Surprise!

My beautiful friends threw Corey, Sarah, and I a surprise send-off last night. (Corey's also graduating early and Sarah is returning to University of Portland after her semester exchange here.) I couldn't have asked for anything better than friendship bracelets, heart-felt songs played by the ukulele, champagne, and tears&hugs. It was a really thoughtful and moving night for me. I'm so blessed to have met these life-long friends that I've called family for the past few years. They make it really hard to leave Stonehill, but in a way it's easier to go adventure knowing how much love is waiting for me when I come back. They're some of the most inspiring, motivated, and genuine people that I've met and I'm so thankful to have them in my life. Building this community here has been quite the experience, and I can't wait to see how it grows once we've all found our own separate paths. What a bittersweet "hasta luego."

Seven Weeks

With only a month of my college career left, the anticipation for Honduras is quickly growing. I still have little idea of what I'll be doing at the school, but surprisingly I'm not too worried. I've spoken with two friends who volunteered last summer and they have really made it sound like an incredible place. And knowing that a group of Stonehill students (including some amazing friends) will be visiting on their spring break is pretty comforting.


In addition to learning about the history and cultural context of the country, I'm starting to try and formulate an after-school program for the girls. Recently I've been interested in empowerment through meditation, journaling, open discussions, and the like. So I've been doing a bit of research for developing countries and what kind of programs they have. I'll certainly have a better idea of what the girls would like after I'm there for a few weeks, but I think I'm off to a good start. It would be really neat if I could share some of my interests with the students.

travel.

Outside of the wonderful experiences I'm bound to have at the school, I'm really looking forward to traveling. And thanks to my reliable ol' Lonely Planet travel guide, I've been scoping out some good hiking, site-seeing, and those "off the beaten path" towns that are waiting to be explored. I would love to be able to talk to the indigenous groups that are still around, too. (There are even some Mayan ruins!)

Some good readin'

In preparation for my time in Honduras, I've been working with a Peruvian professor on a directed study. (My professor has been constantly challenging my "western" beliefs.. frustrating at times, but so incredibly helpful). But basically, I can study whatever I want- it was quite a task to narrow my topic! It's important for me to better understand Honduran culture and political history seems to be one of the best ways to do that. So I decided to focus mainly on women and their political action in Honduras. I can't wait to compare all this new knowledge to the realities of the country.

If anyone is interested in learning a bit about Honduras' history or the lives of active farmers, I would recommend reading Don't Be Afraid Gringo. It follows the life of Elvia Alvarado and her inspirational dedication to bettering the lives of her fellow campesinas.

 

Pretty sure it's too early to start a countdown ...but I'm going to start anyways. In ten weeks I'll be at Stonehill's orientation in preparation for our departure!

The beginnings

In January I will be heading to the small town of Guaimaca, Honduras through Stonehill's Extension Program. For ten months I will be volunteering with the Guaimaca Mission with the Dominican sisters and teaching to their 70 female students. Hopefully I'll be able to work on the farm and in the health clinic too!

the school-our future home