I had the good fortune of being able to watch an episode of one of my favorite television series while I was with friends in town last week, and the strangest thing happened while I watched the characters making breakfast. I found myself puzzling over what they were making to eat, when I realized that they were using white eggs, something that I haven’t seen in nearly a year. In Belize, the eggs are small and brown, and they are never refrigerated in the shops. This was a big adjustment to make when we first moved into site, because I didn’t trust eggs that hadn’t been refrigerated (assuming, of course, that the American and best way to store eggs was in a cardboard carton in the refrigerator). Even the process of buying eggs seems so normal to me now that it should be pretty funny to go back to a grocery store to pick up eggs when I return home. “Going to the store” now consists of walking down the dirt road through my village to the muddy path lined with palm trees and thatch houses to the Ack Shop, a small family home that doubles as a store front. Eggs here are three for a Belizean dollar ($0.50 USD) and literally come from the chickens you step over to get inside the shop. They are small, sometimes speckled, and always brown. The family keeps them in a large egg holder on the table at the front of the shop, and gives you a “shilling bag” (a small bag that holds about one shilling’s worth of masa, hence its name) to fill with eggs.

This shop is incredible because it not only sells eggs, but masa (ground corn for making tortillas on the comal), raw rice and beans, as well as ice-cold glass bottled Mexican Cokes, butter, laundry soap and, on some special occasions, frozen Snickers bars from Guatemala.

On warm evenings I’ve been known to wander down towards the river and stop by the shop for cold sodas to have down by the water as the crickets and gentle breeze take turns stealing the show in the night air, as the burnt orange sunset sneaks behind the lush green hills of the Maya mountain ranges. As my young host brothers and sisters greet me excitedly on my walk back to my home in the village, jumping up and down and grabbing my hands to “satul” (a Maya word for “to twirl”) them by taking their arms and swinging them in circles, I realize how easily the time passes in such a beautiful, life affirming place.

If missing the comforts of home means listening to absolute silence interrupted only by the wind in the high grass and the constant conversation of the clear water over the impossibly smooth river rocks by our bridge, then I think I can put up with missing white eggs for a couple of years.

from my journal: 2.5.2002 My first morning here. A cup of coffee on my porch. It was a cold night. I must get another blanket! First order of business today! I spent the night worried about the big cockroach. Gotta get roach spray. At night my house is like a wooden box. Dark, dark. At [...]

Saturday October 15, 2011

Today is the beginning of our 5 week Central America Tour!!! Today we got on the plane and traveled to Panama first classss! Today was our first day of traveling! We started our day - Caye Cauker Island (morning)- 1st class plane ride (afternoon)- Panama (night)

In the morning we woke up in Caye Cauker and had breakfast with Roger, Christen, Lilly, Heather, and Emily. WE had delicious coffee, yogurt granola, and fruit!

Lilly’s scuba dive got canceled because of the weather. Therefore, everyone left except Heather, Roger and me. We stayed and enjoyed the island (Heather and I read and enjoyed our time).

After that it was sad to say goodbye to Roger, but we will see him in Florida with Tracy (the cutest PC couple).It was a fast boat ride to the main land (Belize City). Heather and I took a taxi straight to the airport.

When we boarded the plan it was so great when we found out we got 1st class. It was my first time in 1st class. We were upfront with champagne, pillows, blankets, and on demand! We were really living the life and extremely grateful.

Once we reached we made a friend who was an Israeli. His name was Dickel and he lost his Swiss Army knife engraved by his grandfather. We waited a while for him, which I felt bad because we had to meet Theresa (my friend from Horsham) who was traveling Central America with us!

Once we met Theresa we all tried to get a cab and the cab drivers were trying to rip us off, but the Israeli got the right price so we joined him! We got to the really cool hostel (Luna’s Castle). The hostel was lots of fun that had fun music and a party outside. However, Heather and I were exhausted because it was a long day. So we didn’t join the party. Instead I showered, wrote in my journal, and went to bed. (We showered at 1am because the hostel said that the whole block tomorrow will be out of water from 7am to 4pm.

I can’t wait to explore Panama tomorrow!!!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Friday October 14, 2011

I am officially an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer). As a last hurrah and last celebration a bunch of us PCVs who just finished our service spent one night out on the magnificent Caye Cauker! … It was definitely a great way to end our service. I am here with Heather, Lilly, Emily, Christen, and Roger. We went to lunch and then rested in the afternoon. We had a delicious dinner (lobster/chicken shrimp shish kabob and fish.

We then went to have a couple drinks at a bar that is usually really crowded; however, since it is down season (low tourist season) it is dead. November starts tourist season again—but because it is not tourist season a lot of places were closed on Caye Cauker.

Lilly was going to go diving for her last time in Belize. Tomorrow we spend the morning in Caye Cauker and then in the Belize Airport and then finally we will fly to Panama!!!!! I can’t wait!!!!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Thursday October 13, 2011

Today I got a lot accomplished. I finished up my final interviews with the country director. It all went extremely well! I can’t believe 2 years are gone. I remember how high my spirits were when I joined Peace Corps! They are shaken a little because I don’t have a plan for what is next! I feel like I am in limbo!

The past few weeks have been amazing. The women’s group was so grateful for the all the help I provided them. The teachers (Mr. Garcia and Ms. Rose) even cried on my last day at Laguna Government School (and of course I cried too). I cried a lot on the last week in the village between delivering the cards, farewell parties, and the Sacul’s wedding.

Monday and Tuesday I spent time with my amazing host family and LCF. I had such a great time besides the night I vomited the whole night away from the popusas (a Mexican food) Heather and I had at the snack shack by the Peace Corps office.

The last week at the Peace Corps Office was crazy busy with signatures and handing papers in, saying goodbyes and medical evaluations, and final interviews! It is all over…. Wow. I am glad I did it. Peace Corps was a challenge, but an amazingly rewarding job!!!! J

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Wednesday October 12, 2011This morning it was sad to say goodbye to my host family, LCF and her beautiful daughter Serena. I was off to the Peace Corps Office to start my COS process! It was time I became a RPCV (returned Peace Corps volunteer).

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Tuesday Oct 11, 2011

I made it to Belmopan. I am preparing for my COS (Close of Service) at the Peace Corps office; I also am saying my goodbyes to my first host family who lived in Maya Mopan. I ended up staying at my LCF (Language, Cultural Facilitator) Ms. Carmalina’s house because her daughter cried that I was going to sleep over (rather than my old host family). However, tonight I will spend the night at my 1st host family’s house. Mrs. Kus sister is down from San Pedro and we all played fun games all night thanks to her creativity! I had so many laughs… again such great memories!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Monday October 10, 2011

Today I left my village. It was so sad. I got up early to make sure everything was taken care of. I said goodbye to Ms. Theresa, Ms. Gloria, Bernadina, and Ms. Maria. The kids didn’t wake up in time to say goodbye… and I think they did that on purpose because they all said they were tough and wouldn’t cry…. However, I know they were as sad as me! It is sad to say goodbye because I don’t know when I will be back to see them all again. Tim was taking me to the junction to catch the bus. He took me to the Shol family to say good bye too. I cried when saying goodbye to them too. The Shols and Ms. Theresa’s family were really good to me. Those two families are very kind and good hearted!

I stopped crying once I got on the James bus. I rode to the Peace Corps office and dropped off my suitcases. After that I went to stay with my old 1st favorite host family! I couldn’t believe how big the kids have gotten!!!

Here are some pictures... of just some of the Villagers I will miss dearly....

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Sunday October 9, 2011I can’t believe today is here. It is my last full day in my village! I lasted 2 years in my village! What an experience I had!

