A Very Grateful Farewell.

Samuel Raymond Christian School

                Over the course of my 24 years on this planet, I have said many, many "good byes." Each time was difficult for its own reasons, whether healthy or challenging it was always emotional. This time was no different. It was about 3 months out that I began to feel the emotional weight this transition would bring, but I knew it was too soon to be dwelling on the hard emotions I would have to face. Fast forward to maybe a month or so before my departure date I knew I had to start planning my "lasts" of everything. So I scheduled time to spend with my adult students, picked a Sunday to spend all afternoon at the beach with the kids, and made sure everyone knew when my 'last' church service, class, etc. was. In this whole process I realized that fear, apprehensions and anything else that keeps me from taking initiative like this just vanished. It no longer mattered. My mom confirmed that when your focus is on investing every last ounce of your love and appreciation into the people around you, fear takes a spot on the back-burner. This realization annoyed me a little, simply because now I want to figure out how to give fear a permanent back-burner, and instead make loving people around me and spending time with them a central focus. But for now that's beside the point. So while I was making every possible effort to spend time with the people who have made this year an experience of a lifetime, I was also trying to reflect on the things I learned, and how this year has challenged the way I teach, relate to, and most importantly love others. Since I started this journey out wanting to learn what it means to love with no borders, I thought I would give some bullet-points (because this German still likes lists and structure😅) on what I have learned:

When love knows no borders....

1. ...you ask to learn about random names of fish.
   Now this may be confusing, but after our kids had a field trip to a "Marine Life Class" at a resort, I asked some of the island kids if they learned anything new. Their response surprised me, when they said: "Well, we already know about all these fish, but we have different names for them..." and they begun to tell me about a few. In this moment I learned that when our different cultures set us apart, it is important to intentionally give others as many chances as you can to educate you on their culture. If you pay close attention, people love to reveal themselves to you by revealing the beauty of their culture and home. I love telling silly stories from my time growing up in Germany, and people understand me better when they really hear about the world I grew up in. So sometimes to break down those borders, you need to choose to ask about names of some fish!
2. ...you allow others to cross certain personal boundaries (by example of touchy-ness).

   

   Janelly

   
   When I left OKC, people who spent time with me were well aware that I was not a touchy person. Don't get me wrong, I love hugs, but I'm just hyper-aware when there is another person putting their hand on my shoulder for attention or something else as innocent as that. My first few months on Roatan, I made the effort to try and set boundaries with the kids that unless you desperately need a hug, there are limits I have on how touchy you can be with my hair, skin etc. Well... when little Miss Janelly (12) kept giving me hugs when I was in the middle of something, and I would not always respond with utter enthusiasm, I had to tell her: "Where I lived people don't give hugs as often, so my culture is just different that way." Her very matter of fact response was: "Well Miss Julia, here we like to give hugs, and that's just how our culture is." To which all I could say was: "...I guess that is a fair point!" While I am still hyper-aware when someone taps me on the shoulder, or there is someone within very close proximity, it does not disturb me as much anymore. I can easily say that my personal space bubble was been compressed down quite a bit, and as a result I am more touchy than I was before. I definitely still had moments when I had to ask kids to not just grab my earlobe to look at my earring, or to maybe not leave a hand on my neck to get my attention, and I realize that this example should be adaptable from person to person based on needs and experiences. But I learned for myself, that if certain personal boundaries are adjustable to accommodate and understand others, this will allow me to break down a 'border' that defines "This is you and this is me, and I need you to adjust to me, but I'm not going to consider or try to adjust to you."
3. ...you choose patience over frustration, and just breathe!
   There were many times when I had to remind myself that differences are just differences. I am not superior in my ways just because of where I come from. And from the perspective of others, my way of doing things can be quite dumb sometimes. One particular moment I realized this, was when worry about future things was making me tense and frustrated. Over, and over again, because people just could easily see my stress, they would come tell me: "Miss Julia, just relax. Everything will work itself out." Which is all fine and good unless you can't relax because the way you were shaped by your culture and societies made you like plans, and a life of structure, and the security of knowing what will happen next...and when you don't ...it's just stressful!! So after the 12234532th person (that number may or may not be exaggerated) came and told me I needed to 'just relax'... all I wanted to do was shout:"TELLINGMETORELAXDOESNOTMAKEMERELAX!!!!! Because let's face it: the problem solver in me likes to go overboard sometimes! :) But since I knew that they were telling me this out of love for my emotional well-being, I just had to learn to breeaatheee.....
4. ...you find and elevate the good qualities of this culture. 
   
   One thing I realized in my experiences of intercultural-friendships is that you always, always, always find things you don't like about a culture. Germans are too uptight, Hondurans are too touchy, Rwandans are too loud...on and on you could go. Particularly when you start to desire to be around familiar things rather than unfamiliar. The less pretty side of the unfamiliar just seems to jump out at you! My favorite thing about culture is the unique make up of each different group of people. If all you are paying attention to in a different culture is how something they do is bad, or 'wrong' ...then challenge yourself to find the beautiful things and elevate them above those you consider negative. Yes, Honduran children were very touchy for my standard but I chose to elevate and focus on the fact that they could make me feel loved and appreciated every minute of every day. The islanders in our neighborhood were quite loud often times, but because you could always hear someone, somewhere, I never felt alone. It is important to set your boundaries of what you can and cannot tolerate in your personal comfort zone, but ask yourself if your comfort zone can be readjusted to appreciate some more beauty.
5. ....you treat them like new found friends from within your own culture.

   

   The view from our porch!

