El Salvador

When one adventures ends, another one begins. 

Kristin and I started out our backpacking adventures headed for the beaches of El Salvador.

I can't quite describe how Kristin and I looked but all I can say is that our, give or take, 50lbs backpacks were stuffed to the brim....maybe even overflowing a bit and Kristin had a front backpack while I had a large duffel bag.... PACKED to the BRIM!!

So we get on the bus from Santa Rosa Copan to try and get to La Palma, El Salvador. First bus ride...we stood for the first hour. Of course we were real happy about that!

This is my "happy I am standing on the bus" face.

We arrived in La Palma, with our taxi driver who kept telling us "muchos parties en El Salvador", 2 beers and a pupusa and we were out like a light at 7:30 p.m. Muchos parties are going to have to wait!!

Now, I would love to say that the next day of traveling was glamorous. But I would be leading you astray. We arrive in San Salvador and are promptly kicked off our bus, put on another bus, we then found ourselves walking 5 blocks with our backpacks in the middle of San Salvador. You better believe you learn to power through the heat, sweat and pain of a 50 pound backpack when your adrenaline is going because you are not sure if you are in a dangerous part of town or not. But all 

Next stop El Tunco, El Salvador. Bathing suite, check.

Black sand beaches and loving life. El Salvadorian style

Our evening was filled with delicious food and some interesting company. But what girl doesn't love having a few drinks and dancing with one of her best friends in El Salvador. 

Beautiful

First day of "real" vacation!! WAHOOOO

I know this might come as a surprise to you, but the next day... we hung out at the beach. Soaking in the sun and watching the surfers. It is a tough life, but someones got to do it and for right now, it is me. 

Our favorite cafe, delicious food!

View from my beach towel.

 Handstands on the beach? Don't mind if I do. 

Or a jumping picture!

Now the real fun begins.

I have had my fair share of small world encounters, but I believe this one takes the cake. Kristin and I decided to go to a bar right next to our hostel because they had advertised for 2 x1 Margaritas. We walk in and I hear "Kate" and look over to see my friend Adam sitting at the bar. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run into someone I knew on my backpacking trip.

He owns a house about 10 minutes from El Tunco, so he invited us over for a barbecue and beers. 

Dan and I doing childish high-five games. 

Riding to the house for a little swimming and barbecue.

Dan and Adam's beautiful pool with a swim up bar. Nice work guys!

Best hungover juice: coconut water straight from a coconut that Adam cut down for us. Thanks dude!

I had an amazing time in El Salvador. I met some amazing people, enjoyed some downtime and layed on a beautiful black sand beach. What more can a girl ask for?

But all relaxing vacations must end. Next up, a 12 hour bus ride to Managua, Nicaragua....

Wish us luck :)

Good-byes are hard..... very hard. This is especially true when you go into a new country, don't speak the language or know the culture and you learn and grow as a person. 


If I haven't said it enough, I will say it again. I am eternally thankful for all the wonderful people and experiences I had while living in Gracias. I gained a love for life, I had not yet known was out there. 


I knew leaving Gracias, my Honduran friends, my Minerva family and my American friends was going to be hard, but you don't actually know how hard it is going to be, till your knee deep in tears, wishing that it wasn't the end. And yes there were lots of tears.


But all good things must end and with each door closing a new one opens. Good-bye to a wonderful year, you will be in my heart always. 


Our last time with our University students. We are going to miss these beautiful girls, who always made us laugh... more like they laughed at my Spanish ;) But they were amazing. 

Last dinner with the staff of Minerva. 

Mi mejor amiga, Kristin

We have a fun group of teachers. 

Beautiful girls

Minerva staff with our matching shirts!! Love it

Last night in the park with Kobbs ice cream. Yummy

The madness of the last few days started with my last bus ride with our bus driver Roberto. This was my company on the ride...

Little Miss Suzanne. 

Closing Ceremonies.... Good-bye Minerva. 

American teachers

Kristin, Luis and I hanging out at the gate. We are going to miss Luis!!

Kristin and I were the welcoming committee.

Sherlyn, Xochil and I, adorable!!

Manual and I...cool sunglasses. He gave me a bracelet and told me he was very thankful for me.... and I am not even his teacher. Love him.

Delmy, Heylin and I....sadness :(

Danya and Daniel, two of the cutest kids ever.

The teachers and I singing "Stand By Me". Who doesn't love a good old sing along to close the school year?

This was right before we all lost it... It was a crying fest after this.

Evidence of the crying fest. 

One of my favorite students, Francisco. He is definitely in the pocket. (A person in the pocket, is an unforgettable person, who is very special)

My favorite person, Magdiel. He is in the pocket for sures. 

One of the things I am surprisingly going to miss, the wildlife. Our neighbor's horse had a colt, the day before we left. This little guy is definitely going in the pocket ;)

God has blessed me with an extraordinary life. So thankful for each memory, moment and experience I had while down here. It changed me for the better and I am eternally grateful. 

Next up.... backpacking through Central America with Kristin. Let the madness begin. 

End of the Year Madness

Where has time gone?


You would think one would get used to the concept of time. 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 12 months, 365 days in a year. Time is consistent, never changing. So why is it that there are moments when life seems to be passing by in a blink of an eye?


I can't believe that I have 1 week left in Gracias. My year living in Honduras is coming to a close and I am filled with so many emotions. But it has been a busy month. Each Friday we had some event going on. 


Summer Day: Basically face paint, play games, and hang out in the pool! It was a great day. I am not sure who had more fun me or the kids?? ;)

Face paint!!

Jessena getting a flower on her face.

Yancy looking very excited!

I was in charge of rules... obviously acting them out! 

Heylin, Luis Fernando and I hanging out.

Who doesn't love musical towels?? 

I felt like a mother hen as they all sat around me!

Hugo playing duck, duck, goose. But the twist is squirting the goose with water.

Oscar, Armando, Emilcar and Mario enjoying the day.

Some of the boys headed down the slide.

MADNESS!!!!

Who doesn't love a water gun??

A few of my students hanging on to me as if I was their personal boat.

Daniel, Nelsy and Lisbeth enjoying the free ride ;)

Next up...
Science Day:
The teachers and I decided to each have an experiment/exploration and kids from K-3rd grade could choose which activity they wanted to do.


My topic was Magnet Exploration. We talked about the North and South poles and how magnets are attracted to each other. Then we went on a magnetic scavenger hunt to find different objects that were magnetic. 


*No child was hurt during the magnetic exploration...  *see first and last picture...

Daery discovered my scissors were magnetic!

Christia found a magnetic ball. 

These girls are exploring how magnets can attract other magnets.

Jessenna playing with magnets.

Suzanne found my bobbypin was magnetic!! Good job!

Ricardo building magnets.

Wow, look how strong they are!

Lisbeth discovered my timer is magnetic!

Oh, Arnaldo has discovered the scissors are magnetic!! Maybe we should have hid those....

The kids had a wonderful time enjoying activities outside of the classroom!! But the fun didn't end there!! 

Check back for more end of the year fun at Minerva!