So today is Ricardo’s and Miriams wedding! I am excited I get to celebrate with them! It was the first wedding I went to at the Pentecostal Church. It was really nice. There were bridesmaids and groomsmen all dressed up. Their two baby girls were baptized. (I often see that in the village—they get married, baptize their kids all in the same day.) It is common in the village to have kids before you are married. Common law is very common in the village ;)

Their wedding was one of the best weddings I have been to…. Very fun! They had lots of food options (caldo, bbq, or rice and beans). They had loud music and people danced! Also there was delicious cake and dessert handed out to everyone! I really enjoyed myself. However, I got really burnt trying to get around to talk to everyone. Can’t believe my Peace Corps Experience is almost Complete!!!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Saturday October 8, 2011This morning Amy came to visit me! My kid neighbors taught her how to properly machete! She is so funny that way. I am so happy she came to visit me before I left my village. After Amy left I baked at the Sacul’s house and helped them get ready for the wedding. I was so happy that I was able to go to one more wedding before I left the village. Ricardo and Miriam are getting married tomorrow!

After I helped bake. Ms. Adelita and all her kids had me over for tamales, which were really great! I will miss that family. The mom truly believes in God…. And I am very happy for her because she has had a really struggling/trying life. I give her so much credit for all that she has been through.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Friday October 7, 2011

Today is my big farewell party at Laguna Government School. It was a hard day for me. When the time came I wanted to say my speech, but I couldn’t speak… my eyes teared up. I made a slideshow of the pictures from the past years of everyone in the school. The teachers all presented me with cards from the students. It was so nice. They sang me songs/chants. I finally was able to say my speech. They made me a cake and we had cohune cabbage. It was a very special day that I will never forget. All the kids gave me hugs and said how much they will miss me. I will miss every one of them!

I went over to my host families for dinner because they apologized and invited me over. Let’s just say it didn’t end nicely they again were stealing from me. I will not be in contact with that family. I have learned my lesson… they showed me who they are and I should believe them.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Thursday October 6, 2011Today I spent the day getting ready to leave. I sent my final DOS (Description of Service) and wrote a speech to say at the last day at school and cards for everyone. After school there was a PTA meeting about the safety and security of the school. Then after dinner I went to Ms. Maria’s house for a delicious meal (she is definitely one of the BEST cooks in the village!)Below is my Description of my Service! I am proud of what I accomplished….

Peace Corps BelizeDescription of Peace Corps Service

Grace Boswell Belize, 2009-2011

After a competitive application process stressing technical skills, motivation, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding, Peace Corps invited Grace Boswell to serve as an Education Teacher Trainer in the Central American nation of Belize.

Pre-Service Training

Grace Boswell began an intensive 9-week pre-service training in Maya Mopan a community located 10 minutes from the capital, Belmopan. The program consisted of language training, technical skills training, and cross-cultural studies training. Throughout the pre-service training program, Grace Boswell lived with a Belizean family, reinforcing her linguistic abilities and exposing herself to Belizean culture and traditions.

PC Belize’s Training program included:77.5 hours of formal instruction in Q’eqchi96 hours of core topics (history, politics, economics, cross-cultural, safety & security, and health)123 hours of technical project training

Primary Assignment

On October, 22, 2009, Grace Boswell completed training and was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. She was assigned to Laguna Village, Toledo District, Belize Central America.

As a Primary Education Teacher Trainer, Grace Boswell provided formal and informal training and support to 9 different primary school teachers at Laguna Government School. She also provided classroom instructions and model teaching at the primary school almost weekly during the school year. Transferring her expertise in the classroom to the teachers in areas of lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management this would ensure sustainability.

Ms. Boswell established and ran a preschool in Laguna Village opening the doors on September 1, 2010 to fifteen 3 and 4 year-olds. She trained and mentored two teachers in early childhood, learner-centered and age-appropriate teaching methods so that the two new teachers would be able to run the preschool in the future. Ms. Boswell also instructed and motivated the teachers to promote the importance of play, use of manipulatives, differentiate instruction, literacy rich classrooms, student assessments, cooperative learning, and parent-teaching support and conferences. In addition she conducted 2 successful workshops for 15 parents promoting awareness of the importance of early childhood education. This all correlated with Peace Corps framework for early childhood education teacher training. Ms. Boswell handed over the preschool to the Ministry of Education.

Also meeting Peace Corps framework, Grace Boswell conducted 10 workshops and provided ongoing support to 10 local primary school teachers. Some of the 60 minute workshops focused specifically on literacy teaching methodologies (reading, writing, and instructional strategies), classroom management, learning styles, hands-on lesson planning, health, the environment, childhood development, and English as a second language (ESL). Grace Boswell was able to see these skills that she taught to the teachers applied in their classrooms. Grace Boswell also partnered with the teachers to help create a Laguna Government School well-planned yearly schedule of events and a handbook for the primary school. Ms. Boswell had the ability to help compose a well-written school mission and vision statement, which was shared, used and displayed by all the teachers and students of Laguna Government School.

In addition to the primary assignment, Grace Boswell instructed intervention reading groups for 30 primary school students in grades K-8. She provided individual support for struggling readers, specifically those with learning disabilities and special needs. She had a 90% success rate raising 28 students reading level, either on or above grade level. She taught and supported 6 multi-grade classroom teachers to effectively use reading diagnostic assessments and form reading groups in their classrooms.

Grace Boswell lobbied, applied, and successfully was able to receive free internet from Belize Telemedia Company for Laguna Government School. After successfully receiving internet service she taught computer classes to primary school, high school, university students and adults; teaching a total of 40 individuals the basics of computer and internet skills. Therefore, she was able to transfer her knowledge, skills and ability to use computers to the Belizeans in her village that had interest in learning and using computers.

All Ms. Boswell’s primary projects were focused on sustainability, ensuring that they continue when she leaves Belize.

Secondary Activities

Grace Boswell’s secondary projects included focusing on WID/GAD initiatives. She applied and was awarded a Peace Corps Partnership Grant for $1,950.00 US dollars after writing a detailed proposal for Laguna Women’s Group. This grant was used to receive training for 19 women in quality bag and craft making, learning new designs and marketing to encourage independence and economic self-reliance for all the women in her village. Ms. Boswell also worked with the women’s group to create brochures, a website, and a logo to market their small business. She also created a partnership with Mount St. Mary’s University, MD and the Laguna women’s group. This was all accomplished in order to attain local financial sustainability for the women of Laguna.

After Ms. Boswell received the grant she shared her knowledge of grant writing to 4 village council members so that the village could have the ability to write a successful grant in the future.

Grace Boswell also conducted Literacy for Action Project for Laguna Village Women’s Group to help 10 ladies learn some of the basics of reading and writing in a 2 week session. Given that Ms. Boswell had the ability to help children read and write she then pursued to teach the adults literacy skills they could use for the rest of their lives.

Grace Boswell also ran a successful GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) Club focusing on a total of 21 girls’ self-esteem, self-reliance, and self-expression. The girls and Ms. Boswell would meet almost 4 times a week for 2 hour meetings. Once a year she contributed in organizing a 5 day summer camp in 2010 and 2011 for Belizean girls all over Belize. She brought a total of 9 girls to camp. Grace Boswell transferred her knowledge of extracurricular activities to two young women in the village. Therefore, the group has been taken over by two Belizean women so that it continues when Ms. Boswell leaves Laguna Village.

Ms. Boswell also had informal health and fitness classes for children ages 6 to 14. These classes were focused on the well-being of the children in Laguna and to encourage good health practices at a young age.

Grace Boswell spent over 10 hours a week on her secondary projects, also ensuring that they were well run sustainable projects.

Language Skills

Grace Boswell was trained in Q’eqchi, the local language of Laguna Village, and obtained language acquisition from her local villagers. Grace Boswell was able to use this language to successfully integrate into her village aiding her to be more effective in both her primary and secondary projects. Understanding and being able to speak some Q’eqchi allowed her to integrate and complete projects easier especially with the Laguna Women’s Group project.

Summary

Grace Boswell completed her Peace Corps service in Belize on October 14, 2011.

Pursuant to section 5(f) of the Peace Corps Act 22 U.S.C 2504 (f) as amended, any former Volunteer employed by the United States Government following their Peace Corps Volunteer service is entitled to have any period of satisfactory Peace Corps Volunteer service credited for purposes of retirement, seniority, reduction in force, leave and other privileges based on length of federal government service. Peace Corps service shall not be credited toward completion of the probationary or trial period or completion of any service requirement for career appointment.

