Women's Craft Co-op
The summary below was provided by the Peace Corps Volunteer and the community administering this project..... ME!
In Belize many Mayan women sell crafts. However, the women’s group of this village wants more education and training so they can be successful at selling their crafts. Selling more crafts and generating an income will significantly improve the health and well being of the women and children of the community. In Belize the Mayan Kekchi speaking women are known for their beautiful crafts, especially the women of this town. Even though they have this talent there is a huge deficiency in their health and the infant mortality rate of their children. The women make purses and handbags that are called cuxtals. Cuxtals were originally used for the Maya men to carry corn home from the farm. The women also want to sell the gorgeous jewelry and baskets they make from local natural resources of Belize and the Maya culture. However, now the women’s goal is to be able to market their bags and crafts in order to help their health and well-being. The women are proposing a project in which they will have training in marketing skills and training in a new variety of products and designs. When they receive this training they will be able to increase their income which will lower the mortality rate in the village. From the money they earn the women can begin to go to the doctor since as of now they cannot afford it. They will also be able to prepare more nutritious meals for their family. The village will begin to have a new respect for women. At this time the women are not respected by the men because the men do all the income earning. Through this project the women can make a huge contribution to their family. For example, the women can begin to provide their many children with the education they need to be active citizens, and with education they will begin to care more about their health and well-being.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=535-153
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, October 28, 2010
Always sick....
October 13-15, 2010
The rest of the week I was sick in bed. I was just kept vomiting and having loose stooles. The Peace Corps nurse said I might have a parasite. I went to the hospital on Friday the doctor said it was just something I ate or drank that got me sick vomiting for 3 days. He gave me some folic acid and I have been much better.
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 rest of the week I was sick in bed. I was just kept vomiting and having loose stooles. The Peace Corps nurse said I might have a parasite. I went to the hospital on Friday the doctor said it was just something I ate or drank that got me sick vomiting for 3 days. He gave me some folic acid and I have been much better.
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.
Hurricanes Galore!!!
Hurricane Paula coming to Belize….
Tuesday October 12, 2010
In September there was a hurricane Matthew coming to Belize. Peace Corps had all Toledo district volunteers go to PG… which was kinda silly because it is closer to the sea than some of us had been in their villages. We were stayed at the PG Charelton Hotel for about 3 days. It was like a fun vacation. I got hot water, internet, tv, and to hang out with peace corps! Thanks to Kevina we got free hair cuts and makeovers!
On Monday night we got texts saying we are on alert that there is another hurricane headed towards Belize. My principal texted me that there will be no school Tuesday because of the hurricane. I felt like it was a snow day in the states lol!
However, when I woke up that morning my principal texted me and said there is school. The hurricane has passed.
So I had preschool, but I only had 2 children because everyone thought there was no school because that is what the radio said.
When I got home from preschool I started to feel nauseous. I then vomited 4x….
Consolidation pics....
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.
Tuesday October 12, 2010
In September there was a hurricane Matthew coming to Belize. Peace Corps had all Toledo district volunteers go to PG… which was kinda silly because it is closer to the sea than some of us had been in their villages. We were stayed at the PG Charelton Hotel for about 3 days. It was like a fun vacation. I got hot water, internet, tv, and to hang out with peace corps! Thanks to Kevina we got free hair cuts and makeovers!
On Monday night we got texts saying we are on alert that there is another hurricane headed towards Belize. My principal texted me that there will be no school Tuesday because of the hurricane. I felt like it was a snow day in the states lol!
However, when I woke up that morning my principal texted me and said there is school. The hurricane has passed.
So I had preschool, but I only had 2 children because everyone thought there was no school because that is what the radio said.
When I got home from preschool I started to feel nauseous. I then vomited 4x….
Consolidation pics....
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.
Pan American Day
Holiday
Monday October 11, 2010
Today we had off from school because it is Pan American day.
Website that I shower my Laguna kids what pan america day is.... http://www.oas.org/children/simon/panamerican.html
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 October 11, 2010
Today we had off from school because it is Pan American day.
Website that I shower my Laguna kids what pan america day is.... http://www.oas.org/children/simon/panamerican.html
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.
