Tomatina

A little something that's on my bucket list. Plus, it would get me back to Spain to participate.

Dear Avocado

Dear Mr. Avocado,
Thank you for being the catalyst behind a wonderful Spanish Club with some of my Jr. High students today. Who knew making guacamole together could lead to so much conversation and fun. Sometimes as a teacher I forget that my students are actual people and not just part of another group to keep quiet while I tell them what their homework is for the night. Thanks for reminding me how great it is to get to know my students on a personal level, avocado. I guess you really are a super food.

Until next time,
Mrs. Brooks

Peace

My senior year of college I took one of the most influential trips of my life. I went with a small group from my church to Guatemala to visit some of the Mayan villages in the Guatemala City area. Seeing the direct effect of civil war, injustice, and poverty made a lasting effect on me and made me want to educate myself on these issues ever since. 

Tonight I found out that one of the families that hosted us was beaten and robbed in their home very recently, possibly in reference to the work he does with the church. I visited this home just four years ago during our trip.

Please join me in praying for this family and the rest of the citizens in Guatemala so that they can experience lasting peace in their country. The really, really deserve it for what they've gone through. Just read up on the history of Guatemala in the last few decades.

"Alzaré mis ojos a los montes, de dónde vendrá mi socorro. Mi socorro vendrá a Jehova que hizo los cielos a la tierra." 

Psalm 121: 1-2

Here's me in Guatemala learning the marimba at a local school.

Christmas Traditions

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is an oldie but a goodie: White Christmas. I make a point to watch it every year during the Christmas season. I was lucky enough to watch it with Miss Aud, who also appreciates older movies. Yes, it might have a few self-indulgent dance numbers. But there's something about breaking out into song mid-sentence that just steals my heart.

Another tradition that I have come to expect every year as an elementary Spanish teacher is the request for the #1 Spanish Christmas song of all time: Felíz Navidad. Don't get me wrong, I like this song, and I see its importance as being catchy enough for kids to remember, but listening to it seven times a day for weeks on end gets a little much. I somehow got away with only playing it a few times this year. Just don't tell my students, they may revolt and demand it if they knew my evil plan...

(Christmas cards from my students, now en route to kids in Honduras)

La Fería del Colegio para Hispanos

I'm in an organization that helps the Hispanic Community in my area. Tonight, we had a college fair for Hispanic students and parents to learn about the opportunities they have for college- whether they are documented or not. I know now that I have taken so much for granted because my family was very familiar with the whole college application process. For example, here are some of the questions from tonight's session: What is a scholarship? What is an SAT? If no one in your family has ever gone to college, how would you know? Something to be thankful for, all you college grads!

Miss Amanda (aka "little") and I pre-graduation from Hanover College