Thank you for all the packages, cards, and emails rec'd around my birthday--I sure am a lucky person! Some of you wanted to know if YOURS arrived so to break it down: 4 from Joann, and others from Iris, Sue Beale, Janet, Susan Dent, Jean, Cynthia, Aubrey, and my brother, Skip. All loaded with goodies for my new Belizean friends and me! Two super cards from the gals at Dr. Nicholson's office (still can't bring myself to think of it as Dr. Lein's) and the greatest (well, at least the one with the biggest hearts!) Garden's tennis team rounded out my wonderful day. Thank you, thank you.
Several of you have asked how to contribute to Marcelino's scholarship fund. I have an account back home with Bank of America that is currently inactive (obviously!) So if the spirit moves you, go to any B of A and deposit your contribution into acc't #001443299545 (Tracy Hodson). Then drop an email to my wonderful daughter (and tax attorney!) Ashley @ Ash1140@aol.com and let her know your name and the amount. She will let me know where we are at toward our goal. If there is any leftover, I know you will trust me to find another needy candidate (there are so many) I feel all I ever do is thank you--for moral support mostly. My faith in our world has increased ten-fold! Thanks
I heard one of the volunteers comparing the bond we have formed surviving training to that of our young men and women enduring boot camp. It was intense, probably more for me than most, because of my 'special needs' status! (Eyes, ears, pee brain) But now the service begins and I'm excited at the possibilities. Today I came into town (Punta Gorda) and spoke with the Public Works minister and was able to move up plans for the speed bump from April to this December. I know that doesn't sound like much but it was #1 on the village council chairman's agenda. Brick by brick... San Miguel will be happy when we get that bump so school children will be much safer! Most of this month will be trying to get the 'house' that I will be living in, ready. First and foremost is that I need to build a latrine! Just getting the lumber to San Miguel will be a feat! Speaking of latrines (and yes, I still get excited when I see a toilet), I have come to see some advantages over toilets...your hand NEVER gets wet while wiping and you never notice an odor after you're done bc it always smells the same! Gotta look at the bright side!?!
Now the 40 of us are scattered about the country. Those that are in the business/organization, education, or youth development sectors are scattered primarily in the urban areas (with some exceptions). Our 'healthy communities' sector are pretty much planted in the rainforest very rural portion of Belize in individual villages. You may recall that I wasn't too pleased with my village assignment. Well, I like it very much now and I think I have my host family to thank! I move out from them into my 'own' place on Nov. 23 (Happy BD J and J!) One more housing adjustment and then maybe I'll be settled...???
My new address is: Tracy Hodson PCV, General Delivery, Punta Gorda, Belize. In the bottom left corner write: San Miguel. If any of you have mailed something to Belmopan, they will forward it or someone from the Peace Corps Office will bring it down once a month. If sent here to Punta Gorda, I just have to come into town periodically to check or sometimes when they see someone from our village that they recognize from San Miguel they will ask him to bring it back to the village. (A LITTLE different than back home, huh?)
Thanks again for all the support. I love you all so much!
God bless us all...tracy
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I am so grateful for my friends!
I have got to be the luckiest person on the planet to have the greatest and most compassionate friends! Tomorrow is my birthday and I have the greatest gift of all having you as my friends. Tomorrow gives me great cause to reflect as we do on most holidays/milestones...
Reflect on what is important and that is why I'm here. Reflect on Ashley, Bobby, and Aubrey that gave their blessing and allowed me to be here to do something that I've felt compelled to do since I was 7. Reflect on the wonderful friends I have that makes me cry at this internet cafe writing to you now. When I came into the Peace Corps office on Friday, there were 12 packages waiting for me. A lot of the volunteers get a package or two from their mom or dad back home. But I received 12!!! I am so proud to have friends that take time out of their busy days to purchase items and send them on their merry way to be merrily received! Thank you all for the outpouring of love and kindness. I have also heard from those that want to help with Marcelino's education. I will try to figure out the best way for you to contribute. I'll have to hand deliver as there are no roads, addresses, etc. let alone a post office. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday is a big day for all the volunteers. Having completed our training which has been intense, we will officially be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers at the Embassy. It is a semi-formal affair that takes up pretty much the entire day. I'm excited at the possibilities because finally the service that I have wanted to do all my life will become a reality. I hope and pray that I will do a good job. The only thing I know for sure is that my heart is into it 100%.
