Friday September 25th, 2009
Today we get three shots from Nurse Jackie. The trainees get Hep. B, D, and Tetanus, I am so happy that I am fine with taking shots (I am glad I don’t get squeamish because that would not be fun with all the shots we get in the Peace Corps.)
8:30-10:30 We have a session on “working with groups”
10:30-12 STI’s with PCMO Jackie (I have a feeling this is going to be a GROSS session)
Get weekly money and lunch
1:15- 2:15 Thresholds of Intimacy with PCMO Jackie and SSC
2:30-3:30 Dealing with Alcohol with PCMO Jackie
3:30-5 PCV Panel: Dating/Not Dating
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday, September 25, 2009
My first teacher training workshop! (Went well :)
Thursday September 24, 2009
Today we had language class in the morning. The joke was that I could not remember what the word lime is in K’ekchi for the life of me. (Lamux=lime… which I will now never forget!!!)
This session I loved playing with the LCF, Ms. Carmelina’s, little girl Serena. She is very cute and very shy. She warmed up to me and sat on my lap the rest of the session. Greg videotaped me because I was practicing my workshop presentation on a two year old (Serena). I don’t get nervous in front of kids… so I kept practicing it over and over and she was my audience lol!
Mrs. Kus was so nice to drop my lunch off at the Resource Center….(My host family is ridiculously kind… I am going to miss them.)
Mrs. Kus packed me watermelon my favorite and rice, which is also my favorite. However, she packed me gibnut… which is GROSS!
Then a little before noon we traveled to Georgeville for our first workshop given to the real Belizean teachers!!!! So exciting.
TEACHER TRAINER WOKRSHOP- CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 1-2. It went very well. Austin (my boss) was there. It made it a little more nerve wracking… however, I did well. I did not read off my notes so I was actually very proud of myself! The teachers learned a lot (But, I realized that the teachers here in Belize are rather shy and don’t participate easily. )
We got home at 4:30pm (I got to spend time with my host family… we got out before 5!) Lorenzo and Mr. Kus were back from visiting Mr. Kus’s mom in PG (Punta Gorda). I missed them greatly. Lorenzo puts a smile on my face every day. I hugged/kissed/tickled Lorenzo as soon as I saw him. Lorenzo loved his books that I gave him. However, Serena (Ms. Carmelina’s daughter) likes my read alouds much more.
Then Marah wanted help with her homework. So I helped her with words that sound the same, but have different meanings, such as course or coarse and there or their. After that Celestino wanted to play games. We played Old Maid. (Celestino is such a sore loser… I have to work on that with him. Hahaha)
Later when Kevina came over to give Ms. Kus a vitamin shot (bc she is a EMT) we all played all Maid. Allysa, Kevina’s host sister, won. We played with 7 people… old maid is much more fun with lots of players!
Tonight was a good productive night… I completed my evaluations, assessments, and journal.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we had language class in the morning. The joke was that I could not remember what the word lime is in K’ekchi for the life of me. (Lamux=lime… which I will now never forget!!!)
This session I loved playing with the LCF, Ms. Carmelina’s, little girl Serena. She is very cute and very shy. She warmed up to me and sat on my lap the rest of the session. Greg videotaped me because I was practicing my workshop presentation on a two year old (Serena). I don’t get nervous in front of kids… so I kept practicing it over and over and she was my audience lol!
Mrs. Kus was so nice to drop my lunch off at the Resource Center….(My host family is ridiculously kind… I am going to miss them.)
Mrs. Kus packed me watermelon my favorite and rice, which is also my favorite. However, she packed me gibnut… which is GROSS!
Then a little before noon we traveled to Georgeville for our first workshop given to the real Belizean teachers!!!! So exciting.
TEACHER TRAINER WOKRSHOP- CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 1-2. It went very well. Austin (my boss) was there. It made it a little more nerve wracking… however, I did well. I did not read off my notes so I was actually very proud of myself! The teachers learned a lot (But, I realized that the teachers here in Belize are rather shy and don’t participate easily. )
We got home at 4:30pm (I got to spend time with my host family… we got out before 5!) Lorenzo and Mr. Kus were back from visiting Mr. Kus’s mom in PG (Punta Gorda). I missed them greatly. Lorenzo puts a smile on my face every day. I hugged/kissed/tickled Lorenzo as soon as I saw him. Lorenzo loved his books that I gave him. However, Serena (Ms. Carmelina’s daughter) likes my read alouds much more.
Then Marah wanted help with her homework. So I helped her with words that sound the same, but have different meanings, such as course or coarse and there or their. After that Celestino wanted to play games. We played Old Maid. (Celestino is such a sore loser… I have to work on that with him. Hahaha)
Later when Kevina came over to give Ms. Kus a vitamin shot (bc she is a EMT) we all played all Maid. Allysa, Kevina’s host sister, won. We played with 7 people… old maid is much more fun with lots of players!
Tonight was a good productive night… I completed my evaluations, assessments, and journal.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Silly Story – Tarantella story
***So I want to begin with what happened yesterday… I had my first encounter with a tarantella… and it was crawling up my arm.
I went into the laundry room in the dark to get something. I brushed up on the tied hammock. I started to feel something going up my arm. I had no clue what it was. I screamed/cried and did a ridiculous dance. My host family thought I was dying. They said they never heard a scream like that. My host mom did not know what to do. My host brother Celestino saw the tarantella and brushed it off. I was grossed out the rest of the night (thinking bugs and insects were crawling on me!) I am not scared of spiders; however, I do not want tarantellas crawling on my skin! ****
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
I went into the laundry room in the dark to get something. I brushed up on the tied hammock. I started to feel something going up my arm. I had no clue what it was. I screamed/cried and did a ridiculous dance. My host family thought I was dying. They said they never heard a scream like that. My host mom did not know what to do. My host brother Celestino saw the tarantella and brushed it off. I was grossed out the rest of the night (thinking bugs and insects were crawling on me!) I am not scared of spiders; however, I do not want tarantellas crawling on my skin! ****
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Field Trips, Holidays, and Random Belizean and P.C. Info...
Saturday September 19, 2009
Today is CARNIVAL! The best party in Belize! We have a day off!
Today I slept in until 7:30! It was so nice! I got up and made tortillas… I am becoming quite a cook lol!
I asked Mrs. Kus for all her recipes. She gave me her recipes for Ideals, Flour Tortillas ( because I like those much more than corn tortillas), chicken, rice and beans, and banana bread!
We also practiced a lot of new K’ekchi words and phrases! J
I did my laundry as well! It was raining all morning and I was nervous that I would not be able to do my laundry. However, I it got sunny around noon. So I got to accomplish my laundry.
Mrs. Kus then made Kriol bread. I helped make banana bread and (banana cupcakes), which turned out very well!
We watched Cinderella in Spanish. Greg and Kevina came over for some bread just for a bit. They had a long day at the farm… getting corn. What a story… I cant wait to read it in the Toucan Time newspaper… it was sooo funny!
In the evening I went to Mrs. Kus sister house. That was awesome… I had lots of fun socializing with the local maya mopan gyals! They were preparing food for their church people.
At Mrs. Kus’s oldest sister’s house (Maria) they have soo many animals. I thought the Kus’s had many animals, but her sister has way more! Chicken (some with no feathers L), turkeys (some that sit in the trees), hens, roasters, swans, ducks, dogs, cats, birds, horses, pigs and gibnuts… I’m sure I am missing a few more. The horses are sometime just tied to a rope or let to run freely. The dogs are often stray dogs and walk around just like people do.
After we came home I had some rice beans and kriol bread. Then Maura and I played scrabble and braided each other’s hair.
Today was a GREAT/ relaxing, but fun day off!
Random information that I want to mention:
- Mr. Kus is off work for two weeks. He works at the hospital as an attendant. When he was sweeping… he accidently got pricked with a needle. They gave him medicine… so that he doesn’t get HIV/AIDS because that is a huge issue in Belize. (The family is praying that their father is going to be okay.) It is really scary.
- They do not use silver wear that often. Mrs. Kus told me a story that she did not know how to use silver wear until she was sixteen years old and went to a restaurant for the first time.
- Peace Corps has been in Belize for 42 years!
- Independence Day is this week. Belize has only had their independence for 28 years!
- People here speak lots of language… there are about 13 different languages in the country.
- Mrs. Kus and her kids speak K’ekchi, English, and a bit of Spanish. Mrs. Kus’s sister speak English, K’ekchi, Spanish, Maya, and Kriol. I find that soooo awesome! I just want to be able to speak at least one new language by the end of my service.
- Lorenzo (my 2 year-old host brother) just opens the front door and pees right there. (He is potty trained very young… Mrs. Kus said) I get a kick out of it!
- I sometimes take rain showers. There is no roof on the outside shower where I take bucket baths. Therefore, when it rains the rain cleans me… lol!
- There are no screens on any of the windows or doors. So there are many bugs that get into the house. (Big cock roaches and the grass hoppers are huge!) I have only seen a tarantula outside by the road where the Peace Corps Headquaters. However, Greg and Kevina had one in their host family’s house! I do not want to see one in my house!
- We get lots of frogs in our house. (I brush them away with my brush).
- I sleep with mosquito nets… so no bugs get me.
- Lilly told me a story that there a big rat curled up on her bed in Armenia. I was very grossed out. I told Mrs. Kus that story. Then she told me that Mr. Kus sets up traps every night to kill the rats. She said for the past seven nights they have caught one rat every night…. Ahhhhhh! She said they come from the neighbors thatch house.
- We sweep the house regularly. Do dishes by hand… with buckets.
- We have close lines hung up in the house… for when it rains.
- Belize is in the rainy season… but, they say we are actually having a dry rainy season (yet, I think it rains a lot haha)
- I have been doing my DVD workouts regularly again! I am so glad I am finding time. The kids come and join me! (So fun) The only slight dilemma is that the floor of the house is all cement. Therefore, it limits me a bit… with some of the jumping around moves.
- The Peace Corps informed the host family that we need a banana a day. So my host family fridge is always stocked with bananas. I am glad I like bananas greatly.
- This week we had a special fruit. It was watermelon (my favorite) it is definitely better and fresher than the states.
- I have tried so many things that I would have never tried in the states… and I am finding it fun and delicious!
- I am awoken by roasters every morning. It does not bother me at all. But, it does drive Greg (the other trainee in my group crazy) he thinks roasters have turrets or something. He hates them. I think it’s cool!
- I am surrounded with so many fruit trees of all kinds (blueberries, orange, lime, lemon etc) Also, there are so many cool palm trees that I have never seen before.
- I love the Punta music!!! It is fast beat and great fun!
- When we greet people at night… we say good night… I always say hi... it took some time to get used to.
- Boot leg movies are very cheap here. You can get movies for about $5… and they are good quality boot leg. (The pcv’s said we get the movies sometime faster than they come out in movie theaters in the U.S.)
- The Toucan Times is the Peace Corps News paper. It is very funny, but also informative.
- At the Peace Corps Headquaters there is one computer for all the volunteers to use. (I am so glad I brought my lab top). The internet is not the best there. It goes in and out. Facebook is the worst because of all the applications it is the slowest. They turn the internet off from 9pm to 7am (I think that is stupid… but, oh well).
Sunday September 20, 2009
Mandatory Fun Day! Field trip to Blue Hole: swimming and hiking… I am soooo pumped!
We are hiking on the trail today! We are also going swimming in the blue hole lol! Lastly we will probably explore in the caves (Ms. Ginnie told us to bring flash lights, bathing suits, bug spray, water bottles, and lunch!)
***It is raining all morning… we are waiting until eleven (when we were supposed to go to Blue Hole at 9:30am) if it does not clear up by 11am we are going to cancel our fun day L I really hope it stops raining!!!!
It did stop raining and we all enjoyed ourselves!!!
Monday September 21, 2009
Independence Day in BELIZE! All day to participate in the cultural festivities!
Today ended up not being a good day. I slept in because I felt awful. I woke up feeling sick to my stomach and some back pain again. I called Nurse Jackie and she said to discontinue the new antibiotics she put me on, and that there was nothing I could get or do because every where is closed. So I did discontinue my medicine, but I still felt like I was going to vomit. Therefore, I did not eat all day.
I had a craving to go on the internet, since I haven’t been on it in a few days. My host mom did not want me to go (which I should have listened to her L) I took a cab to the P.C. headquarters and it cost six dollars. When I got to the headquarters wireless internet was not working! So I really got nothing accomplished. I thought I was going to puke the whole time I was there… and there were a couple other trainees there not feeling well either.
I took a cab home. It stinking cost me 15 dollars…. HE totally took advantage of me. I tried to debate that I always pay 7 dollars. He insisted and argued hard … so I just paid it L
After that happened… I decided to call friends from home that I have not talked to in a while to cheer me up… I got in touch with Paula, Mary Margaret, and Andrew! It was good talking to them.
