Well hello family and friends,
First, wow...what a morning. It is almost 9am and I am pretty sure it is already in the 90's. The heat is back (well it has always been here) BUT, it is in full force!
I would like to start off by telling everyone how Nate and I finished our night last night and began our morning. We ended our night watching Sopranos and listening to rats moving our dishes around in the sink. We woke up this morning to finding two rats in the rat traps....we love the sticky ones...and seeing that they tried to eat all of our food. They were successful with eating the cap to the vegetable oil....Oh you better Belize it!
Now, on to more important things....like this months blog. So most of you already know, but we hit the one year mark. It came at a very difficult time for Nate and I, as we had to head home to the states for a family emergency. During the month that we were in the states, Nate and I had to face two very difficult and sad situations. We lost our beloved grandpa and our baby niece.
I would like to spend this blog reflecting our year in Belize as well our time in the states during this difficult time. First, Peace Corps rocked. They were supportive to our situation and helped to make this process as easy as possible. BIG UP for PC staff. Second, we had a great deal of time to reflect on the PC experience thus far. I told uncle Charlie that I didnt think I would ever write about it...and although it will only be a little, I will do my best.
Peace Corps in a reflection. I remember Nate and I being incredibly nervous to start this process. The great unknown of a developing country. We had heard of poverty mixed with tourist areas. What we weren't expecting was how educated and advanced this country was. I consider it a developed developing country. While being here, we see how things like bathrooms, roads, health care, food choices, etc are things we took for granted in the states, and things that we REALLY appreciate here....when we have it. Our perspectives change. How we view ourselves, others, volunteering, EVERYTHING...these all change during the first year of service. You realize your impact on the process of volunteering, and you realize the processes impact on you. Nate and I have loved this process. It changes daily. With daily struggles, there are daily successes. During this time in reflection, we are thankful for it all. Most important, we are thankful for what this beautiful and enriched culture is teaching us. We are thankful to really understand and witness the family systems of Belize. Belizeans take pride in their family (to help each other) and to always share what they have. Nate and I are still getting use to coming away from a family visit with a bag full of vegetables or meals that will last us a week. We hope to take with us these experiences and continue them in the states. I love walking throughout town and talking to almost everyone we see. Community. Its beautiful.
This leads us to the next topic. Family support. During the difficult time in the states, that is the one thing that stands out in our experience. Family love and support. During the passing of our grandpa, Nate and I got to experience love and support from both our families. I think it is how Grandpa and Grandma raised the family. To love each other and support each other. That too can be said about my family, but I will get to that later. It was great to spend time with Nate's family and we are thankful for Nate's mom and dad who supported us in that month.
I would like to share to the world....or whomever might read this how much our lives have changed from Grandpa Mike. He practically raised Nate. He raised his children. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. In fact, during this month, I got to meet his best friend (and practically brother) Charlie. I have never seen such a beautiful friendship than the one between them. I am honored to meet Charlie and his family, and hope to have that kind of friendship in my lifetime. 55 + years, wow! Grandpa was an amazing man. Genuine, self-actualized, a genius who was humble. He always had a smile on his face, a warm hug to give, and kind words for a stranger. He always told his family and friends how much he loved them, and fought until the very end with bravery. He was loved and respected. He was a mentor and a father figure. He taught Nate how to feel good about himself. He taught each of his children and family members how to feel good about themselves and have confidence in what they do. He would spend hours in his office in the barn reading books like physics and loved watching comical shows like Southpark. He taught his family to have morals and ethics. He will be missed more than I can express and lets face it, I am probably not even doing this unique and definitely a man in a million justice in describing him. This man was so much more.
And of course, Gracie Nicole. My beloved niece. You will not be forgotten. I pray you and grandpa are together. We were thankful to be home when this unexpected news happened. Just as in Nate's family, my family came together to support each other andmore importantly, my brother and sister-n-law. My parents and siblings talked often and supported each other even though we were all states away. We were able to come together for a brief time to share in each others company. I am thankful that my family was able to switch their plans to make sure they could meet us for a weekend. To show love and affection. I know when we have children, we will be able to give them the same love and support that our family has given to us. They will be blessed to be surrounded by love from both sides of the family.
Finally, to our dear friends, during this one year, we have learned the value of friendship. To not be able to talk to each frequently is hard. But to know that we can pick up right we left off and have love, support and your friendship is an amazing experience. Grandpa and Charlie had it right. 55+ years. That's how we feel about you all.
In reflection of this year, and in honor Grandpa, we are going to live life to the fullest. We are going to change some things here in Belize. Shake it up a bit!
In memory of Grandpa Mike and Gracie Nicole.
Love you all,
Michelle (and Nate)
