Update

Ok! things have sort of been settling down here in Honduras and I wanted to update you all on what has been going on. First of all, THANKYOU for your support, love, comments, and most of all prayers. How blessed I am to have a family like this...I love you!

So, last week both Carlos and I had meetings with our superintendent who wanted us to get married within a month to 6wks. YIKES! We told her that wasn't a wise decision for us at this point and as a result we have "lost" our jobs. However, since the school cannot legally fire us because I'm pregnant they are still paying me through the end of my contract (June) and have even agreed to extend my insurance through Dec. in case there are complications with the baby/delivery etc. SO, overall, I think this is a blessing in disguise. I do understand the school's position and reasoning and I'm thankful for their understanding. As of March 2 I will no longer be working, which, as a result allows me to come home sooner! Yay! Right now I am planning on coming home end of March/beginning of April and staying until the middle of June. The school has asked that I stay in Tegus for a few weeks to help transition the new teacher who will take over my position (my poor kids), which I am very happy to do.

Carlos and I are in the process of discussing what would be the best option for us as a couple and have tossed the idea of a legal/civil (basically signing papers) ceremony and then having a wedding in the spring of 2008. This way we can be together when the baby is born. As of now, it seems to be the best/ most logical option. I'll keep you updated.

Speaking of Carlos I want to "introduce" you to him a little before you actually get to meet him. He is Honduran (one of the few tall ones ;)) although he and his family moved to the States when he was 2yrs old. He was raised in a Christian home, and yes, he loves Jesus too! He lived in Atlanta, Georgia until he was about 12/13yrs old. English was technically his "first" language (he speaks perfect English :)) because he went through all of elementary school in the states, although Spanish was of course spoken at home. He lives with his mom Carmen, his older sister Aileene, a younger sister Andrea, and a younger brother Jose (Joseph). When Carlos was 20yrs old (he's 22 now) his dad died of health related issues after a blot clot in the brain, up until that point Carlos was 2yrs into a computer engineering program at a university here in Tegus. When his dad died Carlos changed career courses for a less demanding administration degree (which he'll finish in Mar) so he could support his family. I am continually amazed that somone his age has supported his family the way he has. One of Carlos' major goals is to finish the engineering degree (he's about 2yrs short), mostly for his dad who was a major support/advocate for him in college. I am so sad I was never able to meet Carlos, the dad :), I moved down here about 3mo. after he died. Carlos (my Carlos) loves sports, and especially playing basketball, which is initially how we first met, we were playing up at the school and I challenged him to 1-on-1 (yes, I was probably flirting...:)) and I beat him...several times (ok, only twice ;)). And like a true Latino, he loves soccer too. :). Some of the things I love about him...his heart/genorosity...he hates to see people hungry or needing something and does what he can to fix that, especially for his family. He makes me laugh (and yes, sometimes cry), he's very smart/ good with money (a huge sigh of relief for me) and he will be a wonderful father...ok, at the risk of making him sound perfect...i know he's not ;), there are, of course things i would change...but, overall, I'm happy! A few days ago he spoiled me and took me out to get my hair cut/colored and a pedicure/manicure...It had been almost a year since my hair had seen some TLC. I felt special!

Earlier this week Carlos had an interview/was offered a new postion administering a "cushy" bar/restaurant here in the city. It is a significant increase financially for him and something he is/has studied in school...all good things. You know, I'm not sure I'll ever understand his need to provide/support, but for the 3days ish that he was "jobless" he was definitely stressed/ on edge. But since he has accepted this new position its like he's a new person, dancing around, singing, making me laugh...more relaxed! Thankyou Jesus for that provision. As far as my job goes, I had a great job lined up teaching in the fall at a different school, but that has since fallen through due to my pregnancy...who wants to hire 2teachers instead of 1? :P. The baby is due in the beginning of September, so I wouldn't actually start work again until Nov/Dec. at the earliest. Carlos has told me that as of now, I don't need to worry about finding a job until 2008, something I'm so happy about, I really want to be able to be home for a time with this precious baby. Although, neither of us really know how expensive this is going to be...so I'm really hoping we can afford that :).

Please continue to pray for us...there are still a lot of decisions that need to be made and we really want to make the wisest ones. I love you all!

Tashina