   When I did my exchange year in the US in 2010, I remember the other foreign exchange students getting asked questions that were so absurd to us. One fun one in particular, asked of my German friend, was if we had running water, and I was asked if we had nutella...to which my response was:"Where do you think the US got it from?!" This is always a challenge when you are getting to know a different culture because you want to know what is different, but sometimes it's hard to know how different our lives really are, and this causes people to act as if they are asking questions from their side of a barrier. In my experience you learn a lot more, a lot quicker when you just treat someone who is different as one of your own. My first time playing baseball with the kids, I decided Birkenstocks were not quality running shoes, so I played barefoot. While this sight was apparently a surprise to them, their older siblings who did not attend our school saw me and said: "Wow, you a real island lady now!" That action of including me into their culture, even though I was so different, broke down a

   

   My fellow teachers:
   (f.l.) Lorissa, Alejandra, Me, Esther, and Juan

   border to where we could be real friends without worrying about our differences.
6. ...you confront your pride, which causes you to think you are more/ have more than someone else. This sounds a little harsh, because nobody would ever think that you consider yourself 'more' than someone else.  I had to learn the hard way that my education, or upbringing, or background does not make my opinions 'superior' to those of others. When I think that my stance is more right than what they think because of my worldview and my experiences, I will eventually try and justify my questionable actions by this. If I justify what I do because "that's just my culture, and its who I am.", then I lack consideration of their perception. I lack the understanding of what I do, and how I view myself, affects how others perceive my motives, values and those of other people like me. Ultimately, it is the opposite of what God calls us to do. Facing this kind of pride is painful and very humbling, but ultimately it's good and you begin to see those around you, who might be different, in an entirely new way.

This only scratches the surface of the things I have learned this past year, working with Miss

Deborah. Even already having been in Oklahoma for 2 weeks I can't believe how much I miss these kids and friends that I have made over the last year. A big chunk of my heart stayed with them there on that small island and I pray God will take me back someday soon! I will miss the value of community, I will miss walking out of our house into the neighborhood and immediately being greeted by anyone and everyone. I will miss the hot weather! (already do..I'M SO COLD!!) I will miss the good hearts of the people I worked with, and lived around. I will miss all of the sassy energy that each kid has exploding out of them; the fun personality and deep love. I will miss watching them all grow and mature into amazing young people, who love God and love their home. This island, mission and community is a very special place, and it has grown a very deep root into my heart.

I'd like to make sure I say thank you to all of you, who have believed in me, supported me (any way), and prayed for me. I have had a year that set me on a good path with God, and I could not have done that without you! From the bottom of my heart: Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!

It's not goodbye though, it's see you soon. 

loving without borders,

Jules

About Roatan.

I've learned a lot recently about the history of this small island, the unique culture I live among, and the qualities that make this island such an incredibly rare and unique place to experience.

Most of the houses in Oakridge stand over water or an area
that will be underwater come rainy season.

East side.
Last vacation, I finally made it out to the east side of the island. This part is still much less developed and not as much of a place for tourists, except for a few small resorts and maybe some nature tours. But a volunteer who worked with us, has some connections out there so I finally got a chance to see it. The reason we don't go there is because there's a lot of road work, it's a longer drive, and just not super accessible. On my way there, and over the course of the following days, I got to hear about some of the history of the island, how it started out way back in the day as a pirate's port, changed over time to a British-owned, Caribbean island of freed slaves who came here because there was not enough land in the other islands, which eventually was given from the English to Honduras, and finally evolved to the mixture of Honduran, Caribbean, touristy island it is today. While the island is considered Honduran property, the cultural differences clearly indicate very different groups of people share this small piece of land in the ocean. While there have been some historians who came to help record and preserve the history of the Caribbean islanders, most of the things they know has been passed on by stories from their parents, and grandparents. I really enjoy the unique culture I have gotten to live among these past 8 months, from the mix of Hispanic and Caribbean, to overall island culture. I have had the privilege to learn, and understand more about

 what it takes to preserve your culture amidst the evolving world around us, but also amidst the shrinking world that pushes us to live closer and closer together, no matter how different we are, or how much we might not want to be near each other.
The houses out on the east side of the island are much smaller and all raised on stilts (picture above) over the water (some even directly on the water and people get around by boat!), and come rainy season the people will only be able to walk across board-walks some volunteer workers built there. Our trip was to see where the ministry we have heard of is, and to see the area for the school that is hopefully going to be built in the next few years. This would be an incredible opportunity for the kids there because at this time most walk a long distance or get a ride on a boat to the next neighborhood 20 minutes away for school. As a fun bonus a local friend took us on his boat to see the mangrove trees and take a swim in the clear blue water! So beautiful!
   

Group of ladies singing at church together, always full of joy!

    Barrio Raymond.
      The community I live in is one of the last of its kind, where the a Family owns a large chunk of land, and over the years the children, and children's children have taken up residency there. I still have yet to learn who all is brother/sister with whom, and who is cousins with whom. It is very confusing! There are a handful of 'outsiders' (people not related to anybody) who live here, as the family has sold some of the property. I have often been asked by people who I meet, if the neighborhood I live in is safe, and I can assure you it is considered safer than some other places, because nearly everybody is related here, and everyone likes to hang out outside, so if someone unknown goes walking around the neighborhood, there are many watchful eyes. Even though 'outsiders' are always easy to spot, the people of this family have been nothing but kind and welcoming since my first day here, because they know Miss Deborah, and Miss Sarah are here to provide a safe place for their children to be educated, and anybody working with them desires to do the same (interesting side note... since 90% of the kids at school are related in one way or another... we don't have a whole lot of romance drama at our school, its very refreshing). The beauty of this hidden community is their ability to conserve their unique culture, because of the 'lack' of outside cultures pushing their way in. I'm obviously someone who encourages intercultural interactions, but I have heard a lot about people losing touch with their culture, because the world outside of their small neighborhood, does not value preserving such a unique way of life, which is incredibly heartbreaking to even hear about, let alone experience. Our cultures are part of our identity and I see the light in the kids' eyes when they tell me "this is how we do this...." because this is their home and they love to tell others about it.
         
  Independence Day.
       Independence day was an interesting experience for me. I heard all year about schools practicing their drum-lines on weekends all throughout Central America (I heard them in Guatemala too). It's a very big deal for all of the schools, ours  does not participate because we don't have enough staff to make that much effort. Moreover parents often have to pay a lot of money for new costumes, and they spend hours and hours practicing for the marches for this one day. The smaller schools march on the days leading up to the actual independence day, in the cooler evening (which is what I watched because there was no way I was waking up at 6:30 am on a Saturday to watch people I did not know march in the hot sun, in a hot crowd...) 😁.
My friend Alejandra (she teaches at our school) invited me over to her house to learn how to bake some sweet bread and drink coffee, and then we walked out to the road to watch the smaller schools march. While sitting there with Ale and her sister, she asked me if we had any celebrations like this... I was trying to think about German celebrations that might be like this (I did tell her about July 4th), when her sister piped up: "The European countries are what we are celebrating independence from, they were the independent ones to begin with!" ...what do you say to that!? haha
We acknowledged this was true and continued to talk about the history (Ale is a Social Studies teacher so she likes this stuff).

