaron that I "was intimidating because I don't talk very much and they never know what I am thinking." I was able to share my testimony with them and have a few heart-to-heart talks with them. By the end of the weekend, they were sitting by me, hugging me, and wanting me with them most of the time. They told Aaron that I wasn't intimidating anymore, and that I was "way cooler" than him! I am thinking about starting a Bible study for these girls. They like me and respect me, for some odd reason, and I think the Lord has opened that door for me for a reason.
Aaron was able to show some of his talents this weekend by entertaining a little. He organized some really fun games when the rain would not stop outside. (It rained ALL day and night Saturday) Several leaders came up to me and complimented him on his ability to entertain. His experience in youth group came in handy this weekend!
We are very glad to be home now. We went to sleep VERY early last night. This week is extremely busy because Spring Break is next week. I am working on report cards and grades, and we have meetings two nights this week. This week will fly by, and we are so ready for next week!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Asking All to Pray
If you have not already, please check my sister's Caring Bridge site and pray every moment the Lord lays Catherine on your heart.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherinehutton
www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherinehutton
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Beautiful Hymns
"From the depths of woe I raise to thee The voice of lamentation; Lord, turn a gracious ear to me And hear my supplication: If thou iniquities does mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, O who shall stand before thee? ...Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit; On him my soul shall rest, His Word Upholds my fainting spirit: His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort and my sweet support; I wait for it with patience."
"Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, That calls me from a world of care, And bids me at my Father's throne, Make all my wants and wishes known! In seasons of distress and grief, My sould has often found relief, And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, Thy wings shall my petition bear To him, whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless: And since he bids me seek his face, Believe his Word, and trust his grace, I'll cast on him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer."
These quotes are taken from old hymns that have been very dear to my heart. They have reminded me that the God we serve has a perfect plan for our lives that we ourselves cannot understand. Lately, I have been amazed at the comforting peace that comes when we trust in Him. Our sinful nature causes us to doubt, but who can doubt such a powerful and glorious God?
"Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, That calls me from a world of care, And bids me at my Father's throne, Make all my wants and wishes known! In seasons of distress and grief, My sould has often found relief, And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, Thy wings shall my petition bear To him, whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless: And since he bids me seek his face, Believe his Word, and trust his grace, I'll cast on him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer."
These quotes are taken from old hymns that have been very dear to my heart. They have reminded me that the God we serve has a perfect plan for our lives that we ourselves cannot understand. Lately, I have been amazed at the comforting peace that comes when we trust in Him. Our sinful nature causes us to doubt, but who can doubt such a powerful and glorious God?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Three Weeks until Semana Santa!
If you are wondering what Semana Santa is, it is just Spring Break. Ours here is the week before Easter, and we are planning a very relaxing trip. It should be fun! We have three weeks to go, and we are all counting down! I don't think I realized how much teachers like the breaks too when I was growing up. I had this idea that they loved going to school! HA! I like to go to school, but I LOVE my days off! And, it is not only me-that goes for every teacher here!
I was out today due to stomach issues early this morning. I really thought that I was getting another stomach bug, but this one did not turn into that. I managed to sleep almost all day today, and that helped. I will be going back tomorrow! Polo really enjoyed me being at home today-he slept next to me the whole time! :)
Last week, a tragedy happened to a teacher here at the school. She was just hired about 2 and a half weeks before, so not many people knew her-she was Honduran, so none of the American teachers could talk to her if they didn't know Spanish. She was brutally murdered, along with her husband, last Wednesday morning. Their 12 year old daughter survived without much physical harm. It seems that the family had a 15 year old adopted son who had a terrible anger problem. We can't fully know all the details, but he killed his parents after an explosion. I know there were other deaths involved, one or two of the mom's brothers, I think. So, please remember the Nolasco family in your prayers.
We hope you have a wonderful week!
I was out today due to stomach issues early this morning. I really thought that I was getting another stomach bug, but this one did not turn into that. I managed to sleep almost all day today, and that helped. I will be going back tomorrow! Polo really enjoyed me being at home today-he slept next to me the whole time! :)
Last week, a tragedy happened to a teacher here at the school. She was just hired about 2 and a half weeks before, so not many people knew her-she was Honduran, so none of the American teachers could talk to her if they didn't know Spanish. She was brutally murdered, along with her husband, last Wednesday morning. Their 12 year old daughter survived without much physical harm. It seems that the family had a 15 year old adopted son who had a terrible anger problem. We can't fully know all the details, but he killed his parents after an explosion. I know there were other deaths involved, one or two of the mom's brothers, I think. So, please remember the Nolasco family in your prayers.
