Its Christmas time.....

On Saturday, SJBS got in the Christmas spirit with its annual cena navideña (think Christmas pageant). All staff arrived at 9 a.m. to begin the decorating process (that was started earlier by Miss Amarilys and I). We proceed to make candy canes out of PVC pipe, a balloon arch, set up seats for about 500 people, and decorate a chair for the school’s queen (a 5 year old in kindergarten). Everyone dispersed to their houses to get dressed up. It was great seeing the teachers all look so nice as well as the students. Around 4 p.m. the fun began. In true Honduran fashion we began with a prayer and several opening remarks. We then moved into the student performances. Imagine the following program:


Kinder- If You’re Happy and You Know It
Prepa – Jingle Bells
1st- Rudolph
2nd – Frosty the Snowman
3rd – Dance mix to three songs
4th – Own version of Jingle Bell Rock
5th – California Dreaming
6th – Little Drummer Boy
7th – Home
8th and 9th – No Woman No Cry
US teachers – Carol of the Bells followed by Feliz Navidad

We also had a great performance singing by a 4th grader, a 4th grade ballet solo, a choregraphed dance by two 9th graders and a song composed and sung by a 9th grader. This mixed in with Santa Claus, several gift raffles and a nice dinner.

Today, began the last week of 2010 at SJBS and is the beginning of a very festive week. On Wednesday, we are having a bachelorette party/bridal shower for our Honduran Director who will wed on December 19. On Thursday, one of the families is inviting us over for karaoke, dinner and drinks. On Friday, we celebrate the service of two teachers leaving SJBS (one Honduran and one US). Most teachers take off for the US later in the a.m. on Friday but those who stay may be invited to a welcome home party for a much loved SJBS student. All the festivities and plans make it seem more like the holidays (since we don’t have the snow on the ground to remind me its winter).