There's this dog that I guess came with the house I live in in San Miguel. Homes in the states come with varying amenities...homes here in San Miguel come with mangy dogs with parasites.
So I injected this dog twice with some medicine that the hardware store provided for me ($1.50 BZ) back in November. He started looking great! But recently the mange came back and he's losing weight but this time he won't let me inject him—dogs DO remember! (I'll have to work on this problem?!?)
The dogs here are treated so poorly. I guess people have them mostly to serve as watchdogs. They are kicked by every member of the family and not fed (except at my old host family's home where they gave Bones and Bingo tablescraps). I'm certain Blackie is the only dog in the village that eats dog food AND table scraps.
With Blackie's mange, it is not too appetizing to pet him barehanded so I put on my garden gloves and he 'eats up' the attention. Of course, I greet him every morning as he sleeps right outside my door. I don't 'give' like I would to my own dogs...guess I really haven't claimed him yet and I feel bad about that...
This past Saturday I planned on visiting two peace corps friends in Dangriga (3 hour bus ride away). I decided to catch the bus at the junction of the highway which is about a 5-6 mile trek to the road. I started off on my bike and Blackie was following. The sun was intense so the sweat was profuse as I pedaled up and down the very hilly rocky road. Blackie kept stride. A couple of times I told him to go home but he must only understand K'ekchi... he kept following. We finally arrived at the junction and I took my bike to this family I have befriended that has been kind enough to store it when I take these jaunts. Blackie came into their house and plopped down on the cool concrete. Avelina asked if he was my dog? “No, but he thinks he is!”
The bus was due to reach the junction in about ten minutes. I walked across the road, Blackie followed. There isn't an ounce of civilization for miles in any direction other than Avelina and Jorge's home. About two miles down the road, I see the northbound bus approaching. I do the customary hand signal that indicates I want a ride. The bus slows and I get on. I find a seat quickly but stay standing as I want to see that Blackie crosses the road heading back to San Miguel.
NO! He is sprinting after the bus. I sit down and ponder...
This dog gets so very little and yet is so loving and loyal. The children in San Miguel get so little and yet they are loving to their siblings and dutiful to their parents. There are no toys here, there are no gifts, and there's no recreation. But the responsibility they own for their little brother or sister's comfort or safety is something I witness on a daily basis. (I just looked out my window and saw two neighbor girls, ages 7 and 8, walking back from the river with huge bowls of dishes on their heads that they just washed and holding hands with a younger sibling).
I know we all mean well when we give our children so many THINGS back home. They may lose sight of what's really important like building character or relationships. They might miss opportunities to impact other lives in a positive way or to reach out to their siblings. Their lives can sometimes turn inward and in the process become lost and lonely. Maybe we're doing them a disservice by providing so much that they can't value what is truly important...I don't know...
I came back on Monday and Blackie was lying by my door... such a good dog...
God bless us all... love, tracy
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thanks for your interest! You're the best!
FIVE of you sent me emails telling me about the recent article in the local paper back home and wanted to know more! Thank you so much for keeping abreast of the happenings here and wanting to share in this Peace Corps endeavor...
There is an organization in Belize (also in West Indies islands like Jamaica) called the Remote Caregivers Program. The RCP's mission is to provide the very young children (ages 8 mos to 3 yrs) in remote villages an opportunity for early learning. There are 4 RCP teachers in my village of San Miguel. They go to the homes where there are young children and teach colors, numbers, the alphabet...mostly through songs! I think the REAL benefit of their teaching is the familiarization with the English language. K'ekchi is spoken exclusively in these homes and yet when the children start pre-school, the lessons are taught in English. This introduction to the English language eases that transition from home to school for the 3-4 yr. olds. My host sister, Yadira, 2, was one of these students so I was able to witness the lessons first hand (twice a week). The stimulation was evident as Yadira was thriving!