My mom once pointed out to me how much forgiveness has had to happen for us to be able to travel safely to other countries the way we do. We like to focus on everything that is still wrong in our world, and from the comfort of our screens cry out for justice; but how many of us are willing to get the finger 'pointed' at us, whether it be accusingly or just in discussion with friends (yes that's possible), pointing out the things 'our' countries have done now resulting in celebrations like "independence days"?! I do not have to 'feel' guilty over the things my countries have done in the past, but I am willing to acknowledge those grave wrongdoings in the face of their victims and the pain it caused, and I feel the responsibility to learn from those mistakes of the past and to be better for it.

loving,

Julia
         

5 Reasons Why I've Fallen in Love.

Well it has definitely hit me that my time is winding down. 2nd grade Leeander asks me every few days: "Miss Julia when do you leave?", and when I respond in a hurt tone with: "Are you trying to get rid of me!?!", he giggles and reassures me this is not the case. But he does ask me this more often now... I'm suspecting that he finds it entertaining in some way. As someone who grew up traveling and is well accustomed to Goodbyes, I'm realizing, leaving is going to be a lot harder than I anticipated it would be. I know I still have time to do things and spend time with people, but as a Third Culture Kid (a sentimental/ emotional one at that!), I know I have to prepare my heart for the transition.

BUT, it is way too early to get into a post that might make me cry! So instead I decided I would choose 5 things to tell you about that I have come to really appreciate or love while living here!

1. Mentioning God like He's your very friendly next door neighbor. I'm not just talking about the typical response to: "How are you?" being: "Bien, gracias a Dios!" (Good, thanks to the Lord). I'm still learning to put into words the cultural differences I see here, and I struggling to find good ways to describe many differences. But, something I have found so encouraging, is that I hear regularly how something happening is thanks to God. And its not in serious conversations, or private conversations, or a context you would expect (i.e. church, bible study, etc.). I noticed this particularly after a lady I was talking to in a coffee shop asked me if I was a Christian, and I said yes. She told me: "I could tell as soon as I asked, you have not always had a good experience answering this question, because it immediately seemed like you were revealing something very private about yourself, and you were preparing to defend it." When she pointed this out to me, I realized that I did feel like I had revealed a big secret, that in some ways it scared me. I'm not this way because I am ashamed of it, but I did not grow up in a safe Christian bubble, and so I had to learn to prepare myself for any kind of response to my answer (b/c sometimes I hadn't been, and it backfired hard). But by living in a place where I hear:
        "God has been so good to me this week!"        "With Jesus' help we will try!"
           "The Lord provided for me!"         "I will pray for you/him/her/them/this!"     I witness the amount of faith people have in God every day; which has given me a new perspective on a life in a community, where it is encouraged and expected for God to be front and center in our lives. I spoke to a parent last week about his daughter seeming a little sleepy in class, and asked if she was getting to bed early. His response made me smile: "Well in the evening she always says she is not tired, but we will work on getting her to bed sooner. In Jesus' name we will try our best." I did not expect this, even though the only English phrase this man knows is "God bless you!" (which he tells me any time he sees me), but it made me happy that this student has this environment at home.
   
   
2. People are very friendly. Emphasis on friend!
   People here have an incredible talent for making you feel like a good friend even if you have only talked to them for a few minutes.  Between the 3 countries I have lived in so far, I would describe people in Germany as hospitable, in the US as polite (this is limited to my Oklahoma experience), but people here are friendly in the sense that they truly make you feel like a friend any time you see them. I'm not saying people in the US are not friendly, and I'm certain the island culture here differs from that on the mainland. But people here truly value other people. When you see someone you met at some point, you stop and talk to them for a little while. I've been told this is one of the (many, many, many) reasons people are always late. Because time does not take priority over the opportunity to interact with a friend. I made friends with one of the boys who bags groceries at our store, simply because I was waiting on my friend to get a taxi and I felt too awkward just standing there in silence, when I knew people liked to be friendly here. But we talked for a little bit, and now when I go to the grocery store I get to stop and say "Hi!" (and I get to practice my Spanish because he speaks 0 English). It has been an interesting thing for me, especially as an introvert who had to google "how to do small talk" my first semester in Oklahoma, but it has brought me out of my "I hate small talk"-shell a little bit, and I have discovered that I actually could bear to be a little bit more friendly! 😁😁😁😁
   
3. Passionate is an understatement.
   Miss Deborah always tells me: "We don't know what came first, the Honduran or the Telenovelas..." (Telenovelas are the very dramatic soaps here). While calling people here dramatic is like calling the sky blue, I have subtly found an appreciation for the passion and emotion which people invest in different things. There have no doubt been moments where I have rolled my eyes, or widened my eyes at the sheer amount of drama... but in other ways I don't really feel that emotions are such sensitive topics here as they are in other places. Something in particular I have loved is the emotions and intensity when people pray here.
   
   When we give children tests at school we say a short prayer before, and one time I prayed thanking God for this girl, all her hard work, and asked that God would help her do her best. We finish praying and she looks at me and says: "Miss Julia... why do you pray so fast?", me utterly speechless just kinda mumble: "haha ok takeyourtest." But I thought about having visited their church and hearing some of my adult students pray... and their prayers are very long, very emotional, and very passionate - its noticeable not just from the sound of their voice but in the words they use, and what exactly they are talking about. I can assure you I do not sound that emotional when I am praying... my "out-loud" prayers are pretty logical, specific (it may be my German side) and don't usually take much time (partially cause it makes me nervous to pray out loud)... also when they pray in Spanish it adds a whole other level of beauty.  Please don't think I am now judging how people pray out loud- good grief no! This has simply been something I have enjoyed here.
   