New K'ekchi clothes!
Saturday October 9, 2010
I went to a Laguna villager’s house who speaks Spanish. She is from Guatemala. She went to Guatemala recently because her son has a broken foot and needed an operation (it was cheaper to take him to Guatemala for the surgery than to have it done in Belize).
She invited me to go with her to Guatemala. She has lots of family there. I said no because Peace Corps has a ban on us from going there. Ever since the rainy season there has been too many natural disasters, so no Peace Corps can go there. I had her pick me up some items though. I asked for more uk (K’ekchi skirt fabric.) She also picked me up a couple cute inexpensive tanks and shirts. She made my skirts for me, which was unexpected. With the extra material she made me a cell phone case, a bag to hold my water bottle in, and a change purse. Everything she got for me was gorgeous and such a surprise. I felt like it was Christmas… I haven’t gotten new things in a while. And all my stuff is getting old, especially the all the stuff that is washed daily in the river.
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 to a Laguna villager’s house who speaks Spanish. She is from Guatemala. She went to Guatemala recently because her son has a broken foot and needed an operation (it was cheaper to take him to Guatemala for the surgery than to have it done in Belize).
She invited me to go with her to Guatemala. She has lots of family there. I said no because Peace Corps has a ban on us from going there. Ever since the rainy season there has been too many natural disasters, so no Peace Corps can go there. I had her pick me up some items though. I asked for more uk (K’ekchi skirt fabric.) She also picked me up a couple cute inexpensive tanks and shirts. She made my skirts for me, which was unexpected. With the extra material she made me a cell phone case, a bag to hold my water bottle in, and a change purse. Everything she got for me was gorgeous and such a surprise. I felt like it was Christmas… I haven’t gotten new things in a while. And all my stuff is getting old, especially the all the stuff that is washed daily in the river.
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.
Reading Diagnostic Assessment
October 4-8, 2010
This week I taught preschool all week. I gave model lesson all week for so that the volunteer lessons can learn what a good lesson looks like, with good classroom management.
Also this week I gave reading diagnostic tests to the whole school. 65 students I will test in the afternoon in should take me about 2 weeks to get the whole school tested. After I give the tests I will put the children in intervention reading groups. Those that are two reading grade level below their grade I will have them practice their reading in pullout groups. I am excited to work more with the children in the primary school.
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.
This week I taught preschool all week. I gave model lesson all week for so that the volunteer lessons can learn what a good lesson looks like, with good classroom management.
Also this week I gave reading diagnostic tests to the whole school. 65 students I will test in the afternoon in should take me about 2 weeks to get the whole school tested. After I give the tests I will put the children in intervention reading groups. Those that are two reading grade level below their grade I will have them practice their reading in pullout groups. I am excited to work more with the children in the primary school.
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.
Children’s Mass at House of Prayer
Sunday October 3, 2010
Today I went to the House of Prayer at 7am in Indian Creek. I was invited because it was the kids mass. I was excited to hear the Laguna kids sing. In the states the children’s mass is usually shorter than regular mass. However, here it is longer. Oh my I sat in church from 7am-12noon. Then after mass they served chicken caldo and pooch. Oh my what a long morning. The children were really good singing and acting; however, that was just from 7-9am. Then after that was just preaching, which was a little too long for my liking.
Cant find my pics I took at church.... uhhhh
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 went to the House of Prayer at 7am in Indian Creek. I was invited because it was the kids mass. I was excited to hear the Laguna kids sing. In the states the children’s mass is usually shorter than regular mass. However, here it is longer. Oh my I sat in church from 7am-12noon. Then after mass they served chicken caldo and pooch. Oh my what a long morning. The children were really good singing and acting; however, that was just from 7-9am. Then after that was just preaching, which was a little too long for my liking.
Cant find my pics I took at church.... uhhhh
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.
Workshop with Kevina
Saturday October 2, 2010
Kevina, a PCV, had a workshop for other volunteers. It was on Reading Diagnostic tests and reading groups. A lot of what she talked about I learned from my internship in college. It was a good refresher!
Thanks Kevina!
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.