We hope you have a wonderful week!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Isn't It Ironic?
It's funny to look at my last post, seeing that the last two days have been rainy and a little cool. Oh, well!! It IS Honduras!
Today was the 100th day of school, and my kindergarteners and I were able to dress up like we were 100 years of age. I am kicking myself right now because I did not have our camera with me at all today. Some of my kids were ADORABLE!! I had one little boy (Mrs. Halbert-he is your favorite) who looked more like a homeless man by the end of the day after his "makeup" had worn off. Another little boy came with a grey mustache and actual spray-painted grey hair. We did all sorts of things today with the number 100. It was a lot of fun, but by the end of the day I felt as tired as a 100 year old kindergarten teacher would feel!!!
Today was the 100th day of school, and my kindergarteners and I were able to dress up like we were 100 years of age. I am kicking myself right now because I did not have our camera with me at all today. Some of my kids were ADORABLE!! I had one little boy (Mrs. Halbert-he is your favorite) who looked more like a homeless man by the end of the day after his "makeup" had worn off. Another little boy came with a grey mustache and actual spray-painted grey hair. We did all sorts of things today with the number 100. It was a lot of fun, but by the end of the day I felt as tired as a 100 year old kindergarten teacher would feel!!!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
February- dry, sunny, and beautiful!
Yes, the rains have pretty much stopped. It rained the other night and that was the first time in a long time. The rainy season brings at least one good rain every day or night. Now, the sun is getting more intense and there is already a lot of dust, which will only increase! It is still very cool in the early morning, but starts to warm up around 10 or 11 in the morning. We are usually still in the clouds in the morning, so once they move through, the sun comes out. It has been very nice but strange that it is February and so warm!
Things are moving right along in school. We had another group of 9th graders over for dinner on Thursday night, and it was very successful. I realized how much food a family goes through with 4 teenage boys!!! (A LOT) Aaron is enjoying the time that we have with these kids in our home. It is a nice change of scenery for him to hang out with them, and they also get to know me. They all wonder what kind of person I am because Aaron is so outgoing. They have quickly realized that I am not at all like him, but we create a good balance.
Kindergarten is going well. I was observed this week by my principal. It went very well, for which I am so thankful. I have a fantastic class, and they were perfect during the lesson!! He commended me on my classroom management, and I kind of chuckled under my breath. It is only by God's grace that I have been blessed with an overall obedient class. Overall, my class is very intelligent and I am able to speak honestly with them about their behavior. I only have one or two kids who are not ALWAYS very sorry for their bad behavior. I can only pray that I will have a class next year that is somewhat close to my class this year. I wouldn't mind teaching forever with classes like mine!
Some people you can pray for: 1) A child at the school is going through some pretty difficult things mentally and emotionally. Please pray with me that the Lord would save him at an early age and that he would find his security in only the Lord.
2) A friend of mine is going through some really rough financial situations. Please pray that the Lord would provide for her every need and to take away her worry. She has two boys.
Thank you and God bless!! ~The Halberts
Things are moving right along in school. We had another group of 9th graders over for dinner on Thursday night, and it was very successful. I realized how much food a family goes through with 4 teenage boys!!! (A LOT) Aaron is enjoying the time that we have with these kids in our home. It is a nice change of scenery for him to hang out with them, and they also get to know me. They all wonder what kind of person I am because Aaron is so outgoing. They have quickly realized that I am not at all like him, but we create a good balance.
Kindergarten is going well. I was observed this week by my principal. It went very well, for which I am so thankful. I have a fantastic class, and they were perfect during the lesson!! He commended me on my classroom management, and I kind of chuckled under my breath. It is only by God's grace that I have been blessed with an overall obedient class. Overall, my class is very intelligent and I am able to speak honestly with them about their behavior. I only have one or two kids who are not ALWAYS very sorry for their bad behavior. I can only pray that I will have a class next year that is somewhat close to my class this year. I wouldn't mind teaching forever with classes like mine!
Some people you can pray for: 1) A child at the school is going through some pretty difficult things mentally and emotionally. Please pray with me that the Lord would save him at an early age and that he would find his security in only the Lord.
2) A friend of mine is going through some really rough financial situations. Please pray that the Lord would provide for her every need and to take away her worry. She has two boys.
Thank you and God bless!! ~The Halberts
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