4. The Peaceful way of life.
   I haven't spent enough time on the mainland of Honduras, but I'm fairly certain this is more specific to the island culture. The pace of life is much slower here -and if you think about it- Roatan is an island....but on top of that its an island tied to another culture which already has a reputation of being late (remember this is from the perspective of someone who grew up in the land of punctuality!) ...so hispanic+island culture makes for a very slow paced lifestyle haha!! It's ok, life still happens eventually, and as someone who had a horrible reputation in Germany for always being late, I really don't mind it (shout out to my college friends from Rwanda and Burundi who taught me how to properly be late, I was well prepared!).  Besides everything happening later than we actually say it does, island people here have a reputation for being very peace-loving. At the beginning of this year, before I arrived, there had been some protests because of an election, and Miss Deborah told me that although there were some people who tried to start something of the kind here, the locals refused because they truly value the peace they have here on the island. I've been told one way you can spot "mainlanders" here, is that they don't know how to stand in line they always want to get to their turn quickly, which I experienced first hand: A few weeks ago I had to get my phone fixed and was at this shop waiting my turn like a good German, :) when a taxi driver rushed in trying to ask a question quickly, but the guy working there told him calmly he had to wait his turn.  When time does not matter as much to everyone, it takes away a lot of stress, I think. Since you can't rely on taxis or busses to be punctual, you can guestimate how long something will take...and then do your best. It also helps to only live 5 minutes walking-distance from where you work.
   
5. People! People! People!
   I can't tell you enough about how kind people have been to me here. Not just polite, friendly, or nice in passing by. I have had adult students ask me how my family is doing in Germany, been invited out to spend time in with others in community, and just consistently hear appreciation for things I've been doing. I do believe people here truly want to make others around them feel cared for. I've been told repeatedly here in our neighborhood, that I am now part of the family (in our neighborhood everybody is essentially related somehow),  and again and again I realize that they don't just say that to be nice, they truly consider me part of their community and world. I thought that coming here I would learn by observing and understanding other cultures, what it means to love without any borders. But as people have welcomed me into their lives, showered me with kindness and hospitality, I learn through my experiencing their love, I am breaking down more and more barriers/borders that I never even knew were there. 

I hope I have been able to give you a small look into the culture, I have been blessed to experience till now! If you have any specific questions or thoughts about it, please feel free to contact me! The organization I have worked for has updated their website! If you would like to check out more info about where exactly I am, and where in the world this small island is, and how the school in this small community started feel free to check it out!

www.roatanhorizons.com

Until next time!

love, 

Jules

Rich in Spirit.

View from our porch in the neighborhood, and my
cup o' noodles, which literally everyone eats here.

         It has been a crazy few weeks! We've been in a rush of having mission teams from various locations visit, and work with us since I arrived back from Guatemala. Since Miss Deborah usually houses these groups, I decided to move in with a co-worker and her family who were kind enough to let me stay with them, so I could avoid a crowded house. Although I was hopping back and forth at times, this experience had quite the impact because I got to be closer to the kids and families in the neighborhood, as well as learn to adapt to a few new things like bucket showers; something I found I was fully capable of adjusting to with a good attitude! Over and over I find myself so grateful, that my parents taught me how to be responsible for my own attitude. Another plus, was living closer to the kids allowed me to really get to know some of them, and have the privilege to experience more of their world. I have also realized that living in a location that has such a tight-knit community, as it is here, creates a very beautiful environment.

Onice had probably the biggest
difficulty learning English in the E- girls
 and she is doing so great!

       To give you an update of my classes and such: My Kindergarten kids are in a challenging point where the most of the older kids are maturing and understanding a lot and there are a few younger ones who struggle to keep up. This is the challenge of classroom style teaching and trying to keep all kids at a certain average. I would love for those who are learning fast to have the chance to keep going at this pace, but alas, this is not my situation. Still adore these kids though!
 Instead, I'm keeping them all together MWF, and giving the slower kids some extra attention on Tue and Thurs. It seems to be working a little, but we've only done this a few times.
      My elementary girls have blown me away! Compared to Kindergarten, these girls were challenging in the beginning of the year, because I didn't really know what they knew so I wasn't sure where to start! Well what I picked up on the most was that they didn't know how to construct a sentence with "Subject -Verb"- kind of thinking; they mostly would just through out whatever words they could think of and it mostly went: "...and the___!! ...and the___!!!" So I started reading books to them, and had them mark down how many times they heard a specific word, of which they had a picture on a paper. Then we would retell the story together and draw a picture about it, then I gave them sentences they could use for presenting their picture, and they practiced and then said these sentences to the class. Their phrases started out simple: things like "This is my picture......this is.....and this is.....", then we moved to getting some verbs in with everyday activities: 
              "What do you do every Saturday?"     - "Every Saturday, I swim at the beach!" 
(fyi....teaching them how to pronounce "beach" - funniest day EVER). And after doing this for maybe even 2-ish months...they finally are using Subject-Verbs and their English has improved incredibly!!! A big shout out goes to Dr. Seuss -whose books have become their favorites (they particularly love "Cat in the Hat" and "One Fish, Two Fish"). One day I even had two of them trying to insult each other by using Dr. Seuss characters: "You are a cat in the Hat!" "No, I'm not! You are a Thing 1!!!" -all in good humor!Let me tell you! The moment I realized how much they had improved -and that they are now using it on their own!? One of the proudest days I have ever had!

           My adults are making progress as well, Basic 2 have recently been trying their best to encourage each other to come to class, and even made a pact that anybody who showed up at 6:01pm had to buy sodas for everyone else! This was not my doing, I promise...(I don't know if that will actually be enforced). But this group is full of fun and laughter and even though we have been learning past tense the last 4 weeks, they are determined to learn as much as they can. This last week one of the students stayed for a minute after class, and told me thank you for giving my time to these classes, I told him it was my pleasure and thank you for always showing up, no matter what. He responded:
 "Well I understand you are doing this for free, and I think if you are giving us your time for free, then its my responsibility to show up!" 
   which, after having a long day and being very tired, just made me the happiest person ever!
       My Basic 1 class remains small, I have two younger girls (17+19) who come regularly and they are showing real progress, but they are also still used to being in classes and learning everyday. I have one mother who comes to Basic 1 as much as she can, who is such a kind-hearted person and just loves God and her family (her kids are in my Kindergarten class). Last Sunday I got to visit her church with her, which was a very sweet experience. When this woman prays after class (we always pray in Spanish at the end of class), it is one of the most beautiful experiences I have had here. Every word she utters is full of passion and love.

    Right after I got back from Guatemala, I got to see one of my co-workers get married. Mr Jorge is my age and also graduated from University with a degree in teaching English, so we have become good friends. He doesn't mind that I like to argue and debate about things, and he has blessed my time here tremendously. His new wife is just as lovable as he is, and I hope she will be joining my evening classes soon!