After that I lay down for a bit… and then watched movies the rest of the night with the kids… until bedtime!
Tuesday September 22, 2009
Today was a much better day!!! I felt well. It was a drastic change from yesterday!
8-12 Language and Culture Review
1-3 Session with Erin. We went to Armenia to see the healthy community trainees. I loved seeing their gardens and the latrine they built. It was a good experience.
I also had this delicious strawberry smoothie! We went to a really great stationary store… where I got my host siblings some gifts! They loved them.
3-3:30 Daily Chat
3:30-4:15 Share lesson plans and homemade resource.
This went well. I learned some new things that I would do in a Belizean classroom.
4:15-5:15 PACA Debrief … easier than expected! I learned it will be a useful tool to use when I get to my new site!
Work on presentation for tomorrow… wish me luck!
Mrs. Kus and I had about an hour and a half debate on heaven. She doesn’t believe in heaven… and I do.
Wednesday September 23, 2009
8-8:30 Daily Chat
8-3:30 Trainee-Facilitated Sessions (I give my presentation on how to set up a library in Belize!) I gave my presentation on how to set up a classroom library. Also, activities to do in a library!
Individual interview with Austin 1-3pm
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today is CARNIVAL! The best party in Belize! We have a day off!
Today I slept in until 7:30! It was so nice! I got up and made tortillas… I am becoming quite a cook lol!
I asked Mrs. Kus for all her recipes. She gave me her recipes for Ideals, Flour Tortillas ( because I like those much more than corn tortillas), chicken, rice and beans, and banana bread!
We also practiced a lot of new K’ekchi words and phrases! J
I did my laundry as well! It was raining all morning and I was nervous that I would not be able to do my laundry. However, I it got sunny around noon. So I got to accomplish my laundry.
Mrs. Kus then made Kriol bread. I helped make banana bread and (banana cupcakes), which turned out very well!
We watched Cinderella in Spanish. Greg and Kevina came over for some bread just for a bit. They had a long day at the farm… getting corn. What a story… I cant wait to read it in the Toucan Time newspaper… it was sooo funny!
In the evening I went to Mrs. Kus sister house. That was awesome… I had lots of fun socializing with the local maya mopan gyals! They were preparing food for their church people.
At Mrs. Kus’s oldest sister’s house (Maria) they have soo many animals. I thought the Kus’s had many animals, but her sister has way more! Chicken (some with no feathers L), turkeys (some that sit in the trees), hens, roasters, swans, ducks, dogs, cats, birds, horses, pigs and gibnuts… I’m sure I am missing a few more. The horses are sometime just tied to a rope or let to run freely. The dogs are often stray dogs and walk around just like people do.
After we came home I had some rice beans and kriol bread. Then Maura and I played scrabble and braided each other’s hair.
Today was a GREAT/ relaxing, but fun day off!
Random information that I want to mention:
- Mr. Kus is off work for two weeks. He works at the hospital as an attendant. When he was sweeping… he accidently got pricked with a needle. They gave him medicine… so that he doesn’t get HIV/AIDS because that is a huge issue in Belize. (The family is praying that their father is going to be okay.) It is really scary.
- They do not use silver wear that often. Mrs. Kus told me a story that she did not know how to use silver wear until she was sixteen years old and went to a restaurant for the first time.
- Peace Corps has been in Belize for 42 years!
- Independence Day is this week. Belize has only had their independence for 28 years!
- People here speak lots of language… there are about 13 different languages in the country.
- Mrs. Kus and her kids speak K’ekchi, English, and a bit of Spanish. Mrs. Kus’s sister speak English, K’ekchi, Spanish, Maya, and Kriol. I find that soooo awesome! I just want to be able to speak at least one new language by the end of my service.
- Lorenzo (my 2 year-old host brother) just opens the front door and pees right there. (He is potty trained very young… Mrs. Kus said) I get a kick out of it!
- I sometimes take rain showers. There is no roof on the outside shower where I take bucket baths. Therefore, when it rains the rain cleans me… lol!
- There are no screens on any of the windows or doors. So there are many bugs that get into the house. (Big cock roaches and the grass hoppers are huge!) I have only seen a tarantula outside by the road where the Peace Corps Headquaters. However, Greg and Kevina had one in their host family’s house! I do not want to see one in my house!
- We get lots of frogs in our house. (I brush them away with my brush).
- I sleep with mosquito nets… so no bugs get me.
- Lilly told me a story that there a big rat curled up on her bed in Armenia. I was very grossed out. I told Mrs. Kus that story. Then she told me that Mr. Kus sets up traps every night to kill the rats. She said for the past seven nights they have caught one rat every night…. Ahhhhhh! She said they come from the neighbors thatch house.
- We sweep the house regularly. Do dishes by hand… with buckets.
- We have close lines hung up in the house… for when it rains.
- Belize is in the rainy season… but, they say we are actually having a dry rainy season (yet, I think it rains a lot haha)
- I have been doing my DVD workouts regularly again! I am so glad I am finding time. The kids come and join me! (So fun) The only slight dilemma is that the floor of the house is all cement. Therefore, it limits me a bit… with some of the jumping around moves.
- The Peace Corps informed the host family that we need a banana a day. So my host family fridge is always stocked with bananas. I am glad I like bananas greatly.
- This week we had a special fruit. It was watermelon (my favorite) it is definitely better and fresher than the states.
- I have tried so many things that I would have never tried in the states… and I am finding it fun and delicious!
- I am awoken by roasters every morning. It does not bother me at all. But, it does drive Greg (the other trainee in my group crazy) he thinks roasters have turrets or something. He hates them. I think it’s cool!
- I am surrounded with so many fruit trees of all kinds (blueberries, orange, lime, lemon etc) Also, there are so many cool palm trees that I have never seen before.
- I love the Punta music!!! It is fast beat and great fun!
- When we greet people at night… we say good night… I always say hi... it took some time to get used to.
- Boot leg movies are very cheap here. You can get movies for about $5… and they are good quality boot leg. (The pcv’s said we get the movies sometime faster than they come out in movie theaters in the U.S.)
- The Toucan Times is the Peace Corps News paper. It is very funny, but also informative.
- At the Peace Corps Headquaters there is one computer for all the volunteers to use. (I am so glad I brought my lab top). The internet is not the best there. It goes in and out. Facebook is the worst because of all the applications it is the slowest. They turn the internet off from 9pm to 7am (I think that is stupid… but, oh well).
Sunday September 20, 2009
Mandatory Fun Day! Field trip to Blue Hole: swimming and hiking… I am soooo pumped!
We are hiking on the trail today! We are also going swimming in the blue hole lol! Lastly we will probably explore in the caves (Ms. Ginnie told us to bring flash lights, bathing suits, bug spray, water bottles, and lunch!)
***It is raining all morning… we are waiting until eleven (when we were supposed to go to Blue Hole at 9:30am) if it does not clear up by 11am we are going to cancel our fun day L I really hope it stops raining!!!!
It did stop raining and we all enjoyed ourselves!!!
Monday September 21, 2009
Independence Day in BELIZE! All day to participate in the cultural festivities!
Today ended up not being a good day. I slept in because I felt awful. I woke up feeling sick to my stomach and some back pain again. I called Nurse Jackie and she said to discontinue the new antibiotics she put me on, and that there was nothing I could get or do because every where is closed. So I did discontinue my medicine, but I still felt like I was going to vomit. Therefore, I did not eat all day.
I had a craving to go on the internet, since I haven’t been on it in a few days. My host mom did not want me to go (which I should have listened to her L) I took a cab to the P.C. headquarters and it cost six dollars. When I got to the headquarters wireless internet was not working! So I really got nothing accomplished. I thought I was going to puke the whole time I was there… and there were a couple other trainees there not feeling well either.
I took a cab home. It stinking cost me 15 dollars…. HE totally took advantage of me. I tried to debate that I always pay 7 dollars. He insisted and argued hard … so I just paid it L
After that happened… I decided to call friends from home that I have not talked to in a while to cheer me up… I got in touch with Paula, Mary Margaret, and Andrew! It was good talking to them.
After that I lay down for a bit… and then watched movies the rest of the night with the kids… until bedtime!
Tuesday September 22, 2009
Today was a much better day!!! I felt well. It was a drastic change from yesterday!
8-12 Language and Culture Review
1-3 Session with Erin. We went to Armenia to see the healthy community trainees. I loved seeing their gardens and the latrine they built. It was a good experience.
I also had this delicious strawberry smoothie! We went to a really great stationary store… where I got my host siblings some gifts! They loved them.
3-3:30 Daily Chat
3:30-4:15 Share lesson plans and homemade resource.
This went well. I learned some new things that I would do in a Belizean classroom.
4:15-5:15 PACA Debrief … easier than expected! I learned it will be a useful tool to use when I get to my new site!
Work on presentation for tomorrow… wish me luck!
Mrs. Kus and I had about an hour and a half debate on heaven. She doesn’t believe in heaven… and I do.
Wednesday September 23, 2009
8-8:30 Daily Chat
8-3:30 Trainee-Facilitated Sessions (I give my presentation on how to set up a library in Belize!) I gave my presentation on how to set up a classroom library. Also, activities to do in a library!
Individual interview with Austin 1-3pm
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Week 5... Time is flying!
Tuesday September 15th, 2009
Today I was still not feeling up to par. I just want this pain in my back to go away!
Session today took place at the resource center. It started at 8:30; however, we thought it started at 8 am so Greg, Kevina and I were there early. We saw the littlest dog (poor thing), but he was so cute! I took pictures of them. Kevina felt so bad for the dogs that now she carriers dog food in her bag for the dogs that are starving. There are so many stray dogs.
Language session was from 8:30-12pm. Today, I had to speak on dressing appropriately because today’s topic was dressing appropriately. My LCF told me to come in a tiny top and short skirt (I was so uncomfortable… bc that is not my style at all lol) Then we talked why we should not dress like that and how much unwanted attention would come from dressing like that.
When I came home from lunch my host mom said to me in K’ekchi that I don’t look so well and that I look sick. I told her I feel okay… it is just my back.
After lunch we went back to the resource center and the business group from Belmopan was there too. It was very nice seeing other trainees from other sectors. We had a session on Mentoring: Giving and Receiving Feedback. The lesson was lots of fun because there were more of us participating.
After that the four of us (education trainees) had our daily chat about the weekend…. Of course I did not have much good to say. We also talked about more projects coming up. We assigned Cross-Sector CBT presentation speaker and talent show ideas. (Some people told me to make a slide show of all my ten thousand pictures I take!) (another idea was to sing in K’ekchi… however, I only sing one word “Bar” which means where… in the song we got the joy joy joy (where) down in our heart, down in our hearts. Hahaha.
After that discussion we talked about parent involvement. That was an easy topic because in my internships at Thurmont Elementary and Primary we had lots of great parent involvement.
After that we went to a Botique to practice our K’ekchi while purchasing items. I thought I did not want to buy anything, but that was until I found a beach towel… sand, beach, crabs, and shells on it. I loved it and had to buy it. Kevina bought one with ducks and she tried to bargain the price down. She was not able and neither was I.
After that I went home… and did lots and lots of homework. My host family can’t believe how much work I have. But, I want to get it all finished so I can enjoy this upcoming holiday weekend with my host family… and not worry about all the presentations, projects, workshops, and lesson plans that are due next week!
Wednesday September 16, 2009
Today was a GREAT day of sessions. I enjoyed all of them today. It was a whole day of education topics at the Peace Corps Headquaters. It was very informative and useful to use in my potential schools I will be working at after signing in on October 22, 2009!
We began with a daily chat… it was about this upcoming field trip we are taking to the Blue Hole this weekend! (I cant wait!)
9-10am Coy and Melissa (a cute married PCV couple) gave a presentation on:
· Early Childhood Education
o Teaching Phonics
o Phonemic Awareness
o Rhymes and Songs
o Word Walls
o Classroom Management
10-11am ESL (PCV Melissa Anderson)
We discussed:
· Facial cues
· Acting/role plays
· Scaffolding
· Realia
· Check for comprehension and understanding
During this session Nurse Jackie called me down to basically tell me I have to wait for my results on Thursday to really know what is wrong with me.
11-12pm Reading strategies (PCV Laura Bradford)
She gave a lesson on:
· Traditional Read Alouds
· Interactive Read Alouds
· Strategies to use word walls
· Choosing what words to use on our word walls
During lunch I got to use the internet J We also got to chat with the present education PCVs!!!
After lunch we had a detailed lesion on Special Education in Belize (NaRCIE) I was very interested in this topic because I want to do my secondary project on Special Education. My first project is teacher training, but I want my second project to be something with special needs… bc I am debating getting my masters in that area (or reading specialist or adminstations… I’m really not sure… I have two years to decide!)
During this session we learned:
· How to help identify students and refer them to NaRCIE
· Contact NaRCIE with Questions
· Build resources
· And lots and lots of handouts and pantalets…. So wonderful!
