Friday and Saturday

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Saturday, July 10, 2010 5:17 PM


These are some of the kids at the school. They are so cute. Today was the day that the sponser children get their support. They get a bag of food for their family to use. After that, Jose announced my upcoming English classes. Lots of people were interested and I will be teaching 13 classes next week (including the ones at the school). I'm about to become one busy lady. Today when I walked outside of the gate, there was at least 10 people waiting on me for an English class. I apologized for the confusion and said that class doesnt start till next week.
Jose, Norma, and I then took a public bus to go see a sister in Christ that lives VERY far away. I was a little nervous because I have heard some stories about how dangerous the buses here are. I keep reminding myself whenever I'm unsure about my surroundings that God is right beside me. I'm on a very crowded bus, sitting next to someone I've never seen before. I asked where he was going. He said that he'd taken at least an hour bus ride for my English class to learn that it doesn't start till next week. So now he is taking an hour bus ride home. He said he knows one of the preachers from the congregation. How about that? I'm sitting on a bus, asking God to watch over me, and that's the guy sitting next to me, one of my students. What are the chances? I also felt soo bad that he had come all that way and paid the money for nothing. I hope he isnt too discouraged to the point that he doesn't come back next week.

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First Day in the Classroom

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Thursday, July 8, 2010 12:06 PM

Today was my first day in the classroom. Samuel, the other English teacher, taught today while I observed and got to know the students and see where they are at in their studies. I absolutely loved it. The kids are adoreable. I am a little concerned that my lack of confidence in my Spanish will let the kids think they can walk all over me. Samuel left me in charge for about five minutes during one class. Before he left, one by one, students were coming to the board to write the answer to a question. After he left, two students asked to go to the bathroom, and the rest of the students were at the board. I somehow managed to get them all back in their seats before he returned so it at least appeared that both the students and I could handle ourselves. I'm sure it'll be a work in progress and I will learn all of the teacher tricks along the way.

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In the mountains

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Wednesday, July 7, 2010 7:33 PM


I will post later. But check out this clear view of the mountains.








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English Classes

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Tuesday, July 6, 2010 8:25 AM

Yesterday, I was sick and spent the majority of the day in bed resting. The parts of the day that I actually braved outside of my room were productive. Jose and I worked on a class schedule. I will be teaching English at the Christian School on Thursdays and holding open English classes twice a day the rest of the week. I´m excited to get to work and figure out a curriculum that will be helpful. I´m also trying to incorporate a way that we can teach the Bible and English at the same time. Maybe in January we could have an LST group come down. Any volunteers? (still figuring out the spanish keyboard, took me a long time to find the right side up question mark!)

So far we have lost power at least once each day. It doesnt stay out for long, but I have given up on resetting my alarm clock.

Some of you have asked for this information again, if you want to send a monetary donation, please send it to the Monett Church of Christ, po box 172 monett mo 65708
As always, your prayers are needed.

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La Palma

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Saturday, July 3, 2010 5:41 PM


I have made it to La Palma! I'm mostly unpacked and getting accustomed to my new surroundings. I've also learned where to buy towels. I bought a bath towel for 20 dollars (eeks!!) and later learned I could in fact get one for less than 3. Lesson learned.
The first day I was here, I attended a ladies class and a teens class. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of people. I understood parts of the ladies class, but I understood almost all of the teens class! There is hope for my spanish speaking abilities yet!
I was able to talk to my family today. That was such a blessing! Even if I did cry when I talked to my niece Kayli. She's 3 and kept telling me how much she loves and misses me.
SO FAR, I have not gotten sick!! I know its only been two days, but after two days on my last trip, I was already sick. Hopefully, I will stay parasite free for a while.
The picture is of my friend Joel. He met me in San Salvador before I left to go to La Palma.
Tomorrow we will have church and I look forward to a great time of fellowship with my new friends.
Not sure when I will be able to write next, so this blog is full of lots of random information! Hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day! Celebrate our country and pray for those serving it.

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San Salvador

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Thursday, July 1, 2010 8:25 PM




I'm sitting in my hotel room in San Salvador. I safely arrived a few hours ago with all of my luggage. I was a bit concerned it would all make it for a couple of reasons. First, when I went to check my black and yellow totes, I was informed I couldn't take them. Apparently there is an embargo that only American Airlines enforces that says it had to be a suitcase. So Mom and Randy went with me to Wal-mart and helped me frantically buy suitcases and re-pack everything in the Wal-Mart parking lot. I kept saying that I felt like we were on "Amazing Race" and winning! We managed to keep our cool and make it back to the airport in plenty of time. After that, I had no real issues. When I went to baggage claim, I immediately saw my first bag. I waited for the second bag and never saw it. I started to get nervous but then looked and saw that someone had set it aside thinking it was theirs. Lots to be thankful for today. I'm here, I'm safe, and my luggage is too.




The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity preparing for my move here. When I finally got to board the plane headed to El Salvador, I had a huge grin on my face and was so excited to just get here! Tomorrow, I have plans to hang out with my primos and get settled in La Palma!!!




Thank you to everyone that has been so helpful through out this whole experience and thank you for the prayers today. I know thats why things went so well.


Love,


Teresa

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Tropical Storm Update

Posted by Teresa Barten , , Saturday, June 5, 2010 4:01 PM

I'm not entirely certain how much property damage or road damage was done during this storm, but thankfully our brothers and sisters in La Palma are safe and doing well. I'm very thankful that everyone is ok and I can't wait to get there so I can see everyone!

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