From Laowais to Gringos: School, River and Backyards Oh My!

A long update since plenty has happened. So here is goes broken down....

Rio Cangrejal:

Last Saturday a bunch of the teachers decided that it would be fun to head out to the closer river. We decided to catch a ride and see what this river was going to be all about (since the last one was awesome). This river is the main backpacking river in La Ceiba and is great for white water rafting. So we went to this place called the Jungle River Lodge which was a great spot for jumping off rocks and just relaxing at the bar. I didn't enjoy the jumps but I did like hanging out in the water and soaking up the sun. The owner, Oscar, was really nice and we can't wait to take friends and family there. I think we will be rafting over there once the water gets higher. Here are some photos.

One of the rescue birds there

Second rescue bird at the lodge

River river river

Luke hanging on the rocks

Hanging with some other teachers

School:

It was the first week of school and now we are halfway through our second. To say it was easy... well that is not true at all. I am lucky enough to be the teacher of 28 first graders. It is a lot of kiddos but I do have a rock star assistant named Kimberly. Being a first year teacher - the first week was really crazy, I wasn't sure what to expect but I know that next year is going to run a lot smoother! Teachers just need to not teach curriculum the first week of school - it is all review and games. I figured that out by day two. I really like my kiddos but feel bad with how strict I am, however, it is easier to be stricter earlier then later.

Luke is liking his classes. He was lucky and another teacher took the sociology/economic sections that he was going to have to teach. SO now he is just history, psychology and philosophy. He is also the 9th grade homeroom teacher.

We are loving the school and really enjoy all of our co-workers. I may be coaching elementary soccer with Erika which I am really excited about! The teachers are also going to make a volleyball team that Luke and I are excited to join.

Backyard:

When Luke and I moved in to la casa Martin, the backyard was not good. We met with the gardener down the road and decided to have them come do our yard. It took about 2 1/2 hours but it looks fantastic! I will let the photos speak for themselves.