First few weeks

Sorry it has taken me a while to write another post! Every time I plan to write something comes up leaving me no time. But here I am now, thanks for your patience :) 

First few weeks have really flown! Can't believe by next week a month will have already gone since I left, feels like no time at all. But I am really enjoying myself and feeling more settled with each day. My first full week here in the office was quiet because we had Mon&Tue off and then the next two days were admin days for all the staff. However the two camp directors, Katie and Kourtney, asked me to plan the activity for camp on Friday that was all about peace. I was daunted at the prospect because it had to last about 2 hours and needed a craft (for those of you who know me well, not my strong point!) but planning actually ended up being really enjoyable. I decided to take the angle of looking at peace as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is a gift from God sent to help us, we then made paper doves to remind us of this:

The next day, because it was world international peace day, we did a 5km peace trek with youth from the community around Copan. As we walked we stopped in different places and talked about different kinds of peace, challenging them to consider what it meant for them. It was a great event with a good turn out! I enjoyed it and was a great opportunity to start getting to know the youth better. We did another trek last weekend up into the mountains which was so gorgeous, despite it being extremely hot! The whole walk was about 15km (should have been a bit shorter but we got lost!) and again just another chance to chat and build relationships with the youth. This is the group that went:     

Despite the temperature and extra walking there were no complaints it it was so encouraging to see them help each other out, even though some of them had only met that day. Here are some of the views:

The rest of my time has been taken up with camp which has been great!! All of the children are so wonderful. Here's how the time goes:

2-3pm: set up, meeting & prayer with Katie, Tania (assistant director) and the youth who are helping that day.

3-3.30: warm up game and then normally either Spanish or Bible class. However atm we are not doing that because we are in rehearsals for the Christmas play which we do at the end of this month when camp ends for the year (crazy early I know!)

3.30-4.15: time for them to do their homework or read. All the kids want you to read with them it's so lovely!

4.15-4.45: snack and break 

4.45-5.30: 'options' a chance for the kids to do an activity they would not get to do in school such as art, music, science, cooking etc. 

So as you can see a pretty full on schedule but the time really flies and I look forward to going every day. It's taken a few weeks but the kids are getting used to me being around and I'm getting there with the names! Lots of Hectors and Hernáns. 

I think I will wrap it up here, I feel I have missed out a lot but next time will tell you more about what Copan is like and the lifestyle here :) 

Things to pray for:

1. Last Sunday I went to a church that I liked so pray with me that I would continue to feel settled there and if not God would provide another church for me

2. Spanish is improving all the time but I need boldness to speak and not have a fear of making mistakes!

3. That relationships with the youth and children would continue to grow and I would take every opportunity to get to know them better. 

Thanks so much! Your support, prayers & encouragement continues to surprise me and brings a lot of joy. I'll leave you with the 'Lema' from camp we say everyday before leaving:

'Sé fuerte y valiente. No tengas miedo, ni te desanimes. Porque el Señor, tu Dios te acompañara dondequiera que vayas' Josué 1:9. (Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. For The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1vs9)