Last few days....

Well, since I start work on Monday, I am trying to enjoy this last bit of "not working". I might be 65 the next time I'm able to say that.

It has been very relaxing and rejuvenating to have this time post-Belize to think, get the house in order, take care of paperwork, make Dr. appointments, see friends, read books, go to the fair, do little trips around Seattle that I've never done... Today I think I might take the bus downtown and go to the Seattle Art Museum. I think I may have been there once, but I'm actually not sure. It's possible that I am confusing it with the MET in my head. Regardless, it's been a blessing to have this time to slow down and really relax. I've even refrained from starting any major projects around the condo. Generally, on most school breaks, I launch into something such as painting or laying slate floors (see pic below for project over Christmas break).





Nope, no projects this time (I think my roommate is glad about that too). I just actually relaxed and for someone who likes to stay busy, it was a good change.

I am both excited and nervous to be a worker bee again. It's part of the whole identity shift that I've been going through since I graduated. Am I really done with school? YES. YES I AM. It has finally been sinking in since I've been home from Belize. And let me just say how much I love it. Now I'm just hoping I can say that about my new job!!

Meekness

It's been on my heart and mind. Not really sure why. This word seems to be flying at me from various places and people within the last 3 months. Since it keeps coming around (or my senses are heightened to the concept), I feel it is worth looking into. What does God want to do in me?

Today in church, someone described it as "power under control" or "strength under God's control".

A few weeks ago in church, the topic also came up and if I remember correctly, it was in regards to a sermon about pastors and God's calling placed on them.

What are a few definitions of meekness? According to some on-line sources
1) showing patience and humility; gentle. (The American Heritage Dictionary)
2) enduring injury with patience and without resentment (Merriam-Webster online)
3) deficient in spirit and courage (Merriam-Webster online)

In general society, it can often be associated with weakness. However, the Bible has a different take on it...

The greek root word for it is apparently praus or prautes
1) used to describe a soothing medicine
2) used by sailors to describe a gentle breeze
3) used by farmers to describe a broken colt
---these examples are all things of great power under control---

Matthew 5:5 - blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Both Moses and Jesus were described as Meek.

As I have cruised around a few different websites and read various articles and Bible references about it, it is clear that it involves gentleness, dependency on God, the harnessing of our natural desire for power and prestige, not always striving to be "right", diffusing anger, showing mercy, seeking wisdom, humbly seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, and many other things. How contrary is this to our prideful, arrogant, and self-sufficient human nature?

A few weeks ago I began re-reading a favorite book which I first read through in college by A.W. Tozer titled The Pursuit of God. He writes, "The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything."

He also shares that meekness can serve to deliver one from the burden of pretense. Tozer states, "By this I mean not hypocrisy, but the common human desire to put the best food forward and hide from the world our real inward poverty."

At the end of his chapter on Meekness and Rest within the book, he has a prayer, from which I'll share one line....
"Help me to forget myself and find my true peace in beholding Thee."

I sense great purpose in this investigation of meekness and have a feeling it's one I will be continuing for some time...

A new job for me - and a fun day trip

Okay, so a quick update on the job situation. I have accepted an offer from Providence hospital in Everett - with their RN residency program in Labor and Delivery! I loved my clinical rotations in Labor and Delivery -- and also loved being a part of my friend's deliveries last year. Of course, it's new so I'm a little nervous about it. However, with time, I'm sure it will become more comfortable. I start September 8, and will be working 3 - 12 hour night shifts a week. That will definitely take some adjustment. Holy Smokes.

Yesterday, my friend Kelly and her daughter Makenzie (my goddaughter) and I took a little road trip to Port Angeles. Our Friend Megan is living over there, and we wanted to make a visit to her. We had a great time...and I'm thankful for good friends and being an "auntie"!!!