Side note: I forgot to mention the legal age for school is only 5-14 (it is normal to stop school when a child turns 15… so sad)
Thursday September 17, 2009
Today my LCF was sick… fever and throwing up… therefore, we did not have class.
Today is all LANGUAGE K’ekchi!!!! AHHH and WOOOOHOOOO!
8-12 Language and Culture information on renting a house and buying household items (I love how the lessons are very useful to the trainees)
Lunch
1-3:30 Language and Culture Review!
3:30-5:00pm: Self-directed learning: I am going to work on presentation plans and other assignments. (Hopefully get to the internet!)
I got lots of work finished!!!
I bonded with my host family finishing my projects. My host siblings and I made viziers and laughed the night away!!!!
Friday September 18, 2009
I am finally feeling much BETTER!!!! YAY! I am happy to be feeling normal!
We get more shots today… Rabies 3 and hepatitis B Vaccines
8:30-9:30 Classroom Management (Olga Manzanero)
9:30-10:30 Site Development with Austin and Jay J
10:30-12 Serving Safely with PCMO Jackie
Get walk around money for next week!
Lunch!
1:15-2:15 Mental and Emotional Health with PCMO Jackie
2:30-3:30 Emergency Action Plan with SSC
3:30-5 Development with Bryan
(My assessment is due TAP)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today I was still not feeling up to par. I just want this pain in my back to go away!
Session today took place at the resource center. It started at 8:30; however, we thought it started at 8 am so Greg, Kevina and I were there early. We saw the littlest dog (poor thing), but he was so cute! I took pictures of them. Kevina felt so bad for the dogs that now she carriers dog food in her bag for the dogs that are starving. There are so many stray dogs.
Language session was from 8:30-12pm. Today, I had to speak on dressing appropriately because today’s topic was dressing appropriately. My LCF told me to come in a tiny top and short skirt (I was so uncomfortable… bc that is not my style at all lol) Then we talked why we should not dress like that and how much unwanted attention would come from dressing like that.
When I came home from lunch my host mom said to me in K’ekchi that I don’t look so well and that I look sick. I told her I feel okay… it is just my back.
After lunch we went back to the resource center and the business group from Belmopan was there too. It was very nice seeing other trainees from other sectors. We had a session on Mentoring: Giving and Receiving Feedback. The lesson was lots of fun because there were more of us participating.
After that the four of us (education trainees) had our daily chat about the weekend…. Of course I did not have much good to say. We also talked about more projects coming up. We assigned Cross-Sector CBT presentation speaker and talent show ideas. (Some people told me to make a slide show of all my ten thousand pictures I take!) (another idea was to sing in K’ekchi… however, I only sing one word “Bar” which means where… in the song we got the joy joy joy (where) down in our heart, down in our hearts. Hahaha.
After that discussion we talked about parent involvement. That was an easy topic because in my internships at Thurmont Elementary and Primary we had lots of great parent involvement.
After that we went to a Botique to practice our K’ekchi while purchasing items. I thought I did not want to buy anything, but that was until I found a beach towel… sand, beach, crabs, and shells on it. I loved it and had to buy it. Kevina bought one with ducks and she tried to bargain the price down. She was not able and neither was I.
After that I went home… and did lots and lots of homework. My host family can’t believe how much work I have. But, I want to get it all finished so I can enjoy this upcoming holiday weekend with my host family… and not worry about all the presentations, projects, workshops, and lesson plans that are due next week!
Wednesday September 16, 2009
Today was a GREAT day of sessions. I enjoyed all of them today. It was a whole day of education topics at the Peace Corps Headquaters. It was very informative and useful to use in my potential schools I will be working at after signing in on October 22, 2009!
We began with a daily chat… it was about this upcoming field trip we are taking to the Blue Hole this weekend! (I cant wait!)
9-10am Coy and Melissa (a cute married PCV couple) gave a presentation on:
· Early Childhood Education
o Teaching Phonics
o Phonemic Awareness
o Rhymes and Songs
o Word Walls
o Classroom Management
10-11am ESL (PCV Melissa Anderson)
We discussed:
· Facial cues
· Acting/role plays
· Scaffolding
· Realia
· Check for comprehension and understanding
During this session Nurse Jackie called me down to basically tell me I have to wait for my results on Thursday to really know what is wrong with me.
11-12pm Reading strategies (PCV Laura Bradford)
She gave a lesson on:
· Traditional Read Alouds
· Interactive Read Alouds
· Strategies to use word walls
· Choosing what words to use on our word walls
During lunch I got to use the internet J We also got to chat with the present education PCVs!!!
After lunch we had a detailed lesion on Special Education in Belize (NaRCIE) I was very interested in this topic because I want to do my secondary project on Special Education. My first project is teacher training, but I want my second project to be something with special needs… bc I am debating getting my masters in that area (or reading specialist or adminstations… I’m really not sure… I have two years to decide!)
During this session we learned:
· How to help identify students and refer them to NaRCIE
· Contact NaRCIE with Questions
· Build resources
· And lots and lots of handouts and pantalets…. So wonderful!
Side note: I forgot to mention the legal age for school is only 5-14 (it is normal to stop school when a child turns 15… so sad)
Thursday September 17, 2009
Today my LCF was sick… fever and throwing up… therefore, we did not have class.
Today is all LANGUAGE K’ekchi!!!! AHHH and WOOOOHOOOO!
8-12 Language and Culture information on renting a house and buying household items (I love how the lessons are very useful to the trainees)
Lunch
1-3:30 Language and Culture Review!
3:30-5:00pm: Self-directed learning: I am going to work on presentation plans and other assignments. (Hopefully get to the internet!)
I got lots of work finished!!!
I bonded with my host family finishing my projects. My host siblings and I made viziers and laughed the night away!!!!
Friday September 18, 2009
I am finally feeling much BETTER!!!! YAY! I am happy to be feeling normal!
We get more shots today… Rabies 3 and hepatitis B Vaccines
8:30-9:30 Classroom Management (Olga Manzanero)
9:30-10:30 Site Development with Austin and Jay J
10:30-12 Serving Safely with PCMO Jackie
Get walk around money for next week!
Lunch!
1:15-2:15 Mental and Emotional Health with PCMO Jackie
2:30-3:30 Emergency Action Plan with SSC
3:30-5 Development with Bryan
(My assessment is due TAP)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sick Weekend in San Ignasio
What a different weekend I had… than what was planned.
Friday I had my rabies shot. After my rabies shot I had this pain in my side. In the afternoon I also took my malaria pills (that give me nightmares as a side affect). However, that was not the reason I got sick…. Said the doctor and the nurse at the Peace Corps.
Friday afternoon I left with Terra, Sandy, and Misty to Cayo (San Ignacio). I was very tired on that bus trip. Once we got to Terra’s house I loved relaxing. We then all went to bed very early. I felt so bad… I kept rolling on Misty’s side of the bed because my back started hurting so badly that I was tossing and turning (and having difficulty breathing).
When I awoke we went to the market. Later in the afternoon we went to the river… I jumped off the bridge and did my workout even though my side and back was hurting terribly. I didn’t want to complain. When we got back everyone took showers except me. I was way too tired so I took a nap. When Ashley (a PCV) came over I chatted with her for a bit, rather than help cooking. I started to really not feel well. I asked Misty to take my temperature. I had a 100 degree temperature so I decided to lie down. I slept 18 hours! (4pm Sat-2pm Sun). They knew I was sick because I wouldn’t even get up to go to the internet café.
I got up at 2pm to shower and go to the movie theater. It was a very cute little movie theater with air conditioning. It only cost one dollar for the afternoon showings (I saw Inkheart). After that we then had dinner. After dinner Terra said she would get yelled at by the other volunteers if she did not take us up to the Cayo Twist a place where it has delicious ice cream. We walked up a large hill… I started to feel sick, but I thought I was okay. It was about a 20 minute walk up the hill. Once I ordered my ice cream and was standing in line. I started to feel nauseous. I told Misty I was going to sit down. I sat down and then asked for a bathroom. There were none! So I turned and threw up (vomited) several times all my dinner over the railing of the ice cream parlor! SO GROSS!
Then we took a taxi home and I went to bed.
I woke up early to go back to Belmopan to see Nurse Jackie. Terra advised me to call her before taking the bus back to Belmopan. I called Nurse Jackie and she was not in Belmopan today. I told her my conditions and symptoms and she told me that she does not think it is from the Rabies shot.
Terra took me to the LA LOMA LUZ Hospital. I waited a very long time to talk with the doctor. The hospital did not remind me of a hospital back in the states… it reminded me of just a doctor’s office.
I met with the doctor. He was not exactly sure what I had. He had me take a blood and urine test. I came back at 2:30pm to get results.
During noon to 2pm I wrote on facebook… that I was sick!! (Thank you all for your super nice messages!)
I went back at 2:30… Misty and Terra carried my bags (they were both so kind). The doctor thinks I had a urinary tract infection. They were not positive… so they made me take one more urine test.
I got antibiotics and a fever reducer. I hope to be feeling better soon. I hate this back pain… it hurts to breathe.
I am happy to be back in Maya Mopan. It gives me a peace of mind.
Update: Tues and Wed… I have not felt a 100 percent better because I have horrible back pain. But, I have not been throwing up. I either have a u.t.i. or kidney stones.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday I had my rabies shot. After my rabies shot I had this pain in my side. In the afternoon I also took my malaria pills (that give me nightmares as a side affect). However, that was not the reason I got sick…. Said the doctor and the nurse at the Peace Corps.
Friday afternoon I left with Terra, Sandy, and Misty to Cayo (San Ignacio). I was very tired on that bus trip. Once we got to Terra’s house I loved relaxing. We then all went to bed very early. I felt so bad… I kept rolling on Misty’s side of the bed because my back started hurting so badly that I was tossing and turning (and having difficulty breathing).
When I awoke we went to the market. Later in the afternoon we went to the river… I jumped off the bridge and did my workout even though my side and back was hurting terribly. I didn’t want to complain. When we got back everyone took showers except me. I was way too tired so I took a nap. When Ashley (a PCV) came over I chatted with her for a bit, rather than help cooking. I started to really not feel well. I asked Misty to take my temperature. I had a 100 degree temperature so I decided to lie down. I slept 18 hours! (4pm Sat-2pm Sun). They knew I was sick because I wouldn’t even get up to go to the internet café.
I got up at 2pm to shower and go to the movie theater. It was a very cute little movie theater with air conditioning. It only cost one dollar for the afternoon showings (I saw Inkheart). After that we then had dinner. After dinner Terra said she would get yelled at by the other volunteers if she did not take us up to the Cayo Twist a place where it has delicious ice cream. We walked up a large hill… I started to feel sick, but I thought I was okay. It was about a 20 minute walk up the hill. Once I ordered my ice cream and was standing in line. I started to feel nauseous. I told Misty I was going to sit down. I sat down and then asked for a bathroom. There were none! So I turned and threw up (vomited) several times all my dinner over the railing of the ice cream parlor! SO GROSS!
Then we took a taxi home and I went to bed.
I woke up early to go back to Belmopan to see Nurse Jackie. Terra advised me to call her before taking the bus back to Belmopan. I called Nurse Jackie and she was not in Belmopan today. I told her my conditions and symptoms and she told me that she does not think it is from the Rabies shot.
Terra took me to the LA LOMA LUZ Hospital. I waited a very long time to talk with the doctor. The hospital did not remind me of a hospital back in the states… it reminded me of just a doctor’s office.
I met with the doctor. He was not exactly sure what I had. He had me take a blood and urine test. I came back at 2:30pm to get results.
During noon to 2pm I wrote on facebook… that I was sick!! (Thank you all for your super nice messages!)
I went back at 2:30… Misty and Terra carried my bags (they were both so kind). The doctor thinks I had a urinary tract infection. They were not positive… so they made me take one more urine test.
I got antibiotics and a fever reducer. I hope to be feeling better soon. I hate this back pain… it hurts to breathe.
I am happy to be back in Maya Mopan. It gives me a peace of mind.
Update: Tues and Wed… I have not felt a 100 percent better because I have horrible back pain. But, I have not been throwing up. I either have a u.t.i. or kidney stones.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Plan for my Weekend in San Ignacio!
Friday September 11, 2009
Today we go to the Peace Corps office. We are going to walk to the Peace Corps office early in the morning.
The agenda is:
8:30-10:30 We have a session on working with youth with the PCV (Peace Corps Volunteers) and Guest speakers.
10:30-12: HIV/AIDS with PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer) Jackie
Then before lunch we get more shots! (Rabies 2 Vaccine and Walk around money during lunch!
12-1 Lunch
1-2 After lunch we have a session with Bran on Development in Belize.
2:15-3:15 Crime Risk Factor Session with SSC and PCV’s.
3:30-4:30 HIV/AIDS initiative and committee.