About two months ago, one of the RCP teachers approached me and wanted to know if I could help them build a playground in San Miguel. The children have no place to play and recreation is a foreign concept (as are toys and games) I thought this was a great idea so we started with meetings to find out just what their 'vision' was and how we would finance this. (As you know, no one in the village gets a paycheck, it's all sustenance farming to provide food for their families...so funding from the inside is an impossibility) We have drawings in place and estimates of lumber and materials. This country seems so upside down to me as it is so poor and yet costs (like lumber) are so incredibly high...looks like just over $4000 BZ ($2000 US).
I applied for a 'Kids to Kids' grant and was successful ($500 US) That is what you read about in the newspaper. Now I'm working on a PCPP grant (Peace Corps Partnership Program) where anyone has the opportunity to read what Peace Corps is trying to do all over the world and can choose to donate if the spirit moves them to do so. Once I've applied, I will let you know and if anyone would like to contribute, they can do so privately online and the funds will go directly to the project. The only catch is...if we fall short of the projected amount, the funds go into a 'kitty' that is used for general projects and not OURS.
Thank you all for your interest. I will let you know when the PCPP application has been posted on the PC website. It's yummy food for my soul to know so many of you are sharing this Peace Corps experience with me. We are all volunteers trying to promote better world relations and peace.
God bless us all...tracy
There is an organization in Belize (also in West Indies islands like Jamaica) called the Remote Caregivers Program. The RCP's mission is to provide the very young children (ages 8 mos to 3 yrs) in remote villages an opportunity for early learning. There are 4 RCP teachers in my village of San Miguel. They go to the homes where there are young children and teach colors, numbers, the alphabet...mostly through songs! I think the REAL benefit of their teaching is the familiarization with the English language. K'ekchi is spoken exclusively in these homes and yet when the children start pre-school, the lessons are taught in English. This introduction to the English language eases that transition from home to school for the 3-4 yr. olds. My host sister, Yadira, 2, was one of these students so I was able to witness the lessons first hand (twice a week). The stimulation was evident as Yadira was thriving!
About two months ago, one of the RCP teachers approached me and wanted to know if I could help them build a playground in San Miguel. The children have no place to play and recreation is a foreign concept (as are toys and games) I thought this was a great idea so we started with meetings to find out just what their 'vision' was and how we would finance this. (As you know, no one in the village gets a paycheck, it's all sustenance farming to provide food for their families...so funding from the inside is an impossibility) We have drawings in place and estimates of lumber and materials. This country seems so upside down to me as it is so poor and yet costs (like lumber) are so incredibly high...looks like just over $4000 BZ ($2000 US).
I applied for a 'Kids to Kids' grant and was successful ($500 US) That is what you read about in the newspaper. Now I'm working on a PCPP grant (Peace Corps Partnership Program) where anyone has the opportunity to read what Peace Corps is trying to do all over the world and can choose to donate if the spirit moves them to do so. Once I've applied, I will let you know and if anyone would like to contribute, they can do so privately online and the funds will go directly to the project. The only catch is...if we fall short of the projected amount, the funds go into a 'kitty' that is used for general projects and not OURS.
Thank you all for your interest. I will let you know when the PCPP application has been posted on the PC website. It's yummy food for my soul to know so many of you are sharing this Peace Corps experience with me. We are all volunteers trying to promote better world relations and peace.
God bless us all...tracy
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Happy Birthday Sue Brown (from Mexico!)
Happy Birthday Sue! I called you yesterday from Belize City en route to meet Aubrey in Cozumel today but was just winging it and you questioned the wisdom of that!