It's hard to be away from you. It's hard to leave the comforts of home. It's really hard to miss my children. And yet I feel more committed than ever. I can truly say that whenever I have had a weak or desperate moment, I would hear from one of you and then I felt peace. You have been a huge help. You are all PC volunteers helping me forge ahead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Goodnight and God bless us all...tracy
Reflect on what is important and that is why I'm here. Reflect on Ashley, Bobby, and Aubrey that gave their blessing and allowed me to be here to do something that I've felt compelled to do since I was 7. Reflect on the wonderful friends I have that makes me cry at this internet cafe writing to you now. When I came into the Peace Corps office on Friday, there were 12 packages waiting for me. A lot of the volunteers get a package or two from their mom or dad back home. But I received 12!!! I am so proud to have friends that take time out of their busy days to purchase items and send them on their merry way to be merrily received! Thank you all for the outpouring of love and kindness. I have also heard from those that want to help with Marcelino's education. I will try to figure out the best way for you to contribute. I'll have to hand deliver as there are no roads, addresses, etc. let alone a post office. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday is a big day for all the volunteers. Having completed our training which has been intense, we will officially be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers at the Embassy. It is a semi-formal affair that takes up pretty much the entire day. I'm excited at the possibilities because finally the service that I have wanted to do all my life will become a reality. I hope and pray that I will do a good job. The only thing I know for sure is that my heart is into it 100%.
It's hard to be away from you. It's hard to leave the comforts of home. It's really hard to miss my children. And yet I feel more committed than ever. I can truly say that whenever I have had a weak or desperate moment, I would hear from one of you and then I felt peace. You have been a huge help. You are all PC volunteers helping me forge ahead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Goodnight and God bless us all...tracy
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Back to Belmopan for Swearing-In!
Other than athlete's foot, a minor cold, diaarhea (I guess it's just how I'm going to 'go') and a snake in my room this morning, life is good in San Miguel. We're in the mountains in the rainforest so it's picturesque and muddy! I was getting tired of the rats keeping me awake in Armenia.
My host family is amazing. You would never sense that I live with six children. Everyone quietly goes about their chores and homework without a word from mom and dad. They wash the clothes and the dishes in the river (about a 200yd. walk), wash the pigs, catch and then clean the chicken for dinner, split the firewood for the firehut, hull the corn, and sweep the house (to name a few). They are always caring of the younger siblings and I've yet to hear a cross word in 12 days! The Maya culture is rich in tradition (AND superstition!) More on that at a later blog...
Saturday, we awoke at 4:30am to eat breakfast and then walk for an hour on a hilly gravel road up to their farm. After going through the 'bush', we came to a clearing with their corn field. We all took a section and pulled corn off the stalk and then threw it to a clearing 10-30 yds. away. Sure could have used Jeff's arm for this task. By mid-day we had finished and bagged all the corn. Fortunately, Sebastion has an uncle with a truck and he came to pick up the corn. We all walked wearily home (now it took us at least an hour and a half!!) I ached all over that night!
It's only been 12 days but I foresee some interesting projects where I might be able to help. Some of what I will be doing is formally requesting grant money for these projects through various organizations. (Wish I had Sue Brown's or Carol Pahl's writing skills!!)
I officially become a Peace Corps Volunteer on Oct 22 when we will be sworn in at the Embassy. For me, it's a relief as training has been arduous. Aubrey has received special permission from the Country Director to visit over Christmas (We're not supposed to have visitors until after the 22nd of January).
I have received 5 packages from Sue Brown, Kim C., Betty, Bobby, and Katrin. I can't thank you enough for your generosity. The people here are rich in spirit but poor in possessions. Seventy nine percent of the Toledo District falls below the UNDP (United Nations) poverty guidelines. There are tremendous opportunities to help--I believe I'm in the right place at the right time. Just miss all of YOU!
I'll be in the Peace Corps office on Monday and I'm sure from what I've heard that there will be more goodies from you! Thanking you in advance...
God bless us all...tracy
My host family is amazing. You would never sense that I live with six children. Everyone quietly goes about their chores and homework without a word from mom and dad. They wash the clothes and the dishes in the river (about a 200yd. walk), wash the pigs, catch and then clean the chicken for dinner, split the firewood for the firehut, hull the corn, and sweep the house (to name a few). They are always caring of the younger siblings and I've yet to hear a cross word in 12 days! The Maya culture is rich in tradition (AND superstition!) More on that at a later blog...
Saturday, we awoke at 4:30am to eat breakfast and then walk for an hour on a hilly gravel road up to their farm. After going through the 'bush', we came to a clearing with their corn field. We all took a section and pulled corn off the stalk and then threw it to a clearing 10-30 yds. away. Sure could have used Jeff's arm for this task. By mid-day we had finished and bagged all the corn. Fortunately, Sebastion has an uncle with a truck and he came to pick up the corn. We all walked wearily home (now it took us at least an hour and a half!!) I ached all over that night!