4:30-5:00 Site logistics.
Self Assessment due today, as well.
Then after the session I will travel with Terra a PCV from PC office to site. We will go to dinner at a local site in San Ignacio… I get to spend the weekend with a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Saturday September 12, 2009
We will go to the market to buy groceries for the week. I will also get to practice the local language. Terra and I will have breakfast at the market.
Then she will take me exploring in CAYO!!! I cant wait. We will then cook dinner and then we will get a CAYO twist (soy ice cream, she said it is sooo good!)
Sunday September 13, 2009
We will get up early and cook breakfast. After breakfast we will do some laundry and then enjoy hammock time (which I have not done yet) I have not had time to lay down and relax. Even though we have three hammocks in my host family’s house!
After that we will cook lunch and then go to the movie theater… for only 4 dollars (which is really 2 U.S. dollars… things are sooo cheap here)
Then we might go swimming at one of the local resorts. I really hope we do that! Then cook dinner… I am going to be an awesome cook when I get back in the states. Lol
Monday September 14, 2009
Today we will get up and cook breakfast. Then we will go to Terras office where she works on her project. However, I will probably not meet her counterparts because they tend not to be there on Mondays. We will then have lunch with Ms. Sue and then I will travel back to site!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we go to the Peace Corps office. We are going to walk to the Peace Corps office early in the morning.
The agenda is:
8:30-10:30 We have a session on working with youth with the PCV (Peace Corps Volunteers) and Guest speakers.
10:30-12: HIV/AIDS with PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer) Jackie
Then before lunch we get more shots! (Rabies 2 Vaccine and Walk around money during lunch!
12-1 Lunch
1-2 After lunch we have a session with Bran on Development in Belize.
2:15-3:15 Crime Risk Factor Session with SSC and PCV’s.
3:30-4:30 HIV/AIDS initiative and committee.
4:30-5:00 Site logistics.
Self Assessment due today, as well.
Then after the session I will travel with Terra a PCV from PC office to site. We will go to dinner at a local site in San Ignacio… I get to spend the weekend with a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Saturday September 12, 2009
We will go to the market to buy groceries for the week. I will also get to practice the local language. Terra and I will have breakfast at the market.
Then she will take me exploring in CAYO!!! I cant wait. We will then cook dinner and then we will get a CAYO twist (soy ice cream, she said it is sooo good!)
Sunday September 13, 2009
We will get up early and cook breakfast. After breakfast we will do some laundry and then enjoy hammock time (which I have not done yet) I have not had time to lay down and relax. Even though we have three hammocks in my host family’s house!
After that we will cook lunch and then go to the movie theater… for only 4 dollars (which is really 2 U.S. dollars… things are sooo cheap here)
Then we might go swimming at one of the local resorts. I really hope we do that! Then cook dinner… I am going to be an awesome cook when I get back in the states. Lol
Monday September 14, 2009
Today we will get up and cook breakfast. Then we will go to Terras office where she works on her project. However, I will probably not meet her counterparts because they tend not to be there on Mondays. We will then have lunch with Ms. Sue and then I will travel back to site!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Battle of St. Georges National Day!
Thursday September 10, 2009
Today is NATIONAL DAY (Battle of St. Georges Caye)!!! I am planning to participate in the cultural festivities!
My host mom woke me up at 6am to learn how to kneed the dough for the tortillas. It is hard work, but I found it fun too!...While cooking I also did my laundry. Next, I drew a community map with Marah… I am going to do it where the children gather. That was one of my projects I needed to do.
Then there is a Parade in Belmopan (the countries capital)! Hopefully many of the trainees will be there! We are supposed to go to Independence Park at 2pm. Then I will be going to Greg and Kevinia’s house to have a dinner celebration. Kevina is going to kill a chicken and we all are going to help prepare the meal.
(She killed it and then cried… she wanted to be a good maya women… however, she also is a vegetarian. She said she had to saw his neck off and it was a slow painful death… bc the host mom said she didn’t want a mess.
The parade was great!... there were venders and lots of stuff to do there. It was on Belizean time… meaning everything starts an hour or two later than the planed time. It said it would begin at 2pm… but, it did not begin until 4.
Hopefully (even though I have the day off) I get some of my projects accomplished too! Training is a lot of work!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today is NATIONAL DAY (Battle of St. Georges Caye)!!! I am planning to participate in the cultural festivities!
My host mom woke me up at 6am to learn how to kneed the dough for the tortillas. It is hard work, but I found it fun too!...While cooking I also did my laundry. Next, I drew a community map with Marah… I am going to do it where the children gather. That was one of my projects I needed to do.
Then there is a Parade in Belmopan (the countries capital)! Hopefully many of the trainees will be there! We are supposed to go to Independence Park at 2pm. Then I will be going to Greg and Kevinia’s house to have a dinner celebration. Kevina is going to kill a chicken and we all are going to help prepare the meal.
(She killed it and then cried… she wanted to be a good maya women… however, she also is a vegetarian. She said she had to saw his neck off and it was a slow painful death… bc the host mom said she didn’t want a mess.
The parade was great!... there were venders and lots of stuff to do there. It was on Belizean time… meaning everything starts an hour or two later than the planed time. It said it would begin at 2pm… but, it did not begin until 4.
Hopefully (even though I have the day off) I get some of my projects accomplished too! Training is a lot of work!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
9-9-09
Wednesday 9-9-09!!!
Today we had language training and then I had my first observation in the classroom! I observed the classroom. She was a very good teacher. She used positive reinforcement and all the reading strategies I would have used.
I had to perform a reading test on one student in the infant I class (it would be considered Kindergarten in the U.S.). The Infant I teacher said to pick any child because none really know how to read. Therefore, I asked this one little girl “did you go to preschool?” She nodded yes. Then I asked her if she would read this story for me? She again nodded her head yes. Then the teacher came over to tell me that she doesn’t speak any English at all! She said there are six kids who only speak Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan. So then I picked a new child and assessed him. He did not know his letters or sounds. I enjoyed my observation. It helped me see where Infant I children are compared to the U.S.
After lunch I had a frozen chocolate banana… so good! Then we had a session about our project plan with Austin the education manager. After that we worked on all our numerous projects… we have lots of work to do during training.
Then I went home for dinner. I did not go to the Jehovah Witness meeting with my family because I was too exhausted. However, Mrs. Kus stayed up until midnight to finish baking banana bread. Then she got up at 5am. (The maya women get very little sleep)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we had language training and then I had my first observation in the classroom! I observed the classroom. She was a very good teacher. She used positive reinforcement and all the reading strategies I would have used.
I had to perform a reading test on one student in the infant I class (it would be considered Kindergarten in the U.S.). The Infant I teacher said to pick any child because none really know how to read. Therefore, I asked this one little girl “did you go to preschool?” She nodded yes. Then I asked her if she would read this story for me? She again nodded her head yes. Then the teacher came over to tell me that she doesn’t speak any English at all! She said there are six kids who only speak Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan. So then I picked a new child and assessed him. He did not know his letters or sounds. I enjoyed my observation. It helped me see where Infant I children are compared to the U.S.
After lunch I had a frozen chocolate banana… so good! Then we had a session about our project plan with Austin the education manager. After that we worked on all our numerous projects… we have lots of work to do during training.
Then I went home for dinner. I did not go to the Jehovah Witness meeting with my family because I was too exhausted. However, Mrs. Kus stayed up until midnight to finish baking banana bread. Then she got up at 5am. (The maya women get very little sleep)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
The Market... and then slave cooking all day lol!
Tuesday September 8, 2009
The four of us went to the market today… (Kevina, Greg, Amy and I). We bought our food by using the language K’ekchi! It was quite the experience. (I had chocolate ideal… basically chocolate water ice in a bag). SOOO GOOD! Then we had lunch and then back to the resource center for Erin’s session.
After that we (the four trainees, my language teacher, and my host family) cooked from 3-7 making/killing the turkey!!!!! We ate at my host family’s house! We made a Belizean soup… it is a lot of work! All four of us trainees prepared dinner. But, it was also a lot of fun and I am gradually learning to cook!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
The four of us went to the market today… (Kevina, Greg, Amy and I). We bought our food by using the language K’ekchi! It was quite the experience. (I had chocolate ideal… basically chocolate water ice in a bag). SOOO GOOD! Then we had lunch and then back to the resource center for Erin’s session.
After that we (the four trainees, my language teacher, and my host family) cooked from 3-7 making/killing the turkey!!!!! We ate at my host family’s house! We made a Belizean soup… it is a lot of work! All four of us trainees prepared dinner. But, it was also a lot of fun and I am gradually learning to cook!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Trip to Punta Gorda!
Sunday September 6, 2009.
I believe today is Labor day in the states… however, we do not celebrate that here.
Today we travel to Toledo. I took so many picture… it was so green and beautiful. We had a fun bus ride… I bonded more with the ten education teacher trainers. I roomed with Emily. All the girls were supposed to sleep in the same room and play games (Apple to Apple) however, we were too tired because we traveled, went to dinner, and did a little touristing around Punta Gorda.
Monday September 7, 2009
There was a huge… and I mean huge lighting and thunder storm. Everywhere was flooded. The bridges that we needed to take were all completely flooded and we could not cross them. Therefore, we were not able to visit all of the schools that were on the agenda.
The schools (potential school sites) we visit are:
· Forest Home Methodist school
· Laguna
· Santa Teresa
· Silver Creek
· Big Falls
· Dangriga
The first school we visited was Forest Home Methodist School. I thought that school actually had very good experienced teachers with lots of resources.
Laguna was a very small school. It only had three teachers and 65 students. It was right in front of a huge mountain… that I would love to hike up on weekends.
Santa Teresa is the furthest school away… from civilizations (no water or electricity) Everyone predicted even my language facilitator thinks I will be here. However, Kevina and Greg really want to be there more than me because they want the hard core experience. (I just want internet… which I won’t probably get)
Silver Creek we did not see… because of the flooding. We saw Big Falls… I loved that school. They had lots of resources…. Internet and teacher books etc!!!!
Lastly we visited Dangrigia… we got to visit the Gurifina museum which was very interesting. The children were a little wild for me. They pulled my camera out of my hands and were screaming… I know I would need lots of behavior management plans if I was placed at that school.
We also visited the education department in Dangaria where someone will be placed. I don’t want to be placed there because that volunteer will not be working with children in schools L
It was a very long busy day… we had to wait 2 hours by the bridge while the city cleared the debris off of the bridge… we were supposed to get back at 4pm. I did not arrive back to my site until 7:30!
Then back to CBT (Community Base Training host family house)
GOOD NIGHT!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
I believe today is Labor day in the states… however, we do not celebrate that here.
Today we travel to Toledo. I took so many picture… it was so green and beautiful. We had a fun bus ride… I bonded more with the ten education teacher trainers. I roomed with Emily. All the girls were supposed to sleep in the same room and play games (Apple to Apple) however, we were too tired because we traveled, went to dinner, and did a little touristing around Punta Gorda.
Monday September 7, 2009
There was a huge… and I mean huge lighting and thunder storm. Everywhere was flooded. The bridges that we needed to take were all completely flooded and we could not cross them. Therefore, we were not able to visit all of the schools that were on the agenda.
The schools (potential school sites) we visit are:
· Forest Home Methodist school
· Laguna
· Santa Teresa
· Silver Creek
· Big Falls
· Dangriga
The first school we visited was Forest Home Methodist School. I thought that school actually had very good experienced teachers with lots of resources.
Laguna was a very small school. It only had three teachers and 65 students. It was right in front of a huge mountain… that I would love to hike up on weekends.
Santa Teresa is the furthest school away… from civilizations (no water or electricity) Everyone predicted even my language facilitator thinks I will be here. However, Kevina and Greg really want to be there more than me because they want the hard core experience. (I just want internet… which I won’t probably get)
Silver Creek we did not see… because of the flooding. We saw Big Falls… I loved that school. They had lots of resources…. Internet and teacher books etc!!!!
Lastly we visited Dangrigia… we got to visit the Gurifina museum which was very interesting. The children were a little wild for me. They pulled my camera out of my hands and were screaming… I know I would need lots of behavior management plans if I was placed at that school.
We also visited the education department in Dangaria where someone will be placed. I don’t want to be placed there because that volunteer will not be working with children in schools L
It was a very long busy day… we had to wait 2 hours by the bridge while the city cleared the debris off of the bridge… we were supposed to get back at 4pm. I did not arrive back to my site until 7:30!
Then back to CBT (Community Base Training host family house)
GOOD NIGHT!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Another day of training at the Resource Center...