Thursday, I took the bus from Punta Gorda up to Benque and stayed the night with Roger. That was a 6 1-2 hour bus ride. Friday morning (Sue´s birthday) I left Benque and traveled east to Belize City (bus was 4 hours). Waited half hour and got on another bus heading north through Orange Walk on to Corozol and supposedly, Chetemal (which is just inside of Mexico). Come to find out that if you reach the border after 5 pm you have to get off the bus and walk across, go through immigration, and then take a cab to Chetemal. (Oh yes, the bus ride from Belize City to Corozol was 3 hours). So I´m walking across the bridge and texting Ashley and get to the other side and no more cell service in Mexico. Take the cab to Chetemal...cabbie no habla ingles and I don´t speak much Spanish but we manage. Get to the bus terminal in Chetemal and wait 3 hours for a bus leaving at 1030 and arrives in Playa Del Carmen (on the mainland opposite Cozumel) at 230 am. Doesn´t seem to make sense to get a room so I am the ONLY person in the bus terminal at 230...it´s freezing in there and I have no warm clothes. I ask an attendant there if ...si es posible, puedo dormir alla? (If possible, can I sleep over there?) Si. He lets me lay down on the floor behind a partition where I cover my whole body with clothes from my bag and bury my head in them to generate some heat. So the next time you see a bag lady or other indigent, be kind...it could be your old friend!!! I must have dozed some because at 530, I hear, senorita, tiene que salir. (Maam, you have to leave). I walk 6 blocks down and 4 blocks over and get to the area where at 8am I can ride the water taxi over to Cozumel. That was a 45 minute boat ride. Finally arrive in Cozumel to find out that where the cruise ships are is a taxi ride away. Get to the port and realize that Aubrey never told me which boat she was on so I´m wondering now if I´ll be able to see her at all. Lucky for both of us, she has my innate sense of sensing gpa´s. I get off the taxi, walk maybe 29 yards and there she is. Thank God! And thank God, I love her so much cause now I´m back in Playa Del Carmen, waiting til 1235 am to ride the 4 hour ride to Chetemal and then catch the 6 am bus from Chetemal to Belize City. Then, 5 hours back to Punta Gorda. So this is from Playa del Carmen, exhausted, no reading glasses so I´ll apologize ahead of time for errors! I´m dead tired but Playa del Carmen is awesome. Actually, all of Mexico seems awesome after Belize...just feel out of touch with no service. And blessed to have seen my little girl.
Moral of this whole story is my insanity is now confirmed and Sue Brown is always right! Hope you had fun at Darlene´s and Happy, happy birthday!
God bless us all...tracy
Thursday, I took the bus from Punta Gorda up to Benque and stayed the night with Roger. That was a 6 1-2 hour bus ride. Friday morning (Sue´s birthday) I left Benque and traveled east to Belize City (bus was 4 hours). Waited half hour and got on another bus heading north through Orange Walk on to Corozol and supposedly, Chetemal (which is just inside of Mexico). Come to find out that if you reach the border after 5 pm you have to get off the bus and walk across, go through immigration, and then take a cab to Chetemal. (Oh yes, the bus ride from Belize City to Corozol was 3 hours). So I´m walking across the bridge and texting Ashley and get to the other side and no more cell service in Mexico. Take the cab to Chetemal...cabbie no habla ingles and I don´t speak much Spanish but we manage. Get to the bus terminal in Chetemal and wait 3 hours for a bus leaving at 1030 and arrives in Playa Del Carmen (on the mainland opposite Cozumel) at 230 am. Doesn´t seem to make sense to get a room so I am the ONLY person in the bus terminal at 230...it´s freezing in there and I have no warm clothes. I ask an attendant there if ...si es posible, puedo dormir alla? (If possible, can I sleep over there?) Si. He lets me lay down on the floor behind a partition where I cover my whole body with clothes from my bag and bury my head in them to generate some heat. So the next time you see a bag lady or other indigent, be kind...it could be your old friend!!! I must have dozed some because at 530, I hear, senorita, tiene que salir. (Maam, you have to leave). I walk 6 blocks down and 4 blocks over and get to the area where at 8am I can ride the water taxi over to Cozumel. That was a 45 minute boat ride. Finally arrive in Cozumel to find out that where the cruise ships are is a taxi ride away. Get to the port and realize that Aubrey never told me which boat she was on so I´m wondering now if I´ll be able to see her at all. Lucky for both of us, she has my innate sense of sensing gpa´s. I get off the taxi, walk maybe 29 yards and there she is. Thank God! And thank God, I love her so much cause now I´m back in Playa Del Carmen, waiting til 1235 am to ride the 4 hour ride to Chetemal and then catch the 6 am bus from Chetemal to Belize City. Then, 5 hours back to Punta Gorda. So this is from Playa del Carmen, exhausted, no reading glasses so I´ll apologize ahead of time for errors! I´m dead tired but Playa del Carmen is awesome. Actually, all of Mexico seems awesome after Belize...just feel out of touch with no service. And blessed to have seen my little girl.