It's only been 12 days but I foresee some interesting projects where I might be able to help. Some of what I will be doing is formally requesting grant money for these projects through various organizations. (Wish I had Sue Brown's or Carol Pahl's writing skills!!)
I officially become a Peace Corps Volunteer on Oct 22 when we will be sworn in at the Embassy. For me, it's a relief as training has been arduous. Aubrey has received special permission from the Country Director to visit over Christmas (We're not supposed to have visitors until after the 22nd of January).
I have received 5 packages from Sue Brown, Kim C., Betty, Bobby, and Katrin. I can't thank you enough for your generosity. The people here are rich in spirit but poor in possessions. Seventy nine percent of the Toledo District falls below the UNDP (United Nations) poverty guidelines. There are tremendous opportunities to help--I believe I'm in the right place at the right time. Just miss all of YOU!
I'll be in the Peace Corps office on Monday and I'm sure from what I've heard that there will be more goodies from you! Thanking you in advance...
God bless us all...tracy
Friday, October 9, 2009
Life in San Miguel!
Arrived in the village of San Miguel (Toledo District) Belize on Monday evening after a day with our counterparts at a workshop in Punta Gorda. It is a beautiful village of 560 people with 182 students attending the village Roman Catholic Primary School. My host family is absolutely amazing--my host dad is Sebastian (40), my host mom is Juvena (36), host sisters are Renita (18), Luisa (16), Brenda (14), Ellena (11), Felicita (8) and Yadira (almost 2-Nov. 21). I have one adorable host brother and that is Phileon (5). I feel like Maria in the Sound of Music! (Especially with my 'sister' Luisa who is like Lisel who tries desperately to skip out to see her beau!) They are the kindest people helping me with my K'ekchi (especially Felicita who will not let me mispronounce anything!) She's a tough teacher but will help me in a huge way! Sebastian leaves home at 6am each morning and doesn't return until 9 or 10 pm. He told me he does this so all the children will have the opportunity of an education. The oldest sister, Renita, is a nursing student at the University of Belize in Belmopan! They are all so proud of her. I haven't met her yet but I'm sure that will happen sometime in the next two years!
I met with the Village Chairman (like a mayor) and the Alcalde (magistrate) the night I arrived. They feel the biggest concerns of the village is getting a 'speed bump' on the dirt road that runs through the village so the children and the pigs won't get hit. Also, they would like to see that any family without a latrine could build one. The principal is interested in me tutoring during and after school on occasion. Also, there are some special need students that really need extra help so I will be networking with another volunteer who is a special education teacher for advice. Now here is the funny one for those that know me--last night the president of the PTA came over after we were all asleep and wanted my help on an internet lab the community had set up two years ago and then dismantled when they had 'financial issues'. Imagine me helping with an internet lab when I barely can email!?! I just know that my kids are laughing reading this one!! Well, the nearest Peace Corps Volunteer is about 5 miles away in Silver Creek so one of the members of the PTA drove me in his truck to pick up Greg so that he could perform! My mom served him a magnificent lunch afterwards. Three hours later, we were up and running but the computer lab won't officially open for another two weeks or more. I'm taking this opportunity to use it now and write YOU! We officially toasted our success with two cokes and a sprite!
I forgot to tell you that we have 5 pigs (cuihe), 24 chicken (chilan), 2 dogs (tzee), 1 cat (mis), 3 ducks (until last night when we had one for dinner!)--pats, and one rooster(tzou).
Until I write again, God bless us all, especially my new host family! tracy
I met with the Village Chairman (like a mayor) and the Alcalde (magistrate) the night I arrived. They feel the biggest concerns of the village is getting a 'speed bump' on the dirt road that runs through the village so the children and the pigs won't get hit. Also, they would like to see that any family without a latrine could build one. The principal is interested in me tutoring during and after school on occasion. Also, there are some special need students that really need extra help so I will be networking with another volunteer who is a special education teacher for advice. Now here is the funny one for those that know me--last night the president of the PTA came over after we were all asleep and wanted my help on an internet lab the community had set up two years ago and then dismantled when they had 'financial issues'. Imagine me helping with an internet lab when I barely can email!?! I just know that my kids are laughing reading this one!! Well, the nearest Peace Corps Volunteer is about 5 miles away in Silver Creek so one of the members of the PTA drove me in his truck to pick up Greg so that he could perform! My mom served him a magnificent lunch afterwards. Three hours later, we were up and running but the computer lab won't officially open for another two weeks or more. I'm taking this opportunity to use it now and write YOU! We officially toasted our success with two cokes and a sprite!
