What's been happening these past few months...

Okay, so I was doing well at first with this blog. Then, I went back to my old habits. Sorry about that.

Anyways, now that the school year has started the village has been very active. We have a new principal at the school and he's been getting the community involved with all their activities. This is really great. The children get to shine and the parents are impressed that they get involved.

In September, Belize celebrated 29 years of independence. There were parades, dances, and games going on all over. I was able to see two parades in Belmopan; the christian parade and the city parade. They were both colorful and entertaining. Afterwards, I was able to celebrate with my village. They had fun games for the children like potato sac races, running with the egg in the spoon,etc. They even had a game for the adults. The men climbed a greased wooden pole to get the prize on top. It was hilarious. Everyone was together celebrating. They even had dance parties too. It was fun dancing with them. They do know how to have fun.

My host family took me out to the blue hole. It's about 2 miles from the village and is clear water. It's basically a small pool of water that is shallow (crystal clear water) in the beginning and has a drop. They area where the drop is a beautiful dark blue color.

I've also seen other parts of the country; Belize City and Orange Walk Town.

Belize City is more populated and the area seems much smaller (compared to Belmopan);roads are more narrow, lot more cars, and bikers.

Orange Walk Town I feel is a combination of both Belize City and Belmopan. It's a nice town that has cute shops. I ate awesome ice cream at a place called "Ice Break." It's the best I've tasted so far. I went there twice in one day...yum!

Lots has been going on...

Unfortunately, a little boy from my preschool died. He was anemic and turned 3yrs old while in the hospital. Its a sad story and everyone in the village was in shock.

Circumstances like this one, continue to remind me that life is precious and to value the people in my life.

So, I'll do my best in posting blogs.

Yay God Moments

When I lived in Ann Arbor(MI), I attended an awesome church on campus (Harvest Mission Community Church). During my time there, we had opportunities to share "Yay God Moments." These moments are blessings from God that we want to share with others. I've been experiencing a lot of "Yay God Moments" this past month.

-4th of July weekend-
Succotz: I finally went back and visited my first host family! It was like coming home again. I feel very comfortable with them and so welcomed. I also went to each of the other host families homes (those who housed my fellow teammates). They were very happy to see me and I ate lots of yummy food.

Sarita & Steven: I meant this wonderful couple through a PC alumni. They opened their home to me and treated me like family...I'm sure you're noticing this theme throughout Belize. They made me delicious home-made pizza, Sarita gave me a pedicure, and very fun to be around. We went to church together, sang songs familiar to home---which was nice, and made me a very tasty Belizean lunch (the best rice n' beans & chicken I've had yet). I'm grateful to God for this new relationship.

-Birthday-
I knew this year would be tough being away from home and so I was prepared for a low key birthday. It was real nice getting phone calls from my mom, dad, brother, and my best friend joslin. They each called me at my host families house. It was really touching.

Afterward, I made cake (homemade yellow cake with strawberry frosting---yummmy) with my host sisters...which is always a treat. I enjoy making food with them. They get really excited and are funny to be around. It makes me happy doing something they enjoy.

We had cake and chow mein for lunch, which was very special to me. So, I was really happy for that.

BUT the big surprise was when my host mom brought women from my cooking class and surprised me at the meeting I had to attend that day. They came when it was over and brought chips/dip(home-made), cake, and drinks (horchata--rice water). It was wonderful and I even cried...I know...not a big surprise. I felt so loved. This is yet another example of how loving and selfless these people are...Yay God:)


Other "Yay God Moments"---

1) Heard "Mighty to Save" in Spanish on the radio 7/19
2) One of the women in my cooking class came to my "potential house" and helped me clean the stove. This stove was pretty filthy but now it looks brand-new.

On a side note--- here are some interesting observations/experiences i've had here in Belize and forget to mention:

-Unripe fruits (mango) eaten with hot pepper/salt
-Halls is consumed as a candy here
-Specialty meal: BBQ, rice n’ beans, and coleslaw
-Stray dogs are everywhere-most of them don’t bother people
-Coke tastes so much better here---I crave it more here than I ever did in America
-Saw three Iguanas in a tree while living in Succotz---they were huge/green/ugly but pretty neat
-Buses here are like the yellow school buses we rode to school and feel like saunas--when its raining and they close the windows
-Pipes dont always have water---and when there is no water---you pray for rain!
-People hiss like snakes to get your attention
-Saw a big black, hairy tarantula in the community house in my village
-A scorpion was climbing up my wall at my host family's house---that's when they decided to give me a mosquito net---hmmm...I'm not sure that's going to help:)

Inconveniences---Teaching me a Lesson

For the past few weeks I've been trying to get familiar with my village. During this time, I've realized one of my struggles here in Belize is inconvenience. Right now, I'm searching for a place to stay and can't find a home with both water/electricity...inconvenience. This has nothing to do with the people of Belize, who are warm and welcoming, it's just circumstances that make me uncomfortable. At these moments, I'm always wondering...what is God trying to teach me and what needs to change in me. But believe me...it's easier said than done.