Moral of this whole story is my insanity is now confirmed and Sue Brown is always right! Hope you had fun at Darlene´s and Happy, happy birthday!
God bless us all...tracy
Friday, February 26, 2010
GOOD LUCK JEFF!
Aubrey sent me a text on Saturday that said, “I miss you mom, it's baseball season, it's 2010 and I miss you”...
I felt so far away as I heard the Olympics were on and that the United States was faring well, especially for us in the WINTER Olympics! I'm so out of touch with what is happening in the world; just trust that someone will let me know if anything major occurs. Ashley keeps me updated on some political issues and Bobby is great with the sports...
But the boys of summer ARE back and that IS cause for celebration! In our family, it has been a good bit of the 'glue'. Some of you know that when Bob knew he was dying, the ONLY time he cried was when he looked over at Bobby playing beside the bed (Bobby was a little over 2 years old) and said “I'll never be able to teach him how to fish and play baseball”. At that moment, I knew that baseball (and fishing) would be a big part of our lives.
I loved baseball as a kid and some of my favorite childhood memories were going to the games with my dad. Time with dad was the best...and baseball sealed the deal. I lost some love for the game in 1971 when the Washington Senators left DC to become the Texas Rangers. I took it personally and took a hiatus from baseball for several years just to show them!
But later, living in South Florida when the children were little, was a great opportunity to introduce them to the game up close and personal. Most of you know what happened next with all the connections with baseball, most notably, David Justice. David had taken a personal interest in Bobby and treated him like a son. Some of you know that Bobby once did an interview with the Japanese version of ESPN posing as the son of a Major League Scout discussing the virtues of the Japanese work ethic in baseball! Or when he somehow found himself in the locker room over at Roger Dean with Mark McGuire and friends talking about fishing in the Everglades!
Bobby went on to have an illustrious high school baseball career playing centerfield with South Fork High School with ZERO fielding errors until one game in the State Championships. Bobby tried to play baseball his freshman year at the University of North Florida under Coach Dusty Rhodes but discovered that his smaller size was more than a bit of a detriment. But his love remained and his sisters that had no choice but to love the game were forever hooked.
Most of you know the Jeff Allison story...1st round draft pick of the Marlins in 2003 and then a skid with destiny that almost took his life. Jeff bravely has added another year of sobriety to his long list of accomplishments and is ready to start Spring Training, 2010. He feels good about the season, is physically and mentally ready, and thinks this could be the year. As you all know, I love Jeff like my second son. I'm counting on Katrin, Tara, Carol Pahl and Professor to head over to the park and show their support. Jeff has promised to fly me out of Belize and to whatever MLB park if he gets THE CALL to start in the bigs. That sound incredibly wonderful to me!!
The picture is my desk in my humble abode in San Miguel with my interesting wall decorations. Yes, baseball reminds me of so many happy times back home. It is the one constant in America...it reminds of us of all that was good in our childhoods. It bridges gaps, tears down walls, and links sons to their fathers they never knew.
So go to Roger Dean. Stand proud as you hear my good friend and neighbor, Cristina belt out the most beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. Put up your feet, down a beer, and root, root, root for the home team. And if they don't win, who cares? You are there enjoying your youth and everything that is good in your life.
Best of luck, Jeff. I'm behind you 100%. PLAY BALL!!
God bless us all!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Who this Peace Corps experience is really for???
The driving force behind my decision to join the Peace Corps was one of a desire to do my small part to make this world a better place. I didn't really know how that would come about but I trusted that if I put myself 'out there', the powers of the universe would show me the way. So far, I feel like I'm still on the outside looking in and the path is hazy to say the least!?!