Banks Lake

It was another good year at Banks lake. I'm always amazed at the vast difference in landscape once you cross over the Cascades....it's a whole different desert land over on the east side of the mountains. On one of my morning runs (which provided good alone thinking time)...I stopped by the state park and read the "tourist" signs that talk about Grand Coulee dam and how the canyons were formed over there. It was mind boggling to think about the floods that must have caused the erosion. It's strange when you think about the creation of things that to you have always "been" in existence. I felt small in comparison to nature's huge and vast expanse...and was thankful that I belong to such a powerful and mighty God.

Highlights: Playing guys vs. girls football keepaway on the sandbar out in the water (seriously good exercise for the quads). Using TONS of deet - the bugs were bad this year. Eating Cocoa Krispies and Captain Crunch. Cliff jumping. Jet Skis. Water Skiing. Sitting in the sun, reading, playing games and doing nothing. Catching up with Family and Friends.

Home Sweet Home

It does feel really great to be home. I loved Belize, but it's wonderful to not be sweating 24/7. My bed feels delightful - and I have successfully eaten my fill of pizza and milkshakes...and cookies. Now I'm back to a more balanced and healthy diet such as cereal, vegetables and fruit. I do miss the tropical fruits in Belize, but am excited about Washington fruits that are in season, such as blueberries, grapes and cherries. Who knew one could become so excited about food?? It really is quite fun to think of all the things God created for us to eat. I've begun the application process for jobs in the Seattle area. I continue to trust that the right doors will be opened as I continue to pursue various options.

Excuse the underlining in that last paragraph, don't know what happened, couldn't get it off, didn't want to try too hard.

Now it's off to the annual BANKS LAKE FAMILY CAMPING TRIP! I think there has been maybe one year that I have not made it out of about 14. Here are some pics from past years...we always try and stay in the same spot...right on the beach with a boat-in camp site.

Below:
1)This is a little cove we sometimes go to in order to cliff jump, or just swim around in.
2)My brother and sister in law's dog Tawny at Banks (I call her Niffy for short) and "Little Red" the boat that passed from my uncle to brother. We (kids) all learned to ski behind that boat! We get to ski in and out from our little beachfront at the campsite. It's a very fun and relaxing trip.

Fishing

Here's a picture of the washed out road in Dangriga on our way down to PG. I was convinced we were gonna try and pass it, but Mr. Hunter was just getting a closer look. Whew, because it did NOT look wide enough for a car.

This is a picture of us caravanning into the villages and crossing swollen rivers. It was exciting, especially with retired U.S. Army driving.

Tammy and I on our way back from fishing. We didn't get in until almost dark. Remember, the sun sets here by 6:30. It was a long, full, exciting day. We left around 9am. All day the clouds were around us, but never over us...same with the thunder and lightening.

We went fishing on Sunday!! Mr. Cruz took us out to Mojo caye and Snake Caye. We swam around and stood in the sea for literally around 3 straight hours. After catching our own bait in nets, we went out to do some fishing. I caught the most of everyone on the boat!! Here's a picture of some of the others on board, debating whose fish was bigger. After fishing in a few different spots, we went back and the fire chief (far left) fried them up at the fire house for us. Yum!

So tomorrow I fly out at 3:55pm. It's been a wonderful experience down here, I've met incredible people and have seen and done very interesting things. Now, back to Seattle to find a job!

Village visits

Hi all,
Friday we left for Punta Gorda "PG" as they call it here. It was a long drive, as we stopped off in Dangriga along the way to bring some supplies to the Red Cross office there. We also drove out to one of the towns effected by flooding to dispense some more chlorine tablets for treating water. The bugs were very bad out there, in particular the no see-ums. The roads were washed out in places, and the dirt roads were very rough. I have some entertaining video which I'll try and post later.

So, we made it down to PG around 6pm. The Redcross staff here were waiting for us at the office for a meeting. They explained a little bit of what they had in mind, and what would be appropriate for some of the mayan villages we would be teaching at. Before we left Belize City we had been preparing educational materials around Basic Health, etc. Once we arrived, we were informed they would like us to talk on Reproductive health and hygiene. Apparently there have been several diarhea outbreaks in some of these villages. So, we were up last night until about 12pm trying to draw flipcharts and create a presentation. We were up at 6am to hit the road. It took about 2 hours to get out there, crossing several flooded bridges - areas of moving water. Bumpy ride - all dirt roads.

