It´s Summer in Honduras!!

Trip to San Lorenzo

In Honduras, the thing to do during Holy Week is bañar (literally translated, that is "to bathe" but we bathe more than just once a year). Bañar, is actually the word used for swimming. So, in the weeks leading up to Semana Santa, people don´t ask "What are you doing for Semana Santa?" Instead they ask, "Where are you swimming in Semana Santa?"

"Isla el Tigre" -- We climbed that!

On the boat over to the island.

So, for Semana Santa, which was also our spring break from school, Ashley and I started by going to San Lorenzo, Valle, Honduras. This is in the south of Honduras, bordering the Pacific Ocean. We were each able to scratch something off our bucket lists-- Ashley climbed a volcano, and I swam in the Pacific Ocean!! It was an awesome vacation-- perfect mix of relaxing and adventuring. Very hot and sunny, too!

The Pacific Ocean!!!

"Bañar-ing" with Buen Pastor

After returning to Comayagua from San Lorenzo, we went swimming with my parents and the Buen Pastor moms and babies. (The Misericordia women had already been swimming with their school). We went to a small waterpark outside Comayagua, and had a great time. The girls did waterslides for the first time, splashed around, and got to be teenagers for a day. Javier, Alexandra, and Tatiana went with us, and they provided lots of laughs (see below!). We were all thankful for a fun day where the girls could get away and play around and just have fun.

Alexandra, our most mischevious and "traviesa" did NOT like the water...

I think it stessed her out, judging by the early nap with Papi (which she can say perfectly--we are still working on "Emily")

We are thinking this was Javier´s first time in a hammock-- he is completely stiff, and has a look of terror on his face. Definitely not relaxing the way your are supposed to in a hammock!

Las Alfombras -- My first time!

Comayagua is famous for its Semana Santa alfombras (carpets) and processions. Ths was my first time being here for the Easter week celebrations, and it did not disappoint. The carpets are made of colored saw dust spread out in the streets.

A beautiful design in the street...

The Holy Family on carpet...

Easter Sunday!

Interesting cultural difference is that here the biggest celebrations/activities are on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, not on Sunday. Easter morning in church we talked about the importance of Sunday--without Sunday and the resurrection, death would have won. Praise God that Christ was and is victorious over death!! We read the scripture of Good Friday and the Resurrection, and I love part of what the speaker said-- He posed the question, "Why did Jesus ask God, `Why have you abandonded me?´" The answer: Jesus asked this question so that we wouldn´t have to. Jesus took my sins, my separation from God, and suffered the consequences so that I would never have to. He bridged the gap, for me and for you, and we can live full and eternal lives with our Creator and Father, who will never abandon us. Praise be to God!

Precious.

Ashley and me with the orange tree (or orange tree??) outside our house.