What have I learned so far? Belize is a very diverse country with a diverse people. The cultures vary as far as the spectrum can arc. The Mestizo's (Spanish) and the Garifuna (African slave refugees that ended up in Jamaica and then here) know how to party! Their life seems relatively uncomplicated, not terribly motivated, love music and dance and tend to inbibe repeatedly and incessantlly! In sharp constrast are the Mayans—whether Mopan or K'ekchi. Their life is arduous, purposeful, and somber. They tend to marry young and have large families. There are no toys, no recreation, music from the churches only, and no dance. Individually, I can sometimes see a glimpse of humor and/or levity but as a group they are ALL rote. The men work on their farms, not for a salary, but to feed their family. So all their food is straight from their farms and the surrounding land. This explains why, when I made them some chocolate chip cookies that they eyed the cookie curiously and reluctantly before they tried one, then two, then three!!! The women bust their butts to wash, cook, clean, and take care of the large family. The children learn these same practices at very early ages so they will be ready for adulthood by the time they're 14. The country as a whole is extremely impoverished. It appears to me that the more educated people have an idea of the world 'outside Belize' and greatly desire Belize to make strides with infrastructure advancement. But most seem oblivious to the outside world and would just as soon stay just as they are...it seems to me reminiscent of our American Indian! Therein lies the problem...no motivation to improve themselves. Sometimes I can see the advantages of staying just as they are...certainly within their dying Mayan culture. Can you imagine my challenge here? We don't help where we see 'issues' but where they want changes. And basically, they like it just the way it is!! So each individual day, I accomplish terribly difficult tasks like helping a mom hull her corn, teaching a child a new card game, or helping an elder walk up the hilly road... Hazy path, indeed!
I have learned that my life back home was easy and wasteful. If you could see how these people live you would thank God (or whoever you believe in) that you were born or live in our country. The ONLY problem is sometimes we don't know it until we live here totally engulfed in a entirely different culture and experience these adverse conditions. My hair is falling out by the handfuls (thank goodness I had lots to start with!), my skin is saggy from weight loss and dehydration, and I believe my eyes have lost their sparkle...(don't know for sure since it's been months since I've looked at a mirror). But if I left here tomorrow, my life has been made richer for the experience. I know I will live my remaining days on this planet in total gratitude. I am so thankful to my children and my friends for making life so enjoyable and my only regret is that I don't believe I've taken adequate time and energy to let you know how much I appreciate you. I hope you will forgive me.
Last week, while in Belmopan for our All Volunteer Conference, I had occasion to do two things that were REALLY important in my life before Peace Corps. I picked up a tennis racquet for the first time in 7 or 8 months and I played in a poker tournament. With borrowed tennis shoes and racquet, I hit against another volunteer at the American Embassy. I was terribly rusty and felt clutsy not to mention, hot and sweaty. But just to have the opportunity was a real treat. Then Saturday, Bobby had paid for a buy-in to a satellite poker tournament in Belize City for a $2500 buy-in in March. I was afraid that I might have forgotten how to play but it basically came back to me. Best hand I had all afternoon was pocket 8's and I misplayed that one badly. Thought I was ahead (and I was) until the river but couldn't get him to fold. I'm sure Bobby would have played just about every hand I had differently...ended up 16th out of 42 (not great) and certainly not good enough to win one of the six seats they gave away. What did strike me at the tournament was how careless everyone played. My Peace Corps mindset of no waste and deliberate and calculative spending does not blend homogeneously with the mentality of a poker game where a reckless lifestyle is an advantage. I hope to play tennis again but believe it's best to leave poker alone for now. But, thank you Bobby for your generosity that gave me that opportunity to learn that lesson.
I have been writing this blog in the community center of San Miguel waiting for some 'moms' to show up. There are a group of American dentists coming to the neighboring village of Columbia (only 3 miles away) on February 27 and 28. I have done two dental presentations in each of the classrooms, done a limited screening on all 183 students with a note sent home to the parents, succeeded in getting the teachers to have students brush their teeth at school after lunch, and put up flyers at all the 'shops' in the village asking parents to become involved with their child's dental health by coming today from 1-4 to discuss their individual child's status. The general state of dental health here is alarming and needs desperate attention. Again, my thoughts and not theirs! It's almost 4 and not one parent... such a HAZY PATH!!