Kevina, a PCV, had a workshop for other volunteers. It was on Reading Diagnostic tests and reading groups. A lot of what she talked about I learned from my internship in college. It was a good refresher!
Thanks Kevina!
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.
Oh so sick
September 27-October 1, 2010
All week I was sick with fever, body aches, head ache, sneezing, and coughing etc. I missed 3 days of school, which is so not like me. I try never to miss school.
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.
All week I was sick with fever, body aches, head ache, sneezing, and coughing etc. I missed 3 days of school, which is so not like me. I try never to miss school.
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.
Independence Day
Tuesday Sept 21, 2010
Independence day there was no bus running so I couldn’t go to the Independence day fireworks, flag raising, or parade in PG. However, I went house to house visiting villagers and wishing them a Happy Independence Day. Many of the villagers went to the farm and worked today… which I thought was sad. They should be celebrating their 29 years of freedom. Sept 21, 2981 was when Belize received their freedom from the British.
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.
Independence day there was no bus running so I couldn’t go to the Independence day fireworks, flag raising, or parade in PG. However, I went house to house visiting villagers and wishing them a Happy Independence Day. Many of the villagers went to the farm and worked today… which I thought was sad. They should be celebrating their 29 years of freedom. Sept 21, 2981 was when Belize received their freedom from the British.
National Symbols
Belize Flag
Mahagonny (national tree)
Tapir (national animal)
Toucan (national bird)
Black Orchid (national flower)
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.
Parade in Laguna
Monday September 20, 2010
Today we had a village parade the children marched with their flags and two boys held the Laguna government School banner. The king and queen from last year and this year got to ride in Mr. Garcia’s vehicle. My preschoolers also got to march in the parade. They were in the front in the beginning of the parade and by the end of the parade they were in the way back… such slow walkers, but the cutest little kids ever!
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 a village parade the children marched with their flags and two boys held the Laguna government School banner. The king and queen from last year and this year got to ride in Mr. Garcia’s vehicle. My preschoolers also got to march in the parade. They were in the front in the beginning of the parade and by the end of the parade they were in the way back… such slow walkers, but the cutest little kids ever!
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.
Children’s Rally Parade
Friday September 17, 2010
Friday all the children who wore uniform to school and shoes got to go to PG and attend the parade. I had to lend Jennifer a pair of flipflops (which they call slippers here in Belize) because she had on a uniform but was bare feet. Many children come to school without uniform or shoes. It is a common problem.
The children and teachers in uniform got to march in the parade around Punta Gorda town. Laguna was the smallest but most enthusiastic school in the parade. We chanted hip hip horray the whole time and “We are Belize, united and proud.”
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 all the children who wore uniform to school and shoes got to go to PG and attend the parade. I had to lend Jennifer a pair of flipflops (which they call slippers here in Belize) because she had on a uniform but was bare feet. Many children come to school without uniform or shoes. It is a common problem.
The children and teachers in uniform got to march in the parade around Punta Gorda town. Laguna was the smallest but most enthusiastic school in the parade. We chanted hip hip horray the whole time and “We are Belize, united and proud.”
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.
King and Queen of Laguna
Wednesday September 15, 2010
The children of Laguna get to volunteer if they want to be king or queen of the school. We only had 2 girl and 2 boy volunteers. They solicit around the village and try to raise money for the school. Once they raise money then they have the children donate money so that they can be king or queen. The two winners were Maia and Julian. They both raised about 60.00 dollars Belize each.
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 children of Laguna get to volunteer if they want to be king or queen of the school. We only had 2 girl and 2 boy volunteers. They solicit around the village and try to raise money for the school. Once they raise money then they have the children donate money so that they can be king or queen. The two winners were Maia and Julian. They both raised about 60.00 dollars Belize each.
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.
Ashley’s visit to Laguna
Sept 14-16, 2010
Ashley a second year volunteer, who is leaving to go home in October, came to visit me and help me with my preschool. Before we left Belmopan we stopped at a stationary store and her and I bought some items for the preschool. Ashley was very very generous!
Again it was a long bus ride home, but we finally made it to Laguna. She got to see my preschool. She helped make homemade paper dolls (cutest ever) and wrote down many songs to sing to my preschool.
