Dear All,
We are so excited to come next week. I think we are probably more excited to see you guys then you are to see us! I know- you don't believe it, but its true. T-minus 7 days. Hope everyone is ready!
Okay, now to try to keep you guys updated on our events. The month of November really has come and left. The new house is AMAZING. We feel like we have hit the jackpot. We love waking up to the sunrises and going to bed with the ocean's waves. What a blessing. Besides the new location, Nate and I have been pretty busy with our projects.
Nate has been working at his site placement. Of course, he and it is successful. He accomplished this huge task and now he is about to begin working on a new database. He is still teaching PE for a standard 4 class (grade level about 3rd grade). They really enjoy him and love playing soccer with him. He goes to Tumal'kin and that process seems to take a little longer.
I am still the librarian and providing after school programming. I am also helping the high school counselor with her class curriculum. It's great. I also just created a presentation for seniors at the high school on role modeling and healthy relationships. Finally, Nate and I both just finished the upcoming PCV DVD on Peace Corps in Belize. When we an official copy made we will try to share it with you. I believe it is a huge success.
Besides work, the month of November had two holidays. One, Garifuna Settlement day on November 19th and Thanksgiving (not a Belizean holiday but celebrated by many). Garifuna Settlement day is a day to honor the Garifuna culture to Belize. In honor of this tradition, there was a battle of the drums contest and a weekend of celebration. You got it----music, dancing, BBQ, reenactment, and of course parties.
Finally, Thanksgiving. We had 40 volunteers that came and about 15 Belizeans. Kind of funny and amazing, out of the 15, 12 of the Belizeans were our host family or friends. It was a great way to share cultures and spend time with each other. Nate and I made a turkey, mashed potatoes, cheesy vegetables, Mayan chicken tacos, and garnaches. Old traditions and new. We wish we were with our family and friends in the states but we can't complain with Thanksgiving. Yummy food. For reference, there was beer bread, rolls, turkey, stuffing, green casserole, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies and other sweets.
Cant wait to see you guys. Next time Nate and I will discuss our lovely IST training. Cliff hanger.....
Love and miss you. See you soon
Michelle (and Natey)