One thing I have recently just meditated on are the rich in spirit here. When I was a kid, my brother and I would sometimes ask my parents if we were rich or poor, and every time they would tell us "We are so, so rich, because God has blessed us so richly with Family, Friends and His love!", which has definitely influenced my priorities, growing up. But over my time here, where 'economically' most people are very poor but spiritually, they are so rich. They have love, friends, but even more a peace and joy in life that resides securely in the face of many troubling times. I can tell you that in the past especially, trusting God, being joyful, and being at peace were not really present when troubles arose financially or otherwise...but I assure you, in my future I would prefer a life of being rich in spirit over being rich financially.

learning to love,

Jules

Love is patient.

 

Learning patience has become my most recent challenge. After reading 1. Corinthians 13 with one of my adult classes, I decided I would study through the characteristics of love in my quiet times. Especially, since my motto guiding me is "Love knows no borders!" And oh wow! It has been a challenge! So one of the first
characteristics of true love is

       "Love is patient!"
I've established "Patience" deserves its own post just because, as a teacher, it is VITAL for me to learn this, and it really is a quality that distinguishes a great teacher; I realize as I am being annoyed by things, which I was sooo, so bad at as a young student!


Shout out to all my patient teachers throughout my education!!! You are the real heroes of my life!

Anyways, in order to properly understand what patience means, I decided to look up the definition! Google defines patience as the "ability to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering, without becoming annoyed or anxious." WELL! When I read this, I literally laughed out loud. This was accurately describing, exactly what I have not been doing in certain areas of my life, especially when teaching my younger kids. I could not even fathom at how miserably I was failing at being patient. But even more so I realized how patience should not only consist of me holding my tongue when I get frustrated but moreover, it should start inside me. More importantly, in my thoughts and in my heart. Nevertheless, my next step was to see what the Bible says about patience. A few verses in particular caught my attention:

1. Philippians 4:6 - "....but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." 
2. Ephesians 4:2- "With all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love." 
3. Romans 5:4 - "...endurance produces character and character produces hope...."

Now I looked for verses that were about patience, which was interesting to me, because not all of them specifically use the word "patience." But what struck me about the first verse, was that after saying "do not worry about anything...," the verse tells us to use prayer, and gratuity when communicating requests and asking God for help! Which.....when I am annoyed and frustrated...my first thought would probably not be "let me just give thanks!" ...hehe no! But I did learn a while back, one of the best ways to battle your own pride: humble yourself and be thankful.

In the second verse the words "gentleness", "patience" and "bearing" were words that hit me over the head (I'm not ignoring the rest of the verse I'm just telling you what I noticed). Gentleness is a very hard choice to make when you're angry and frustrated with a child, who repeatedly does not listen, or ignores you on purpose, or consistently disrupts your class. When annoyance turns to frustration and then anger....boy...gentleness is so far away! drawing from the definition of patience: Gentleness with patience could mean I accept this child is going to keep making mistakes, but I can choose be gentle in my corrective treatment, in order to begin a good path of improving those mistakes."Bearing with one another" - when I read this I am reminded of my best friend telling me "sometimes you don't choose who you are in community with. You may not always like the people at your church. But the bible does not say, leave and move on if you can't tolerate them....It says BEAR with THEM, in LOVE!" While the topic, the night we spoke, was about churches, it really applies to any community God puts you in. I am here to serve God as best I can for the people around me. I may not be happy 100% of the time, but I can learn to bear with them in love.

The third verse reminded me that one form of patience is endurance. Patience helps us build up endurance, for the more difficult trials ahead. If I work on my patience now, I may not loose my temper as much in the future! (I make no promises) - SO! How am I going to learn this:

1. Pray!!! 
2. Be grateful to God 
3. Choose to be gentle 
4. Bear with them in love 
5. Remember: you are developing endurance for the future!

The "unofficials":

1. Count from 1-10 slowly 
2. BREATHE!!!! 
   

Now...this is all great and nice in theory....but ironically the day i wrote this down, I had an insanely annoying, frustrating, angering day, where I was not able to show any patience, inside or out! It was so discouraging! But good friends and family reminded me to show myself some patience and grace, and I picked myself up and I'm trying again this week. I will tell you, today I had to make a young girl go back through all her work because she was not doing it correctly, and although she was furious with me and consistently making it clear she was not liking me at that moment, I forced myself to keep my voice low, calm, and gentle, because I knew raising my voice or making it condescending would only make her feel worse. Well, I did have to breathe deeply and count to ten quite often to keep my voice that way... hehe...(trick my dad taught me!).


Believe me, this patience thing is going to wear me down to the core...but I also think it will test me and challenge me even harder! Also...I think a part 2 to this post will be coming soon!

'Cause there are more challenges every day! But some can be fun too!


learning to love patiently,


Jules

Been too long!

       I'm sorry I drew away from my regular updates! I can officially assure you that the honeymoon-phase ended and culture shock knocked me out. It annoys me that even though I am well aware that this is a part of traveling and living in other countries, I can never seem to prepare myself, catch it when it arrives or even recognize it for what it is, because it affects me different each time.  This time in particular, there was nothing really shocking me into a dark hole, but more it was that I have been full of uncertainty. Uncertain of what is acceptable behavior for me now as a professional, uncertain about limiting my behavior possibly making me fake, and uncertain about who I can be! It was finally my mom who made me realize it   

   "Julia that feeling of utter awkwardness and discomfort, because you don't know how to act in a different culture - that's culture shock!" 

In case you didn't know...my mom is really smart!
And suddenly it made SO much more sense to me! :)  Not that this fixed all my emotions and problems ..but it gave a name to the struggle and the assurance that it could be a temporary problem if I willed it to. A few weeks have passed and I'm happy to tell you its being worked through and the frustration is slowly working itself out. BUT despite the discomfort of culture shock, I do want to tell you all about some really cool experiences I have had, since my last update!

