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)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Its that time again!
Hey family and friends!
I hope everyone had a great month of February! Nate and I have been incredibly busy. So first, let me share our experience with our home. We absolutely love it. If anyone doesn't remember, Nate and I live on the ocean. We are so happy about this. It has changed our lives so much. With the new house came new adventures! I think I have mentioned the cats, rats, bats...right? Well we also have possums, raccoons, and bugs. In the last month, we have had to deal with flying termites!!!!! I cannot express to you about what it is like to have those things coming at you. Luckily the swarm only at night time so we found out if you didn't turn on the lights, then you were fine. Imagine Nate and I not having any lights for two weeks because of them. It was funny. We ended up spraying and getting rid of them...for the time being. We also had a family of cats that decided to move in with us. Literally. They found a way to climb in our attic crawl space and every night we would hear the kitten running back in forth on our roof. Although it reminded us of Lilly, Nate and I made the decision to screen the space so that they wouldn't be able to squat at our house without paying rent! haha...jk. They now live in our yard and we are very happy about it.
We also have a very smart rat that lives at our house. Where....we do not know. But every night we hear it and we put foods up so that he wouldn't eat it. Its kind of funny except Nate spent all yesterday fixing holes in the screens throughout our house...to find that a rat ate through it last night. Poor guy. He decided he was going to triple the screens to prevent it from happening again. Besides the roaches and the increased mosquito's, we are set!
I hope you enjoyed our adventure (and for the most part it all happened in the month of Feb!)
Any who, our projects are going really well. It seems as though since our trip back from the states in December, Nate and I are on a ROLL! Nate is of course, amazing with helping out on the databases and other projects at TCGA. He is still the best PE teacher in PG. The kids love him and look forward to their weekly PE class with him. But, and this the most exciting thing ever, Nate has been working on and has finished, the first ever PC Belize website and forum for volunteers and staff. It is fabulous. I can't wait for it to become official so that everyone can see it. He has spent all of his free time working on for the last month and a half. He is meeting with the staff in the next few weeks to show them. We are all very proud and the staff can't wait for it to be up and running.
Besides Nate, I too have been incredibly busy with secondary projects. I am now helping out with Special Olympics. Its very different in Belize then the states. They boys are practicing soccer for the WORLD CUP in Greece. 8 of them get to go. Isn't that an amazing experience? I have been their support and fundraiser. Its awesome. Also, I am helping to start PC Belize first peer support group. I am incredibly excited to work along with the staff to get this implemented. We have our first meeting tomorrow!
Okay, well, I think that sums it up. Hope everyone is doing well and we miss and love you all. Don't forget to email us and keep in touch.
love,
Michelle (and Nate)
I hope everyone had a great month of February! Nate and I have been incredibly busy. So first, let me share our experience with our home. We absolutely love it. If anyone doesn't remember, Nate and I live on the ocean. We are so happy about this. It has changed our lives so much. With the new house came new adventures! I think I have mentioned the cats, rats, bats...right? Well we also have possums, raccoons, and bugs. In the last month, we have had to deal with flying termites!!!!! I cannot express to you about what it is like to have those things coming at you. Luckily the swarm only at night time so we found out if you didn't turn on the lights, then you were fine. Imagine Nate and I not having any lights for two weeks because of them. It was funny. We ended up spraying and getting rid of them...for the time being. We also had a family of cats that decided to move in with us. Literally. They found a way to climb in our attic crawl space and every night we would hear the kitten running back in forth on our roof. Although it reminded us of Lilly, Nate and I made the decision to screen the space so that they wouldn't be able to squat at our house without paying rent! haha...jk. They now live in our yard and we are very happy about it.
We also have a very smart rat that lives at our house. Where....we do not know. But every night we hear it and we put foods up so that he wouldn't eat it. Its kind of funny except Nate spent all yesterday fixing holes in the screens throughout our house...to find that a rat ate through it last night. Poor guy. He decided he was going to triple the screens to prevent it from happening again. Besides the roaches and the increased mosquito's, we are set!
I hope you enjoyed our adventure (and for the most part it all happened in the month of Feb!)
Any who, our projects are going really well. It seems as though since our trip back from the states in December, Nate and I are on a ROLL! Nate is of course, amazing with helping out on the databases and other projects at TCGA. He is still the best PE teacher in PG. The kids love him and look forward to their weekly PE class with him. But, and this the most exciting thing ever, Nate has been working on and has finished, the first ever PC Belize website and forum for volunteers and staff. It is fabulous. I can't wait for it to become official so that everyone can see it. He has spent all of his free time working on for the last month and a half. He is meeting with the staff in the next few weeks to show them. We are all very proud and the staff can't wait for it to be up and running.
