The end of a lovely weekend

It's been a busy weekend. Last night I joined the St. Luke's team for a birthday dinner for Randy. There were balloons and a cake and a festive time. We were so happy when Holly finally arrived. The group is all together now and ready to get busy tomorrow.

We woke to rain this morning. The showers didn't last too long, and most of the day was pretty. It's raining again now, but that always makes things cooler (sorry, NC folks) I have an AC unit in my bedroom but haven't turned it on yet. It is very comfortable at night, and ceiling fans are all I need for now. I'm sure later in the spring I will be very happy to have it.

This morning we joined St. Anne's Episcopal Church from Minnesota for Eucharist. Their priest, Lydia, and I met a couple of years ago. So last week really wasn't my last time to serve as a deacon in a worship service for awhile. It was nice to have both groups together and to enjoy the ocean breeze.

After church most of the group went to Estel's for breakfast, and I went along for the company. Some of them came back to my apt. to try my wireless internet. The internet today has been very hit and miss. It's hard to get a connection and keep it. That's Belize....

This evening I was invited by the St. Anne's group to join them for dinner. I had a wonderful meal at Sunset Grill. They will be leaving tomorrow. Their work this year was in the Toledo District of Belize which is in the southern part of the country. It was interesting to hear about other projects in the country and about how other parishes do mission trips, fundraising, etc. Also at that dinner I met a woman from Raleigh -- Apex, actually --who comes regularly to voluteer with another group. They have a warehouse in Amarillo and bring things down to Belmopan and then over to Holy Cross. We are looking forward to receiving the boxes they have for the school.

Tomorrow the dental clinic at Holy Cross will be open. The St. Luke's folks will begin their work and it will be another busy, productive and wonderful week at Holy Cross.

Aahh....Saturday

Good morning. It's a beautiful Saturday in San Pedro. I hesitate to even write that knowing what the weather must be in North Carolina. It's warm, of course, with a few clouds and the ever-present breeze. I have my windows open, the fans on and --I hate to say it -- I'm wearing shorts. I hope you all are snuggled in safely at home and can stay warm.

The first St. Luke's mission team --- Team-o Primo --- arrived yesterday afternoon. We took all the suitcases full of donations to the school straight from the water taxi. Everyone got settled in at Ruby's, and I joined them for a very nice dinner. They are up to various things today --some are going to Lamanai, the Mayan ruins; others will snorkel; and most will soak up the San Pedro sun. Some are coming by here later to take advantage of my fridge space! It's great to have them here. I know they will accomplish so much at the school this week.

Later this morning I will try out my new cell phone. It's a very interesting system here. BTL (Belize Telephone) controls EVERYTHING - phone, internet, etc. I have purchased a simple, reconditioned phone with prepaid service. I don't think anyone uses a plan here -- it's all prepaid. Yesterday was "double up" day -- you got double time for your purchase. So for $20Bze, I got $40 worth of minutes. I have no idea what one call to the US will cost, but we'll see today. I was very pleased to see when I got here that Skype would work -- a great, free way to talk to family and even see them via webcam. Come to find out, BTL seeks to block that as well, so after you use it a few times, they figure out your number and shut it down. They want to make sure they get every cent possible for communication. Grr... I'm working on a way to get around that. We'll see what happens.

Thank you all for the comments on this blog, the emails and especially the prayers. Keep them coming! The snail mail really lives up to its name here -- a letter was sent to me on Jan. 22 and I still have not received it. I think there is more at play here than just "Belize time". But, don't let that slow you down --- I love hearing from everyone. Things will eventually get here.

Showing off Holy Cross

I knew the time would fly once I finally got here to San Pedro and Holy Cross, and sure enough, it is! It's already the end of Week 1. Today I met with representatives of 2 colleges -- Defiance College in Ohio and Vancouver Island University -- who want to develop partnerships with Holy Cross. It was both fun and challenging to serve as the spokesperson for the school, telling the story of Holy Cross and answering a zillion questions. I know I could never do the job that Francis or Vernon would have, but I did my best. I think new and exciting things will come out of our discussions and the school will benefit greatly.

There were also visitors from the nearby condo development, Reef Village. They brought donations of school supplies, books and vitamins. There is a property dispute between the developer of Reef Village and Holy Cross -- more on that later -- but it's hoped the owners' meeting this weekend will be productive.

A rumor made its way back to me today -- the word is that Francis has left the school and I am the new manager!!! Oh no. No way! As much as I would love to be here forever, I am NOT an administrator, nor can I stay beyond June. We are working hard to squash that rumor!

I saw more of the children today, and it is so neat when they look up to greet -- as they do with every adult -- and then realize they know me! This evening in town, I saw one of my favorite little jewelry makers and got a big hug. I know I will see more of him.

Tomorrow is a 1/2 day at the school because it is pay day. Many of the teachers actually live on the mainland in Belize City, Orange Walk or other towns and must go home to pay their bills. No direct deposit here.

Through Francis's introductions, I have been in email communication with the Bishop of Belize. I have been asked to serve as the chaplain for Holy Cross while I'm here and possibly teach a youth confirmation class this spring. I have to have Bishop Wright's approval, so Wednesday I will go to Belize City to meet with him.

The weather is interesting and very changeable. We had a hard rain with lots of wind last night. Today we had 1 or 2 very quick showers. They do settle the dust, but they also fill up the potholes and make puddles. The temperatures are very comfortable (sorry all you folks about to have snow and ice at home), and I am loving wearing my flipflops!!!!

My apartment is full of local color -- murals of palm trees and birds and other local scenes everywhere. I am beginning to get used to it and actually find it pretty charming. However, the owner came by today to put a "for sale" sign in the window. Yikes. I hope I don't find myself needing to move any time soon.

I am looking forward to St. Luke's Team 1 arriving tomorrow. There has been a volunteer group from Virginia Beach here all this week. We have some mutual friends so it's been great to get to know them. They have worked very hard in many areas of the school.

I will leave you a couple of photos -- the entrance to my new home and tonight's moon.

Have a great weekend and stay warm and safe!

Back in Belize - Day 1

My trip from Durham to San Pedro was very smooth yesterday. All flights were on time, and my luggage made it here too. I unpacked and settled into my little apartment last night after a lovely dinner with Francis. Today I did some grocery shopping and some more settling in.

It was wonderful to be so warmly welcomed at Holy Cross today! Many familiar faces among teachers, staff and children. It was a busy day as BOTH Francis AND Vernon had much to tell me before they leave for the US tomorrow. I hope I took good notes! They are trusting me with a lot of responsibility. I will be so glad to welcome the St. Luke's team on Friday. There is a team here this week from Virginia Beach. I am enjoying meeting them.

To me, the weather is lovely -- a little cloudy, cool and breezy. The locals are chilly, but I find it terrific. It will be good weather for those who are working outside at the school next week, and it is definitely better than the 20s and 30s in NC!!!

I hope to begin taking pictures tomorrow to make this more interesting. I'm sure each day will bring new challenges and new joys. It feels very good to be here.

Stay tuned.....