This is to certify in accordance with Executive Order No. 11103 of 10 April 1963, that Grace Boswell served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Her service in Belize ended on October 14, 2011. She is therefore eligible to be appointed as a career-conditional employee in the competitive civil service on a non-competitive basis.

This benefit under the Executive Order entitlement extends for a period of one year after termination of the Volunteer’s service, except that the employing agency may extend that period for up to three years for a former Volunteer who enters military service, pursues studies at a recognized institution of higher learning, or engages in other activities that, in the view of the appointing authority, warrant extension of the period.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Wednesday October 5, 2011

Today I went to school all day and then afterwards went to church. They acknowledged me a church that I would be leaving soon, thanked me, and prayed for me. It was really nice. Every day I am getting more and more sad to leave these people that have become friends and family to me.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Tuesday October 4, 2011Today we had 3 PCVs in Laguna Village: Shannon (teaching marketing), Nate (setting up all the computers that were donated) and I. Today my women’s group threw me a farewell party. It was so nice (chicken caldo, corn tortilla, and pooch). Nate, Shannon and all my teachers and principal came to the farewell lunch with me! After the lunch and when the teachers left the women presented me with a beautiful wooden bowl and jipajoper basket, as well as my 2 cuxtals (one for my computer bag and one as my teaching bag). I definitely got teary eyed I am so sad to leave my women’s group and Laguna.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Monday October 3, 2011

Today Shannon (a PCV from up north) came down south to teach my women’s group strategies about marketing. Shannon did a great job! Thanks so much to Shannon for coming to teach my women new strategies that can help their craft business.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Sunday October 2, 2011

Today I got up and really sorted through all my items. Sorted what I was going to sell, give away, throw away, or take home. I am trying to get myself organized before I go on my 5 week backpacking trip. My thatch house is getting more and more emptied.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Saturday October 1, 2011

Today I was supposed to see and say goodbye to Miss Jackaline, who lives at Dump (maybe 5 miles up the road). However, I was unable to see her because it was raining so hard. It has been raining so much recently. I know one thing for certain is that I will definitely not miss the MUD!!!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Friday September 30, 2011

Today I woke up early to continue my house to house visits with all the villagers. However, during midafternoon I had a call from the principal that he was on his way to look at the barrels and sort through them (and see all the new computers that were sent).

The teachers and villagers were excited to open the barrels.

When I started looking at the items I noticed a Kekchi song book and I wondered why that would have been shipped from the states. Then I realized that Paula shipped back all my stuff that I had given her to bring home when she visited me in Dec 2010. It was all my teaching clothes and books. She sent it all back and a lot of my teaching clothes got sold to the villagers already. I was able to salvage one dress skirt and one dress pants and all the books. These barrels were still causing me heartache because I would have to find space in my suitcase to bring home about 15 books that were already home!

Anyway, I was happy the villagers were so excited to receive all the items and computers! I was most excited that Laguna Gov’t School was going to have 10 working computers!!!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Thursday September 29, 2011

Today we had no school because it was BNTU meetings in town. I went to PG to get my last of my groceries. I wouldn’t be buying anymore because I will be leaving the village soon for good L So I rode my bike to the junction and then went into town. I did all my shopping; however, I put my box of food on a different bus. I was panicking that the bus had already left. I didn’t know what to do because I only had my name on the box (not the name of my village). I was planning to take the other bus with Ms. Maria and her family I tried calling their phone to see if they could get my box for me. Their phone was dead. But, luckily their brother-in-law was on the bus with them. He called me that they would get the box when they got off the bus. Therefore, all my groceries made it to Laguna… thanks to the Iche family!

After getting back from PG and putting all my groceries away I went visiting villagers to say my goodbyes. While visiting I got a call from my principal that the barrels we have been waiting for are on their way and they should be in the village sometime this night. The barrels ended up not coming until midnight (3 kids from across the street stayed up and waited with me.) I finally got the call and we all went in the pouring rain to open the school and put the barrels in the classroom.

I was so excited the barrels actually made it. This donation project has given me such heartache. So happy everything made it safe and sound to Laguna Village!

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Wednesday September 28, 2011

Today was just a normal day at school where I observed one of my teachers and gave her constructive feedback. Her classroom is really awesome. I can tell she has been studying hard; she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at UB (University of Belize) in primary education.

Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

from my journal: 3pm, Monday, 2.4.2002 In my house. MY house! Finally! Managed to be here by 10 am! With Kahzy. I was waiting with the cab driver, calling Kahz and finally he showed up. He’s Scared of the geese-as am I. Rupert brought me atable and two chairs… and here starts the real acclimation! [...]

From my journal: 1.30.2002 Friday’s the move-in date…my plan: Friday, move majority of my stuff-get stuff from Susanne’s, buy fridge, table, chairs and a bed of some sort (at least a foam mattress, or a real mattress)  I may not spend the night there, but at Aaron’s. Saturday, I can spend a few hours there [...]

I was re-energizedfor this New Year by traveling to the States over the December holidays. I visited my mother and cousins inCalifornia, spent a couple of days with my close friend, Maureen, in Binghamton, wentto a Syracuse basketball game with my son Michael and his girlfriend, Maeve and spent the rest of my vacation with Michael and all my beloved in-laws inthe Catskills. Before this visit to theUS I had been dealing with recurring attacks of homesickness, and this shorttrip was exactly what the doctor ordered to give me strength to keepgoing. The love of family and friends,and their excitement and interest in my experiences here in Belize were likewater to my thirsty soul. Loneliness andhomesickness are very common experiences for Peace Corps Volunteers, and weappreciate every letter, email, phone call and package sent our way to helpbuoy us when those feelings threaten to overwhelm us. Thank you.My mom and I visit the Getty Villa in Los AngelesMaeve, Michael and I attend a Syracuse University basketball game

Upon returning toBelize, there was still a week of vacation left before school reconvened,because schools are closed for three weeks during the Christmas holidays. So I used the time to begin preparing aworkshop on phonics that I will soon deliver to teachers. I met that week in Belmopan with my PeaceCorps colleagues who are also literacy volunteers and we shared ideas andmaterials and inspired each other. Thenschool began again in earnest. Afterseveral months in the fall of observing teachers in schools, attendingmeetings, and dealing with my own illness and hospitalization, I am finallyvisiting schools on a regular schedule, meeting with the same teachers everyweek at the same schools. In our trainingsessions Peace Corps had explained to us that it would take a good six monthsof observation and getting to know the principals, schools and teachers before we would finda niche. I now see the wisdom of takingit slow and establishing rapport. After Christmas vacation, when I returned tothe schools, the principals and teachers welcomed me back with greatwarmth. Several teachers approached meto ask for help with ideas, testing, and intervention for students who arereading below grade level. At all of my schools I have groups of students Itutor in reading, while teachers observe, and I give the materials and ideas to the teachers so that they can work with the children when I am not there. I also work with parents in an adult literacyclass in Spanish. This work ischallenging and fulfilling and I hope I will make at least a little bit ofdifference for some Belizean children and teachers.

My exciting newsfor this month is an important move that I made: I finally moved into my own apartment. I enjoyed living for seven months with my host family, MissCas and the kids, but I was also eager to move into my own place with more roomto move around and finally get my clothes out of suitcases. My new place is the bottom floor of a kind ofduplex. Many homes in Belize are builtwith one dwelling on the ground floor and a second home in the upstairs part ofthe house. The previous tenant wasanother Peace Corps Volunteer, Kirstin, who recently completed her third yearof service and has returned to the US. Kirstin served for two years in Burkina Faso, and then extended for athird year here in Belize. We enjoyedsharing ideas and activities with Kirstin and will miss her company. I am thankful to have the opportunity to moveinto the apartment that Kirstin used, as it is furnished. Dangriga Peace Corps Volunteers Steve and Cathy Burnham, Kirstin McCabe Krudwig, Meghan VanDeventer and me at Kirstin's going-away party

The house isdirectly across the street from Alejo Beni Park, and just one home away fromthe Caribbean Sea. I can hear the wavesgently lapping along the coast from my open windows. My new landlady, a widow named SandraGarrett, is very kind and eager to share her knowledge of Dangriga withme. She has given me tips on where toshop for the best bargains for food. Shehas a dog, Sparky, who is really just an overgrown puppy, rambunctious andimpossible to calm. Dogs in Belizeare primarily used as watch dogs, and are kept outside. Sparky is kept on a lead and has a dog houseto shelter him from the rain. My house (I'm on the bottom floor)My kitchen and living roomMy bedroom and bathroomSparky, our "watchdog"Alejo Beni Park, across the street from my houseStanding in front of my house, looking toward the sea

This is a newphase of my service here in Belize. Having my own place means cooking for myself and having the opportunityto host guests. Last weekend I hostedthree people from the US, Canada and Denmark who facilitated a workshop forteachers on storytelling and creative writing. I enjoyed cooking for my visitors and assisting them with workshopsthat are beneficial for Belizean teachers and students. In my new home I alsoenjoy having the extra space to spread out the materials that I make almostdaily to use in the classroom. Teachershere do not have many resources, and make most of the simple games, flashcardsand charts that they use in their classroom, from cardboard, markers, glue andlaminated with many strips of clear plastic packing tape. Every day I work on these materials to sharewith teachers and to use in my own tutoring sessions.