Tuesday night I took her on a tour of Laguna. I took her to as many villagers houses as possible.
All the kids took a definite liking to Ashley. Right away they called her Miss Ash. They automatically shorten names if possible. Mines not possible but hers was. She said all the kids in her village call her Miss Ash too. (Days after Ashley left the kids were still talking and asking where Miss Ash were). Hahah thanks for all your help Ashley!
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.
Ashley a second year volunteer, who is leaving to go home in October, came to visit me and help me with my preschool. Before we left Belmopan we stopped at a stationary store and her and I bought some items for the preschool. Ashley was very very generous!
Again it was a long bus ride home, but we finally made it to Laguna. She got to see my preschool. She helped make homemade paper dolls (cutest ever) and wrote down many songs to sing to my preschool.
Tuesday night I took her on a tour of Laguna. I took her to as many villagers houses as possible.
All the kids took a definite liking to Ashley. Right away they called her Miss Ash. They automatically shorten names if possible. Mines not possible but hers was. She said all the kids in her village call her Miss Ash too. (Days after Ashley left the kids were still talking and asking where Miss Ash were). Hahah thanks for all your help Ashley!
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.
St. George’s Caye Day Weekend
September 10, 2010
The month of September is full of holidays. September 10 is St. George’s Caye Day. We had off from school; therefore, Amy and I went to Orange Walk and then Progresso village in Corzal. We had a long journey up there (about a 7 hour bus ride). We stopped at Christen’s house in Orange Walk. In OW they had a huge fair with all different rides, games, and food. It was lots of fun that night we just walked around to see all there was to do.
September 11, 2010
Amy and I woke up and got ready to go to Laura’s village of Progresso. We have never been to a northern village before. I was excited that it was a Spanish speaking village. I get to hear and practice a little Spanish while I am there.
Originally we were supposed to go to Laura’s going away party. She is finished her two years in Belize and is now going to serve two more years with Peace Corps in Jordon. However, we never got to have a party for Laura because when we got to the village and we found out that Laura’s host grandmother had just passed away. Laura attended the funeral while Amy and I stayed at Laura’s house. Laura lives right on a beautiful Lagoon. It is a very pretty site.
Amy and I got to go through Laura’s things and take what we wanted since she was moving in less than 10 days. Laura is such a hard worker she was still going to give a workshop just a week before she was leaving Belize.
The next day Laura gave us a tour of Progresso it is a big village, especially compared to Laguna Village. After the tour it was Laura’s host brother’s birthday so we made him mud cups (chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies).
We went to Laura’s host family’s house and had escabeche, which is onion soup with factory made tortillas. They also gave us avocado, which up north they also call it pear. It was delicious.
Amy and I enjoyed our stay in Progresso it was a very relaxing time.
Ed meeting
Monday September 13, 2010
Amy, Laura, and I had to wake up at 3:30am to catch the bus to reach Belmopan by 9am. Peace Corps had all education volunteers meet with the district education officers of each district in the country. It was an extremely beneficial meeting. Also, the 2nd year volunteers who are now leaving September/October all got awarded for their excellent service to Belize education system.
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 month of September is full of holidays. September 10 is St. George’s Caye Day. We had off from school; therefore, Amy and I went to Orange Walk and then Progresso village in Corzal. We had a long journey up there (about a 7 hour bus ride). We stopped at Christen’s house in Orange Walk. In OW they had a huge fair with all different rides, games, and food. It was lots of fun that night we just walked around to see all there was to do.
September 11, 2010
Amy and I woke up and got ready to go to Laura’s village of Progresso. We have never been to a northern village before. I was excited that it was a Spanish speaking village. I get to hear and practice a little Spanish while I am there.
Originally we were supposed to go to Laura’s going away party. She is finished her two years in Belize and is now going to serve two more years with Peace Corps in Jordon. However, we never got to have a party for Laura because when we got to the village and we found out that Laura’s host grandmother had just passed away. Laura attended the funeral while Amy and I stayed at Laura’s house. Laura lives right on a beautiful Lagoon. It is a very pretty site.
