FAQ: About my life

I decided to put some answers to common questions I've received about my life/teaching in Honduras all in one convenient place.
Post any additional questions you have in the Comments section, and I'll make sure to answer them.

So..are you done with school?
I finished my undergraduate studies at Westmont College in May 2009. I graduated a year early with a degree in Liberal Studies (a.k.a. Elementary Education), and went on to earn my teaching credential and Masters of Education in a rigorous 13-month Teacher Education program at UC Santa Barbara. I will present my Master's thesis in June/July 2011.

Where are you teaching?
I will be teaching 4th grade at International School Tegucigalpa starting in late August. See earlier blog entry for more details about the school: School Site. I will have approximately 20-25 students, who are mainly middle class Hondurans. I will be teaching in English.

How did you hear about International School Tegucigalpa?
Two of my friends (also Westmont alums) taught there and told me how much they loved it. I was seriously considering the possibility of teaching overseas and had a strong desire to learn Spanish, so I applied to schools in Panama and Honduras. I filled out the IST application and had an interview with them within a week--in Santa Barbara! I got the job, prayed about it, and signed the contract.

How long will you be in Honduras?
My contract is for 2 years. I will be back in the states for Christmases and summers.

Do you speak Spanish?
I can get by in a basic conversation. Currently, I am listening to Spanish Radio, reading the Bible in Spanish, and talking with my grandpa and mom in order to improve.
I'm hoping to become fluent by the end of my 2 years teaching in Honduras.

Have you ever been to Honduras? Do you know anyone there?
My mom and I traveled down to Tegucigalpa for four days in early June. I had a chance to experience the school, see the teacher's houses and explore a little bit of the city. It was wonderful to meet some of the IST staff and one of my friends from Westmont will also be teaching there next year.

In 21 days..

In just 21 days, I will be flying out of Sacramento, on my way to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to teach.

Summer has been a wonderful breather from a hectic year of grad. school at UCSB.

It's been filled with fun family memories and new friendships, spending time in a town I've spent time in briefly, but which I now call home. I have been encouraged and equipped, and I am so grateful for those who loaned me teaching supplies/tips and for all who promised their prayer.

Thank you!

As I scan the array of things that still need to be packed, I am reminded that in Christ I have everything I need.

2 Cor. 12:9

"But God said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"

2 Peter 1:3-4a

^"3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises.."