Besides Nate, I too have been incredibly busy with secondary projects. I am now helping out with Special Olympics. Its very different in Belize then the states. They boys are practicing soccer for the WORLD CUP in Greece. 8 of them get to go. Isn't that an amazing experience? I have been their support and fundraiser. Its awesome. Also, I am helping to start PC Belize first peer support group. I am incredibly excited to work along with the staff to get this implemented. We have our first meeting tomorrow!
Okay, well, I think that sums it up. Hope everyone is doing well and we miss and love you all. Don't forget to email us and keep in touch.
love,
Michelle (and Nate)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bringing in the New Year
Howdy!
So to begin....Happy 2011. This year has started off special for Nate and I. We truly enjoyed going home for vacation. It was wonderful to see everyone. We really loved hanging out with our friends and family. Needless to say, it was difficult leaving everyone but we are definitely excited to be back.
We returned home right before New Years. We celebrated New Years with amazing friends. We ate, drank and were merry. We loved watching the fireworks from our house. It was literally 100 feet away. Amazing.
Nate has completely come back to Belize with a bang. He has basically networked all the computers to each other, as well as the printer. He has been busy doing all of these amazing things at his site. School started with a bang too. I love seeing all the kids and planning for this upcoming semester. It will be fun!
It has only been two weeks but the most fun that we experienced thus far was our New Years with our friends, having our house infested with critters, and enjoying this "cold front" that hit Belize. The weather right now is 74 degrees! YAY!
Miss you all so much,
Love,
Michelle (and Nate)
So to begin....Happy 2011. This year has started off special for Nate and I. We truly enjoyed going home for vacation. It was wonderful to see everyone. We really loved hanging out with our friends and family. Needless to say, it was difficult leaving everyone but we are definitely excited to be back.
We returned home right before New Years. We celebrated New Years with amazing friends. We ate, drank and were merry. We loved watching the fireworks from our house. It was literally 100 feet away. Amazing.
Nate has completely come back to Belize with a bang. He has basically networked all the computers to each other, as well as the printer. He has been busy doing all of these amazing things at his site. School started with a bang too. I love seeing all the kids and planning for this upcoming semester. It will be fun!
It has only been two weeks but the most fun that we experienced thus far was our New Years with our friends, having our house infested with critters, and enjoying this "cold front" that hit Belize. The weather right now is 74 degrees! YAY!
Miss you all so much,
Love,
Michelle (and Nate)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Holiday Time!!!
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)
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)
Friday, November 5, 2010
New house, new blog post
Hello find family and friends,
We of course have not blogged in a while. I can honestly say its because we have been incredibly busy....so sorry all. So lets recap the last few weeks for everyone. The last time we blogged was shortly after the Independence day celebrations. That has been a month ago...sorry again.
In the last month a lot of things have happened. Nate shaved his head. My hair grew two inches. haha. Okay for the real facts. In October, Nate and I found that we were incredibly busy with activities. The first week of October, Nate and I participated in a training on behavioral change. That lasted three days. I wish I could tell you that it was eventful, but it wasn't. Something that Nate and I are excited about, however, is that we are helping Peace Corps staff with the filming of the new Peace Corps Video. It will be sent out to all of the upcoming volunteers, their families and friends. One of our friends and I are doing the video, and then Nate (the skillful man that he is) will be doing all the editing. We are excited and hope to make it professional yet fun and full of cultural facts about Belize.
Besides that Nate has finished the database for his site at TCGA. It is a huge success. Of course they are so appreciative. He is now currently taking on new projects at his site. He is continuing to work in Tumal'kin. He loves it. It is a great secondary project. His counterpart there treats him like family already. Finally, he has picked up a 3rd secondary project. He will be helping our host mom with her class. He will help her weekly with her PE class. That's right...he is a PE teacher. I love it! I want him to get a pair of those gym shorts that the PE teachers use to wear when we were kids. A girl can hope. haha.
I am busy as well. The after school programs are up and running. Mondays are sports. I am currently teaching kids how to play volleyball while some of the boys are playing soccer (futbal). Tuesdays I am teaching kids how to play chess. Wednesdays we have a girl's club. The group of course is designed to teach them self-respect, reliance, and leadership skills. I have a few other secondary projects right now too. I am helping a counselor at the high school create curriculum on mental health to the students. I am also creating a presentation for gender roles and domestic violence for seniors at high school. It is in relationship to Men's Day on November 19th. We are hoping to increase positive male role models. We will see.