Amy and I got to go through Laura’s things and take what we wanted since she was moving in less than 10 days. Laura is such a hard worker she was still going to give a workshop just a week before she was leaving Belize.
The next day Laura gave us a tour of Progresso it is a big village, especially compared to Laguna Village. After the tour it was Laura’s host brother’s birthday so we made him mud cups (chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies).
We went to Laura’s host family’s house and had escabeche, which is onion soup with factory made tortillas. They also gave us avocado, which up north they also call it pear. It was delicious.
Amy and I enjoyed our stay in Progresso it was a very relaxing time.
Ed meeting
Monday September 13, 2010
Amy, Laura, and I had to wake up at 3:30am to catch the bus to reach Belmopan by 9am. Peace Corps had all education volunteers meet with the district education officers of each district in the country. It was an extremely beneficial meeting. Also, the 2nd year volunteers who are now leaving September/October all got awarded for their excellent service to Belize education system.
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.
Raquelia and Hosea Wedding
Sept 5, 2010 was the wedding of Raquelia and Josea. I was very happy for Raquelia she was looked so beautiful that day. Her dress was gorgeous. The wedding was at the House of Prayer in Laguna. It was not as long as the Catholic Church wedding was a few weeks ago in Indian creek.
On Sunday after I was showered and dressed in poot and uk (K’eckhi outfit) I was surprised by Amy (a PCV) showing up at my front door. I was so happy! I don’t get many visitors in Laguna, but she finally made it. We went to the wedding together and had pork caldo and pooch. It was nice to spend the day with Amy… she taught me a few new k’ekchi words. Side note… Amy and another villager taught me the quick way to learn kekchi I just have to kiss a kekchi boy and then I learn the language. Well I’m not gonna do that… but, I told Amy to give it try. Hahah
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.
On Sunday after I was showered and dressed in poot and uk (K’eckhi outfit) I was surprised by Amy (a PCV) showing up at my front door. I was so happy! I don’t get many visitors in Laguna, but she finally made it. We went to the wedding together and had pork caldo and pooch. It was nice to spend the day with Amy… she taught me a few new k’ekchi words. Side note… Amy and another villager taught me the quick way to learn kekchi I just have to kiss a kekchi boy and then I learn the language. Well I’m not gonna do that… but, I told Amy to give it try. Hahah
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.
Preparing for the next wedding
September 4, 2010
Today I was invited to cook all day because of the wedding that will take place tomorrow. It is common to bake all the food the day before because the whole village was invited, including other villages too. There were probably 600 people going to attend the wedding. Therefore, they killed 7 big pigs, made so much pork caldo, and pooch and corn tortilla. They needed to grind a lot of corn and make tortillas by hand.
They cooked from 6am Saturday to 6am the next morning. The women never slept. The wedding was 8am on Sunday.
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 invited to cook all day because of the wedding that will take place tomorrow. It is common to bake all the food the day before because the whole village was invited, including other villages too. There were probably 600 people going to attend the wedding. Therefore, they killed 7 big pigs, made so much pork caldo, and pooch and corn tortilla. They needed to grind a lot of corn and make tortillas by hand.
They cooked from 6am Saturday to 6am the next morning. The women never slept. The wedding was 8am on Sunday.
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.
Preschool OPENS
September 1, 2010
Today, September 1, 2010, my preschool opened to 9 students. I was so happy. I enjoyed teaching them very much. They were all extremely shy; however, I know that will probably not last for long.
I just feel so happy and overwhelmed that I got a preschool in Laguna! I am ecstatic!
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, September 1, 2010, my preschool opened to 9 students. I was so happy. I enjoyed teaching them very much. They were all extremely shy; however, I know that will probably not last for long.
I just feel so happy and overwhelmed that I got a preschool in Laguna! I am ecstatic!
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.
Missing Children
Aug. 31, 2010
Two siblings from Toledo, Belize remains a mystery. Since Monday police have been scouring the area, but up to now, there are no solid leads as to what could have happened to Onelia and Benjamin Rash, two school aged children who went missing on August 30th when they were allowed to venture twelve miles from home to sell fruits.
