This will be my final post. I will head back to North Carolina tomorrow. I hope the airlines will be more cooperative than they were when I came down. It will be good to be home although a part of my heart always stays here. I will enjoy -- and be thankful for -- family and friends, my own bed, reliable water, air conditioning, and as a teacher for my photocopy machine.
There has been much work at Holy Cross in the past 2 days. The framing is almost completed inside the large building that will house 7 classrooms. The entire outside of the 3 new buildings has a bright white coat of paint, and some of the older classrooms are being repainted inside. There will soon be a screen porch outside the cafeteria building, and there is a huge deck that snakes around the outside of the new classroom buildings. Almost 20 new desks have been assembled, sanded and varnished as well as 10 new bookshelves. Mr. Freddy is confident it will all be ready by September 3.
Yesterday, 2 more dumptruck loads of sand were delivered, and there is actually talk of landscaping!! The local excitement last night was that one of the dumptrucks got stuck in soft sand on the road leading to the school. There was quite a gathering of golf carts and bicycles as folks tried to figure out how to get it out. Finally, this morning a backhoe came and pulled it free.
I spent yesterday and today filling bins with teacher and student classroom supplies - pencils, crayons, notebooks, etc. Those are all ready for the teachers. I have also been sorting, moving and arranging reading books for each level. Many are still in storage, but some are on the shelves in the finished classrooms. The teachers will be excited, and I hope pleased, when they return from Belize City next week.
It has been a wonderful time here, and I feel I have been of help to the teachers and the school. There is always more to do. I have to trust God to tell me what part of it I am to do next. I am so thankful for everyone who helped make this trip possible. I'll see you very soon. Peace and love.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Monday, Monday...
Today has been a busy day at Holy Cross. A new group of volunteers from CA arrived this morning and went straight to work. They are painting, framing, sanding desks and getting so much done. Miss Rosa treated us all to a wonderful lunch of beans and rice, chicken, plantains and flan! It's good that I can only eat her wonderful cooking a couple more times.
I have been working most of the day on the teachers' "to do" list. I've done a lot of itnernet searching trying to find some good websites for them. Home internet service is extremely expensive in San Pedro so while many of the teachers have computers, most of them use the internet cafes. My job has been to weed out and narrow down the possible sites so they can use their time more efficiently. I have also made Word Wall cards, puzzles, flashcards and other teaching aids for them. I have a list of many things to look for once I get home either to send back or bring when I return in February. That's where I'll be asking for YOUR help.
Today I met Cath and Cullen, the American couple who are living here. They are the ones who have been instrumental in Destiny's care and served as her foster parents. What wonderful folks! I got more hugs from Destiny today and took her picture in her jazzy new swimsuit. It's so great to see her full of energy.
Tomorrow I will work at the school most of the day. There is a monumental job of sorting the many donated books by reading level. Another volunteer who lives in San Pedro has begun and I will help however I can. There is also vacation Bible school which gives me a chance to see the children.
Wherever I go on this island and encounter children, they ask me if I am here at the school. They are so proud of their school and so appreciative of anyone who wants to help out there. Another new child came today with his parents asking to be admitted. I think he makes 410 students. He will be in the special ed class. He's not been to school before although he looks to be 8 or 9. His parents were very happy that he was admitted but are nervous about sending him to school for the first time. He will be well cared for and loved, I know.
I'm going to try to pack as much as possible into the next 2 days before I have to pack up and head home. Email me if you want me to bring anything back. See you soon.
I have been working most of the day on the teachers' "to do" list. I've done a lot of itnernet searching trying to find some good websites for them. Home internet service is extremely expensive in San Pedro so while many of the teachers have computers, most of them use the internet cafes. My job has been to weed out and narrow down the possible sites so they can use their time more efficiently. I have also made Word Wall cards, puzzles, flashcards and other teaching aids for them. I have a list of many things to look for once I get home either to send back or bring when I return in February. That's where I'll be asking for YOUR help.
Today I met Cath and Cullen, the American couple who are living here. They are the ones who have been instrumental in Destiny's care and served as her foster parents. What wonderful folks! I got more hugs from Destiny today and took her picture in her jazzy new swimsuit. It's so great to see her full of energy.
Tomorrow I will work at the school most of the day. There is a monumental job of sorting the many donated books by reading level. Another volunteer who lives in San Pedro has begun and I will help however I can. There is also vacation Bible school which gives me a chance to see the children.