Halloween came and gone. They have costume contests and there is a little trick and treating. But very little. Some of the reason this year had little celebrations were due to Hurricane Richard. Of course we were stuck in our house and actually had a curfew. We haven't seen a curfew in some time! haha. Where we live, we didn't have any problems. Belize, however, did have some damage near Belize City and Belmopan. Luckily no one was hurt and a lot of the damage was rain and wind.
As most of you already know too, Nate and I were planning on moving. This week, we officially moved! The house is amazing. Nate and I feel like we are in heaven. The house is directly on the ocean. If you walk out in our backyard, you are 10 feet from the water. We are safe of course. But the view is amazing. Stay tuned for pictures!
November will come and go. We have Thanksgiving planned in our district and a lot of volunteers are coming and staying with us. We have more trainings and more meetings. I can't wait to tell you more about it.
We hope everyone is doing well. Hope to hear from all of you.
We love and miss you.
Michelle (and Nate)
We of course have not blogged in a while. I can honestly say its because we have been incredibly busy....so sorry all. So lets recap the last few weeks for everyone. The last time we blogged was shortly after the Independence day celebrations. That has been a month ago...sorry again.
In the last month a lot of things have happened. Nate shaved his head. My hair grew two inches. haha. Okay for the real facts. In October, Nate and I found that we were incredibly busy with activities. The first week of October, Nate and I participated in a training on behavioral change. That lasted three days. I wish I could tell you that it was eventful, but it wasn't. Something that Nate and I are excited about, however, is that we are helping Peace Corps staff with the filming of the new Peace Corps Video. It will be sent out to all of the upcoming volunteers, their families and friends. One of our friends and I are doing the video, and then Nate (the skillful man that he is) will be doing all the editing. We are excited and hope to make it professional yet fun and full of cultural facts about Belize.
Besides that Nate has finished the database for his site at TCGA. It is a huge success. Of course they are so appreciative. He is now currently taking on new projects at his site. He is continuing to work in Tumal'kin. He loves it. It is a great secondary project. His counterpart there treats him like family already. Finally, he has picked up a 3rd secondary project. He will be helping our host mom with her class. He will help her weekly with her PE class. That's right...he is a PE teacher. I love it! I want him to get a pair of those gym shorts that the PE teachers use to wear when we were kids. A girl can hope. haha.
I am busy as well. The after school programs are up and running. Mondays are sports. I am currently teaching kids how to play volleyball while some of the boys are playing soccer (futbal). Tuesdays I am teaching kids how to play chess. Wednesdays we have a girl's club. The group of course is designed to teach them self-respect, reliance, and leadership skills. I have a few other secondary projects right now too. I am helping a counselor at the high school create curriculum on mental health to the students. I am also creating a presentation for gender roles and domestic violence for seniors at high school. It is in relationship to Men's Day on November 19th. We are hoping to increase positive male role models. We will see.
Halloween came and gone. They have costume contests and there is a little trick and treating. But very little. Some of the reason this year had little celebrations were due to Hurricane Richard. Of course we were stuck in our house and actually had a curfew. We haven't seen a curfew in some time! haha. Where we live, we didn't have any problems. Belize, however, did have some damage near Belize City and Belmopan. Luckily no one was hurt and a lot of the damage was rain and wind.
As most of you already know too, Nate and I were planning on moving. This week, we officially moved! The house is amazing. Nate and I feel like we are in heaven. The house is directly on the ocean. If you walk out in our backyard, you are 10 feet from the water. We are safe of course. But the view is amazing. Stay tuned for pictures!
November will come and go. We have Thanksgiving planned in our district and a lot of volunteers are coming and staying with us. We have more trainings and more meetings. I can't wait to tell you more about it.
We hope everyone is doing well. Hope to hear from all of you.
We love and miss you.
Michelle (and Nate)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
600+ Photos Now Available...
We now have over 600+ photos for everyone to look at. Picasa seemed to be organizing all of our photos into separate albums so I reorganized them all into one album to make them easier to get to. So there will be hundreds of photos that will be new to all of our friends and family. We'll be writing captions to the photos soon so everyone will know more info about what you are looking at. Enjoy!
The photos can be viewed by clicking here or by clicking on the top rotating photo album in the right column:
URL to Belize photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/...
Love to all,
Nate and Michelle
The photos can be viewed by clicking here or by clicking on the top rotating photo album in the right column:
URL to Belize photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/...
Love to all,
Nate and Michelle
Friday, October 1, 2010
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)
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)
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