It is absolutely beautiful down here. Probably my favorite area of Belize besides the Cayes. There are rolling hills, with jungly trees - everything is very green. There are areas where they've cleared it for farming and livestock. There are thatched houses everywhere. There are rivers and waterfalls. It is amazing. So, we went to 2 villages today to do education - for around 2 hours in each. They each required translation into Ketchi (the local Native langugage). We were kinda trying to watch time and the weather because they have been calling for rain and the bridges may have become impassible. However, the didn't. We got in from the day and from dinner around 7:45pm.

Tomorrow we may take the day off - Sunday isn't the best day to go do education in these villages because most of the people are busy with church and cooking all day. So, there's a chance we may go fishing w/ Mr. Cruz. He is the general director of the Red Cross down here in the Toledo District...retired U.S. Army. He runs a tight ship down here in this district (we ironed our red cross shirts last night). If not, we'll find some water somewhere to go swimming - either the Gulf of Honduras, or a river. That is, if the weather holds. Either way, it should be fun and I'm trying to soak up the last few days here in Belize.

Presentation update

My presentation on sexuality yesterday went well. Since we had challenges with this group of students on Monday, we decided to list out some "ground rules" to go over before the presentations began. Those didn't really hold any water. It was kindof a battle at times to keep them under control, but I was amazed at how interested and intune they were when I was presenting the anatomy - as well as discussing pregnancy, contraception, STI's, and specifics surrounding these topics. When I asked the kids if they had ever had this type of presentation or class in school, they said no. So, it's valuable information for them - and hopefully some of it was heard. Now, all this being said, anytime you have 14 year old boys and girls mixed together talking about sex, it can get a little rowdy - lots of giggling and laughing and jokes. I was actually kindof glad when my hour was through.

Yesterday it was confirmed that we will be traveling down south tomorrow (friday) with the Red Cross to do some basic health education in rural communities. Much of this area is still flooded, so we will be visiting the villages that are accessible. However, they are calling for more rain tonight and tomorrow with another tropical wave approaching. So, we'll see. They told us there is a risk of waters rising and it being a challenge to get out, but all in all, by boat or something, I'm sure we'll be fine. So, this means that we are now trying to piece together some sort of presentation. It will probably cover vector control, basic hygiene, water sanitation, food safety, basic first aid, and communicable diseases. Not sure how to fit that into an hour??!! And, we are not going to have access to electricity in parts, which means no powerpoints. Some of these communities are Mayan and have their own dialects, so we will also need translation. In these instances, you just do the best you can with what you have and keep it very basic. I'm excited to see the southern part of the country, as I've heard it is beautiful. Also, this is a first step into many of these communities in terms of health education.

This morning we had the opportunity to sit in on the only HIV/AIDS clinic in Belize City (at the local hospital) - with one of the only Doctors who treats patients suffering from the virus. It was a real eye opener to listen to some of the patients talking about the reality of their lives with HIV, and the intense stigma and discrimination that occurs here. The first two women both became infected by their husbands without knowing it. There is intense shame, isolation and loneliness that occurs. Such an anger - to the point of not wanting to take medications, simply wanting to die. There is only one organization in Belize that is working with people living with HIV/AIDS, and that is Alliance Against Aids. This is a huge problem in this country, and there is very little support for these people.

Okay, that's a brief update! Hard to believe I will be leaving for home in exactly one week....

Here are more pictures~

http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/BelizeCityFlowersPresentations?authkey=VxKbZ4v8Pdk

Belizean Time

Things in Belize generally don't happen on time, based on my experience. If they say 8:30 am, you should count on it starting between 9:30 or 10am. However, there are times where communication gets skewed and you're planning on 1:00pm and they call at 11:45 to say it's starting at 12pm. It's all about flexibility. We went out to Caye Caulker this weekend and had a great time. Layed out in the sun, swam in the sea, went to karaoke and listened to the locals singing Bob Marley, country songs, and Celine Deon. Entertaining for sure.