Wherever I go on this island and encounter children, they ask me if I am here at the school. They are so proud of their school and so appreciative of anyone who wants to help out there. Another new child came today with his parents asking to be admitted. I think he makes 410 students. He will be in the special ed class. He's not been to school before although he looks to be 8 or 9. His parents were very happy that he was admitted but are nervous about sending him to school for the first time. He will be well cared for and loved, I know.
I'm going to try to pack as much as possible into the next 2 days before I have to pack up and head home. Email me if you want me to bring anything back. See you soon.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Rainy Sunday afternoon
This has been a lazy weekend. All the volunteers are gone until the next group arrives tomorrow from California. I have had some time to explore the island -- have seen new places both on the northern end and the southern end Ambergris. We have had a lot of rain and some pretty significant storms -- lots of thunder, lightening, WIND, and rain. This house is only about 30 yards from the ocean's edge so there is nothing to break the wind. At one point last night, the interior doors in the house were rattling because of the wind! After having the well run dry last week, I will not complain about rain. This is why this time of year is called the rainy season!
I missed being at St. Luke's this morning and look forward to being back among that family next week. I continue to thank God for the opportunity to be here and look forward to the work that's planned for me next week.
Best to all. See you soon.
I missed being at St. Luke's this morning and look forward to being back among that family next week. I continue to thank God for the opportunity to be here and look forward to the work that's planned for me next week.
Best to all. See you soon.
Friday, August 3, 2007
It's Friday!
Normally I am so happy to see Friday come. But this week, it means my stay in San Pedro is more than 1/2 over. I will be sad to leave -- as always.
My time with the Holy Cross teachers has ended. We had a good day today as they pulled together all the things we've worked on all week and made plans for incorporating those strategies in their classrooms. They are very excited about starting school and getting to work with their children. I had told them they could make me a "to do" list for my remaining days here. I may have to stay another month to get it all done! I will try to leave something for each teacher and then work on other things when I get home.
The Costa Maya festival kicked off last night. Some of the teachers who live in town reported that they could hear the music until 2:00 a.m. We learned this morning that Miss Belize won the Miss Costa Maya Contest. Apparently this was a bit of a surprise as Miss Honduras was the expected winner. She was not as articulate in the question/answer portion of the contest. The festivities continue tonight and tomorrow night there is a musical performance by a very famous Central American musician. The tickets are quite expensive -- $25 per day.
Construction at the school is moving quickly with the last of the wallboard going up today. A new group of volunteers arrives tomorrow, and I'm sure Mr. Freddy has lots planned for them as well. I have met many of the families of Holy Cross as they have come this week to purchase the uniforms for their children. The children are so proud of their new jumpers or pants and shirts. They are anxious for school to start so they can wear them.
We'll see what the weekend brings. I am planning to spend it being as lazy as possible! Not hard in this heat.
I miss you all. Love and peace.
My time with the Holy Cross teachers has ended. We had a good day today as they pulled together all the things we've worked on all week and made plans for incorporating those strategies in their classrooms. They are very excited about starting school and getting to work with their children. I had told them they could make me a "to do" list for my remaining days here. I may have to stay another month to get it all done! I will try to leave something for each teacher and then work on other things when I get home.
The Costa Maya festival kicked off last night. Some of the teachers who live in town reported that they could hear the music until 2:00 a.m. We learned this morning that Miss Belize won the Miss Costa Maya Contest. Apparently this was a bit of a surprise as Miss Honduras was the expected winner. She was not as articulate in the question/answer portion of the contest. The festivities continue tonight and tomorrow night there is a musical performance by a very famous Central American musician. The tickets are quite expensive -- $25 per day.
Construction at the school is moving quickly with the last of the wallboard going up today. A new group of volunteers arrives tomorrow, and I'm sure Mr. Freddy has lots planned for them as well. I have met many of the families of Holy Cross as they have come this week to purchase the uniforms for their children. The children are so proud of their new jumpers or pants and shirts. They are anxious for school to start so they can wear them.
We'll see what the weekend brings. I am planning to spend it being as lazy as possible! Not hard in this heat.
I miss you all. Love and peace.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thursday, August 2
My teacher workshops are almost over -- one more day. I am enjoying getting to know the teachers and hearing them share their experiences. A couple of them have taught for years but will be new at Holy Cross. Others will be teaching for the first time. The school is blessed to have their excitement and dedication.