A lot of tragic events happened since then. (You might have heard on CNN about the crocodile story…) http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-07/world/belize.american.house.torched_1_crocodiles-animal-sanctuary-belize?_s=PM:WORLD
Image from: http://www.google.com.bz/imgres?
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.
Two siblings from Toledo, Belize remains a mystery. Since Monday police have been scouring the area, but up to now, there are no solid leads as to what could have happened to Onelia and Benjamin Rash, two school aged children who went missing on August 30th when they were allowed to venture twelve miles from home to sell fruits.
A lot of tragic events happened since then. (You might have heard on CNN about the crocodile story…) http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-07/world/belize.american.house.torched_1_crocodiles-animal-sanctuary-belize?_s=PM:WORLD
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.
A torturous day on BIKE
August 31, 2010
Today was a Tuesday and the Laguna bus does not go to town on Tuesday. The Laguna bus only runs market days, which are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Well this Tuesday I had to go to town desperately because the preschool was opening the next day. I needed to get some last minute items.
So I woke up around 8:00am; then I texted a villager to see what time the busses run because I was going to bike to the junction (4miles) and then catch a bus on the high way. She said the only bus that runs on Tuesday is the 8:30 or noon. I couldn’t catch the noon because all the shops would be closed for lunch. Therefore, I had to rush, rush, rush to catch the 8:30 bus. I showered and got ready by 8:15 am. I saw a villager and she said “you are never going to catch the 8:30 bus you have less than 15 minutes to get to the junction.” Usually I park my bike about a mile from the junction at a villager’s house so that my bike doesn’t get stolen. However, today I said I was so late that I would have to bring my bike on the bus with me… which usually no one does. Well luckily I just made it to the junction. It took me 12 minutes to get to the junction, which I was pretty proud of and also I saw my host brother and begged him to lock my bike up at the villager’s house. He said yes; therefore, I didn’t have to bring my bike to town.
When I got to town I bought so much…. A little too much because I had such a difficult time riding my bike back with about 6 bags on the handle bars, a back pack, and one large bag in my basket. Plus to make things worse the sun was beaming hot. I struggled back to my house having readjusted the bags many times because they wouldn’t balance and the bags kept rubbing up on the wheels making me loose balance. This day was a day that I really wished I had my car. I never had such appreciation for the freedom of hoping in my car and running to the store in the states. I miss my car very badly!!!!
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 Tuesday and the Laguna bus does not go to town on Tuesday. The Laguna bus only runs market days, which are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Well this Tuesday I had to go to town desperately because the preschool was opening the next day. I needed to get some last minute items.
So I woke up around 8:00am; then I texted a villager to see what time the busses run because I was going to bike to the junction (4miles) and then catch a bus on the high way. She said the only bus that runs on Tuesday is the 8:30 or noon. I couldn’t catch the noon because all the shops would be closed for lunch. Therefore, I had to rush, rush, rush to catch the 8:30 bus. I showered and got ready by 8:15 am. I saw a villager and she said “you are never going to catch the 8:30 bus you have less than 15 minutes to get to the junction.” Usually I park my bike about a mile from the junction at a villager’s house so that my bike doesn’t get stolen. However, today I said I was so late that I would have to bring my bike on the bus with me… which usually no one does. Well luckily I just made it to the junction. It took me 12 minutes to get to the junction, which I was pretty proud of and also I saw my host brother and begged him to lock my bike up at the villager’s house. He said yes; therefore, I didn’t have to bring my bike to town.
When I got to town I bought so much…. A little too much because I had such a difficult time riding my bike back with about 6 bags on the handle bars, a back pack, and one large bag in my basket. Plus to make things worse the sun was beaming hot. I struggled back to my house having readjusted the bags many times because they wouldn’t balance and the bags kept rubbing up on the wheels making me loose balance. This day was a day that I really wished I had my car. I never had such appreciation for the freedom of hoping in my car and running to the store in the states. I miss my car very badly!!!!
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.
