Wednesday afternoon

Today was our second day of teacher workshops. I think things are going well. The teachers have opened up some and are sharing their ideas more. It is good to see Miss Sharon, Miss Monica, Miss Roxanne, and Miss Diane again. The new faculty includes 2 men, some veteran teachers and some 1st year teachers. They are still in the process of getting a "head" principal -- I think that is something that comes through higher level administration. Miss Sharon will now be an assistant principal and will not teach. I have also met Miss Glenda who is the counselor and nurse and Miss Linda who keeps the office running smoothly. One of the new buildings houses the office, the dental clinic and other yet-to-be-named spaces. It has air conditioning!!!!
Today was a busy one at Holy Cross. Parents came to buy uniforms for their children. With over 400 enrolled, you an imagine that the lines were long. In fact, we ran out of jumpers for the girls and have had to order more.
One of the youth groups from Virginia is conducting a Vacation Bible School each morning so I've gotten to see some of the children. I was walking outside today when Jeritzy came running up to me and threw her arms around me! She says "hi" to all her NC friends and we have made plans for me to take new pictures to show you. I have also seen Jamie and Gabe but not yet Job. There mother is working in the school kitchen with Miss Rosalea and they have moved to a house at this end of the island. Life is much better for all of them. I asked about Destiny and learned that she is doing well health-wise, has gained weight, etc. She is living with her mother and everyone is keeping a close eye on that.
There are 44 volunteers here this week --from 2 diocese in VA. Both are high school youth groups with accompanying and hard working adults. There is much hammering, a lot of painting and just a minute ago I saw 2 kids carrying one of the large louvered windows -- it had not yet been painted.
I have lovely accommodations in the home of my friends Francis and Vernon. They are in Italy this week so I won't see them but am enjoying their AC, and gracious hospitality. The house is just across the road from the school so I can easily walk over and back whenever I want. It is hot, of course. Today seems hotter than yesterday but so far there is a great breeze that helps out the fans. Our "adventure" today is that there is no water here at the house or at Holy Cross. The well has run dry and someone has turned off the valve that connects this side of the river with town water. Someone is "working on it" so we have hopes that we will have water soon. It's always an adventure in Belize!!!!
I'm going into town shortly and be a tourist for awhile. Tonight is the Chicken Drop but I may not get there. It doesn't seem like it would be as much fun without my fellow 'droppers'.... Then I have "homework" for my class tomorrow. Love and peace to you all.