The following aremore photos of my town, Dangriga. I hopeyou enjoy this little tour:Dangriga's version of Home Depot, Habet's HardwareHomes in Dangriga are either made of cement, like mine, or wooden, like this one. Most of the streets are unpaved.The offices where I meet with my Ministry of Education colleaguesThe Dangriga post officeDancing to the Garifuna drums around the corner from my house at the newly opened inn, Sea Breeze

Full moon in Dangriga

from my journal: Up around 6am, early bird cats. me, a bit grouchy. Laundry and packing- planning my to do list, not yet 10 o’clock. Playing with the cats and drinking coffee. Yesterday’s hitchhiking adventure: why it’s not a good idea with two cats: 1. Cats hate being carried in bags. 2. An agitated cat [...]

Last night, I  had dinner at cafe Sol with Chad, Ellen, Matt, his friend, Aaron, Susanne and  a Trek Force guy. Good Food. Susanne tells me my place is ready to move into. Complete with paint and kitchen sink. I have accumulated a lot to move! But I’m really looking forward to my ‘cabin’ in [...]

I have wanted to not write about the politics drowning out most public communication in the US right now, but it seems inescapable. It has given me both headaches and writer’s block. Like the sewer backing up in your basement,...

NOVEMBER 2011 - I am slowly settling in Denver with my son and his family. The transition back to the States is not as bad as most volunteers experience. I realize from the start that I would not have a hard time, living as long as I have and experiencing a variety of life transitions, this one would be a piece of cake.

JANUARY 2012 - I was wrong. These past couple of months were interesting. After spending the first month visiting with friends in California, I returned to Denver to start my life as a grandmother. I discovered that my life in Belize was very much connected to the people and the country. Fortunately, in this new world of electronics, I continued to keep my friendships with them.

My motivation and energy are at the lowest. I still struggle to fit into my new life in the suburbs and living the American life. I credit these feelings to the winter months of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It's taken me all this time to finish my blog, but with the new year I look forward to documenting my experience with a photo book to show my friends and family. If anyone is interested in seeing my book, please contact me.

I want to thank all who have read my blog and followed my two years in Belize - there is so much more to write and document but that will be for another time.

Hello everyone!

Well, boy, it has been a few months from our last blog. What can I say....it must be the holidays. So, where to begin. First, Thanksgiving was as blast. On the actual day of Thanksgiving, Nate and I stayed home and made a real Belizean dinner. I made split peas, rice, and pig tail. That's right, pig tail. It is a delicacy here and well, everyone loves it. Its like ham, but saltier and needs to be boiled 4 times so that it can be edible. It was great! But then that Saturday, we had our traditional Peace Corps dinner. I made a big old turkey for Thanksgiving. Plus, I made my mom's famous broccoli salad. Nate made his famous Goss brownies, a recipe created from scratch! The dinner was wonderful. It was a time to give thanks and reflect on how much we missed being surrounded by family and friends.

December went by in a blur. We had tons of Christmas parties and Christmas concerts. We only had a few weeks of school but they were crazy. I loved watching the Christmas parade with the children from my school dancing and singing. During the Christmas break I also had the change to visit another Peace Corps friend in her Village called Peublo Viejo. It is one of the furthest villages in Belize. It was a 3 hour bus ride through the jungle and the Mayan mountains. The village has no water or electricity. In the two days that I was there, I watched the villagers kill a pig. The pig fed over 100 people and for 3 meals. We had pork caldo (a traditional Mayan soup) as well as pork and rice/beans. It was delicious. My favorite part of the whole visit was going over to someone's home and baking with a family. During that time, we helped to make homemade corn tortillas for the caldo.

Besides cooking, we bathed and washed clothes in the river. We also helped to wash dishes in the river as well. Boy what an experience.

After the trip to the village, Nate and I made a large Christmas dinner for all of our Belizean friends and family at our house. It was a day long event. Nate and I made 2 turkeys and a traditional Christmas dinner including green bean casserole and stuffing. In addition to our traditional food, we also added foods that are traditional for Christmas dinner in Belize that included rice/beans and potato salad. It was a wonderful time to honor our time here in Belize. Oh, a side note. Guess what?! I made my first ever pies (FROM SCRATCH). I made a homemade apple pie and pumpkin pie. They turned out wonderfully. Who knew you come to Belize to learn how to cook?

During this time, we were also babysitting a friend's dog while she was in the states. Nate and I were surprised on Christmas day, when the dog somehow opened the refrigerator and ate another pumpkin pie. Boy, it was something else. We spent Christmas with our Belizean host family and friends, minus one pie!

Belize basically shuts down during the holidays. The school is closed for 3 weeks and most businesses closes for two weeks. Nate had two weeks off and I was off for 3 weeks. Its sounds all fun and relaxing. And honestly, it was for the most part. Nate and I both kept busy doing Peace Corps initiatives. He is in the process of working on a language program, teaching others the languages of Belize. I know I brag about him all the time, but seriously, he is a brilliant man and this program will change the lives of so many people in and out of Belize. I will let him describe it, as I know that he will describe it better than I could.

The new year has started with a bang. Nate is working hard at work, helping his organization get ready for an annual general meeting. He is still working hard on his language initiative. School started for me and the after school programs are going well. We are getting really excited to have Nate's mom come into country in a few days! We plan on visiting one of the cayes (island) in Belize. We cannot wait to see her. In February my sisters, Melissa and Janice are coming. Nate and I are excited to have family come and visit. We cannot wait to show them the sites of Belize, as well as our home and things that we have learned. We also cannot wait for them to meet the people we love and try some of the food here in Belize too.

I think Nate and I are starting to grasp that we only have a few months left in this journey. We have a large conference (COS-Close of Service Conference) in February. Nate was selected to be on the COS committee. I think he will offer his computer talents, sense of humor, and creativity to the conference.

We are in the process of getting our resumes updated, so we can start applying for jobs.

I am not sure when we will blog again, but know that we miss you all. There are so many funny stories that we encounter here and so many learning lessons as well. Too many to blog about, so we will share them when we get back. Think June!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday time. We can't wait to see you soon! Email us and let us know how you are doing too!

Love,

Michelle (and Nate)

I’m not going to lie I was homesick that I would miss the holidays back home in the states, but I was extremely excited to spend the holidays here in Belize and see how the people and communities celebrate.

For thanksgiving, all the Peace Corps volunteers who were around celebrated on the Saturday after thanksgiving because most of us still had to work since we don’t get the holiday off. That day I was out at Santa Martha government school on my usual wed and thur outings there. Little did I know that the staff at our offices had surprised Barbara (the other pcv in the office working with literacy) and me with a turkey dinner at lunchtime at the office. Since we weren’t there and out at the village school our driver drove it out to us! J It was so great and touching that the people we work with are so caring and thoughtful in thinking about us for that holiday tradition of ours. It made us really feel that we are a part of a family in that office. Our Peace Corps thanksgiving was awesome! We had all the trimmings. Turkey, ham, mash potatoes, rolls, yams, salad and I attempted to make auntie becki’s broccoli rice casserole and Grandma Bea’s green bean salad and they both turned out great! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and the company. We also invited some of our Belizean friends to share in our tradition of giving thanks and what we all were thankful for this season.

