First, I apologize for not having blogged recently. The past few months have been busy, but life here has felt even more like my life, much more than just a really long service trip- making it feel strange to blog about.

Eventually I’d like to share some reflections about my personal growth, what the year has meant to me, etc. But for now, just a few updates:

Two weeks ago was the final closura, similar to a graduation or promotion ceremony. Special students were awarded for their honorable behavior and one was granted a scholarship to continue studying at the Center. It was a nice way for us to congratulate the students for their hard work and acknowledge the value of their education. The bachillerato students danced and we watched a picture slideshow of the year’s events. I thought that the day would’ve been more emotional for me- it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to the students but I was comforted by the memories we shared and the growth I’ve had, thanks to them.

Two of my 8^th grade English students were required to take their second re-take (after failing the first two tests at the end of the second semester). We had the entire semester once a week and then a full week before the second retake to review the material from the entire semester. They both worked hard but in the end only one of the students passed; the other failed. For the Center, unfortunately, that means that she won’t be able to return to the Center. If she wants to continue studying she has to repeat the grade and travel every day to and from her aldea to Guaimaca.

I wasn’t able to attend the service, but there was a neat ceremony for All Souls Day last week. There were a lot of flowers being sold around town for families to decorate the tombs in the two cemeteries. I wish I could’ve seen it because I’m sure it was decorated beautifully, but it seemed pretty common to go with family to visit the deceased. In mass that night there was a special remembrance of those passed- parishioners that bought a candle were called to light it and put it on the altar. Each name was called and by the end the entire altar was covered in shining candles. It was a symbolic way to remember that the memory and spirit of those passed still live among us.

Last weekend Matt and I traveled to El Destino, to visit Digna and her family. We arrived and were put to work making the day’s tortillas- we finally got it down. Her and her sister were giddy to show us their pictures, sometimes running away laughing of embarrassment. At the end of the day I gave Digna a wooden heart that my mom had sent down for Valentine’s Day. I normally don’t re-gift, but it felt appropriate- in more than just a symbolic way was the heart passed on. From the love that I received from my mother is what has helped me to have such an open heart to Digna and to care for her in such a special way. And now I will look for the next place to carry the love that I found with Digna- and I know that she will do the same. We live in each other now.

This week has been a lot of repairs, cleaning, and organization around the Center. Matt will be leaving next week, so we've had a lot of last dinners with friends and co-workers. I'm so inspired by the number of people that are dedicated to the Mission and the support that we've received from them throughout the year. 

On Saturday I’ll be going to Tegucigalpa for a few days to visit the L’Arche community there. I’ll try to update when I’m back because I have no idea what to expect! (Check out Jean Vanier if you want some good readings on community.)

Chris and I will be traveling for the last bit of our time before we head home. The rough plan is to travel to El Salvador to visit Oscar Romero’s chapel and tomb, then Guatemala to chill on an avocado farm/eco-lodge. I am looking forward to the opportunity, not only to soak in more of Central America, but to have time to reflect, between leaving Guaimaca and arriving in the States.