Saturday September 5, 2009
Today we have language and culture 8am to noon. We learned a lot more vocabulary about family relationships part 1 and 2. Then I went home to have lunch with the whole Kus family. After lunch I go back to the resource center to chat about our school and principal observations. Then we all learned (again for me) how to give diagnostic reading assessments… such as DIBBLES… and the Caribbean Reading Assessment. From 3-5pm we do more language and culture: clothing part 1.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we have language and culture 8am to noon. We learned a lot more vocabulary about family relationships part 1 and 2. Then I went home to have lunch with the whole Kus family. After lunch I go back to the resource center to chat about our school and principal observations. Then we all learned (again for me) how to give diagnostic reading assessments… such as DIBBLES… and the Caribbean Reading Assessment. From 3-5pm we do more language and culture: clothing part 1.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Sessions at Peace Corps Headquaters
Friday September 4, 2009
Today we went to the P.C. headquarters. I love it because I get internet access. We took the bus to the headquarters (we were only 8 minutes late… even though the bus had to make so many stops.)
Today we had a lot of lecturing…
· Senator Hulse: lectured on the history and politics of Belize (he was an excellent speaker!)
· Then Antoinette Moore (a lawyer from NY, but now lives in Belize) lectured and we did activities on the diversity of Belize.
· All the trainees and I got two shots from the nurse today (Rabies 1 and Typhoid)
· After lunch we the country director (Steve Miller) talked about the policy in the Peace Corps. He discussed dress code and where about (meaning we can’t leave the country until we are officially a volunteer on Oct 22, 2009)
· Then Bryan Dwyer lectured on development in Belize (this was very interesting)
· Lastly the WID/GAD (Women in Development/ Gender and development) initiative and committee. I think I want to join this committee… I want to be a part of the girl’s summer camp called Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World).
When the day was over the education sector had to clean up at the headquarters. Then I was able to chat with people on the internet. I didn’t get home until 7pm. It was a very long day. I went to bed at 8pm and slept until 6:30 am! (I needed my rest… because I don’t know if it is allergies or not… but, I have been sneezing and blowing my nose a lot!)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we went to the P.C. headquarters. I love it because I get internet access. We took the bus to the headquarters (we were only 8 minutes late… even though the bus had to make so many stops.)
Today we had a lot of lecturing…
· Senator Hulse: lectured on the history and politics of Belize (he was an excellent speaker!)
· Then Antoinette Moore (a lawyer from NY, but now lives in Belize) lectured and we did activities on the diversity of Belize.
· All the trainees and I got two shots from the nurse today (Rabies 1 and Typhoid)
· After lunch we the country director (Steve Miller) talked about the policy in the Peace Corps. He discussed dress code and where about (meaning we can’t leave the country until we are officially a volunteer on Oct 22, 2009)
· Then Bryan Dwyer lectured on development in Belize (this was very interesting)
· Lastly the WID/GAD (Women in Development/ Gender and development) initiative and committee. I think I want to join this committee… I want to be a part of the girl’s summer camp called Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World).
When the day was over the education sector had to clean up at the headquarters. Then I was able to chat with people on the internet. I didn’t get home until 7pm. It was a very long day. I went to bed at 8pm and slept until 6:30 am! (I needed my rest… because I don’t know if it is allergies or not… but, I have been sneezing and blowing my nose a lot!)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Busy, busy, and busy DAYS!
Thursday September 3, 2009
Today we had language class all day. I am trying my hardest/best… but, my problem is the pronunciation. I can learn and remember the words quickly; however, when I read dialogue… I often pronounce the words “goofy.” The other trainees say that it is my New Jersey accent… hahah…. And I don’t think I have a NJ accent, especially since meeting all the trainees they thought I was from down south because of my accent. I just think it is because I have a unique voice lol.
At 11am we went to see the principal at the local school in my village. She was nice and very informative. She has taught since she was fifteen years old.
Some information I learned about the principal and school:
· She puts her strongest teachers in infant I and II (meaning K and 1st grade)
· Most of the teachers at her school have an Associate’s degree (Two teachers do not have training.)
· Some of her standard II (2nd grade) children are really old some are 9-12 years old. This is because they stayed at home and did not go to school because there was not a school nearby.
· They built there school two years ago because they did a survey and found out that the children in the community needed a closer school… they would travel far to go to school.
· The first year they opened they had 3 teachers and 60 some students. The principal taught, as well as being principal too.
· Every year the school increases by 100 students. Therefore, in 5 years she sees the school expanding and growing!
· They beg and plead to get more buildings and resources for the classrooms.
· They have 30 acres, but have not expanded. They have room to build up to 6th grade.
· The principal does lots of things on the side… she has very busy days ( for example, she teaches first aid and is a soldier).
· They are working on their mission and goal statement. However, there motto is “Mold them for success”
For language/cultural experience we went on a bus ride for practice. We traveled far. We saw another school. Then we waited two hours to catch the next bus.
Random info I forgot to say…
- September is a big celebration for Belizean holidays (St. George National day, Independence Day and Carnival.)
- My family doesn’t celebrate birthday or the upcoming Belizean celebrations or Christmas (Because they are Jehovah Witnesses).
- Lashing and spanking are culturally accepted here.
- Some women in the town are tradition house mothers and there are also some that are trying to be modern by trying to support the family too.
- I brush my teeth outside with a bucket (I spit the tooth paste on the ground)
- I love the Volunteer lounge where I can get my pictures posted.
- My favorite quote from Amy is… We all have role models. Who is following you?
- The children have a uniform for each day (one for every day)… I think because it is so hot and it rains a lot that they need a different uniform for each day.
- Mrs. Kus told me that is way different … when she was growing up she only had 2 dresses for the whole year.
- My host mom was married at 17 ten years ago… so I believe my host mom is 27 years old. The kids are 10, 7, and 2. She said that is all she wants. Even though she grew up in a Mayan family of 12 kids… she said it is too hard and expensive to have that many kids.
- Jose (Amy’s host brother) when he fell he said… “I drop”
- Kids run down the road naked all the time.
- Marah was telling me that her friend from school had a rusty nail in the eye…it is life threatening even though she was sent to Belize City hospital… so sad.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we had language class all day. I am trying my hardest/best… but, my problem is the pronunciation. I can learn and remember the words quickly; however, when I read dialogue… I often pronounce the words “goofy.” The other trainees say that it is my New Jersey accent… hahah…. And I don’t think I have a NJ accent, especially since meeting all the trainees they thought I was from down south because of my accent. I just think it is because I have a unique voice lol.
At 11am we went to see the principal at the local school in my village. She was nice and very informative. She has taught since she was fifteen years old.
Some information I learned about the principal and school:
· She puts her strongest teachers in infant I and II (meaning K and 1st grade)
· Most of the teachers at her school have an Associate’s degree (Two teachers do not have training.)
· Some of her standard II (2nd grade) children are really old some are 9-12 years old. This is because they stayed at home and did not go to school because there was not a school nearby.
· They built there school two years ago because they did a survey and found out that the children in the community needed a closer school… they would travel far to go to school.
· The first year they opened they had 3 teachers and 60 some students. The principal taught, as well as being principal too.
· Every year the school increases by 100 students. Therefore, in 5 years she sees the school expanding and growing!
· They beg and plead to get more buildings and resources for the classrooms.
· They have 30 acres, but have not expanded. They have room to build up to 6th grade.
· The principal does lots of things on the side… she has very busy days ( for example, she teaches first aid and is a soldier).
· They are working on their mission and goal statement. However, there motto is “Mold them for success”
For language/cultural experience we went on a bus ride for practice. We traveled far. We saw another school. Then we waited two hours to catch the next bus.
Random info I forgot to say…
- September is a big celebration for Belizean holidays (St. George National day, Independence Day and Carnival.)
- My family doesn’t celebrate birthday or the upcoming Belizean celebrations or Christmas (Because they are Jehovah Witnesses).
- Lashing and spanking are culturally accepted here.
- Some women in the town are tradition house mothers and there are also some that are trying to be modern by trying to support the family too.
- I brush my teeth outside with a bucket (I spit the tooth paste on the ground)
- I love the Volunteer lounge where I can get my pictures posted.
- My favorite quote from Amy is… We all have role models. Who is following you?
- The children have a uniform for each day (one for every day)… I think because it is so hot and it rains a lot that they need a different uniform for each day.
- Mrs. Kus told me that is way different … when she was growing up she only had 2 dresses for the whole year.
- My host mom was married at 17 ten years ago… so I believe my host mom is 27 years old. The kids are 10, 7, and 2. She said that is all she wants. Even though she grew up in a Mayan family of 12 kids… she said it is too hard and expensive to have that many kids.
- Jose (Amy’s host brother) when he fell he said… “I drop”
- Kids run down the road naked all the time.
- Marah was telling me that her friend from school had a rusty nail in the eye…it is life threatening even though she was sent to Belize City hospital… so sad.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wow… I never realized how much I appreciate air conditioning.
Wednesday September 2, 2009
Today we went to the Peace Corps Headquarters to have a training session. It was very nice because we had air conditioning and a regular bath room… not a latrine. Also, it was normal washing my hands…. Regular soup and running water!!! (At my host family’s house I wash my hands in a bucket and some powder soap. )
Also, I got internet access to upload pictures and post things to my blog. VERY HAPPY!
Also, today we had a guest speaker who was supposed to come. She never showed. Ms. Ginnie said that is normal. In Belize people are always late (they are on the Belizean time) and sometimes people just never show. So I should expect that to happen often.
The highlight of my day was that my host mom really wants to teach me how to be a “Maya” woman. So she woke up at 3 am to prepare for her day. She told me to get up at 5 am to prepare lunch with her (so I did!!!). She wants me to cook, clean, and take care of the house.
She is definitely a perfectionist. She said it was because if things weren’t perfect in her house when she was growing up she would get a lashing. For example, my tortillas are not perfect circles lol. She said if her tortillas weren’t perfect circles she would get a lashing from her father. Another example, was if the floor was not swept correctly she would also get a lashing. She is not that strict with her kids… however, she still is very traditional and expects perfection from her children. (They are very well behaved kids!) I love them!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we went to the Peace Corps Headquarters to have a training session. It was very nice because we had air conditioning and a regular bath room… not a latrine. Also, it was normal washing my hands…. Regular soup and running water!!! (At my host family’s house I wash my hands in a bucket and some powder soap. )
Also, I got internet access to upload pictures and post things to my blog. VERY HAPPY!
Also, today we had a guest speaker who was supposed to come. She never showed. Ms. Ginnie said that is normal. In Belize people are always late (they are on the Belizean time) and sometimes people just never show. So I should expect that to happen often.
The highlight of my day was that my host mom really wants to teach me how to be a “Maya” woman. So she woke up at 3 am to prepare for her day. She told me to get up at 5 am to prepare lunch with her (so I did!!!). She wants me to cook, clean, and take care of the house.
She is definitely a perfectionist. She said it was because if things weren’t perfect in her house when she was growing up she would get a lashing. For example, my tortillas are not perfect circles lol. She said if her tortillas weren’t perfect circles she would get a lashing from her father. Another example, was if the floor was not swept correctly she would also get a lashing. She is not that strict with her kids… however, she still is very traditional and expects perfection from her children. (They are very well behaved kids!) I love them!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Bonding with host mom!
Tuesday September 1, 2009
Today…was a normal day. We had training from 8am -5pm. I had a great conversation with my host mother this afternoon. She told me about how she never wanted to get married because when she was fifteen she was stalked by a boy. Then her father decided that when she was seventeen she had to get married. They arranged a marriage for her and she married Mr. Kus (my host father). She never met him… she just was engaged and then married to him. She cried and cried and hated her wedding day. She felt like it was her funeral. However, she got over that. She was at least happy that she did not marry a “drunkard” as she said. She likes that her husband does not smoke or drink… like her father did. She never wanted the life her mother had. I was taken back that she told me that story. However, I was happy because I am really forming bonds with her already… and I have only been here for a week!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today…was a normal day. We had training from 8am -5pm. I had a great conversation with my host mother this afternoon. She told me about how she never wanted to get married because when she was fifteen she was stalked by a boy. Then her father decided that when she was seventeen she had to get married. They arranged a marriage for her and she married Mr. Kus (my host father). She never met him… she just was engaged and then married to him. She cried and cried and hated her wedding day. She felt like it was her funeral. However, she got over that. She was at least happy that she did not marry a “drunkard” as she said. She likes that her husband does not smoke or drink… like her father did. She never wanted the life her mother had. I was taken back that she told me that story. However, I was happy because I am really forming bonds with her already… and I have only been here for a week!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Last day of August... and have already learned sooo much!
Monday August 31, 2009
Today I woke up around 6am and the family was already up. The children were already doing their chores. I took a shower and practiced some more K’ekchi.
Off to school I went and met Kevina and Greg at the bus stop meeting place. They were late because they were quizzing the children before they went to school on their multiplication math problems.
When I got to the resource center Ms. Ginnie taught us about classroom management. We compared classroom and behavior management in schools in Belize and the United States.