Also going on during the end of November and the beginning of December was world AIDS day activities, which my counterpart and I were a part of as many activities as possible. Throughout the 2 week of activities we had numerous health fairs at schools, at parks and all over town; giving out HIV testing, glucose testing, Hb, BMI, flu shot, free contraceptives and considerable amount of information on hand. I also went out to a high school and gave a couple lessons on the myths and facts about HIV in Belize, as well as, a lesson on different types of contraceptives available.

All our Thanksgiving Food!!

Health Fairs

Teaching students to use condoms.

The first week of December our pc training group had our IST (in service training or reconnect) with our counterparts. It was great seeing everyone and to see how everyone was doing in their villages and towns. Following that week into the weekend I decided to continue a little farther west back to succotz to visit my host family for the weekend. It was absolutely wonderful to see them again. They are always so welcoming with open arms, great hospitality and great food. It was my host sister bday so we celebrated with homemade tres leche cake! I love going back to that village because it is such a stark difference from my town lifestyle up in orange walk. It’s the only time I feel like when I’m doing absolutely nothing, it is certainly fine and okay.

My host family's land.

The following week was the last week for all the schools in Belize, so as you can imagine a bunch of Christmas parties ensued and the kids could not wait to get out of there and go on their Christmas vacation. On one of those days, some of the staff and I went out to a village school, Fireburn School to deliver the students some little toys and cake and juice. This village and school are so cute and small. It took about an hour for us to get there, through town we went then heading west through many other villages then through the big Mennonite community of shipyard then there is fireburn. A village of about 100 and a school with only 32 students!

And then Friday December 16 hit! I was planning a trip to go down to placensia with some friends and go scuba diving, but how quickly plans change! J I came down with the worst case of food poisoning that weekend or at least I thought…fast forward 2 weeks. I got the same symptoms down in Punta gorda over New Year’s Eve. I knew something wasn’t right! The following week I was in Belmopan for our quarterly WID/GAD meeting (a pc committee) and was able to see our MO. She took down everything I was telling her and eventually had to give her a stool sample (totally normal being a pcv, we do it more often than you think). And low and behold I caught my first parasite, Amoebas! I’m totally okay just got to take some meds and I’m good as new!

Sorry for that interjection, so now back to Christmas week! Our offices were still open during the break, but extremely slow because no school was in session, so as you can imagine it was a lot of catching up time for me and hanging out with friends. One of the evenings that week, some of the PCV went over to Barbara’s host family home for a wonderful dinner and great company and conversation. Later that week, some of us went to Belize City to visit a fellow PCV who broke her ankle (tibia and fibula) and was resting at another PCV house before getting med-vac to the states for surgery. Surgery went well and she is recovering wonderfully and we hope she can get back to Belize soon! The following day I had made dinner for the PCV who were still here for Christmas. I was in the mood to cook good holiday food! So I made a homemade ham, twice baked potatoes and we also had salad and homemade bread. A great meal and even better leftover ham sandwiches.

Now, for Christmas Eve and day! On Christmas Eve I went over to my host family’s home that afternoon and early evening. We had such great food! There was pibil (it can be compared to carnitas) and relleno or black dinner (stuffed chicken in a black soup). After a ton of food and drink, molly, another PCV in town invited us over for a quick pasta dinner then we all went to mass at the Catholic Church. It was quick, short and exactly one hour! Pretty impressive for a Christmas mass, I was definitely surprised. On Christmas day, slept in a little bit and opened a couple boxes I had sent to me! Thanks mom and dad, Uncle Steve, and mike! I saved them from the post office and chose to open them that morning. Very fun! That morning, molly again invited us over for a breakfast brunch and some mimosas. After watching the movie, Love Actually, I headed home for a quick clean-up and shower. Then I headed over to my friend, Dorian’s family friends house and watched the Laker game! Boo, they lost! Had some more good food: turkey, ham, cranberries, cheese dip, ceviche, and potato salad. Then, we went to another family friend’s house for a quick hello. Then, off to the club on Christmas day night! LOL. It was fun just with good friends and good laughs. The following day, was Boxing Day. So after sleeping in again! I went out to the village, San Esteven with my friend again for some more food and drink. It was another long night but, that’s what Christmas in Belize is all about. Visit family and friends from house to house and to drink and be merry! Overall, Christmas was a blast here in Belize. Different than being home with family and loved ones and the cold weather, but I’m glad I got to experience that while living here. My little Christmas tree.

For new years I decided to go down to Punta gorda (pg) and see some other PCV keeping it mellow for the holiday. My friend, Darrell, a PCV came up Thursday to check out orange walk because he is from the deep south in the Toledo district, with no electricity, etc. in his village. So I showed him around orange walk that day, then we both headed to pg the next day on the long 8 hour bus journey. PG is such a nice relaxing, sleepy town. We all stayed at our friend Melissa’s house while she was out of town in the states. Then, as I said earlier the unbelievable happened I got the bad stomach issues and my new year’s eve consisted of being in bed in fetal position counting down to the new year. Luckily the next day I was feeling much better and able to keep some food down and feel somewhat normal for the long ride back Monday morning.

Some other quick news is that I finally started the first couple lessons for the computer class at Santa Martha government school. I can tell the kids are really excited to get going when they return to school this week. And with that being said, school starts and back to the daily schedule of work in the mornings, football practice at the high school and wed/thur in Santa Martha, and I’m still playing on the women’s volleyball team in the evenings! Haha.

Gaia :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!...And can you believe it I’ve been here for 10 months now!!

Peace Corps Interview

Learn how to land a job with the Peace Corps and some interesting interview tips From: UCRCareerCenter Views: 62953 118 ratings Time: 04:14 More in Howto & Style

A Yogic Couple's Journey: From Peace Corps in Belize to Ashtanga in the OC!

An Interview with a Yogi Couple: From Peace Corps in Belize to Ashtanga in the OC! From: sotoyoga Views: 1 0 ratings Time: 02:30 More in People & Blogs

We pulled it off, meeting for these instant days, the first since I’ve returned from Peace Corps service in Belize. My son and his wife, come from New York City, my daughter and her love up from Los Angeles, Tracy...

Jess and I walked into town. Breakfast at Martha’s. Finishing our meal and paying the bill, a shot rang out. Men with handguns and one armed with a shotgun swarmed up to Maxim’s store, staking themselves around the closed up sotre. we all peered out the big front window. The front door bolted. A black [...]

Hopefully all of you out there can answer this question now.

Three Months in the Motherland:Reflections...Testing capacity of Greg's hammockPCV Greg CasalettoOur little buddy Seaford Everton Co (Steve)The two crazies...Margarita and Greg

Letters:I sneaked a few peaks at letters on the bus ride out of Belize, but gluttonously read the rest on the plane as I promised. They were long and detailed and had funny little stories and sad pleadings to return soon. Careful drawings were enclosed and precious stickers added. It took almost a month to write back to each of them, but the new role of pen pal has been established. I started to write my adult friends and just got a call from one saying she got her letter! Meredith has been most helpful by allowing me to send huge quantities to her so I don't have to pay 98 cents for each letter, thanks Meredith! But this is the 21st century and mail isn't the only form of communication...Some of our lettersTexts:We got phones after a week or so stateside. I brought my old sim card from my phone in Belize to get my numbers off of. The AT&T guy asked where I got a 'Digicel' chip from and found it funny that I had carried this tiny thing around so I could text my villagers. Any-who so I got most of my numbers off and sent out a text saying, "Good morning, this is my new phone #. I miss u, say hi 2 everyone! -Kevina"

Here are a few of the responses:Ofelia:1. Same with us we really miss you guys nice to hear from you2. oh especially my mother in law she is always crying for u guys say. hi to greg3. ok.so what are u doing now?? Armin alway asking for u guys. i told him that u guys went back to your country.4 &5 texting me other villager's numbers6. I know how u feel kevina all d people from here really everyone always ask if u txt us or cal we told them no maybe kevina do not buy her phone yet we...7. told them8. Ok. we join a project now we are try to make kosh'tal (*the maya bags*)9. Yeah i am at d creek now u can just imagine how your creek looks10. ok then. oh evet's baby dead again i hear they wil bury d body today11. ok kevina we can chat later i am busy washing nw later.