I have learned lessons here and I attempt to pass them on to you... that's the only crystal clear path right now...the Belizean/Hodson path remains hazy!
God bless us all!
What have I learned so far? Belize is a very diverse country with a diverse people. The cultures vary as far as the spectrum can arc. The Mestizo's (Spanish) and the Garifuna (African slave refugees that ended up in Jamaica and then here) know how to party! Their life seems relatively uncomplicated, not terribly motivated, love music and dance and tend to inbibe repeatedly and incessantlly! In sharp constrast are the Mayans—whether Mopan or K'ekchi. Their life is arduous, purposeful, and somber. They tend to marry young and have large families. There are no toys, no recreation, music from the churches only, and no dance. Individually, I can sometimes see a glimpse of humor and/or levity but as a group they are ALL rote. The men work on their farms, not for a salary, but to feed their family. So all their food is straight from their farms and the surrounding land. This explains why, when I made them some chocolate chip cookies that they eyed the cookie curiously and reluctantly before they tried one, then two, then three!!! The women bust their butts to wash, cook, clean, and take care of the large family. The children learn these same practices at very early ages so they will be ready for adulthood by the time they're 14. The country as a whole is extremely impoverished. It appears to me that the more educated people have an idea of the world 'outside Belize' and greatly desire Belize to make strides with infrastructure advancement. But most seem oblivious to the outside world and would just as soon stay just as they are...it seems to me reminiscent of our American Indian! Therein lies the problem...no motivation to improve themselves. Sometimes I can see the advantages of staying just as they are...certainly within their dying Mayan culture. Can you imagine my challenge here? We don't help where we see 'issues' but where they want changes. And basically, they like it just the way it is!! So each individual day, I accomplish terribly difficult tasks like helping a mom hull her corn, teaching a child a new card game, or helping an elder walk up the hilly road... Hazy path, indeed!
I have learned that my life back home was easy and wasteful. If you could see how these people live you would thank God (or whoever you believe in) that you were born or live in our country. The ONLY problem is sometimes we don't know it until we live here totally engulfed in a entirely different culture and experience these adverse conditions. My hair is falling out by the handfuls (thank goodness I had lots to start with!), my skin is saggy from weight loss and dehydration, and I believe my eyes have lost their sparkle...(don't know for sure since it's been months since I've looked at a mirror). But if I left here tomorrow, my life has been made richer for the experience. I know I will live my remaining days on this planet in total gratitude. I am so thankful to my children and my friends for making life so enjoyable and my only regret is that I don't believe I've taken adequate time and energy to let you know how much I appreciate you. I hope you will forgive me.
Last week, while in Belmopan for our All Volunteer Conference, I had occasion to do two things that were REALLY important in my life before Peace Corps. I picked up a tennis racquet for the first time in 7 or 8 months and I played in a poker tournament. With borrowed tennis shoes and racquet, I hit against another volunteer at the American Embassy. I was terribly rusty and felt clutsy not to mention, hot and sweaty. But just to have the opportunity was a real treat. Then Saturday, Bobby had paid for a buy-in to a satellite poker tournament in Belize City for a $2500 buy-in in March. I was afraid that I might have forgotten how to play but it basically came back to me. Best hand I had all afternoon was pocket 8's and I misplayed that one badly. Thought I was ahead (and I was) until the river but couldn't get him to fold. I'm sure Bobby would have played just about every hand I had differently...ended up 16th out of 42 (not great) and certainly not good enough to win one of the six seats they gave away. What did strike me at the tournament was how careless everyone played. My Peace Corps mindset of no waste and deliberate and calculative spending does not blend homogeneously with the mentality of a poker game where a reckless lifestyle is an advantage. I hope to play tennis again but believe it's best to leave poker alone for now. But, thank you Bobby for your generosity that gave me that opportunity to learn that lesson.