Today the teachers got information about their mandatory workshop next week in Belize City. It involves more than the usual amount of bureaucracy and frustration. They must be in Belize (or Orange Walk or one other location in the country) for 5 days. They are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and food! Holy Cross is giving them money for a round trip on the water taxi ($40bze each). Some have family they can stay with but others don't. They can stay at the diocesan guest house in Belize City but still have to manage meals and transportation. The Anglican diocese is providing no assistance. This is really a hardship for some of the teachers. When one of the volunteer groups from Virginia heard about this today, they donated $500 to be split among the teachers to provide some help for them.
At the school -- the roof is on the newest building and they are beginning to install the wallboard. There is a lot of painting going on as well -- windows and more windows. Once someone comes who can do framing, the new large building will be subdivided into 7 classrooms. Then more wallboard and painting. They hope to have them all finished by Sept. 3 when the children arrive for the first day of class.
The water is coming! It will come later today in four 300 gallons containers that will be used to fill the tank at the house and at the school. Each container will be brought over the bridge in a pickup truck. Special permission was required to bring the truck over the bridge. Nothing is easy in Belize, especially if you are not a tourist.
The Costa Maya festival has come to San Pedro. It officially opened today with the beauty pageant. When I was in town yesterday, I saw Miss Mexico, Miss Guatemala and Miss El Salvador. Beautiful young women. We'll wait to see what other festivities are planned. The weekend might be lively.
Love from San Pedro.
Today the teachers got information about their mandatory workshop next week in Belize City. It involves more than the usual amount of bureaucracy and frustration. They must be in Belize (or Orange Walk or one other location in the country) for 5 days. They are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and food! Holy Cross is giving them money for a round trip on the water taxi ($40bze each). Some have family they can stay with but others don't. They can stay at the diocesan guest house in Belize City but still have to manage meals and transportation. The Anglican diocese is providing no assistance. This is really a hardship for some of the teachers. When one of the volunteer groups from Virginia heard about this today, they donated $500 to be split among the teachers to provide some help for them.
At the school -- the roof is on the newest building and they are beginning to install the wallboard. There is a lot of painting going on as well -- windows and more windows. Once someone comes who can do framing, the new large building will be subdivided into 7 classrooms. Then more wallboard and painting. They hope to have them all finished by Sept. 3 when the children arrive for the first day of class.
The water is coming! It will come later today in four 300 gallons containers that will be used to fill the tank at the house and at the school. Each container will be brought over the bridge in a pickup truck. Special permission was required to bring the truck over the bridge. Nothing is easy in Belize, especially if you are not a tourist.
The Costa Maya festival has come to San Pedro. It officially opened today with the beauty pageant. When I was in town yesterday, I saw Miss Mexico, Miss Guatemala and Miss El Salvador. Beautiful young women. We'll wait to see what other festivities are planned. The weekend might be lively.
Love from San Pedro.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I'm in Belize
In spite of American Airlines, I have arrived in San Pedro. Holy Cross is amazing -- it has grown in so many ways since we were here in February. There are 2 groups of teenaged volunteers here from Virginia. One of them is led by Robert Marshall who was ordained to the diaconate with me -- small world. I am anxious to spend some time with him and catch up on his ministry. I'm also planning to "pick his brain" about the youth volunteers they have brought and how they are managing.
I met with the Holy Cross teachers this afternoon -- they had to reschedule since I didn't get here in time for our planned session this morning. It is good to see familiar faces among them. There are a number of new people as well. We will meet again tomorrow morning and throughout the week. I need to go prepare for tomorrow.
I have asked Miss Sharon about several of the children and will give you details about them later -- all good news.
It's been a long 2 days since I left RDU so I will sign off for now. Adios from San Pedro and Holy Cross.
I met with the Holy Cross teachers this afternoon -- they had to reschedule since I didn't get here in time for our planned session this morning. It is good to see familiar faces among them. There are a number of new people as well. We will meet again tomorrow morning and throughout the week. I need to go prepare for tomorrow.
I have asked Miss Sharon about several of the children and will give you details about them later -- all good news.
It's been a long 2 days since I left RDU so I will sign off for now. Adios from San Pedro and Holy Cross.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Not there yet
Please come back once I have gotten to San Pedro. I'll try to keep you updated on what I'm doing,
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