I forgot to tell you that we have 5 pigs (cuihe), 24 chicken (chilan), 2 dogs (tzee), 1 cat (mis), 3 ducks (until last night when we had one for dinner!)--pats, and one rooster(tzou).
Until I write again, God bless us all, especially my new host family! tracy
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Got our site assignments!
Well, I'll be in a town called San Miguel. It's north and west of Punta Gorda about a 45 minute bus ride away. It's a poor village (I'm told) that needs lots of help. Unfortunately, the last two volunteers left early. I'm pretty sure it was the least desirable site of our group but I'm certain that site was chosen for me as I'd be the one to complain the least. I had said from the beginning that I'd go where I was needed most--well, this will be a great opportunity!
When I got to the Peace Corps office yesterday there were 4 boxes! I can't express my gratitude for the seeds and other goodies that Betty, Kim, Katrin, and Bobby sent!! BUT, I looked at the postage that you all spent and was shocked! I think the most expensive one was $50.50 ! UGH!! So no more boxes...that's absurd! I'm so sorry. I am headed to Armenia to deliver the seeds and goodies in about 2 hours and I know that they will be overwhelmed!! Thank you so very much.
Everyone packed up all their belongings and left Armenia yesterday and said their goodbyes. I told my family that I would be back today as I anticipated your deliveries. I could not bear to say goodbye just yet. I will miss them all but especially Brella and my host mom, Emetria.
Speaking of Emetria...she has a twin brother and has two other brothers and three sisters. The youngest brother is Marcelino who is 14 and is in Standard 6 (similar to our seventh or eighth grade.) No one in her family has ever been allowed to go past grade 6 because even though it's public education, it costs $300 BZ or $150 US just to register. I sat down with Marcelino the night before last and asked him if he would like to continue on to high school? He said "of course, but my family can't afford it." I told him that his grades need to come up (currently in the 80% range) and that I would check back with him after his December report card. I told him I would love to see him continue.
Peace Corps is not a donor driven organization but rather a cooperative of self-help and training so a village can remain improved and continue to thrive after someone leaves. Marcelino is an exception. If anyone wishes to help with his education so he can be the only one in his family to get a high school education, please help me help him. This is a charity where you know 100% of your donation goes directly to the source. Many of you have asked how you can help; I think this way could be great and there's only the $.98 stamp. Gmail me for more info directly at tracyhodson@gmail.com
We leave for our sites tomorrow. I wish I was more excited about my site. I'm just struggling inside and have to accept that all is in perfect order...
Thanks again for all the packages. You ALL are so special and can't thank you enough! Happy Belated Birthdays to Grandma Joy and Cristina!
God bless us all...tracy
When I got to the Peace Corps office yesterday there were 4 boxes! I can't express my gratitude for the seeds and other goodies that Betty, Kim, Katrin, and Bobby sent!! BUT, I looked at the postage that you all spent and was shocked! I think the most expensive one was $50.50 ! UGH!! So no more boxes...that's absurd! I'm so sorry. I am headed to Armenia to deliver the seeds and goodies in about 2 hours and I know that they will be overwhelmed!! Thank you so very much.
Everyone packed up all their belongings and left Armenia yesterday and said their goodbyes. I told my family that I would be back today as I anticipated your deliveries. I could not bear to say goodbye just yet. I will miss them all but especially Brella and my host mom, Emetria.
Speaking of Emetria...she has a twin brother and has two other brothers and three sisters. The youngest brother is Marcelino who is 14 and is in Standard 6 (similar to our seventh or eighth grade.) No one in her family has ever been allowed to go past grade 6 because even though it's public education, it costs $300 BZ or $150 US just to register. I sat down with Marcelino the night before last and asked him if he would like to continue on to high school? He said "of course, but my family can't afford it." I told him that his grades need to come up (currently in the 80% range) and that I would check back with him after his December report card. I told him I would love to see him continue.
Peace Corps is not a donor driven organization but rather a cooperative of self-help and training so a village can remain improved and continue to thrive after someone leaves. Marcelino is an exception. If anyone wishes to help with his education so he can be the only one in his family to get a high school education, please help me help him. This is a charity where you know 100% of your donation goes directly to the source. Many of you have asked how you can help; I think this way could be great and there's only the $.98 stamp. Gmail me for more info directly at tracyhodson@gmail.com
We leave for our sites tomorrow. I wish I was more excited about my site. I'm just struggling inside and have to accept that all is in perfect order...
Thanks again for all the packages. You ALL are so special and can't thank you enough! Happy Belated Birthdays to Grandma Joy and Cristina!
God bless us all...tracy
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