Well, where do I begin? At this moment 3 weeks before Christmas and after being here for 15 or so months I can say is a great experience but also probably the most demanding undertaking of my life. Teaching anywhere is hard, I have been told (teaching here in Honduras is my first real teaching experience), but combine that with being away from home, always being hot, living in a third world country and a student culture that is much more rowdy than what we are used to in the States and you have a the challenge of an OAF volunteer. With that said, I am certain that after moving on from here I will be a much stronger person. Also, there are many wonderful things that have come from my experience. My Spanish has improved greatly, although I wish it were better, I have learned how to live without the conveniences of the USA (both domestically and in the classroom), I have spent time with amazing people, both Hondurans and North Americans, and I have learned about myself. There were things that I wanted coming down here, some which have happened and others that have not (to my frustration). Also there are things that I hadn't expected and have happened (to my delight). Of the former I have done a good amount of traveling, picked up a good amount of Spanish and have had a chance to experience the wonderful people/culture of Honduras. To my frustration I want more personal time to do some soul searching as I live away from my former lifestyle in the States. However, being a teacher at Santa Clara leaves little time for that. As for the unexpected delights, by chance, I am currently roommates with a Honduran, Mario, for my second year. Through Mario I have been able to connect with Honduras through an insiders perspective. Having said all this, there is still 7 months until the end and much can change in that time. As for anyone who is thinking of volunteering, this will demand all of your energy: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, but perhaps, like St. Francis said, "It is in giving that we receive."