Last week we celebrated the 8th anniversary at the school. All of the Honduran teachers were working diligently to prepare different parts of the celebration. One day during my planning period, I walked in and Laura was working on making a piñata-style mask for one of the dances. When I offered to help she smiled and showed me the process. I loved it! I am an arts and crafts kinda girl and this was right up my alley!
Another thing that I got to experience for the first time was playing soccer. I've never understood the rules of soccer and it never seemed like something I would enjoy. But yesterday after a meeting at work, I was asked if I wanted to play soccer. I accepted, however I explained that I had NO idea what was going on. Everyone that was playing was super nice about it and even passed it to me a few times. I was able to assist on two goals! It was so much fun and I can't wait to play again soon!
The last thing that I am super grateful for is the food here. The other teachers at the school are great at offering for me to try all of cultural food that they bring in for lunch. Gloria from the pulperia (concession stand/cafeteria) is always whipping up delicious local cuisine, too. I have fallen in love with fresh salsas, baleadas, pupusas, gringas, and so so much more. As I try new things I always ask what is in it and how to make it.
Last night Madeline, a wonderful coworker and parent to one of my students, invited the four of us over to her house for dinner. She was making pupusas for us. Earlier in the week, when Madeline and I were talking, I mentioned my desire to learn how to cook classic Honduran meals, especially pupusas because they are just so delicious! So as soon as we arrived and met all of her wonderful extended family, she said "Cheryl, it's time for you to learn!" I was so excited I basically ran into the kitchen. She had the dough prepared, quesillo mashed, and the chicarron was ready. She told me the process for creating the tortilla dough, and explained that chicarrron is their form of bacon. Her patience with me while explaining the process was awesome! As we made them with her sister, we talked and laughed and I was just so happy to be here, in Honduras, learning to cook and spend time with such wonderful people!
Dinner was absolutely delicious and the conversation, bilingual of course, was super fun! It was a great night and I hope to continue to learn new things and continue to build relationships with those around me. Ohh, and I can't wait to learn how to cook even more of my favorite Honduran things!
I would like to challenge you to try new things. The more I have tried new things, the more I have learned to love where I am and the hard moments are easily forgotten because there is so much joy in trying something new. Life is so much more enjoyable when you are pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. I know I'll be busy trying everything!
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