After the session on education we had lunch. I went to the internet café and wrote back to the people that have sent me messages in email and facebook. I had a lot of catching up to do because I didn’t have the internet for about a week since I have been in Maya Mopan. Greg told me today that there is an internet café right over the bridge (q’a… that is the word for bridge in k’ekchi). Amy and I went to the internet café for about an hour, which cost 3 dollars. I then went home for lunch. I felt so bad because I was very late… I was supposed to be home at noon and I did not get home until 12:45p.m. My host mom, Mrs. Kus, was very worried about me. She sent her daughter Marah over to Ms. Carmelina to check where I was. No one was sure. So now I will make sure I will inform someone before I go back to use the computers. However, I did have a delicious soup and a craboo ideal for lunch… delicious!
Then I went back to the resource center to learn more K’ekchi. We started with a very fun game where one person from each team comes to the middle and Ms. Carmelina whisper the word in English and we had to find the K’ekchi word in K’ekchi. It was lots of fun! However, Greg and Kevina’s team won instead of mine and Amy. We then did exercises in the Peace Corps K’ekchi workbook.
After that session Kevina came over my host family’s house because she was locked out of her host family’s house. So we sat and chatted about lots of things, such as poisonous snakes and making tortillas.
Then Greg, Kevina, and I went to meet the chairman of Maya Mopan. On our walk there this little girl with no shirt on yelled and pointed right at us… hey you Gringos… I am getting my first taste of being a minority. Anyway, the chairman was very nice. He only spoke in K’ekchi to us. I said Ma ‘sa achool and sa inchool then Greg did all the questions asking for the interview. We were all taken back on how fast he spoke in K’ekchi. However, we liked the part where he said that what he wants and the community needs is a shelter in case of a hurricane. He said the schools are doing well. The village is building more schools and they are okay with that. After the meeting we asked Ms. Carmelina what he said and she said she would tell us first thing when we come back to the resource center in the morning. So Kevina and Greg and I went back to have dinner with our host family. Now I am going to begin my homework for tomorrow. I have to journal on classroom and behavior management and I have to do a section in my K’ekchi workbook! I keep practicing and practicing (however, I having such a horrible accent) even though I practice and practice. Ms. Carmelina keeps telling me to practice with my host family my pronunciation!!!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today I woke up around 6am and the family was already up. The children were already doing their chores. I took a shower and practiced some more K’ekchi.
Off to school I went and met Kevina and Greg at the bus stop meeting place. They were late because they were quizzing the children before they went to school on their multiplication math problems.
When I got to the resource center Ms. Ginnie taught us about classroom management. We compared classroom and behavior management in schools in Belize and the United States.
After the session on education we had lunch. I went to the internet café and wrote back to the people that have sent me messages in email and facebook. I had a lot of catching up to do because I didn’t have the internet for about a week since I have been in Maya Mopan. Greg told me today that there is an internet café right over the bridge (q’a… that is the word for bridge in k’ekchi). Amy and I went to the internet café for about an hour, which cost 3 dollars. I then went home for lunch. I felt so bad because I was very late… I was supposed to be home at noon and I did not get home until 12:45p.m. My host mom, Mrs. Kus, was very worried about me. She sent her daughter Marah over to Ms. Carmelina to check where I was. No one was sure. So now I will make sure I will inform someone before I go back to use the computers. However, I did have a delicious soup and a craboo ideal for lunch… delicious!
Then I went back to the resource center to learn more K’ekchi. We started with a very fun game where one person from each team comes to the middle and Ms. Carmelina whisper the word in English and we had to find the K’ekchi word in K’ekchi. It was lots of fun! However, Greg and Kevina’s team won instead of mine and Amy. We then did exercises in the Peace Corps K’ekchi workbook.
After that session Kevina came over my host family’s house because she was locked out of her host family’s house. So we sat and chatted about lots of things, such as poisonous snakes and making tortillas.
Then Greg, Kevina, and I went to meet the chairman of Maya Mopan. On our walk there this little girl with no shirt on yelled and pointed right at us… hey you Gringos… I am getting my first taste of being a minority. Anyway, the chairman was very nice. He only spoke in K’ekchi to us. I said Ma ‘sa achool and sa inchool then Greg did all the questions asking for the interview. We were all taken back on how fast he spoke in K’ekchi. However, we liked the part where he said that what he wants and the community needs is a shelter in case of a hurricane. He said the schools are doing well. The village is building more schools and they are okay with that. After the meeting we asked Ms. Carmelina what he said and she said she would tell us first thing when we come back to the resource center in the morning. So Kevina and Greg and I went back to have dinner with our host family. Now I am going to begin my homework for tomorrow. I have to journal on classroom and behavior management and I have to do a section in my K’ekchi workbook! I keep practicing and practicing (however, I having such a horrible accent) even though I practice and practice. Ms. Carmelina keeps telling me to practice with my host family my pronunciation!!!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Sunday... first day off!
Sunday August 30, 2009
Sunday I was awoken by Mrs. Cus. She was calling my name to get up because I was sleeping in…. it was only 8:30 am lol! I probably could have slept all day because I was drained from the past week of technical training and language training. However, I got up to a wonderful breakfast… fried jacks (this type of fried biscuits) and drop eggs and stew beans.
Then I did my LAUNDARY for the first time in Belize. I haven’t done laundry for the past two and a half weeks I have been in Belize. I kind of lucked out with the laundry situation because my family had a spin washer so I got to use laundry powder soap. (Instead some people have to wash their clothes with a soap stick and a wash board in the river.) Then I rinsed my clothes in two different buckets… to get all the soap off my clothes. Then I hung my clothes on the line to dry. (Thank goodness it is always sunny in Belize!!!)
Then Kevina and Greg and their host siblings came to pick me and my host siblings up to go to the park. Mrs. Cus was hesitant to let her kids go because she never lets her children go to the park alone. But, since there were three adults she let them go! We played go fish in K’ekchi. Then we flew kites and ate ideals (which are a type of Popsicle in a bag made of fruit). Also, of course we took lots and lots of pictures. Around noon we came home (which I was happy about because I was getting burnt even with sunscreen!) However, I had sooo much fun at the park with all the kids. I love my host siblings the best! They are such a help to me. They help me learn the language and meet new people in the town.
Later in the afternoon I received a call from Adam asking if I wanted to go to the river in Belmopan. I had to tell him no because I had a packed full day of things to do. (I was a little sad because last Sunday I had such a blast at the river.)
Then we ate lunch as a family (rice and beans, chicken, and salad). After lunch I am now journaling while the whole family is doing lots of chores. But, in about ten minutes I am going to mill to pick up corn for the family! Oh, and Mrs. Cus brother and sister-in-law came over to visit and talk with the family.
Then we are going to Jehovah Witness church, which will definitely be an experience. I am going to learn more about their culture and meet more people in the community!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Sunday I was awoken by Mrs. Cus. She was calling my name to get up because I was sleeping in…. it was only 8:30 am lol! I probably could have slept all day because I was drained from the past week of technical training and language training. However, I got up to a wonderful breakfast… fried jacks (this type of fried biscuits) and drop eggs and stew beans.
Then I did my LAUNDARY for the first time in Belize. I haven’t done laundry for the past two and a half weeks I have been in Belize. I kind of lucked out with the laundry situation because my family had a spin washer so I got to use laundry powder soap. (Instead some people have to wash their clothes with a soap stick and a wash board in the river.) Then I rinsed my clothes in two different buckets… to get all the soap off my clothes. Then I hung my clothes on the line to dry. (Thank goodness it is always sunny in Belize!!!)
Then Kevina and Greg and their host siblings came to pick me and my host siblings up to go to the park. Mrs. Cus was hesitant to let her kids go because she never lets her children go to the park alone. But, since there were three adults she let them go! We played go fish in K’ekchi. Then we flew kites and ate ideals (which are a type of Popsicle in a bag made of fruit). Also, of course we took lots and lots of pictures. Around noon we came home (which I was happy about because I was getting burnt even with sunscreen!) However, I had sooo much fun at the park with all the kids. I love my host siblings the best! They are such a help to me. They help me learn the language and meet new people in the town.
Later in the afternoon I received a call from Adam asking if I wanted to go to the river in Belmopan. I had to tell him no because I had a packed full day of things to do. (I was a little sad because last Sunday I had such a blast at the river.)
Then we ate lunch as a family (rice and beans, chicken, and salad). After lunch I am now journaling while the whole family is doing lots of chores. But, in about ten minutes I am going to mill to pick up corn for the family! Oh, and Mrs. Cus brother and sister-in-law came over to visit and talk with the family.
Then we are going to Jehovah Witness church, which will definitely be an experience. I am going to learn more about their culture and meet more people in the community!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
We even train on Saturdays!
Saturday August 29th, 2009
Today I woke up at 6:30a.m. to go to training on a SATURDAY! (The kids did not understand why I was going to school on a Saturday.) Anyway, we had a delicious breakfast… I showered outside with a bucket and water… my shampoo and soap. Then I went off to class.
We began today with language and culture: community part 1 continued and community part 2. We mapped the Mayan Mopan community, as a group and then individually… (While also learning many more Kekchi words!
Then I went home for lunch we had noodles and stir fried vegetables with cantaloupe juice. I hung up the community map in my host family home and we all stood around discussing it. After lunch Marah walked me to the local store to buy some soap powder for laundary, which I will start tomorrow.
Then I went back to the resource center to have a daily chat on discussing the community mapping experience, as well as PACA and schools!
Now I at home and really want to take a nap! However, I played outside with the kids… we played “down by the bank where the hanky panky where the bull frog jump from bank to bank say eh ah eh ah ah the frog went kuplunk.” Then they played “see saw” made out of a log and a piece of plywood. This little boy Gabriel joined our group.
Then I MADE TORTILLAS they taught me how to make flour tortillas!!!! Another skill I am going to learn in the Peace Corps is hopefully COOKING…. Because in the states I am the world’s worst cook… ask anyone! Hahaha After dinner I had the case of the giggles… because Celestino left his banana peel on the ground and then his little brother Lorenzo slipped and feel on it. I felt really bad… however, I could not stop laughing because I have never seen that in real life…. I have only seen that happen in cartoons.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today I woke up at 6:30a.m. to go to training on a SATURDAY! (The kids did not understand why I was going to school on a Saturday.) Anyway, we had a delicious breakfast… I showered outside with a bucket and water… my shampoo and soap. Then I went off to class.
We began today with language and culture: community part 1 continued and community part 2. We mapped the Mayan Mopan community, as a group and then individually… (While also learning many more Kekchi words!
Then I went home for lunch we had noodles and stir fried vegetables with cantaloupe juice. I hung up the community map in my host family home and we all stood around discussing it. After lunch Marah walked me to the local store to buy some soap powder for laundary, which I will start tomorrow.
Then I went back to the resource center to have a daily chat on discussing the community mapping experience, as well as PACA and schools!
Now I at home and really want to take a nap! However, I played outside with the kids… we played “down by the bank where the hanky panky where the bull frog jump from bank to bank say eh ah eh ah ah the frog went kuplunk.” Then they played “see saw” made out of a log and a piece of plywood. This little boy Gabriel joined our group.
Then I MADE TORTILLAS they taught me how to make flour tortillas!!!! Another skill I am going to learn in the Peace Corps is hopefully COOKING…. Because in the states I am the world’s worst cook… ask anyone! Hahaha After dinner I had the case of the giggles… because Celestino left his banana peel on the ground and then his little brother Lorenzo slipped and feel on it. I felt really bad… however, I could not stop laughing because I have never seen that in real life…. I have only seen that happen in cartoons.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Fri in Maya Mopan
Friday August 28, 2009
My second day at my host family’s house was my first day of training at the resource center. Marah walked me because I wasn’t positive how to get there.
Today we had an introduction and a welcoming to Tech (teacher trainer technical training) where we went over the COTE… which as a teacher I would call an agenda, calendar, or syllabus. Then we talked about primary education in Belize. After that the tech trainer and trainees went on to discuss how principals and administrators roles in Belize are way different then they are in U.S. Then we discussed lesson planning in Belize which is also different. Lastly we observed and brainstormed homemade resources we could use in the classroom.
After tech training I went home for lunch and ate with the family. We had chicken, rice, and salad (lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes)… this was my type of lunch. (I also took my malaria weekly pill. The side effects are crazy dreams, which I have not gotten so intensely yet. ;) )
After lunch I walked back to the resource room. It was my first training in K’ekchi . We went over language and culture: greetings and community part I, II, and III. Lastly we did a tour of Maya Mopan. There are very few shops in Maya Mopan. There is a streamstess and tortilla shops.
LANGUAGE REVIEW:
After the culture map walking I went back home and took more pictures with the family. It was a huge hit. All the neighborhood kids and neighbors came out to take pictures with my digital camera… and look at the pictures. We did that for about an hour. Hahah
Then I had my first Popsicle, which they call an “Ideal” out of a bag made of fruit… delicious…. I believe it was coconut. Then I went on a walk with Marah to a neighbor down the street to pick up the banana bread. We practiced the language when we were on our way. All the neighbors were asking who I was and why I was with Marah. She talked to them in Kekchi.
