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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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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