Hello everyone!

With about one week to go until I jet off to Honduras I thought it would be good to write my first post. When I started thinking about what I wanted to do on my year abroad in September I don't think I could have imagined that I would be heading off to Honduras for 8 months but I am really excited to go! I thought my first post would be a good chance to explain why I'm going and what I'm going to do:

For those of you who aren't entirely sure on what I'll be doing when I'm away let me briefly explain it to you the best that I can. Urban Promise Honduras is a Christian organisation which aims to help the development of children and young people in the town of Copan, which is where I will be living.
For primary aged children there is a programme which runs every day after school where the kids have the opportunity to have English lessons, Bible class, art, cooking, homework help and a lot more! For the young people, there is a strong focus on training them in leadership; encouraging them to take the lead in the after school programmes but also building relationships with them at weekly youth nights. If you want to know more check out the website: http://urbanpromisehonduras.org/ although as I arrive and start working there I will be able to tell you much more!!

Why not study on my year abroad?
Studying abroad was never really an option that appealed to me, even when I was in 1st year and this all seemed like a long way away. At that time I wasn't really sure why that was but now I know it's because God had a different purpose in store for me. I have always loved serving in church, both in London and Edinburgh, by doing work with children and young people. Sharing the truths of the Bible with them has always given me such joy because I have seen how God can change their hearts and lives. I am extremely blessed that I am able to do this work as a part of my degree and use my Spanish to help kids with their education but more importantly tell them all about Jesus. I cannot wait to get stuck in with the kids out in Honduras and share with them both in words and actions how much they are loved by God and how he has the power to change their lives!

Why Honduras?
I initially researched into different organisations in Spain but when all opportunities there didn't work out it became clear that God was calling me further afield. I learned about Urban Promise Honduras from a friend who had worked with them, and after looking at their website I fell in love with the project and the vision behind it. I was quick to apply and so excited when they invited me to come out and join the team.

I fly out on 11th September and it's a pretty long journey consisting of 3 flights: London to Madrid, Madrid to Costa Rica and then Costa Rica to San Pedro Sula Honduras.

What can you pray for?

• Safe and problem free travel - that I make all my connections and my luggage arrives with me
• That I settle in well and don't feel too homesick in the first few weeks
• I would be quick to get stuck in and use all my skills to be an affective member of the team
• That I would not struggle to much with my Spanish because I am pretty rusty!

My intention is to update this blog every few weeks with what I've been doing so stay tuned for more!