Then it was dinner. The father wasn’t there because he was out playing soccer. After dinner I played and colored with the kids. We hung my map of Belize in my room. However, it is where it is the kids can still look at it.
Now I am journaling while the kids are being disciplined… all I going to say is there is a lot of crying going on. Some disagree with this form of discipline. It is not my place to but in… bc this is there customs and cultures…
However, I enjoyed my super busy day overall!!!!
“Consequence will be before you do things.”
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
My second day at my host family’s house was my first day of training at the resource center. Marah walked me because I wasn’t positive how to get there.
Today we had an introduction and a welcoming to Tech (teacher trainer technical training) where we went over the COTE… which as a teacher I would call an agenda, calendar, or syllabus. Then we talked about primary education in Belize. After that the tech trainer and trainees went on to discuss how principals and administrators roles in Belize are way different then they are in U.S. Then we discussed lesson planning in Belize which is also different. Lastly we observed and brainstormed homemade resources we could use in the classroom.
After tech training I went home for lunch and ate with the family. We had chicken, rice, and salad (lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes)… this was my type of lunch. (I also took my malaria weekly pill. The side effects are crazy dreams, which I have not gotten so intensely yet. ;) )
After lunch I walked back to the resource room. It was my first training in K’ekchi . We went over language and culture: greetings and community part I, II, and III. Lastly we did a tour of Maya Mopan. There are very few shops in Maya Mopan. There is a streamstess and tortilla shops.
LANGUAGE REVIEW:
After the culture map walking I went back home and took more pictures with the family. It was a huge hit. All the neighborhood kids and neighbors came out to take pictures with my digital camera… and look at the pictures. We did that for about an hour. Hahah
Then I had my first Popsicle, which they call an “Ideal” out of a bag made of fruit… delicious…. I believe it was coconut. Then I went on a walk with Marah to a neighbor down the street to pick up the banana bread. We practiced the language when we were on our way. All the neighbors were asking who I was and why I was with Marah. She talked to them in Kekchi.
Then it was dinner. The father wasn’t there because he was out playing soccer. After dinner I played and colored with the kids. We hung my map of Belize in my room. However, it is where it is the kids can still look at it.
Now I am journaling while the kids are being disciplined… all I going to say is there is a lot of crying going on. Some disagree with this form of discipline. It is not my place to but in… bc this is there customs and cultures…
However, I enjoyed my super busy day overall!!!!
“Consequence will be before you do things.”
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Meeting my host family!
Thursday August 27th 2009
Thursday Aug 27th was another day of training we had to get up at 6 am to pack our bags and get them all down stairs to be picked up. The staff picked up the bags and then we all helped bring them into the Peace Corps office.
After breakfast we discussed and we had our first introduction to Technical Training (Teacher Training… Training lol). Then we had another lecture from Jackie (PCMO: Peace Corps Medical Officer) about other health problems; such as the Butt Fly, Malaria, Staff infection, gangrene infections, cuts etc…
Then we went off to our Community Based training sites. The four of us went to Maya Mopan. We were the last group to leave along with Belemopan. Also, I was the last one to get dropped off to my host family. First, Amy was dropped off to the house of the chairman and tortilla shop. She walked in and the host parents did not speak any English. I knew she had to be a little bit nervous. Then Kevina and Greg got dropped off to a house with tons of children playing outside. I was a bit jealous and hoped that my family had lots of kids too! Also, their host mom is a teacher… which would be good to learn from one another.
Then it was my turn. This little boy cam running up to Jamie (PCM: Peace Corps Manager) and gave her a big hug. Jamie laughed and said I am not your host sister, but Grace is! So he came running over to me and gave me a huge hug with a big smile. I was ecstatic and grateful to have such a warm welcome. Celestiono I thought would be my favorite; however, I love Marah and Lorenzo too. They are the cutest kids ever… they are ten, seven, and two years old. Also, my host mother couldn’t be nicer. She is a fantastic Mayan cook!!! DELICIOUS!
So my family is a family of five with a dog named Amy and a chicken with only one wing named Mullica, and a lot of turkeys and eggs. I enjoyed the first day with them. We chatted and I was so happy that they spoke English and K’ekchi very well. I spoke to them in English and they spoke back to my English. But, they talked K’ekchi to one another. The father plays football (soccer) everyday and works at the hospital. We have a little electricity and the only running water is the hose that is used to bath in. They are a happy Jehovah Witness family, who are grateful and happy. They said even when they don’t have food on the table they are still grateful to have one another and their health. (WOW) It makes me appreciate life. They are a close knit family. They have breakfast at 7am, a big Lunch at noon, and a light dinner at 7pm.
After dinner I colored with Celestino… in his dinasour coloring book… which was his favorite. Then I helped Marah with her word search. However, she definitely has better eyes than me lol! And then with Lorenzo we played this hand game… because he is only two years old. It took him to the end of the day to finally warm up to me and for him to let me hold him J
So my first day was rather easy. However, my roughest part was the bathroom. It is an outhouse/latrine… with a piece of risen wood with a large hole cut out in the middle. Also, you do not throw away your toilet paper you through it in the brown bag trash can next to the I guess… toilet seat.
The children made a picture for me to hang up by my bed. I was so happy because it brightens up my room! I went to bed early (8:30 pm) and it rained so hard on the tin rough… and the lightning and thunder was extremely loud… that not even me as a heavy sleeper could sleep through it!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Thursday Aug 27th was another day of training we had to get up at 6 am to pack our bags and get them all down stairs to be picked up. The staff picked up the bags and then we all helped bring them into the Peace Corps office.
After breakfast we discussed and we had our first introduction to Technical Training (Teacher Training… Training lol). Then we had another lecture from Jackie (PCMO: Peace Corps Medical Officer) about other health problems; such as the Butt Fly, Malaria, Staff infection, gangrene infections, cuts etc…
Then we went off to our Community Based training sites. The four of us went to Maya Mopan. We were the last group to leave along with Belemopan. Also, I was the last one to get dropped off to my host family. First, Amy was dropped off to the house of the chairman and tortilla shop. She walked in and the host parents did not speak any English. I knew she had to be a little bit nervous. Then Kevina and Greg got dropped off to a house with tons of children playing outside. I was a bit jealous and hoped that my family had lots of kids too! Also, their host mom is a teacher… which would be good to learn from one another.
Then it was my turn. This little boy cam running up to Jamie (PCM: Peace Corps Manager) and gave her a big hug. Jamie laughed and said I am not your host sister, but Grace is! So he came running over to me and gave me a huge hug with a big smile. I was ecstatic and grateful to have such a warm welcome. Celestiono I thought would be my favorite; however, I love Marah and Lorenzo too. They are the cutest kids ever… they are ten, seven, and two years old. Also, my host mother couldn’t be nicer. She is a fantastic Mayan cook!!! DELICIOUS!
So my family is a family of five with a dog named Amy and a chicken with only one wing named Mullica, and a lot of turkeys and eggs. I enjoyed the first day with them. We chatted and I was so happy that they spoke English and K’ekchi very well. I spoke to them in English and they spoke back to my English. But, they talked K’ekchi to one another. The father plays football (soccer) everyday and works at the hospital. We have a little electricity and the only running water is the hose that is used to bath in. They are a happy Jehovah Witness family, who are grateful and happy. They said even when they don’t have food on the table they are still grateful to have one another and their health. (WOW) It makes me appreciate life. They are a close knit family. They have breakfast at 7am, a big Lunch at noon, and a light dinner at 7pm.
After dinner I colored with Celestino… in his dinasour coloring book… which was his favorite. Then I helped Marah with her word search. However, she definitely has better eyes than me lol! And then with Lorenzo we played this hand game… because he is only two years old. It took him to the end of the day to finally warm up to me and for him to let me hold him J
So my first day was rather easy. However, my roughest part was the bathroom. It is an outhouse/latrine… with a piece of risen wood with a large hole cut out in the middle. Also, you do not throw away your toilet paper you through it in the brown bag trash can next to the I guess… toilet seat.
The children made a picture for me to hang up by my bed. I was so happy because it brightens up my room! I went to bed early (8:30 pm) and it rained so hard on the tin rough… and the lightning and thunder was extremely loud… that not even me as a heavy sleeper could sleep through it!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Day 7
Wednesday August 26, 2009
Today we again got up for training. It is our seventh day in Belize!!! On my walk today to the Peace Corps Head Quarters it was very muddy because it rained that night. I took a couple pictures of the roads to the P.C. office head quarters… for of course memories! I took some pictures of local school girls in their uniform. Many of the children hear wear uniforms to school. School started a few days ago for the Belizeans.
When we arrived we had an avocado burrito for breakfast. Then I had my first Hepatitis A. shot. It wasn’t so bad. Then we discussed stages of adaptation into our community and culture of Belize. How we start with “Honey Moon” phase (which I am in right now) where everything is great, new, and exciting! Then all of us will enter the “Crisis Phase” where we begin to get the culture shock. Then we enter the “readjustment phase” where we begin to settle in, but not yet adapt. Then lastly we will enter the “adaptation phase” and this all happens at different times for everyone and sometimes it repeats itself over and over.
Then we discussed “community assessments and tools” which was very interesting which I will probably use at my site! After that session we learned about Education in Belize… which is sooo sad. I was really into this lesson, especially as an education major! She talked about how education is rooted in slavery and the British. Also, how most kids just drop out because they can’t afford the books or those that fail are not allowed in this country to repeat a grade.
Later in the day we talked about our homestay with our host family. We played jeopardy and found out what sites we are going to be training in. I will have my five weeks of training in Mayan Mopan. We then got the logistics of dropping our luggage off at 7am and then train from 8am to 1pm and then off to meet my host family!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we again got up for training. It is our seventh day in Belize!!! On my walk today to the Peace Corps Head Quarters it was very muddy because it rained that night. I took a couple pictures of the roads to the P.C. office head quarters… for of course memories! I took some pictures of local school girls in their uniform. Many of the children hear wear uniforms to school. School started a few days ago for the Belizeans.
When we arrived we had an avocado burrito for breakfast. Then I had my first Hepatitis A. shot. It wasn’t so bad. Then we discussed stages of adaptation into our community and culture of Belize. How we start with “Honey Moon” phase (which I am in right now) where everything is great, new, and exciting! Then all of us will enter the “Crisis Phase” where we begin to get the culture shock. Then we enter the “readjustment phase” where we begin to settle in, but not yet adapt. Then lastly we will enter the “adaptation phase” and this all happens at different times for everyone and sometimes it repeats itself over and over.
Then we discussed “community assessments and tools” which was very interesting which I will probably use at my site! After that session we learned about Education in Belize… which is sooo sad. I was really into this lesson, especially as an education major! She talked about how education is rooted in slavery and the British. Also, how most kids just drop out because they can’t afford the books or those that fail are not allowed in this country to repeat a grade.
Later in the day we talked about our homestay with our host family. We played jeopardy and found out what sites we are going to be training in. I will have my five weeks of training in Mayan Mopan. We then got the logistics of dropping our luggage off at 7am and then train from 8am to 1pm and then off to meet my host family!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Day 6
Tuesday August 25, 2009
Today is Tuesday and I made it to training class on time! We started with a Belizean breakfast… however; I just had some cinnamon bread because my stomach was upset and hurting from all the different foods I ate in the past six days. A trainee recommended that I take some pepso bismal, (I’m not sure how to spell it because I have never taken that stuff before) which definitely helped my tummy thank goodness.
We started training off with an explanation of the evaluation process. They explained how we will evaluate all the trainers and then they will evaluate us at the end of training before we get sworn in. After that we listened to an introduction of project plans from Austin (my education manager) and Jay.
Next (even though I was feeling well) I started to feel sick again because the next session was on diarrhea and food and water preparation with the PCMO. Later was lunch. Then we listened to about six already PCV’s Peace Corps experience. It was called “life as a PCV Panel.” After that discussion we learned more survival Kriol!!!!
I also had my education teacher training interview… it went very well… except where the part when he said what would be your ideal setting. Then I included that I would like to have easy internet access. He told me I might have to organize and start an internet café in my local town. Lol! (I am definitely considering that!)
I also got my cell phone today. Send me a message on facebook if you want my cell phone number and/or mailing address! Thanks! Good bye for now!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today is Tuesday and I made it to training class on time! We started with a Belizean breakfast… however; I just had some cinnamon bread because my stomach was upset and hurting from all the different foods I ate in the past six days. A trainee recommended that I take some pepso bismal, (I’m not sure how to spell it because I have never taken that stuff before) which definitely helped my tummy thank goodness.
We started training off with an explanation of the evaluation process. They explained how we will evaluate all the trainers and then they will evaluate us at the end of training before we get sworn in. After that we listened to an introduction of project plans from Austin (my education manager) and Jay.
