I made it to La Ceiba, Honduras safely, and I am happily paired with my host family! They are extremely kind and their house is extremely cute and clean. I have my own room, bathroom, AC, and television as promised. The coordinator of the immersion program is also very kind and informative. I have orientation tomorrow, where I will receive a tour of the University and the town, meet my Spanish teacher, and visit the orphanage that I will volunteer at.
While I'm in Honduras I've been able to explore the country through volunteering, taking Spanish classes, read the Bible, eat, and go to the beach. It is PERFECT.
My Spanish teacher helped my explore local beaches.
During the week I volunteer in a free daycare for children who had abusive fathers. (I thought that I was going to volunteer at an orphanage, but this is fine). Most of the children in my class are 4- 5 years old, but sometimes I help with the younger children as well. My primary responsibilities include assisting with activities, feeding them, and giving out a lot of hugs!!!! Most of the time I have no idea what the kids are saying, but we communicate through small words, gestures, and smiles. After class, I go home to eat lunch (breakfast, lunch, & dinner are provided by my host family). Then, I go to the school for Spanish classes which are from 1:00pm-5:00 pm. On Thursday and Fridays, I take classes in the mornings and have the evenings to myself.
My host family is nothing but hospitable and accommodating. The husband and wife that I live with are probably in their 60's, and they have welcomed me with open arms. They talk very slow so I basically understand everything they say. Today, I even participated in their Bible study. Their son, daughter-in-law, and 9-year-old beautiful granddaughter live in their back house, so I see them daily.
I was surprised the other day when I mentioned that I am actually from Pasadena, and my host mom told me that she watches the Rose Parade every year on TV. I told her that I was on the rose court and she was extremely excited. I was like - damn, people really do watch the parade worldwide?!? She asked for pictures and I didn't have any on my laptop or my phone, so I googled "Jasmine Jenkins Rose Parade" and this lady almost fell out. She already liked me because I try to help out with dishes and I don't have any dietary restrictions, but this was the icing on the cake. Speaking of food, her meals are very good. I am eating like a queen... who loves rice and beans.
Lastly, the beach is beautiful. I go to a private beach that is connected to a resort because apparently, the other beaches are very dirty and somewhat dangerous. The water is beautiful and warm so I'm doing a plethora of swimming. There are no lifeguards however, the waves are not big.
Exploring the local river at La Ceiba.
Last weekend my best friend, Whitney came to visit me! We went to the Island of Roatan which is breathtaking. Thanks to my dad's golf connections we had a tour guide who was the chief of police and a pastor on the island. We also went to Pico Bonito (the mountains) where we did river hiking and white water rafting. Last, but never the least, I went to the Island of Utilia and became a certified scuba diver!
The town of La Cieba is very small and pretty poor, which is very sad because it is one of the more developed and wealthier parts of Honduras. My trip is perfect. My Spanish is significantly improving, the day care is full of love, my host family provides a home away from home, I'm gaining a deeper love for God, annnnnnd I'm having fun!
Scuba certification class on the island of Utilla.