I know there is alot that needs to change in me but it's hard discovering the root of the problem and then picking it out. Its also hard going through struggles without family and my dear friends who know me so well nearby.

So, these past few weeks I've been trying to recite common verses just to keep me focused and with a good attitude. "All things work together for good..., My God shall supply all my needs..., I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."

Even though I'm still looking for a home, going to miss my dear friend Anju's wedding, getting darker everyday, and getting more scars from scratching my mosquito bites...I remind myself of all the blessing---I'm in a beautiful country with BEAUTIFUL people....they are simply amazing. They definitely work hard in trying to make me feel comfortable with village life. They are truly selfless people.

Last year at a retreat I attended organized by Harvest Mission(Ann Arbor---miss you and love you guys---IMPACT rocks), I was challenged by the message on what it means to truly follow Christ. One of the verses used was...Foxes have wholes, birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His head...

It continues to remind me that Jesus sacrificed alot and challenges me to think how much am I willing to sacrifice...

The Pastor used other verses but I dont have them on me right now...but it was a real slap in the face. I've lived my life selfishly and the "inconveniences" i've experienced (and continue to experience...) remind me that my attitude needs to change, I am blessed, and these inconveniences are used to draw me close to the Lord...and rely/trust Him.

So for those of you reading...dont worry---I'm going to be okay---even if I feel uncomfortable, anxious, and fearful at times. I'm reminded that God is all-powerful and good ALL the time.

It's Official!!

On May 28 I officially became a Peace Corps Volunteer. We had a typical ceremony that was held at the Governor General's house. After wards, we had a futbol game between the newbies and the older volunteers. Then in the evening we had a wonderful dinner at the US Ambassador's place (whose actually Indian:). There was tasty Indian food and good music.

Now I'm serving in a new village. I will be in this village for 2years. The people are really nice and very welcoming. They had lots of volunteers come through, so they know the drill. The language in the village is Spanish, there's a beautiful river nearby, its very hilly, and full of vegetation. Its common to have mango, lime, coconut, spinach, and papaya plants growing in their backyard. At night I see lots of frogs hopping around and there are fireflies..

The people of the village are active as well. There are cooking, painting, computer, and yoga classes. They are really excited and motivated for new ideas. Its a privilege to be apart of this village.

Village Life is Managable

“Gud Manning Belize, Gud Manning! How are you this morning?”

I’ve waken up to this song while living in a small village near Guatemala. On that same radio station I hear music ranging from worship to classic songs (Michael Jackson, The Beatles, etc). Hearing the music makes me happy and reminds me of home.

Overall the village is amazing. It has the beautiful Mopan River where we swim, bath, and do laundry. It’s such a great place to meet the locals and a wonderful relief from the HOT HOT HUMID weather. The village also has rocky, dirt, and hilly roads. It really reminds me of India. Everyone here grows coconut, papaya, lime, oranges, and so many other fruits and vegetables in their backyard.

The people of the village speak Spanish and are real friendly. You meet one family in the village you meet them all because everyone is related. Its really a very welcoming and hospitable community.

My host family has been really great. They have welcomed me like another member of the family. Fortunately, I have a washing machine but all it does is spins (and usually in dirty water:). They have taught me so much. First of all, they taught me how to wash and properly hang my clothes. They also taught me how to make rice and beans, tortillas, and chilly sauce. They eat mango raw and ripe. With raw mango they put salt and pepper on it, which is different but popular in the area.

I had the pleasure of visiting another PCV in their village. It was very eye-opening because she literally lived in the bush. She lives in a really cute thatched house that she decorated really nice. She also relies on the rainwater and has a latrine. Talk about making sacrifices. Even with these changes in lifestyle, she is truly happy and it gives me comfort. She’s around a community that loves her, protects her, and is really fun. I enjoyed swimming in the river with the little girls of the village, who are full of life and really funny. We sang songs on our walks to the river and they played pranks on me while in the water. They were a real treat.

I’m enjoying my time in this country and looking forward to all the adventures that lie ahead.

Finally...I know you've been wondering...

Buenas diaz! Gud Mannin (Kriol)!

Leaving Dallas, Texas was a surreal experience. It had taken me about 2 years to get to this point and I was feeling mostly excited. There was definitely a little bit of anxiety but I feel that God had been preparing me for this experience… that I wasn’t as afraid as I thought I’d be.

It was also great having the other trainees with me. Everyone was taking care of each other and treating each other as family already. It was comforting. The bus that picked us up for the airport was an adventure in itself. While we were on our way to the airport a terminal bus hit our charter bus. The driver started on this high speed chase. She was trying to get the number of the license plate. Some of the trainees took note of the bus number but were unable to get the license. It was crazy. In the end she reported the incident to the police at the airport. It’s a memory we all share and laugh about. It initiated the surprises that we would be facing during our services.