Next (even though I was feeling well) I started to feel sick again because the next session was on diarrhea and food and water preparation with the PCMO. Later was lunch. Then we listened to about six already PCV’s Peace Corps experience. It was called “life as a PCV Panel.” After that discussion we learned more survival Kriol!!!!
I also had my education teacher training interview… it went very well… except where the part when he said what would be your ideal setting. Then I included that I would like to have easy internet access. He told me I might have to organize and start an internet café in my local town. Lol! (I am definitely considering that!)
I also got my cell phone today. Send me a message on facebook if you want my cell phone number and/or mailing address! Thanks! Good bye for now!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
DAY 5
Monday Aug. 24, 2009
Monday morning we went to training at P.C. office. The schedule said that it started at 8:30a.m. However, it really started at 7:30 a.m.… so my roommate and I were about 15 min late. However, it was not a big deal because trainees came in after us.
We started the morning off with a name game, which was extremely helpful. I never played a name game like this one. I am going to use it in a classroom. Two people hold the end of a sheet and one person stands on one side and then there is another person on the other side. They lower the sheet and the first person to say the other person’s name wins and gets to sit down.
Next we discussed safety. Then they introduced the admin unit. They told us all about mail and the address. Please send me a message and I will give you the address because the P.C. wanted us to keep that confidential.
After that we talked about medical policy and procedures and how we can get health insurance up to 18 months after service. I also had an interview with the nurse. It went well… I haven’t gained any weight yet… eating all this delicious food!.... burritos, rice, beans, chicken, empanadas, etc.
Also, during our training session we talked about the development of philosophy… which now has me wondering again what to get my masters in!! ahhhhh I have to stop always looking to the future. I want to take one day at a time and hopefully everything will flow J
Then I had my first taste of the Kriol language!!! It wasn’t that bad… however, my accent stinks.
I learned how to introduce myself… for example,
Ai nahm Grace……. (My name is Grace)
Ai da Grace ……….(My name is Grace)
Me naym Grace……………. (My name is grace)
Some cognitive are….
Name = naym/nahym
Me =mi/mee
I = ai/ah
You = yu/yoo
Happy = hapi
To = fi
Know = noa
Please = pleeze
Later =layta
Going =gwain
Come =kohn
Until = sotay
Right = rait
From = fahn
What is your name? = da weh yu name?
Good morning = gud maanin
Where are you from? = weh yu khon frahn?
I am from NJ = Me fahn NJ
I am happy to meet you all. = Ah hapi fi noa yu uno
Where is/are? = da weh
What is/are? = da weh
After Kriol class… I attempted to upload pictures on Facebook. I got about forty uploaded. Then I participated in an AWESOME yoga class!!!! (however, I was in my business casual kakis… but, I still did well!) I heard that they are closing the yoga classes because the owner is moving to the U.S. But, when I get to my final site I want to start a workout or yoga group! After yoga we ate dinner at the shack. Then to bed I went.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Monday morning we went to training at P.C. office. The schedule said that it started at 8:30a.m. However, it really started at 7:30 a.m.… so my roommate and I were about 15 min late. However, it was not a big deal because trainees came in after us.
We started the morning off with a name game, which was extremely helpful. I never played a name game like this one. I am going to use it in a classroom. Two people hold the end of a sheet and one person stands on one side and then there is another person on the other side. They lower the sheet and the first person to say the other person’s name wins and gets to sit down.
Next we discussed safety. Then they introduced the admin unit. They told us all about mail and the address. Please send me a message and I will give you the address because the P.C. wanted us to keep that confidential.
After that we talked about medical policy and procedures and how we can get health insurance up to 18 months after service. I also had an interview with the nurse. It went well… I haven’t gained any weight yet… eating all this delicious food!.... burritos, rice, beans, chicken, empanadas, etc.
Also, during our training session we talked about the development of philosophy… which now has me wondering again what to get my masters in!! ahhhhh I have to stop always looking to the future. I want to take one day at a time and hopefully everything will flow J
Then I had my first taste of the Kriol language!!! It wasn’t that bad… however, my accent stinks.
I learned how to introduce myself… for example,
Ai nahm Grace……. (My name is Grace)
Ai da Grace ……….(My name is Grace)
Me naym Grace……………. (My name is grace)
Some cognitive are….
Name = naym/nahym
Me =mi/mee
I = ai/ah
You = yu/yoo
Happy = hapi
To = fi
Know = noa
Please = pleeze
Later =layta
Going =gwain
Come =kohn
Until = sotay
Right = rait
From = fahn
What is your name? = da weh yu name?
Good morning = gud maanin
Where are you from? = weh yu khon frahn?
I am from NJ = Me fahn NJ
I am happy to meet you all. = Ah hapi fi noa yu uno
Where is/are? = da weh
What is/are? = da weh
After Kriol class… I attempted to upload pictures on Facebook. I got about forty uploaded. Then I participated in an AWESOME yoga class!!!! (however, I was in my business casual kakis… but, I still did well!) I heard that they are closing the yoga classes because the owner is moving to the U.S. But, when I get to my final site I want to start a workout or yoga group! After yoga we ate dinner at the shack. Then to bed I went.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Day 4
Sunday August 23, 2009
The plans for today was for all the trainees (or rather who wanted to go) to the river and missed the Kickball game. I slept in until 12:30pm. Then we got in the van to go to a river. We went and had a ball. It was absolutely gorgeous with the rocks and clear water. We swam in the shade... so I did not get burnt. Everyone was jumping of the rope swing. I jumped of a 20 ft. cliff twice (once I did a cannon ball and then I attempted a toe touch!) I also swam the whole time... which I was very excited about because I felt like I got an intense workout for the day. An hour before we were leaving many many local kids came and played in the water. I was sooo excited I bonded and played with a lot of them. They spoke English well! I had a couple of them counting and then diving in the water... some of the volunteers asked if I was placed in education... and I said yes... they said they could tell. I took that as a compliment :) Next, we walked half way back to the hotel and then a P.C. manager picked us up and gave us a tour of Belmopan circle. I got to see the embassy which was exciting! There are cameras surrounding the whole building. I was also informed that if you step on the ground there you are considered to be on U.S. government soil. Then a few of us got changed and went to the Chinese restaurant called Friendships. They were the only place to eat in the whole town because everything is closed on Sundays. So we got food and then went to the kickball game which was already over :( Now I am in the computer lab trying to upload pictures. However, it is taking forever!!!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
The plans for today was for all the trainees (or rather who wanted to go) to the river and missed the Kickball game. I slept in until 12:30pm. Then we got in the van to go to a river. We went and had a ball. It was absolutely gorgeous with the rocks and clear water. We swam in the shade... so I did not get burnt. Everyone was jumping of the rope swing. I jumped of a 20 ft. cliff twice (once I did a cannon ball and then I attempted a toe touch!) I also swam the whole time... which I was very excited about because I felt like I got an intense workout for the day. An hour before we were leaving many many local kids came and played in the water. I was sooo excited I bonded and played with a lot of them. They spoke English well! I had a couple of them counting and then diving in the water... some of the volunteers asked if I was placed in education... and I said yes... they said they could tell. I took that as a compliment :) Next, we walked half way back to the hotel and then a P.C. manager picked us up and gave us a tour of Belmopan circle. I got to see the embassy which was exciting! There are cameras surrounding the whole building. I was also informed that if you step on the ground there you are considered to be on U.S. government soil. Then a few of us got changed and went to the Chinese restaurant called Friendships. They were the only place to eat in the whole town because everything is closed on Sundays. So we got food and then went to the kickball game which was already over :( Now I am in the computer lab trying to upload pictures. However, it is taking forever!!!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Day 3 Cultural Day
Saturday August 22, 2009
CULTURAL DAY!!
Saturday was sooo cool! We did so much! First, we went on a tour at the House of culture in Benque Viejo!!! I took many pictures. We saw Belizean musical instruments and Belizean art!
We then arrived at Mount Carmel high school. We had a lecture and a few performances for all the trainees. It was words of welcome with the flute and marimba music. The lecture was on “The Mayas and Mestizo in Belize.” Then we watched four kids from ages 13 to 16 perform a cultural dance. It was a cultural presentation by “Orquidea Negra Dance Group” and “La Chatona” – marimba and flute.
We then ate a Belizean lunch. I tried Escabeche, tamales and totoposte, fried calaloo with eggs, and mestizo desert and I did not try the “Horchata” which was supposedly delicious rice milk with cinnamon. They said it tasted like a liquid rice pudding.
After that we went to the Mayan Ruins in Xunantunich!!!! It was soooo AMAZING. There was a tour guide that was very informative. He took us around to the different areas. We got to climb the Mayan Temple.
The trainees and PCV Leaders also spelled Peace Corps Belize with our bodies in the grass… while a PCV stood on top of the Mayan temple and took a picture of it. Later, we went to dinner and then out to the cabana club! I am truly enjoying myself… however; I know there is a lot ahead of me between technical (education) training and language training!!!!
After the cultural day we went out in Belize….. We went out to Cabanas afterward with about 18 volunteers. It was lots of fun. I received a business card from one of the locals. He said I can go scuba diving anytime!!! I was so excited! However, then I found out that I had to get trained and certified before I go scuba diving. He also told me good islands to go hang gliding and other wonderful adventures. I also got asked to dance by the locals... I just laughed and walked away. hahahWhen we were all ready to leave we were trying to take a taxi... but instead a local asked us if we wanted to take a ride back to the hotel in his truck bed. He took all of us back. Then one of the volunteers and I walked to the Peace Corps office to upload and post pictures and blogs. However, once we got there the internet did not work. Then in the morning we found out that they turn off the internet from 10pm to 6am. (That makes me bummed.)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
CULTURAL DAY!!
Saturday was sooo cool! We did so much! First, we went on a tour at the House of culture in Benque Viejo!!! I took many pictures. We saw Belizean musical instruments and Belizean art!
We then arrived at Mount Carmel high school. We had a lecture and a few performances for all the trainees. It was words of welcome with the flute and marimba music. The lecture was on “The Mayas and Mestizo in Belize.” Then we watched four kids from ages 13 to 16 perform a cultural dance. It was a cultural presentation by “Orquidea Negra Dance Group” and “La Chatona” – marimba and flute.
We then ate a Belizean lunch. I tried Escabeche, tamales and totoposte, fried calaloo with eggs, and mestizo desert and I did not try the “Horchata” which was supposedly delicious rice milk with cinnamon. They said it tasted like a liquid rice pudding.
After that we went to the Mayan Ruins in Xunantunich!!!! It was soooo AMAZING. There was a tour guide that was very informative. He took us around to the different areas. We got to climb the Mayan Temple.
The trainees and PCV Leaders also spelled Peace Corps Belize with our bodies in the grass… while a PCV stood on top of the Mayan temple and took a picture of it. Later, we went to dinner and then out to the cabana club! I am truly enjoying myself… however; I know there is a lot ahead of me between technical (education) training and language training!!!!
After the cultural day we went out in Belize….. We went out to Cabanas afterward with about 18 volunteers. It was lots of fun. I received a business card from one of the locals. He said I can go scuba diving anytime!!! I was so excited! However, then I found out that I had to get trained and certified before I go scuba diving. He also told me good islands to go hang gliding and other wonderful adventures. I also got asked to dance by the locals... I just laughed and walked away. hahahWhen we were all ready to leave we were trying to take a taxi... but instead a local asked us if we wanted to take a ride back to the hotel in his truck bed. He took all of us back. Then one of the volunteers and I walked to the Peace Corps office to upload and post pictures and blogs. However, once we got there the internet did not work. Then in the morning we found out that they turn off the internet from 10pm to 6am. (That makes me bummed.)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
DAY 2
August 20, 2009
Friday, we had training at the headquarters.
Then after Dominos... cold shower... bed.
I then napped and then ate at this little tiny Belizean café… I had 3 chicken empanadas (that I have had in Argentina) that where only a dollar and then a bottle water for a dollar. I had a 2.00 dinner…. And I was full and happy lol! CRAZY how cheap it was and there is a 2:1 exchange. So in U.S. dollars it only cost 1.00. REALLY Crazy.
Lastly, every night I take a cold shower. In the U.S. I always take hot hot showers even in the middle of the summer. Now it is going to take some time to get used to taking cold showers!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday, we had training at the headquarters.
Then after Dominos... cold shower... bed.
I then napped and then ate at this little tiny Belizean café… I had 3 chicken empanadas (that I have had in Argentina) that where only a dollar and then a bottle water for a dollar. I had a 2.00 dinner…. And I was full and happy lol! CRAZY how cheap it was and there is a 2:1 exchange. So in U.S. dollars it only cost 1.00. REALLY Crazy.
Lastly, every night I take a cold shower. In the U.S. I always take hot hot showers even in the middle of the summer. Now it is going to take some time to get used to taking cold showers!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
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