1. This happened to me recently! So I went out to a coffee-shop at one of the popular beaches close by, because it has AC and it's getting REALLY hot here! But I took my books and journal and ordered some food and planned on having a quiet afternoon. After some time there I wanted to listen to music, so I pulled out my headphones and as I picked them up to put them on this lady at the table across- facing me, spoke up and asked me where I was from. I told her and she asked me why I was in Roatan and after I told her I worked at a Christian School she got curious about if I was a Christian, and her chatty nature kept asking more and more questions about me. WELL 3 HOURS LATER, we are having coffee talking about our stories and experiences and she tells me - "Julia, I was talking to God this morning and I was not sure what to do today but I just decided to get lunch for myself;  when I was sitting across from you I didn't want to bother you while you were writing but I knew I had to catch you before you put on your headphones! When you said you are a Christian I just knew I had to talk to you!"
   You really never know how God will provide friendship and people to speak peace and joy into your life! Well I made a new friend, we're already excited to spend time together again! haha
   
2. Last Wednesday I stopped in the neighborhood, on my way back from running errands, to

   

   Honor Roll trip kids after some fun in the water!

   watch the kids play baseball which they were doing with a old plastic ball and a long bamboo stick! After watching for a little, I decided to woman up and join in the game - still dressed in my school clothes (long skirt that was really hot!) and my Birkenstocks...which came off real fast! Thank the Lord my first hit went kind of far, so the kids were really impressed and were happy to have me play! Over time some of the older siblings of the kids joined and were equally surprised I wasn't awful but even more that running barefoot did not bother me. So I happily report that I worked hard and sweat a lot and now I have a reputation for being good at baseball! - dream come true! ......don't take this too serious!
   
3. We had a staff party last night at our house, and right as we are getting ready to play a game of Spoons (if you don't know the card game....google it and educate yourself)  with 9 people in a small-ish area.....the power goes off...... well this happens here frequently, usually turns on eventually. SO! You never realize how interesting this crazy game can be until you add the

   

   Middle School girls and two very tired teachers!

   challenge of only having candle-light and mounted cell-phone flashlights to see your cards and the spoons! We all saw a new side to each other I think.... also meaning they may be well aware now that I have a small competitive side....but small...but really... It was so much fun, and I love each co-worker I have here!
   
4. Last week our school took all of the kids who completed their required amount of work for
   honor roll on a field trip out to this new water park with a slide and had a fun day celebrating all of their hard work! And with the weather getting gradually hotter and hotter, the cool water was a nice change of pace! To continue that fun day, Sarah H. and I had the middle school girls (who are Sarah's weekly Bible study) came over to our house a few hours later for a sleepover! Which consisted of many games like Sardines, Upset the Fruitbasket and even some Zumba! (just for funsies of course!) We had one girl who had so much energy and every time we finished a game she would ask, "What game are we playing now?"  I tapped out at midnight, and Miss Sarah tapped out at 2am. But we found out next morning some stayed up later and around 5 am they went on a small walk around our house....wow! The next day Sarah and I got to experience an awesome animal park where I got to hold a monkey and some beautiful birds and even zip-line through the jungle at the end of the day!
   
   
5. Climate is getting hotter! And more humid! I am reaching record amount of sweating over here! And if that wasn't fun enough!! Giant June bugs are a thing now!.....In case you didn't 

   

   Our Animal Park Crew!

   know....most creepy-crawly things are not my fave....hehe..Let me tell ya....hanging my clothes at night outside on the porch is quite entertaining since I duck, dodge, hide and swat at all of the geckos, june bugs, bats, mosquitoes and every singe thing making my skin crawl. Not my favorite task to do!

Overall, I can tell you God is good, and I get to know him more every day! I enjoy listening and observing people around me! There is so much to learn in every aspect of my life! 

Once again, thank you for your support. I am so grateful that I get to have this experience! And I have even learned an new appreciation for colder weather! 

Please pray for my health as I got sick again! But thankfully we have a great doctor here!

I have reached the bare minimum with my funds, but I am still in need of a some funds since any transportation on my own costs money, as well as other efforts around here! (If you want exact details feel free to email me.) 

Loving to learn about love with no borders 😉

Julia

Lessons learned.

             So I started out this journey well aware I had some difficult things ahead of me to learn. But you know, one cool thing I realized is when you prepare yourself mentally for these lessons and you really want to learn them... they do not always turn out to be as hard as you expect them to be. Nevertheless lesson are being learned and now they need to be solidified.

But, I do want to tell you about some things I am learning here!

1. Life can actually be this good. I keep finding myself questioning moments of pure joy and bliss and wondering if I am simply still in the Honeymoon phase of traveling or if life could actually be this beautiful at times. After having a difficult year full of one crisis after another, I'm overly paranoid as to what possible thing could be going wrong while I am enjoying life. But honestly, while I have no doubt challenges will arise, if you have a good strong community who take care of each other, you receive love every day, and you are choosing to actively trust God each day... then yes! Sometimes life will actually be this good! My adult ESL classes are particularly reminding me of this, as each Tuesday and Thursday I have two different groups of 5-10 adults who come in and just want to learn. But their desire to learn and have fun while doing so fills all of our lessons with laughter and bonding, that I have missed since leaving Germany.
2. When you are surrounded by people who rely and trust God 100%, it's much easier to learn to do so too! Living in a community of locals who daily trust that God will provide for their needs is so  encouraging when I'm consistently worried about how my next year will look. It's also incredibly humbling because my planner needs want to plan at least a year in advance while here my friends are forced to focus solely on a week ahead, because that's all they can do. I will tell you there is a balance to be found between the two. While I most certainly need to learn to trust God to provide daily, monthly and so on...it does not mean I should ignore plans that could develop in the distant future. In the same way, because locals here solely focus on their current needs, things like saving money for the distant future are foreign concepts that are not considered necessary.
   On on this note I'm happy to tell you that I received a lovely surprise of $710 dollars in donations this month! Which already puts me above the bare minimum I needed to stay here! So my heart is filled with gratitude and joy. Thank you for praying for me and thank you for continuing to support me!
3. Fear can keep you from the time of your life! I've mentioned before how I was so nervous about having to get around by myself. But I've also become aware that the fear that I'm feeling tells me to stay home where it's comfortable or stay within the confines of this neighborhood, or don't try to cultivate more relationships than you would like to. It's almost fascinating to me how the description of "paralyzing fear" can be so accurate. Fear of embarrassing myself in Spanish, of being alone where I am not comfortable, and creating relationships that I will only end up leaving again, literally keep me in my seat debating whether or not it'll be worth going out tonight. But I always have to remind myself:

•  In order to learn Spanish you will embarrass yourself.
• Making amazing friends even if it is for short periods of time, it will be worth it. 
• You are great at faking confidence with your "touch me and I'll beat you up"-face when you're alone and uncomfortable (thank you German society!)...and nobody knows you're out of shape. :)
  
  4.  Planning and scheduling is okay. Helpful even. But if you're not someone's employer allow others to be spontaneous, late, and learn to be okay with other people messing with your plan! I like planning things. I like to know what is ahead, but being in a Latin culture I have forced myself to 'loosely' plan activities! If you're too Type A to teach yourself to let go of your schedules, then plan ahead for that one friend that's always late, plan some buffer time. But maybe stop being frustrated with them, and recognize that they function differently, and its okay. While you highly value every minute of your day and like to be practical with time you're given, maybe they enjoy each moment of life they are given, regardless of the time it takes. And if they don't like planning things don't force them to do something they dislike! (This is not permission to be unreliable. Always be someone your friends can count on.)
  
