Another week comes to a close

It's not that things haven't been happening around here and thus no new posts. No, it's that things have been very busy. This week saw the end - finally - of exams and the beginning of graduation preparations. Part of my job has been assembling prizes for the top students in each class. We pack a brand new backpack with school supplies and a treat or two for the #1 and #2 student in each class and for the top 3 students in Standard VI. So while I was putting away all the wonderful donations that this week's volunteers brought, I was gathering pencils, notebooks, sharpeners and crayons for the prizes. On Monday, I will let some of the St. Luke's kids put them in the bags and get them all ready.

This week's volunteer team was from All Saints Episcopal Church in Ft. Worth, Texas. They were a big group, but only half of them worked here at Holy Cross. The other half were volunteering at the PolyClinic in town. They really made progress on the new bathroom building.

The teenagers in the group did a number of activities with the children. They presented a puppet show and then let the children make their own puppets out of brown lunch bags. They did a story and game about kites with another class, and the children made their own little kites. A great blend of learning and fun as well as getting to know the children.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival tomorrow afternoon of the pilgrims from St. Luke's. I will meet them at the water taxi. We'll take their donation suitcases to the school, and then get them settled at The Tides. I know they will have a grand week.

San Pedro high school has graduation tomorrow, and last night was their prom. One of the graduates obviously travelled in style. A San Pedro limo.....

Today I walked with Standard VI to the Lion's Den in town for an exhibit by the Belize Archives Department. There were photos and displays about many aspects of the history of Belize - the chicle industry, transportation, slavery, early buildings and a little of the history of San Pedro. It was well done and included some great pictures and information. The kids worked in small groups that each had to find information about one certain area. I definitely learned a lot about several aspects of Belize, and I think the children did too. Several of the boys managed to sneak a peak at the Mexico vs South Africa World Cup game on a tiny TV nearby. The conversation was lively on the walk back to Holy Cross.

Have a great weekend!