"I gave several charlas (chats) in Spanish...and two completely by myself to two different elementary school classes...one first grade and the other sixth grade about environmental education. It was fun, but the single most difficult task of my life. Not only was it the first time I have ever worked with children, but it was in Spanish! I hope to do more of it in my site.

 My site is in a tiny aldea (village) of around 700 people called San Marcos de Guaimaca. It is located North of Tegucigalpa in The Francisco Morazon region. You will not likely be able to find it on a map unless you have a very detailed one. I already know the site because it was where my volunteer visit. The other volunteer (who is now our third year leader) left a bed and some furniture there for me to use. There is no electricity, and there is only one pulperia (corner store) in the town that I know of. However,! it is a beautiful town 1000 meters above sea level among the pine forests. It is very pleasant weather year-round, and very nice and cool at night.

One of the guys named Brian from San Diego will be close and Minnesota Joe is a quick walk up the hill (about one hour there and 10 minutes back...ha!) He is a really cool guy and plays guitar. He and I hit it off pretty well on the visit and I think we could be good friends. I will have my own house with many fruit trees and vegetables growing in my yard. I will have crystal clear (but ice cold) water to bathe with, wash clothes, and drink. . .after boiling it and using chlorine of course. I will probably send out for drinking water most of the time and use a gas stove to cook on by candle light many of the times.

I had my final language interview today and I am at an intermediate medium level. When I first got here I was a novice high, and I knew and could only use three verb tenses. Now, I know nine tenses and I can use them all well. I will be traveling to my site next Sunday. I am only a few house away from Teguz so I will be able to check my e-mail probably once a week when I go there for food and things. I also talked to my friend Efraín that I went to Georgia Southern with. He lives in San Pedro Sula and invited me to come up sometime. I will be back here in Siguatepeque for Christmas for sure. Thank you all for your support...and keep the faith. Muchos Saludos,   Vayan con Dios, Shaun"