  5. I have no idea what next year will look like. I can barely even think as to what life will look like once I'm back in OKC. Well, I'm okay with that. I know I'll figure it out as that bridge comes closer and it won't be easy to cross but that's okay, because God will cross it with me, and I know prayers are being said for me and my family.

Once again thank you for making this journey possible! We go back to school tomorrow! Having a week off was necessary to rest up! But we are looking forward to seeing the kids! 

Love, 

Jules

The best rewards ever.

3 of our 8th graders: Fenzy, Bertha
and Mason (on right)

                 I waited an extra week to write again because I was looking for something particular to tell you about. I didn't want to force something out just to keep up regular postings. But I do have something I really want to share with you today. The rewards and benefits I get here. Now since I am a volunteer and you are helping me survive daily expenses, I don't really get much "benefits" from my job other than free housing and a paid for visa (which is still pretty good). But I've been given different priceless rewards teaching these kids.

        Honestly, I've always enjoyed kids a lot. But after working at a low-class day care for 2 years, I needed a break from child-care. But in this school kids come from public schools where shaming is considered discipline, and classroom philosophy is basically survival of the fittest, meaning some of the transfer kids in 3rd grade had not even learned to read yet. But it is absolutely incredible to witness what love and one-on-one attention can accomplish! One example I experienced was our 8th grade kids. They are the oldest in the school and Ms. Sarah has been working with them to become leaders and role-models to the other kids. So since about 3-4 weeks ago I've been tasked with helping them prepare and learn their skit for their upcoming convention. Trust me when I say it was not all fun and games. Everyday at 2:45pm I would announce to them we had to go out to practice and everytime I was met with: "Oh Miss Julia we don't want to. We want to get our work done!" "Schoolwork is more important!" "It's fine Miss Julia we don't need to practice!" "Why do we always have to practice?"           
                                         -I mean...what kind of complaints are those???!!!

(f.l.) Mason, Bertha and Corvie performing their skit!

But I insisted they practice their skit, and set a deadline for them to have it all memorized! This last week they were expected to perform the skit and 2 songs for their peers, and when the day finally came, they were nervous but ready! They even preferred the skit to be the last event because it "was the best!" Their classmates loved it and laughed in all the right places! Before the performance I did a pep-talk circle with them and we prayed and got them pumped. It was an incredible experience to watch them work hard and stretch themselves, step outside of their comfort zones and perform. A cool side-story was on performance day we were preparing downstairs while the K-1st had their break. When the bell sounded Fenzy and Corvie (8th gr) were acting all old and tough and got 15 little kids lined up as they were supposed to, quieted them down, prayed with them and guided them into the classroom, while  Mr. Jorge and I just watched them entirely impressed. Don't they just sound like great kids?!

Christina and I
at the beach today

            I want to tell you about some kids who have been special to me especially these first few weeks. First is 13 year old Christina (who also goes by Makayla), I had mentioned her before when I told you about having to stay late with a student and help with Math homework. Well this was Christina. We're pretty certain she is dyslexic so she struggles to get through reading and understanding instructions in her books. But she is so smart! Well I have spent a lot of time with her 1-on-1 in class and so we have just kinda become buddies. On the day of my birthday she came up to me with a picture she had drawn for me (It said "Lordy, lordy look who's 24!) and was just beaming with pride and excitement when she gave me a big hug. Probably the best gift I have ever received! Oh and btw, she excitedly announced yesterday that she had read and understood the instructions in her math-book all by herself, and today after going to the beach she told me she planned to get all of her work done on time Monday! We'll see how that goes!
         The other I wanted to tell you about was Mason (pictured above). Mason is the school-president and he is 15 years old. Mason is also roughly 6 ft tall! I'm estimating but I'm pretty sure that is a legit estimation. He is a good kid, an amazing cook and such a great leader at the school. Any time Mason hears a kid giving me unnecessary attitude he snaps at them and tells them to behave and speak respectfully (he does this for most teachers). Along with his insanely contagious chuckle, gentle spirit and genuine heart, we are all certain he will become a great man one day!

This school has many more of these precious kids who continually make me feel like I have been rewarded better than I could have ever imagined! This is why I chose this field.

Love,

Jules

           

I'm an independent person! almost...

Helping Keren memorize the Beatitudes in English... was quite the
  struggle....I felt so bad for her because she had to learn the KJV,
and she is barely learning English with me as it is...
Foto: Juan Funez

                  Update on overcoming fear:  I took a taxi by myself three times this week!!!! Let me tell you the stories on these moments of personal growth! So Tuesday night, I'm home alone while Deborah and Sarah are out teaching. I get a message saying: "hey let"s go to dinner at this place! Take a taxi and meet us here!"  I suddenly get super stressed and inquisitive...I'm like: "Okay, lets do this! But when should I leave to meet you on time? What do I tell the driver? How much will it cost me? And will I get ripped off?" Well, they gave me all the info I needed and said if I saw any of our kids from school in the neighborhood they would probably like to help me! So I walk down the hill from our house (mind you it gets dark here after 6 pm...so... its already dark!) I get down to the area right before the main road and look around to see if any of the kids are hanging out. Guess who I saw: My girl Makayla, who I helped yesterday for over an hour in math. So I walk up to her and go: "Soooooo, you feel like helping me out in return for helping you with your math?" I told her it was my first time taking a taxi by myself and my Spanish is not very good yet. She smiled and said "yeah!" So with her and two other younger kids we went out to the road. They explained to me that the taxis will beep when they pass you and you just stick out your hand and wave for them to stop. When we got a taxi she told the driver where to take me and got a good price for me! When I got in and the car took off, the kids yelled "bye" after me and another passenger in the car looked at me in surprise and asked me how I knew the kids, I told her I was a teacher in their neighborhood, and she goes: "Ooooh! That makes so much sense!"