I have been writing this blog in the community center of San Miguel waiting for some 'moms' to show up. There are a group of American dentists coming to the neighboring village of Columbia (only 3 miles away) on February 27 and 28. I have done two dental presentations in each of the classrooms, done a limited screening on all 183 students with a note sent home to the parents, succeeded in getting the teachers to have students brush their teeth at school after lunch, and put up flyers at all the 'shops' in the village asking parents to become involved with their child's dental health by coming today from 1-4 to discuss their individual child's status. The general state of dental health here is alarming and needs desperate attention. Again, my thoughts and not theirs! It's almost 4 and not one parent... such a HAZY PATH!!
I have learned lessons here and I attempt to pass them on to you... that's the only crystal clear path right now...the Belizean/Hodson path remains hazy!
God bless us all!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Last week we had our all volunteer conference in Belmopan. The second year PCVs joined our group of 40! (Soon 40 more will arrive on March 25 and we won't be the rookies!) In fact, neighbor Kerry, on Murray Ct. knows one of the incoming volunteers and we have been emailing--JANE! Looking forward to meeting her.
There has been a fair amount of travel lately with the conference and our second round of language training. I think K'ekchi might be the hardest language on the planet!! (But what do I know?...just English!!)
Returning to San Miguel at this point is met with mixed reviews. I'm anxious to help--to make a difference--to improve quality--to be a friend! They have had the same type of life for hundreds of years and have a certain acceptance of that. Sometimes, even though they requested a Peace Corps volunteer, I'm not sure what they are willing to do on their end to facilitate improvement. Peace Corps is definitely a partnership idea. We don't come in and change for change sake, rather work together so that they OWN their projects. I'm currently working on plans for the playground. This is mostly intended for the wee little ones so there's some 'early childhood stimulation'. Even though this may sound like 'child's play' to you, it would be HUGE if these people would allow themselves (or their children) to just play a little. It truly is a hard and serious life for all of them.
My host sister, Luisa, who is 16 is getting married on February 28. She recently dropped out of school with only a year and a half til graduation. The groom's parents came over on 3 different occassions to 'engage' their son to Luisa. Luisa is happy to be getting married and begin her married life of cooking, cleaning in the river, and being a dutiful wife...different culture for sure! I hope to be in attendance for the wedding. It happens to be on the same day that some US dentists are coming to the neighboring village and I will be helping???
I hope all of you have a happy valentine's day! It's not about the flowers and the chocolates, is it?
Until next time, God bless us all! tracy
There has been a fair amount of travel lately with the conference and our second round of language training. I think K'ekchi might be the hardest language on the planet!! (But what do I know?...just English!!)
Returning to San Miguel at this point is met with mixed reviews. I'm anxious to help--to make a difference--to improve quality--to be a friend! They have had the same type of life for hundreds of years and have a certain acceptance of that. Sometimes, even though they requested a Peace Corps volunteer, I'm not sure what they are willing to do on their end to facilitate improvement. Peace Corps is definitely a partnership idea. We don't come in and change for change sake, rather work together so that they OWN their projects. I'm currently working on plans for the playground. This is mostly intended for the wee little ones so there's some 'early childhood stimulation'. Even though this may sound like 'child's play' to you, it would be HUGE if these people would allow themselves (or their children) to just play a little. It truly is a hard and serious life for all of them.
My host sister, Luisa, who is 16 is getting married on February 28. She recently dropped out of school with only a year and a half til graduation. The groom's parents came over on 3 different occassions to 'engage' their son to Luisa. Luisa is happy to be getting married and begin her married life of cooking, cleaning in the river, and being a dutiful wife...different culture for sure! I hope to be in attendance for the wedding. It happens to be on the same day that some US dentists are coming to the neighboring village and I will be helping???
I hope all of you have a happy valentine's day! It's not about the flowers and the chocolates, is it?
Until next time, God bless us all! tracy
Sunday, January 24, 2010
I've got the "Aubrey's Gone" Blues!!
I apologize that I haven't made an entry in sooo long! There was so much anticipation waiting for Aubrey to show up on the 18th of December and then we had a fabulous time and then she left. Of course, it was so wonderful to have her here for Christmas and I wouldn't change a thing other than pray for all of them to come next Christmas but man, did I get down in the dumps after she left...
