hola!

Hey fam! It's been a while again! Carlos, Andres, Paula and I are doing great in Honduras. The hot season is officially over, and the rainy season has definitely started! I have to say I was ready for the change in temp. AND we have been sleeping so well with the rains, too. Here's a quick update for us all....

Andres (9mo): WOW, he's growing so quickly...his first tooth poked through last week, and he's been hilarious with his tongue trying to figure out what's in there. Other than being a little more cranky, he didn't have any major symptoms. He's already taken his first steps, but I wouldn't say he's walking yet...he just takes 3/4 steps and then remembers that he doesn't have anything to hold on to and gets scared, its cute to watch him discover it all. His temperament is generally easy going, but he seems to be a picky eater...he likes fruits and sweet things, but does NOT like his veggies and makes sure we know it :D. He definitely knows who his favorite people are and has started to cry when we leave for work- that can be hard, but what do you do? :). He's my treasure, I can't wait for my 2mo off to spend time with him!

Carlos and Tash: We're approaching the 1yr anniversary (June 16)...overall, its been a rough year...BUT, we've grown in all areas- spiritually, emotionally...etc. We have been taking marriage classes at our church and it has been very helpful. God is so faithful and we've learned how to forgive, love and grow as a couple. We're thankful for what we've learned, but ready to put the first year behind us, too :D. Carlos is almost done with classes for the semester and is ready for vacation, as well. This semester has been kind of boring, because its a lot of repeat of stuff he's already learned. But, he's one step closer to his degree, and thats always a good thing! We're thinking 1.5yrs left. Not too bad, the end is in sight :D! I have three days left of school, and I can't wait!!! I still have to work through the end of June, but doing admin. stuff and working shorter hrs without planning and teaching, so it shouldn't be too bad. This school year has been wonderful, but we're all ready to be done (students, teachers, admin...) So far, my job description for next year is up in the air, I could be teaching or possibly moving into admin., it just depends on some developments with other teachers...I should know within the next few weeks. I'm not sure what I would like to do, so there might be some impt decisions coming up, we'll see. I realized I love baking- esp. breads and stuff like that. My weekends have become my relax/refresh time. I love getting up early on Sat mornings and playing with Andres and then making bread or cinnamon rolls or something...and I've recently discovered Amish Friendship Bread, which is YUMMY! You leave it out on the counter for 10 days adding milk, sugar and flour and letting it ferment and bubble...sounds gross, but in the end it turns out soooo good! Come on down and I'll bake for you! :D.

Paula: I'll just give you a quick update...she's doing great. She spends a lot of her weekends up at the orphanage with a close friend of hers. Its nice for all of us to have the break! Right now she's translating for a team that is installing solar panels in a school in a very poor area. I'm sure she's having a blast. Then, the team will spend a few days in Tela which is right on the Caribbean, so she'll get a little well deserved sun and relax time. She is heading home July 9, so that will be another time of transition for her...as far as I know her plans are to finish her last semester at GVSU, and then....who knows which country she'll end up in! :D.

Carlos, Andres and I found some great tickets for the summer (thank-you for praying!), which means WE'RE COMING HOME!!! :D. I'm so excited for a vacation myself. Andres and I fly out on July 10, and Carlos joins us the next day on July 11. We will spend a few days in DC with Leah, and then we'll all drive back to MI around the 14th. THEN....We'll be home until Aug. 15. YAY! I'm so excited to introduce Andres to the beach and summer in MI...not to mention some good quality time with Grammie and Grampie! I hope to see you all as well!

Thanks for praying for us, and please keep on praying! The pictures are Andres and I playing after school, and Andres playing with one of Paula's necklaces...it has been HOT, so he has spent more time in just a diaper, than in clothes ;). Love you all!

The V family and Paula :D