Sweet little Patrick whose family
lives down the road.

        A few days later I had to go to the doctor to get something checked out and I passed by Makayla's house on my way to the road, she goes: "Miss Julia, do you need help getting a taxi again?" I returned: "Do you want to help me again?" She answers: "Yeah I should help you because I heard you practicing Spanish today and you're not very good with the speaking yet!" Well....I can't really argue that yet, so I let them help me again and I'm glad I did. BUT getting back from the doctors office was a little bit more tricky. I successfully waved down the taxi ..but when I got in and told him the name of my neighborhood he had no clue where that was. So I just motioned for him to go straight (there is only one main road on the island so it goes everywhere). I kept an eye out for landmarks I memorized (because addresses are not real things here, my maps app is the most useless thing i have at the moment) and when we reached it I just said "aqui por favor!" (here please) and he stopped! Not bad for my first time being an independent person, if I do say so myself!!!

         Update on my classes: My Kindergarten kids are able to identify colors, and numbers for the most part. I'm beginning to teach them to ask each other "What's your name?". They love singing our "Good Morning Song" And they think "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" song is awesome. Fun fact: One of the hardest words for them to pronounce so far is "Ears" the sounds that come out when I point to my ears are hilarious! And I utterly regret teaching them to say "I don't knooowww!" Because now they like to use that to get out of harder questions....(of course that phrase they remember!)
My Elementary girls are super silly. Their favorite part of class is when we play GoFish at the end of a lesson. They actually know a lot of basic phrases but they simply lack a lot of Vocabulary. Tried teaching them family members this week...let me tell ya... Trying to explain in English what and aunt and uncle is....NOT as easy as one would think!! But they are cute! Friday I decided should be an English game day, so we played Pictionary and Hangman and GoFish. FYI, I generally don't believe in letting kids win everything (or participation prizes for that matter) just because they are kids (and I usually have to win in order to make the games move along or finish up class, a burden I know!) but I had to let them win a few times because they were getting seriously depressed haha. I still didn't let them win everything though.......
                             I'm not competitive! You are! Whatever!
But Go Fish is the only game I refuse to let them win on if they didn't earn it. We have played it many times now and they know what to do, so I give no mercy! And a few of them have beat me several times already!
               I really am loving teaching at this school! We had a teachers 'party' this week and it was fun to bond with the people I work with! It's a great team! Everyone is good at their job and everyone works their best at all times!
Below you can see a picture of Mr Jorge, who leads the K-2nd grade room, helping the Kindergarten kids learn their monthly scripture during the end of the day exercises!

Update on me: Health has been a bit tricky as of late! But the doctor we go to is super sweet and very well respected! He also has two kids attending our school! But it's getting better and I'm taking my medicine! So hopefully by the time I write again I will be decently healthy! Funds are still around the $3000 mark! So please keep praying for that! There's quite a bit of sickness going around some of our kids and teachers (Flu season knows no borders as well) and we are all in a very tight space so germs galore (It's possible I got everyone else sick). Some of the older kids are preparing for a convention on the mainland. It will be exciting for them because none of them have ever even been on a plane! 

I start adult evening classes the week after next! It will be an entirely different experience for sure! Please pray for that whilst I prepare!

Love,

Jules

Outside of ESL classes....

What's up? How's life? Eventful in mostly good ways I hope! Well, my week was a little less eventful...or kinda eventful yet...not fun I guess. Well I got a cold from cold wind+ wet hair combination last Sunday night! Yes it happens that fast for me. And then Tuesday night I woke up with a fever, and it continued on and off, until Thursday morning. Unfortunately I did not get to work the rest of the week. :/ Finally Friday we went to the Doctor and after some samples and blood tests, I found out Saturday that I have a Parasite and a bacterial infection and a cold...yaaayyy...Thankfully this all explains the issues I have been having health-wise and I am now on two different medications and antibiotics and hopefully on the mend! But I do feel much better than I have, and I have been assured I will be back to normal once I'm through with the meds. FUN STUFF HUH!?
Yeah I know it's not super exciting stuff, like last week but it is the non-glamorous side of traveling and I feel like sometimes a balance is necessary ;)

But not to bore you with my sick days.....I will tell you about what I usually do in school after I am done with my lessons! Since my classes only last from 10am -12:30pm, I go upstairs to the older kids (2nd grade+) and basically help students correct their homework, and help them when they get stuck on their work. To my dismay I have become a go to person for basic math... my mom is going to laugh and say: " I TOLD YOU, YOU WERE GOOD AT IT!" Well ....yes mom I have been able to successfully help kids with long-division, geometry, subtractions and multiplications so far (I had to reteach myself the long-divison). And I may have had to correct some of my advice I gave to the kids. But teachers are always learning too! I was helping one of the older boys Mason with his Geometry and he had to find the area and the perimeter for a set of shapes and he wasn't getting the answers quite right. So I had to explain the formulas to him again and I had him show me which sides you add or multiply. After he got the answers corrected for one of the shapes I patted him on the shoulder and barely took 3 steps away when he turns around wide-eyed and goes:" Where are you going?? I still need help!"  A little shocked he really wanted my help, I go: "Oh....um. Okay! Sure!"  (I say shocked because when I didn't quite understand what he was supposed to do he said:" Miss Julia go look at the score key, it will help." .....it did). He's the sweetest boy who is in 8th grade and about a good few inches taller than I am!


Last week I was helping a girl with her vocabulary, because each subject gives the kids new vocabulary for them to learn in English and Spanish, so I was having her explain the meanings of her vocab, and on one of the words she was trying to tell me: "It's what a butterfly is before it gets wings." And I was pretty certain that Cuba was not a caterpillar in Spanish. I told her they were talking about the country, and she was 100% certain I was wrong since I didn't know Spanish. We went back and forth for a few minutes and I ended up grabbing my co-worker Juan, who only speaks Spanish and he told her they were indeed talking about the country.  I may have celebrated that victory a little too much, but man winning an argument with a child is quite the accomplishment sometimes - you parents out there don't lie!!

These kids are awesome! Very intelligent and precious and I am loving working with them!

Love,

Jules