As we waited at the airport, we had lots of time to relax, eat, and call family. I was glad that I still had access to my cell phone and could call a few people before I left. Once I was on the flight my realization that I was leaving family/friends/US had increased. It made me a bit sad but hopeful that God was going to do amazing things. What was really humbling was when the pilot announced our group on the flight and expressed appreciation for our altruism. I am no one special. This life is not mine to live, but is Christ’s. God has been and still is teaching me this lesson.

The plane ride was short, comfortable, and easy for me to handle. I had been used to traveling in uncomfortable, long, and tiring flights. This was actually perfect. Plus, it was nice sitting next to another PC trainee and getting to know them better. As the plane was landing in Belize, all the trainees started cheering. A rush of energy filled me. Then when we got out of the plane, there was another roar of cheering. The PC staff and volunteers in Belize had welcomed us at the airport. It was amazing. It made me feel all warm inside. We took pictures and headed for dinner.

The PC volunteers provided us with advice and shared stories on our way to dinner. As we drove through the country, I was in awe of God and the beautiful scenery He had created in Belize.

After dinner (which was chicken/bean n’rice/spice saucy), we head to our hotel in the city. I was glad to know that my roommate was the same person in DallasJ When we arrived at the hotel, my roommate turned on the TV and I was surprised. We actually had a Detroit channel. I definitely felt God watching over me. It was the local 4 news and Oakland University had a commercial playing. It made me so happy that I was telling a lot of the other trainees. Then I watched 30 Rock with my roommate. It was so funny. I never thought I would have 1) a TV and 2) a Detroit channel. God is goodJ

Trainings:
We have had training 8-5pm at the Peace Corps office. During these trainings we are educated on PC Expectations/Code of Conduct, Belize Info, Safety/Security, Medical Info, Learned Kriol, etc. These sessions were all beneficial and provided guidance for us to assimilate into the communities here in Belize.

Cultural Day (SAT):
We went to Bermuda Landing, which about 2 hours away from the capital. We visited the monkey sanctuary, where we fed the monkey’s bananas. It was really nice. They just licked the banana from our hand. They were gentle. I was very surprised. Our guide took us throughout the forest and provided interesting facts about the plants. There were many plants that were used for pregnancy. The guide gave me a temporary tattoo with one of the leaves from a plant. It was pretty neat. It was a very educating tour and made me appreciate nature more.

The following day (Sun) we went to swim in the river in the afternoon. Afterwards, we played kick ball. I didnt play but gave moral support. Plus, they were in a park with swings and I couldnt resist.

Wednesday, March 31

Today is the day when we find out where we are going to live/host family for the next five weeks. We are also going to find out what language we will be learning for the next 2 years (Kriol,Spanish, Garifuna,etc.). While they announced our location/language, we played Jeopardy and were teamed up with our sector--mine sector is Youth Development. The way they announced our location/language reminded me of a Forensic competition. They unveiled different group periodically during the game. By God's grace, my group was announced first! I was assigned to learn Spanish and a village near Guatemala:) I was ecstatic. I really wanted to study Spanish. I feel it would be useful in the future.

Easter Weekend
Attended a reenactment of the crucifixion, which was very powerful. I was really moved and couldn’t help crying. We also saw all the rugs that were being made for the procession. Rugs are designs on the floor. They use colored saw dust to write verses, create designs, all kinds of words/symbols that represent Christ. It was lovely. We also attend a cycle race that occurs after Good Friday. At the race, I ran into other trainees. It was nice seeing them because we had been seeing each other daily during training.

Monday, April 5
Today I heard "Mighty to Save" in the Nazarene Church here in the village. It was another God moment:)

It's Not Goodbye. It's See You Later:)

The wait is finally over. I can't believe I'm leaving for the Peace Corps. Even though the journey to get here was long, I'm amazed at how time has quickly gone. During the past 3 years, God has been revealing my insecurities and lack of trust in Him. I've been challenged to examine my life and evaluate if I am truly living out the Word.

These past few years have been a struggle and I still feel there is more for me to learn. Even the issues revealed, God is still working on in me. I know that what He has for me will continue to sharpen my character and deepen my relationship with Him.

I'm really sad to go but excited on this new venture. My struggle with leaving family and friends is an indication of God's goodness and faithfulness.

The fears that I've been experiencing have been lies from Satan. The fear that everyone will forget me and the fear of losing my friends are only lies that will hinder me from my potential.

I've come to realize that it is ONLY by God's grace that I've made it this far. I'm also aware that I am loved and blessed with great people in my life who will not forget me.

I'm really glad for this opportunity to serve in the peace corps and look forward to sharing my experience.