Greetings

Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well. I dont know where we left off last time but i am thinking it has to be near our Independence Day Celebration. Okay, so Independence Day (September 21) is their national holiday for....that's right....the country's Independence. Independence Day fell on Tuesday so the festivities actually started on that Friday before Independence day. On Friday, all of the kids met in the town park and paraded throughout town. It was beautiful to see so many people there to support their children, friends, and family. Of course, my school rocked and I was so proud of all the pickni (children).

That weekend was fun. We basically hung out with with some Peace Corps Volunteers on Saturday and then went to a BBQ on Sunday. We kept waiting for the greasy pole contest (pretty much as it is described) but it didnt happen. Mondaywas the big celebration. The party/celebration starts around 9pm in the town park and lasted until 4am in the morning. Their is music and dancing and at midnight, our town had the most beautiful fireworks (really nice ones too!....just like with Dad). We celebrated that evening with our host family. It was so nice. On the actual holiday, we went to a town parade where there was schools and floats and pretty much the whole town coming together to share in the experience. Nate and I ended the day with BBQ chicken. The day started around 6am for most and went until 9pm that night.

The week was also interesting because we had Tropical Storm Matthew come around. We were consolidated and were suppose to go to Belmopan but the bridge flooded so most of the volunteers ended up staying in PG in a hotel (Nate and I actually stayed in our home). Imagine about 30 PCVs staying in a little hotel. haha. Oh the memories. So we got a little rain, wind, and a little flooding....no big deal. We are ready for the next big storm! Bring it on!

Nate and I are doing great. We are learning a lot about ourselves, other PCVs, and Belizeans. Our projects are taking off and now we are beginning working on our second projects. Nate began to work at Tumalkin. It is a Mayan organization and is located in a little village about an hour and half away from town. The organization has a number of projects including a Mayan radio station. He is very excited to be working there and to learn a little Mayan Mopan Language! I am involved in several different committees through Peace Corps. I was just nominated for the WID/GAD committee! YAY! It's goal is to educate community members about healthy relationships and gender equality. I am still interested in Special Olympics and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Nate and I are embarking on a little trip today! We are heading out of town for the weekend for a little 2 day get away. We can't wait!

We hope all is well and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love,
Michelle (and Nate)