School registration
August 30, 2010
Today was registration for the preschool, as well as infant I. Infant I is like Kindergarten in the states. Registration went pretty well. I was surprised that less parents signed their children up for preschool than I thought would. I had 9 students sign up for preschool; however, originally I thought 16 children would sign up. Some parents decided to keep their children home. Only 4 children signed up for Infant I. Since Laguna is so small we have such a small school too. That is why government will not fund the preschool. We only have 65 children in our primary school (which is grade K-8 in the states).
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 registration for the preschool, as well as infant I. Infant I is like Kindergarten in the states. Registration went pretty well. I was surprised that less parents signed their children up for preschool than I thought would. I had 9 students sign up for preschool; however, originally I thought 16 children would sign up. Some parents decided to keep their children home. Only 4 children signed up for Infant I. Since Laguna is so small we have such a small school too. That is why government will not fund the preschool. We only have 65 children in our primary school (which is grade K-8 in the states).
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.
Fajina
August 28, 2010
Saturday August 28 there was a fujuni. A fujina is when the men get together to clean up the village. Each man age 18 or older brings his machete to chop the village. They clean/chop the school grounds, the cemetery and the football field. It takes all morning. The ladies bring cacoa drink, juice or coffee after the men finish chopping the village.
Then after the fajina there is a community meeting held at the community center. At the meeting the men address issues of the village. There was a lot of arguing going on this meeting. I have a difficult time understanding because the men speak all in K’ekchi, but I usually get what is being said. If I don’t understand I just ask someone who is sitting close by me.
At this meeting some men argued that only 18 year olds and older should chop. Some men like to send their young son in their place; however, some men think that is unfair. Some men think that younger than 18 can chop too. It was a big debate because this issue deals with them personally. Also if a man does not go to fajina they have to pay 10.00 dollars to the village council. The debate could have gone on and on until the chairman finally told us to move on to the next topic.
The one man in the village that made me cry one time. He accused me of not visiting his house because he was a drunkard. I said that was not true. I did not visit because he never invited me. He kept screaming at me and said that he doesn’t need me to help in the village. He said he doesn’t want anything to do with me. He was not going to send his kids to the preschool I was opening, nor was he going to send his daughter to camp GLOW. I don’t know why I took it so personally, but because he was screaming at me I just started to cry. Well I bring him up because he likes to scream and voice his opinion at the community meetings too. He had to be kicked out of the meeting several times.
Fajina is an excellent thing I believe. The community comes out to help the village look clean. I asked another volunteer Laura if they do fajina’s up North in Mestizo (Spanish speaking villages) she said no. That fajina’s are just done my maya villages.
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.
Saturday August 28 there was a fujuni. A fujina is when the men get together to clean up the village. Each man age 18 or older brings his machete to chop the village. They clean/chop the school grounds, the cemetery and the football field. It takes all morning. The ladies bring cacoa drink, juice or coffee after the men finish chopping the village.
Then after the fajina there is a community meeting held at the community center. At the meeting the men address issues of the village. There was a lot of arguing going on this meeting. I have a difficult time understanding because the men speak all in K’ekchi, but I usually get what is being said. If I don’t understand I just ask someone who is sitting close by me.
At this meeting some men argued that only 18 year olds and older should chop. Some men like to send their young son in their place; however, some men think that is unfair. Some men think that younger than 18 can chop too. It was a big debate because this issue deals with them personally. Also if a man does not go to fajina they have to pay 10.00 dollars to the village council. The debate could have gone on and on until the chairman finally told us to move on to the next topic.
The one man in the village that made me cry one time. He accused me of not visiting his house because he was a drunkard. I said that was not true. I did not visit because he never invited me. He kept screaming at me and said that he doesn’t need me to help in the village. He said he doesn’t want anything to do with me. He was not going to send his kids to the preschool I was opening, nor was he going to send his daughter to camp GLOW. I don’t know why I took it so personally, but because he was screaming at me I just started to cry. Well I bring him up because he likes to scream and voice his opinion at the community meetings too. He had to be kicked out of the meeting several times.
Fajina is an excellent thing I believe. The community comes out to help the village look clean. I asked another volunteer Laura if they do fajina’s up North in Mestizo (Spanish speaking villages) she said no. That fajina’s are just done my maya villages.
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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