Verginia:1. Hello kev! i am doing fine. if u do receive my txt plz reply me back2. oh ok. yes i wil do tel her. last week we had isqwa n lancha fish my dad was crying, he said he mis u both. so how is greg doing?3. oh del hope when u both reach bak u can hav some. the teul's family mis u and say hi 2 u an greg. meredith is having a great time so far.

Angelica:1. ok i mis u 2 everything is wit u?2. I mis u 2 kevina i will do dat hw are u an greg?3. yeah i knw me 2 i stil think like u are still wit my uncle Santi. so are u working nw?

Fermin:1. hi kevin a its so nice to hear frm u guys. miss u both a lot! enjoying d laptop so far and we r all doing mighty fine jun got a job on a cement factory2. yeah! did greg still got his job? wat was ur fmly reaction upon ur return? Armin is speaking fluent now i wil try to email greg dis wknd i hope it workout3. ok kev i need to get inside case it start to rain ya i am at my wrk my kids r doing gud in their studies i am proud of den until 2marow sen ur fmly my 4. regards ok

Mr. Juarez at school:1. Ya! I'm hapy 2 hear from u an greg2. Sure pls take care c later3. Tell greg hi from d family ok

Saturnina:1. Same 2 u kev.i am very proud of u 22. same 2 u kev we really miss u a lot 23. ok is ur mother in law surprise 2 c u wen u guys reach bak?4. I knew dat wil b a shock 2 her. i wil tx u later ms. kev we r at d river nw i dont had full service

As our phone numbers spread through the village we get more and more texts. I usually get a few a day, and most of my best friends text me at least once a week. It really helps feel like I am still there and a part of the village. Usually they want to know 'what nice I eat for lunch?' or what I am doing. During thanksgiving I had to explain that we eat turkey but that we don't 'piece it out' or cut it into chunks for a soup but leave it together and bake it. We have also had several phone calls from villagers and that is really nice and kinda surreal. We called the Coh family a few weeks after we got back and it was so good to hear their voices again! We are lucky to have served in the Peace Corps during a time where there are technologies like this to keep us close. Volunteers of years past have sometimes gone the rest of their lives without getting to speak to their villagers ever again, and that would be terrible.

Emails:One of my final projects was to help get Internet at the school. We were able to get the modem through the telemedia company before we left but that was during break so I did not really get to see it in use. Meredith has been working with the teachers and standard VI students and much to my delight I opened my inbox to a slurry of village emails!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Dear Mrs.Kevina,

How are you ?

I hope everything is alright with you.In our village two weeks

ago,they had celebrated the sacrment of matrimony.

And they had a very big party.

Sometimes I get sad because I donot see you again.

Yesterday Orjelinda and me accidentally drop in the creek.

when Federico and I go to the farm we drop in the creekand we just laugh.

I am so happy too with the internet and I WISH you good luck and BYE

respectfully yours

Cynthia Pop.

silver creek villageToledo districtBelize CANovember 22 2011

Dear kevinahow is your day now bad or good,because in silver creek is very hot.kevina i want to tell you that your freind walter got marry on october 16 but the things is going in my life is very

good. we have a nice day thats only what i want to tell you.

have a nice day.

your freind,

Blanca Tiul

Silver Creek Village Toledo District November 24, 2011 Dear Miss KevinaHow are u doing in the state now miss Kevina? And I want to ask u.And when is your Birth day .And what is your phone numer.That’s why Iam wroteing my letter to u Miss K Love Lorencia

Silver Creek R.C Silver Creek VillageToledo DistrictBelize C AOctober 25 2011Dear Ms Kevina, I really miss you and everyone misses you,too.I ate pumpkin with rice, yesterday. Devon was watching a movieit was about a child's birthday. Devon wanted a birthday cake, too.That was the funny story you missed. There is no exiciting thingsin my family right now. However, there was a bad thursday holiday.We buried, Yvette's baby and I buried my dog, the little black andwhite, Fluppy. There is nothing much in town or farm, because I have not gone there lately. They said they let go a little turtle in the creek by the bridge. I am reading about Belize, it is about the environment, history, and geography. Are you missing the caldos and much more? Did you read the letter I gave you on September 22nd, 2011? And have you sent a return letter? Did you send our pictures for the sleepover? We hope you will come back to our village.I, Seynida Coh really miss you. Love, xoxoxoSilver Creek R.C SchoolToledo District,November 24, 2011Dear, Miss Kevina, How is living in the country of united states of America.How is Greg? Aren’t you crying for me? Merideth is working with us on theInternet and we are working on a tide project the principal will ask for tideTo take us to the Cayes if we win. When is your B day? My sistere say thatWhen school close she would take me to Belize City. When would you comeBack to the country of Belize?Silver Creek R.C School

Meredith's blog:http://in-the-hodge-podge.blogspot.com/In case you have fallen in love with the little village of Silver Creek, which you probably have, and you want to see what is happening now, you can check out the new PCV Meredith's blog. I know I will!!

The Loss of a Dear Friend:We learned some very sad news a few weeks ago. Our host brother, Fermin Co died. Fermin was a true brother to Greg and I. He worked at Santa Teresa where my dear friend Amy (PCV) lived and would often bring her back to Silver Creek so she could visit with us and the wonderful Coh family. He has a wonderful wife, who is one of my best friends and two sweet children that have been left behind. His 3 year old son doesn't understand and has said he will buy a horse for his daddy. Fermin always loved to laugh and joke and was quick to throw an impromptu party for our visitors or just on a Friday. He died December 12th. He was the second son to die in two years for the Coh family. Please keep his family in your thoughts. We miss you Fermin.

The End:This blog has served its purpose and is finally at an end. We live in America again, but now we are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. I really appreciate all of you out there that have read and commented and emailed encouragement. I hope that, like Greg and myself, you have grown to understand another culture, and to appreciate a different way of life. I hope I never forget the lessons I've learned while serving and am truly grateful that we had the opportunity to be a part of 'Promoting World Peace and Friendship' through the Peace Corps.

Thank you to our families and friends who supported us through the good times and encouraged us at our bleakest moments. Thank you everyone for the letters, emails and calls over the years. Lastly, thank you to my fellow volunteers for the support, laughter, jokes, and camaraderie that surely will go unmatched. Thank you and goodbye.

~Fin~

I remember the car ride well. Dad drove, and Alicia and I sat in the back seat--both because we were too small to sit in front of an air-bag and because we would fight over the privilege of sitting "shotgun". We rolled up and down the hills of US-58, and dad, casually as if it were the weather, asked us if we wanted to learn Spanish. That day will live forever in my mind.

Kathryn and I are spending the Christmas holiday in Mexico this year. We arrived at the airport in Mexico City on the 19th and will depart on the 30th. In the meantime, we have been traipsing across the country-side surrounding the city, seeing the sights and meeting/visiting family. Thankfully, dad made the trip as well and has played tour-guide and travel agent. We've had a fantastic time thus far and are incredibly grateful to finally spend a holiday with family (unfamiliar as they may be).

As a result, the past week has put my linguistic inabilities in stark relief. Obviously, I play spectator to most conversations. Dad interprets important parts, but otherwise I do the best I can. Kathryn, after dedicating herself to Spanish classes, studying, and a week of immersion school, participates a bit as well. She would tell you it's not that much and that it's all wrong, but I'm a connoisseur of self-deprecation. When she wants to, she can almost always communicate what she's thinking. Her Spanish skills have come along by leaps and bounds in the past year, and this week has shown that.

I, on the other hand, am limited to observing. I'm rarely a talkative person, so that's nothing new; but this is a whole new experience. Despite Peace Corps language training, a half-hearted attempt at Spanish class, and sporadic self-guided study sessions, I can say only that I usually get the gist of what's happening. And this is why I mentioned the car ride with dad.

