Saturday September 26, 2009
Today we went to the Belize ZOO! I was so happy we were able to go on a beautiful sunshine day! (It was supposed to rain all weekend; however, it did not rain while we were at the zoo… hip hip hurrah!)
We met at the Resource Center to get picked up at 8am to go on our Belize Zoo Field Trip! (I love field trips!) 9-noon we were at the zoo. We took a tour of “The Best Little Zoo in the World,” which it was. We saw tapirs, parrots, tigers, jaguars, puma, toucan, eagle, peccary, pelicans, storks, punk rock chicken, scarlet macaw, gibnut, monkeys that sound like dinosaurs… they are called the howler monkey, pigs, crocodile, wild turkeys, owls and much much more!
I even got to hold a snake! I took lots and lots of pictures… check facebook! J
It was 10 dollars to enter the zoo… we got a Peace Corps discount. There were other trainee groups there too! I walked around with the K’ekchi and Spanish teacher… try to learn some new words.
After the zoo we went to the art box. It was really neat. There were pretty art and wood work. I bought “kushtal” = Belizean purse. I bought a colorful wallet and flip-flop earrings as well as a watermelon/ladybug hair tie/bracelet. Greg had coffee… and said it was the best in Belize…
Next we ate a more American restaurant… we got subs, pasta, pizza etc. After that Greg, Kevina, Amy and I went to the resource center to decorate for the party. We made:
· Posters/banners
· Paper chains
· Paper lanterns
· Paper flower arrangements
· Paper shooting stars
· Wrote on the chalkboard… how much we will miss our host families!!!
We went to the grocery store and market and bought all the food for the party. The Peace Corps gave us two hundred dollars to spend for the party… food and decorations… we only went 18 dollars over.
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, October 3, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS… and training
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.
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.
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.
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