Friday October 2, 2009
Amy and I left our host family’s at 8am. However, the taxi took forever to pick us up. So we did not get to Garden City hotel until 9am.
Jamie gave us a treat today… and let us come in at 10:30 instead of 8am! So nice
The first session will start at 10:30am on Friday! We have to take all things on the bus/taxi to Garden City Hotel.
The session will include:
· site locator forms and whereabouts policy and SSC
· We get our 2 week visit site assignments I AM GOING TO LAGUANA
· Counterpart workshop information (when I meet my principal!)
· Time to meet with the PMs and Erin can sign up in the AM if want to meet one on one.
· Atlantic Bank Forms and Photos
· Logistics
Garden City Hotel for the night! It was lots of fun hanging out with people my own age. We had a fun party on the upper level of the hotel!!!
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
Last day of training and being at my host family's house
Thursday October 1, 2009
8:00 am Meet in Maya Mopan and travel to Georgeville9-10:00 am Daily Chat: Discuss Workshop
10-11:00am FREEHOP and SWOT (we did this to learn more about our communities)
11:00-12:00 Tech Training Wrap Up ( I can’t believe training is coming to an end!)
Group Lunch in San Ignacio! I really wouldn’t want to live in San Ignacio. It is too busy and city like. (Plus the last time I was here I was deathly sick… bad memories).
1:30-3pm Work on Presentations
3pm Maya Mopan return to site
3:30-5 Language and Culture Wrap up (Game review)
Greg and Kevinas host mom has dengue so they had to leave their house to go to the Garden City Hotel. They don’t want them to get sick too.
I enjoyed my last night with my host family. We played cards, told stories, and reminisced. Mrs. Kus made pumpkin stew… it was such a treat! We also had picary meat, sauce and tortillas, as well as marsh mellows and chips.
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.
8:00 am Meet in Maya Mopan and travel to Georgeville9-10:00 am Daily Chat: Discuss Workshop
10-11:00am FREEHOP and SWOT (we did this to learn more about our communities)
11:00-12:00 Tech Training Wrap Up ( I can’t believe training is coming to an end!)
Group Lunch in San Ignacio! I really wouldn’t want to live in San Ignacio. It is too busy and city like. (Plus the last time I was here I was deathly sick… bad memories).
1:30-3pm Work on Presentations
3pm Maya Mopan return to site
3:30-5 Language and Culture Wrap up (Game review)
Greg and Kevinas host mom has dengue so they had to leave their house to go to the Garden City Hotel. They don’t want them to get sick too.
I enjoyed my last night with my host family. We played cards, told stories, and reminisced. Mrs. Kus made pumpkin stew… it was such a treat! We also had picary meat, sauce and tortillas, as well as marsh mellows and chips.
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.
Teacher Workshop in Belize City
Wednesday September 30, 2009
Today I got up and started packing L My least favorite thing to do in the whole entire world. I hate packing!!!!
At 8am Ginnie picked us up to go to Belmopan. Kevina and Greg were having an awful morning. All their electronics (ipod, computer, camera, hard drive, flash drive etc) had a virus on it. (That means my computer might have a virus on it too… bc they transferred pictures on it last night). Also, Greg’s glasses broke this morning… and I didn’t bring my computer to Belmopan L Not good…
I did get a chance to check my email and write back to a few people! After we left Belmopan Head Quarters at 8:30am we traveled to Belize City for our workshop. We went to St. Luke’s school first. It was great to see a Kriol school. It is so different than a Mayan school. The Kriol schools are much loader! Lol… I belong there! J/K
For lunch we went to Ginnie and Anthony’s CBT host family for lunch. It was delicious. We had chicken, rice and beans, potato salad, green salad, and bread pudding.
After we meet with the principal at Ginnie site school (Trinity Methodist school). We saw the library that Ginnie set up. We got a tour of the library and computer room. From 2-2:30 we set up for the workshop. From 2:30-4 it was the teacher training workshop diagnostic assessments.
Then I returned to site at 6pm for dinner and homework.
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 got up and started packing L My least favorite thing to do in the whole entire world. I hate packing!!!!
At 8am Ginnie picked us up to go to Belmopan. Kevina and Greg were having an awful morning. All their electronics (ipod, computer, camera, hard drive, flash drive etc) had a virus on it. (That means my computer might have a virus on it too… bc they transferred pictures on it last night). Also, Greg’s glasses broke this morning… and I didn’t bring my computer to Belmopan L Not good…
I did get a chance to check my email and write back to a few people! After we left Belmopan Head Quarters at 8:30am we traveled to Belize City for our workshop. We went to St. Luke’s school first. It was great to see a Kriol school. It is so different than a Mayan school. The Kriol schools are much loader! Lol… I belong there! J/K
For lunch we went to Ginnie and Anthony’s CBT host family for lunch. It was delicious. We had chicken, rice and beans, potato salad, green salad, and bread pudding.