Riding down the road, hit by a ton of bricks, I answered no. If memory serves me, Alicia did, too. We were probably 7 and 5, respectively. At the time, the only Spanish we'd been exposed to was either on TV, at the convenience store our parents owned, or when dad called our "Abuelita" at Christmas. I can say with absolute certainty that we had no idea of the gravity of our decisions. I can also say, however, that since the moment I answered, I knew I made the wrong choice.

Since then, I've been Francisco Fernandez, the English-speaker; Francisco Fernandez, the white boy. I cannot begin to count the number of people who have looked at me quizzically when confronted with this bit of information. It's like, for a split second, I opened a third eye in my forehead. And then comes the inevitable, the dreaded, "Why?".

Over the years, I've created a lot of different reasons--particularly since I decided not to take Spanish in school. A common answer attributed the decision to the stubbornness I inherited from my father. If he tried to teach me, we'd butt heads and suffer for it. Then there's, "I just never needed it." And, most recently, I've convinced myself that if I have to learn to read French and German as well as Hebrew, Spanish will only make things worse. The more I listen to myself, the more I realize I'm simply making excuses.

This week has eaten away my excuses like acid (hydrochloric "eat-your-face-off" acid, as my high school chemistry teacher would say). It's easy to write-off a bad decision when you don't have to face the consequences. Here, on the other hand, I'm confronted by a host of family who want nothing more than to share their love and their lives with me, and I'm simply incapable of doing so. Nonverbal communication only goes so far. I'm embarrassed because I can't communicate, but I'm afraid of embarrassing myself by using what little Spanish I know incorrectly.

So why have I done this to myself?

Because I want to be right. I want to remember that car ride and know that I didn't lose 20 years where I could have been learning Spanish. Unfortunately, I did lose that time. And in that time, I've also lost the chance to build relationships with aunts, uncles, and cousins. I'd like to say that it's never too late for those things, but going to my grandmother's grave tomorrow, I know that's not true. Now all that's left is embarrassment, shame, guilt, and jealousy--of Kathryn and my dad and every other multi-lingual person who has taken advantage of the opportunity I squandered. The only upshot is that this cocktail of terrible emotions just might serve as motivation enough to get this monkey off my back.

I apologize for the narcissistic nature of this post. The past two night's I've been unable to sleep thinking about Spanish, so I'm hoping that the least I'll gain from this is a little rest. Also, I feel I owe it to all those whom I've answered insincerely when asked about speaking Spanish. In any event, if you've made it this far, I'll reward you with some brand-new pictures from our adventures south of the boarder. Whatever the tone of this post, we're loving Mexico.

Peace,

Cisco

Arrival at the airport with dad and Tio Rafael.

Kathryn stretching between Izta and Popo, the volcanoes overlooking Mexico City (inactive and active, respectively).

Kathryn and the young cousins celebrating with sparklers shortly after midnight on Christmas Eve.

Christmas 1914 found much of the world at war. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungry and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a Serbian Nationalist in protest to Austria-Hungry having control of the region. Serbia wanted to take control...

With a belly full on pancakes I sit in Dangriga wearing my brand new Christmas pajamas compliments of Patty O'Neill. It's not a bad way to start Christmas morning. Being in Belize during the holidays is a bittersweet thing. It is the first time Danny or I have ever been away from our families at Christmas. I remember driving away from my mom's house on Christmas last year in tears because I knew how much I would miss it. I can't believe a year has passed since that night. Christmas has been everything I could have ever asked for here. We decorated our house in the village with Christmas lights and potpourri from Dad. Christmas Eve was spent relaxing on the docks in a hammock reading and joking around with a dear friend.

Our Christmas Eve eating included: cinnamon rolls, coffee, pizza, Doritos, coke, peanut butter cookies, jelly beans, peppermint bark, muddy buddies, lobster, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried chicken.....................and the list goes on and on.....I'm surprised we didn't get sick. It was glorious.

We are eternally grateful for our extended Belizean and Peace Corps family. We have been welcomed here with open arms and couldn't be happier to be right where we are. We miss everyone back at home like crazy, but the time flies by and we will be right back there before we know it.

Happy Holidays!

I don't want to write about all the goodbyes because after three weeks at home I can still feel the anxiety and emotions of leaving the village, but I do want to write about the goodbye party the school held for me :)

The week before I left I started getting comments from the kids of "did the principal tell you we will have a party?" and "we will eat with you next week" and "i drew you a picture but I lost it..." but no one seemed to want to tell me when it was happening. Eventually I found out the day and when I was supposed to show up. I was a little nervous but super excited to spend some time with 77 kids and three teachers :)

So all the kids were in front of the school lined up when I showed up, and the infant one teacher started. She brought her adorable 4-6 year olds out to sing to me. Oh my gosh I love those kids. Then three standard 1-3 kids sang me a song and gave me a packet. The packet had a letter, a drawing or both from every child in the school! Even the infants that can't write yet tried to copy "we love you miss megan" and their name down onto a piece of paper with some artistic touches. They are so cute!

So after all of that and some hugs, we all went to have lunch together. My last day with the feeding program. Thanks Irma and Luisa for cooking a beautiful Belizean meal for my last day at school. Of course they still haven't figured out how much I eat so in actuality I didn't cook for the next two meals afterward :)

The day finished with just lots of games, hugs, pictures, and playing around at school. I got more hugs from Israel than anyone. He is my 6 year old little man. He gives me hugs everyday and says "my miss megan don't leave me". I couldn't walk anywhere without him attached to my waist. It made things a little complicated but he is a cute kid. When I first got to the village he is the one I could never get to go home from school and I finally learned all he wanted was to shake my hand before going home.

I will never forget these kids :) They may have driven me crazy some days but they really blessed my time and kept me laughing most of the days :)

We finally got Tracy’s book published on Kindle last night…it has been much on my mind and has consumed most of the time I have allotted to writing. I’m very excited for her, and for having learned more about the...

published in the Toucan Times:   close encounter late one evening, i was sitting at my kitchen table, calmly working away on my computer when i felt what i thought was my cat brushing up against my toe. looking down, i nearly hit the roof when i saw the five inch brown body with the [...]

‘thursday- definitely sick. Tried to shower, but halfway through, i got hot, felt like i’d pass out. Chills. Back in bed…am missing the last jumpstart class without being able to tell Ellen. saturday morning- still have not left the house. Susanne stopped by Thursday afternoon and then she and Bill B stopped by Friday mroning. [...]

Getting the Library Ready

I was so excited when I heard that 2800 books were coming, and a brand new set of encyclopedias! There was a lot of work to get done to get the space ready for a new library, though. The first task was definitely to clean the place up, get rid of some things, and reorganize what needed to stay. So I spent a lot of time getting rid of workbooks from students that were from 5 or 6 years previous, repairing books, and unpacking the retired text books from the states. The teachers were really excited when I explained to them that those old US reading books have awesome stories with questions already written that they could use with their students. Probably the funniest part of getting the library ready was when I went to open the supply cupboard to attempt to find a pen, and instead found a rat. What was I supposed to do with a rat? Unfortunately I knew it had to die, because when here are rats there are snakes. I was the lucky one to find the poisonous snake the year before hiding behind the cabinet. So I considered hitting it with a book and then realized I am not that mean. Earlier I had found this Tupperware container and filled it with flashcards. So I ran in and emptied it out, and caught the little rat inside. Then I realized, I have a rat in a box, what am I going to do now? Of course this was the perfect time for the Infant division to dismiss classes, so I had 25 4-6year olds running around me with my boxed rat. We ended up taking an impromptu class field trip to the house behind the school that has a cat :)

With pests taken care of, we were able to start thinking about shelving. The teachers and I discussed how we could arrange shelves and what we needed to accomplish and then I went to visit the PTA chairman (yes we have those here). Our PTA really is just a chairman, not an actual association. So I asked him if he could help build some bookshelves and who he wanted me to get to help him. The amazing thing is he works for the sawmill a few miles away and was more than happy to help, even volunteering to find some nicer wood that wasn't rough so the books wouldn't get messed up as easily. So he told me he would do it on Saturday. Friday his boss dropped him off from work with beautiful donated wood that was smooth and even pretty trim to make them look nice! Our PTA chairman and his son spent the entire day Saturday working, and created these two beautiful shelves, to go with our one old one :). You may ask, why did it take the entire day (7am-5pm) to make two shelves? Well we don't exactly have the nicest building supplies, so they used an old, slightly dull hand saw.