They (Peace Corps) tells us that we cycle through highs and lows and that the 5-6 month point is one of the most difficult. Hopefully this was the worst of it as I felt extremely lonesome and was struggling with just what it is I'm supposed to do... Feeling much better now after the reunion of our training group for more K'ekchi language training 3 days last week. Those young kids are really a shot in the arm and many of them shared similiar feelings ( or so they said to make me feel better). I've always enjoyed a very close relationship with my children as most of you know. Being away is HARD! But I had to re-examine why it was that I wanted to serve and THAT got me back on track...
Life in San Miguel is improving, I think. I have lots of acquaintances here...mostly neighbors that smile and greet me each day. I have been doing dental health workshops in the primary school and the children seem to be brushing their teeth. It's really easy to tell bc they all just do it out in their yard... or not! I have been working on a proposal to try to get a playground for the children here as there is no recreation whatsoever. That will take time. A year?
One of the things that got me down is the doggie situation. I guess the word is out in the dog community that the white lady will take care of them even when they are dying. I had three dogs in one week show up and die on my front porch. The first one was breathing hard. I petted her and gave her some water and she drank...went inside to change clothes and came out and she was dead. The second one did a lot of crying for two nights and then was dead in the morning. Third, pretty much the same sad story. At first this bothered me and of course, I was sad. Now I'm trying to see the 'good' in it and there's alot. These dogs know they are sick and dying...but they choose to spend their last hours in my company. I'm honored. P.S. The dog that sort of came with my house (Blackie) WAS sickly--mangey and parasites. I injected him twice in December and now he has gained weight and his hair has filled in! Looks terrific. Today I took a bike ride and he ran along the bike for several miles...good dog! They just crave affection and that's unheard of here (except the white lady!!!)
So things are looking up! I'll try to keep you better informed. I just miss you ALL alot. Thanks especially to Sue Brown who is such a die-hard friend. I've always known this but she never stops amazing me with her persistent support. Love you all!
Til next time, God bless us all... tracy
They (Peace Corps) tells us that we cycle through highs and lows and that the 5-6 month point is one of the most difficult. Hopefully this was the worst of it as I felt extremely lonesome and was struggling with just what it is I'm supposed to do... Feeling much better now after the reunion of our training group for more K'ekchi language training 3 days last week. Those young kids are really a shot in the arm and many of them shared similiar feelings ( or so they said to make me feel better). I've always enjoyed a very close relationship with my children as most of you know. Being away is HARD! But I had to re-examine why it was that I wanted to serve and THAT got me back on track...
Life in San Miguel is improving, I think. I have lots of acquaintances here...mostly neighbors that smile and greet me each day. I have been doing dental health workshops in the primary school and the children seem to be brushing their teeth. It's really easy to tell bc they all just do it out in their yard... or not! I have been working on a proposal to try to get a playground for the children here as there is no recreation whatsoever. That will take time. A year?
One of the things that got me down is the doggie situation. I guess the word is out in the dog community that the white lady will take care of them even when they are dying. I had three dogs in one week show up and die on my front porch. The first one was breathing hard. I petted her and gave her some water and she drank...went inside to change clothes and came out and she was dead. The second one did a lot of crying for two nights and then was dead in the morning. Third, pretty much the same sad story. At first this bothered me and of course, I was sad. Now I'm trying to see the 'good' in it and there's alot. These dogs know they are sick and dying...but they choose to spend their last hours in my company. I'm honored. P.S. The dog that sort of came with my house (Blackie) WAS sickly--mangey and parasites. I injected him twice in December and now he has gained weight and his hair has filled in! Looks terrific. Today I took a bike ride and he ran along the bike for several miles...good dog! They just crave affection and that's unheard of here (except the white lady!!!)
So things are looking up! I'll try to keep you better informed. I just miss you ALL alot. Thanks especially to Sue Brown who is such a die-hard friend. I've always known this but she never stops amazing me with her persistent support. Love you all!
Til next time, God bless us all... tracy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)