After we meet with the principal at Ginnie site school (Trinity Methodist school). We saw the library that Ginnie set up. We got a tour of the library and computer room. From 2-2:30 we set up for the workshop. From 2:30-4 it was the teacher training workshop diagnostic assessments.
Then I returned to site at 6pm for dinner and homework.
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.
Training (Language Classes, Tech Classes, and Assessments)
Tuesday September 29, 2009
This morning we had language class on renting houses (again) in Belize. We were supposed to watch a video on hurricane Iris; however, we could not get a vcr to watch it on.
After language we had lunch. Celestino and I were the only ones home because everyone else was at the hospital because the flu is going around and everyone is getting sick. They are sending any kid home that coughs…
From 1-3 Anthony did a session on our Project Indicator Outcomes. It is getting exciting talking about our future primary and secondary projects. We then discussed what motivates us and what motivates others.
Next, we had our self assessment interviews with Ginnie. I felt that I was being coincident because I feel that I did very well during PST (pre service training). The training was for 7 weeks and now we go to our official sites now that training is almost over. I am ready to be a volunteer on October 22, 2009!
I talked to Ginnie about how I really hope to have host siblings again (I love the kids in my host family). I want to get a good host family again. I also talked about getting a uniform for when I will be in schools. In Belize the teachers, principal, and students all wear uniforms, even in public, private, catholic, and Methodist schools.
After that we did our final preparations for our workshop tomorrow (on diagnostic reading tests). We also made a slide show for our CBT (Community Based Training Site Maya Mopan) presentations. We scrapped and collaged our pictures… Kevina, Greg, Amy and I. After that I practiced my workshop 30 minutes presentation. The rest of the family went to bed at 7pm because Mrs. Kus was fasting and told everyone to go to bed. She wasn’t feeling well and needed xrays in the morning. It was funny everyone got up at 8pm… bc they could not sleep. Therefore, they listened to me practice my presentation. Also Lorenzo (2year old) first was playing with my hair and then Mrs. Kus gave me a very nice French braid… and then off to bed.
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 morning we had language class on renting houses (again) in Belize. We were supposed to watch a video on hurricane Iris; however, we could not get a vcr to watch it on.
After language we had lunch. Celestino and I were the only ones home because everyone else was at the hospital because the flu is going around and everyone is getting sick. They are sending any kid home that coughs…
From 1-3 Anthony did a session on our Project Indicator Outcomes. It is getting exciting talking about our future primary and secondary projects. We then discussed what motivates us and what motivates others.
Next, we had our self assessment interviews with Ginnie. I felt that I was being coincident because I feel that I did very well during PST (pre service training). The training was for 7 weeks and now we go to our official sites now that training is almost over. I am ready to be a volunteer on October 22, 2009!
I talked to Ginnie about how I really hope to have host siblings again (I love the kids in my host family). I want to get a good host family again. I also talked about getting a uniform for when I will be in schools. In Belize the teachers, principal, and students all wear uniforms, even in public, private, catholic, and Methodist schools.
After that we did our final preparations for our workshop tomorrow (on diagnostic reading tests). We also made a slide show for our CBT (Community Based Training Site Maya Mopan) presentations. We scrapped and collaged our pictures… Kevina, Greg, Amy and I. After that I practiced my workshop 30 minutes presentation. The rest of the family went to bed at 7pm because Mrs. Kus was fasting and told everyone to go to bed. She wasn’t feeling well and needed xrays in the morning. It was funny everyone got up at 8pm… bc they could not sleep. Therefore, they listened to me practice my presentation. Also Lorenzo (2year old) first was playing with my hair and then Mrs. Kus gave me a very nice French braid… and then off to bed.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Another GREAT day... p.s. shush
Monday September 28, 2009
Today I got up and did a workout! It was a great way to start the day. Then I and Celestino did all the cooking this morning (my host mom and host sister were shocked how well we did)! Then I got a text from my LCF Ms. Carmelina saying that class would not start until 9 am! So I got to help do all the dishes by hand. It takes a lot of time. First we do a pre-rinse to get all the food and grease off the plates. Then we wash it fully and then rinse fully. We take our time and carefully clean each piece. It took over an hour. Then I showered… in the rain again. I put my towel in a plastic bag and then take it out when my bucket bath is over.
Next, we had language class about house hold items from 9-12pm. When I came home Sister Garcia and her husband were at my host family’s house (they are from the Jehovah Witness congregations). They came over to cook us soup because Mrs. Kus has been sick all week with the flu (maybe dengue?) and horrible back pain. When I came home I reviewed more K’ekchi words with the whole family… lots of learning happens during training!
After lunch then Ginnie taught us a session on extracurricular activities, such as setting up libraries and computer classes. Then we worked on our FreeHop and finished our Safety and Security Packet.