They Arrived!!! How am I getting them here again?

The books arrived into Belize City at the port in late October. When I finally heard they were ready for pick-up I scheduled my adventure up to Belize City for the 31st. This trip was a source of a lot of anxiety and probably contributed to my not sleeping. 16 boxes is a lot to figure out how to move when you don't have a car and are about 6 hours away. Maybe I shouldn't have picked Halloween for this adventure? I don't know, but everything turned out just fine :)

So in order to get to the City and back in one day I had to catch the first bus out of the village. I started waiting about 4:45am for the 5am bus, cause who knows when it would actually come. Well this day it was about 5:30, and it was packed! I didn't think they would let any of us on the bus, but when they found out I was going to Belize City they had to make room because of distance, this meant standing in the doorway with about 5 other people. Way too early for a ride like that. I made it to the city around 11am and found a taxi to take me to the port. This was apparently my lucky day, because he used to work at the port and was able to help me out in the confusion of where to go and when. They definitely do not make it simple. After about 10 different stops, and the customs search, etc, I was finally ready to go and we loaded the 16 boxes into the taxi. I was pretty full of anxiety about whether or not a bus would take them all at once. I know they move big things frequently, but they also occasionally lack any desire to be helpful :). So the bus driver had the great idea to take them to where the buses park instead of trying to unload them into the station. This meant there were two James buses waiting for me speak with. So they told me no, but that I should put them on the express bus which is not allowed to stop where I live. They reassured me that it would, however. So we unloaded all the boxes and I waited for the express bus to come and the driver told me no, but thanks to his conductor he eventually told me yes. So we loaded them on and I made it home with all the boxes around 8:30pm. Thankfully I had a few helpers to carry them up to the house. Our excited was a little high so there was definitely no waiting until the next day to at least peek into a few boxes. :)

Unpacking and Other Fun Adventures

The next morning I woke up and realized I have 16 boxes of books weighing about 50lbs each, I live at the bottom of the hill, and the school is at the top of the hill. My solution? Open every box at home and procrastinate the inevitable. :) So I opened every box, kept getting more and more excited about all the cool books, and sorted through them to take out the books that were better suited for classroom use, etc. So I had one box ready for the infants who aren't allowed to check out books. They had great big books with songs and dances in them, picture books, very beginning phonics, etc. Ms. Nadine was so excited for her box :)

After that I started recruiting some helpers. Niselia came to help count boxes (she is 4 and not in school yet), Abner (2 years old) stole his mom's broom and came to sweep my house and kiss the books with dogs on the cover. Eventually I went to get the rest of the help which included two men to haul them up the hill. Mateo brought a wheelbarrow and carried 6 at a time, and Luis and I each carried one. Two trips later they were all in the library and our three librarians were anxious to open them up and see what was there!

The hardest part was probably keeping the kids out of the library for the two days it took to organize, number, label and put the books on the shelves. They were so anxious to check out books and come see all of the new ones. So opening day was definitely exciting.

The Library Opens!

Picture 77 students in a very small room, all overly excited about their new books and this is what you get:

Searching for books:

Swarming the librarians:

It really was a great day :)

Other Pictures

The library two years ago:

Abner kissing the books in my house:

Niselia counting books

Thanks again to EVERYONE who helped in any way :)

Yesterday, walking into town, i watched as a dog was hit and killed. I was all shook up, trying not to cry or throw up, wanting to do both. Pulled myself together to make it to Santa Elena for the Jumpstart program. Meloni was driving me nuts, but it went well. Back in town, I [...]

 So, saturday, I stopped in at my house, a couple more weeks still and then i should be able to go to my own house. Hitched into san antonio–enjoying Susanne’s four cats. She came home. slept badly because of the damn barking dogs. Up at 5 am, to meet the group at 6 am. by [...]

11.29.2001 had Jumpstart program this morn. Sad news. One of our students, Anita, was killed in a car accident. At the ferry crossing to Spanish Lookout.

11.21.2001 wednesday- Into Belize city on 10:30 bus. To the PC office iwth a silent Sheela. PC office socialization. Lots o’PCVs arriving. Walked to the Orchid with Scott and Kevin. TV with Jess and erin. cocktail party at Amanda, Maura and Duncan’s house. Fun time: drunk jess in the butterfly costume. Excellent “wings” Lots of [...]

Friday November 16, 2001- Jumpstart, lunch, then to Aaron’s. dinner at Rhona’s–nori cooking some excellent Japanese dishes. Saturday November 17, 2001-breakfast at Martha’s then 9am bus with Susanne, James bus to Hopkins junction; walking in, then Placencia bus took us the rest of the way. Fun time partying at “skot”‘s place. His cozy beach house, making [...]

Last photo infront of our home of two years.We wore our matching shirts that the village council made us.

The last day came, like any other day. I couldn't believe it had the nerve to just appear and pretend like it was just some normal day. We woke up after our few hours of sleep, Greg with a cold and me with tears to say our final and last goodbyes. We headed off to our respective schools for goodbyes and exchanges. Greg's best friend George drove out to pick up Greg (since our bikes were in the school storage for a latter raffle). Greg's school had a feast for him and gave him a beautiful cuxtal. Emails were exchanged and Greg's assistant principal offered to drive Greg back, and then escort us to the junction with our bags. I stopped in each class, said a little speach about how I loved and learned from each of them and that they must work hard to make the best of themselves. Goodbyes to the students of Silver Creek R.C.Saying goodbye to our little Godson, Devon(in my lap) and his preschool class.

I had a little bag from my staff gift and in each class kids would silently come up with neatly folded letters and notes for us to read on the plane. Several kids brought letters from older siblings in high school, over 60 letters total when the day was done. My school surprised me with a second pair of maya earrings...a tiny pair that I am still wearing (three months later). I couldn't believe it!Surprise gift from the staff...tiny maya gold earrings!Mrs. Delphine had to re-pierce my second hole, while Mrs. Susana admired them.

The Hardest Goodbye

Our final day had been mainly tear free, we shed a lot the night before so I was beginning to think perhaps I was cried out. Then I went home and Cecilia and I just stood in the house sobbing. Santiago came in and told us both that we had to be strong but I could barely hear him. It hit me, we were done and going, and this little hut in this little village would never be our home again. So many emotions were hitting me as Greg came home with Mr. Requena. Meredith came just in time to snap a final photo with our 'parents' of two years before we were hurried into the truck so as not to miss the bus at the junction. It was a quiet ride, with sniffling and small talk to the junction. We were unloaded, given best wishes and then sat for the final time in our little bus stop in the hot sun. Chris rode his bike out to say his final goodbyes and keep us company. It felt crazy, insane to be sitting here to go back to America. To not wake up and wash in the creek the next day. To sleep without the hum of insects. Our ride to the junction...the end and the beginning.You might be able to see me sobbing uncontrollably in the back.

We spent the rest of our 4th anniversary (19 hours of it) on school busses sitting shoulder to shoulder. After a relaxing few days of luxury in Mexico, thanks to our friend Erica's welcoming parents, we headed back to America forever.

Welcoming party at the RDU airport.Our luggage. Two rice sacks, a bucket, backpack, and duffle.

hammock time at Aaron’s. Friday morn, Susanne and I hitched to Santa Elena to work with the kids. Played playdough. I’ll be doing that every friday, possibly thursdays as well. Lunch at Coffee Bean, then up to the CET to see Aaron. Chilled with him, having dinner at Eva’s stopped in at happy hour, back [...]

Did a lot of Peace Corps work today! slept in unitl 10 am, snoozin with maceo and vaga. Coffee and crypto quotes with Susanne. (susanne with vaga in front of her house and papaya tree in san antonio)  Into cristo Rey with Maria to house hunt. One crappy cement house and one gorgeous wooden one [...]