My Way To Him: Independence Day in Honduras

On September 15 Honduras celebrates it's independence. I was very blessed to be able to be here and witness a great celebration within Comayagua!

The week before, the teachers at school kept talking about how we needed to prepare a float for the parade. So on Friday after work and Saturday morning, we all got together and built it for the parade. It was a beautiful float with a large image of the church and the Blessed Virgin Mary. I learned a very valuable lesson about the people of Honduras and it's something that I truly appreciate about this culture - the people here care about spending time with each other. I know this may seem like something that is true in the U.S., but it is so much more here. They do not put productivity first or what needs to be accomplished. We were there to BE TOGETHER. At first, my super goal-oriented self was frustrated because I just wanted to start working and the supplies were not yet onsite. But once I realized the joy of spending time with the other teachers, I came to see what a blessing it was to just be. There was no pressing deadline or agitation with each other over what we were accomplishing because we were completing the number one priority - being together. This is a lesson that I hope to carry with me always - Be present and love where you are. It was awesome! I mean, eventually we did get a lot done and built this awesome float!

Julie and Jenny with the float!

So early on Sunday morning we all met at the parade route. I had no ideas really on what to expect. I was amazed at the number of people that were there to participate in the parade. Then, I found out that this parade was only part 1 of a 2 day celebration! Sunday was all of the elementary schools and the private schools. On Monday, Independence Day, was the parade for the high school and college students. Each school was represented, as well as drum corps, majorettes, pageant winners, and other individuals. There were so many unique costumes and the beats of the drummers were awesome! I loved being emerged into such a great celebration of culture!