After that I went home and bonded with the family for the rest of the night and then went to bed.
P.S. Gossip is called “SHUSH” here in Belize. The latest shush is that the teachers are on strike because they did not get paid on Friday.
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 got up and did a workout! It was a great way to start the day. Then I and Celestino did all the cooking this morning (my host mom and host sister were shocked how well we did)! Then I got a text from my LCF Ms. Carmelina saying that class would not start until 9 am! So I got to help do all the dishes by hand. It takes a lot of time. First we do a pre-rinse to get all the food and grease off the plates. Then we wash it fully and then rinse fully. We take our time and carefully clean each piece. It took over an hour. Then I showered… in the rain again. I put my towel in a plastic bag and then take it out when my bucket bath is over.
Next, we had language class about house hold items from 9-12pm. When I came home Sister Garcia and her husband were at my host family’s house (they are from the Jehovah Witness congregations). They came over to cook us soup because Mrs. Kus has been sick all week with the flu (maybe dengue?) and horrible back pain. When I came home I reviewed more K’ekchi words with the whole family… lots of learning happens during training!
After lunch then Ginnie taught us a session on extracurricular activities, such as setting up libraries and computer classes. Then we worked on our FreeHop and finished our Safety and Security Packet.
After that I went home and bonded with the family for the rest of the night and then went to bed.
P.S. Gossip is called “SHUSH” here in Belize. The latest shush is that the teachers are on strike because they did not get paid on Friday.
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.
Host Family Party
Sunday September 27, 2009
Host Family Party… another going away party…
Today I got up at 6:30am. The trainees came over to my host family’s house to start cooking for the day. We are having a party for all the host family’s to say goodbye and thank you for all that they did. They took us in for a month and a half… and welcomed and took care of us.
For the party we made:
· Baked Chicken
· Rice and beans
· Spaghetti
· Guacamole
· Chips
· Potato salad
· Cucumber salad
· Watermelon
· Banana bread
It took all morning… and we did a lot of it last minute. My host mother was very concerned that we would run out of time and that it would not taste well.
However, everything went well (and I got to do my laundry). The party was from 12-3pm and was a huge success. We had a lot of fun. We played a huge game of “Go Fish.” We used two decks for 15 people. I loved how many kids attended the party. (I took so many pictures… and laughed so much with all the children.) At the end of the party… some of the neighborhood kids came in for some spaghetti… they really enjoyed it!
After the game we went home and got ready for the meeting. It was my fifth time to a Jehovah Witness meeting. Everyone was very nice… and sad that I am leaving to go down south this week.
Friday is the big day when I will find out where I will be placed for the next 2 years. It could be Laguna, Sainta Teresa, Big Falls, or Silver Creek (those are the K’ekchi speaking schools/sites!)
I can’t wait to find it out less than a week away.
Random things I want to mention:
Belize does not have a day light savings. It gets dark at around 6pm. My host family closes there doors when the sun comes down because the bugs come in the house! However, all day the doors and windows are wide open and welcoming all day (with no screens). The Peace Corps recommends doing the same thing when I get my own place… it is Mayan customs to be welcoming… and never close off your house from visitors.
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.
Host Family Party… another going away party…
Today I got up at 6:30am. The trainees came over to my host family’s house to start cooking for the day. We are having a party for all the host family’s to say goodbye and thank you for all that they did. They took us in for a month and a half… and welcomed and took care of us.
For the party we made:
· Baked Chicken
· Rice and beans
· Spaghetti
· Guacamole
· Chips
· Potato salad
· Cucumber salad
· Watermelon
· Banana bread
It took all morning… and we did a lot of it last minute. My host mother was very concerned that we would run out of time and that it would not taste well.
However, everything went well (and I got to do my laundry). The party was from 12-3pm and was a huge success. We had a lot of fun. We played a huge game of “Go Fish.” We used two decks for 15 people. I loved how many kids attended the party. (I took so many pictures… and laughed so much with all the children.) At the end of the party… some of the neighborhood kids came in for some spaghetti… they really enjoyed it!
After the game we went home and got ready for the meeting. It was my fifth time to a Jehovah Witness meeting. Everyone was very nice… and sad that I am leaving to go down south this week.
Friday is the big day when I will find out where I will be placed for the next 2 years. It could be Laguna, Sainta Teresa, Big Falls, or Silver Creek (those are the K’ekchi speaking schools/sites!)
I can’t wait to find it out less than a week away.
Random things I want to mention:
Belize does not have a day light savings. It gets dark at around 6pm. My host family closes there doors when the sun comes down because the bugs come in the house! However, all day the doors and windows are wide open and welcoming all day (with no screens). The Peace Corps recommends doing the same thing when I get my own place… it is Mayan customs to be welcoming… and never close off your house from visitors.
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.
Beautiful Belize ZOO
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.
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.
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