“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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
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:)
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:)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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.
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.
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