We planned on catching the last boat home off the island - at 4pm on Sunday. We had purchased round trip tickets in belize city. Tammy and I were hanging out at a little cafe drinking milkshakes and watching the dock fill up with people. Really, there was no point in rushing out there because they don't believe in lines so it's just a massive rush and swarm. At around 3:55 we walk out and hear people talking about how the company decided to cancel the 3pm boat, so those passengers were waiting to also catch the 4pm taxi. Basically, double the passengers wanting a ride. The boat comes from San Pedro, with people already on board. Our taxi pulls up and it's already packed.....and after they jammed people on to an unsafe capacity, there were still around 15 of us standing on the dock, with tickets, and no boat. The captain said "sorry, no other boat". That was it. Hmm. Okay. Out of luck.

We then walked over to the only other water taxi company on the island and thankfully got tickets for the 5pm taxi and made it home safe and sound. Yesterday, we walked over to the terminal and got a refund from the other company.

Today I am giving a presentation on sexuality (like sex-ed with gender issues thrown in) at a highschool in Belize City. It was a challenging crowd of students for my peer's presentation on HIV/AIDS Monday, so I'm expecting a bit of the same. Especially given the topic and the fact that these kids are around 14 years old. I'll let you know how it goes later.

Here is a link for new pictures. There are some from Belize City, and some from the weekend at Caye Caulker.

http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/CayeCaulker2?authkey=5Ru8cXvyBvw

Updated Dangriga & Hopkins w/ photo link

Tuesday we went with a red cross member, Raph, down to Dangriga for the day. It was a fun road trip down the hummingbird highway and we were able to get a glimpse of what's going on down there. Raph is directing a radio program for the Red Cross about HIV/AIDS. He has much experience in broadcasting and many connections throughout Belize!

Here's a picture of me and Bonnie - the cutest little 2 year old girl from Hopkins. We asked her mom if we could take a picture of her...she said yes. After Tammy took a few pictures, I showed bonnie herself on the digital camera. She was enthralled! She couldn't get close enough to me -- kept rubbing her arms all over mine and burrying her head into my side. I think it was my blue eyes. She is one of the first little kids I've had much interaction with here and I loved it!

Yesterday (thursday) we gave our first presentation with the red cross. They were training a new group of National intervention team members (NIT's). We were asked on Wednesday afternoon to present the powerpoint Thursday morning at 8:30. It was on "Health in Disasters". Jennifer, Tammy, and myself split up the material and also created some scenarios for small group activity. The presentation/small group time lasted between an hour and a half/ two hours and it went very well....considering it wasn't our own material and none of us have ever been healthcare responders in a disaster. Next week we will be presenting HIV/AIDS material to a local highschool. There is a chance that towards the end of the week, we will be heading down to Punta Gorda (far south) to do some basic health education with more rural villages. I'll keep you posted!!
This weekend we will be out on Caye Caulker w/ my professor for some seminar time and relaxing. Hope all is well with everyone and happy Friday!!

Here is a link to some new pictures...

http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/DangrigaAndHopkins?authkey=BwxuC6I3g1E

Photos

The feeding frenzie of nurse sharks that we snorkeled with...
This is the mouth of one of the sharks.....
Streets in Belize City near our Red Cross office

Yesterday we had a nice road trip down to Dangriga and Hopkins. We left around 8:30 and got back to town around 6:30. I'll try and post some pics of the trip tomorrow. Tonight our professor from Seattle Univ. is coming into town. She will be following us around Thursday and Friday and then we will go out to Caye Caulker with her Saturday and Sunday for fun....

Dead bodies and sharks - San Pedro

Hi everyone! We had a great time on San Pedro this weekend. Beautiful weather, great hotel. It came with free punch (and rum punch) all day, breakfast, and they had a nice dock with hammocks and lounge chairs to use. Also, their dock ended with a nice swimming area. Very relaxing.

We got in on Saturday, and shortly after we arrived and settled on the dock, the police came by carrying what looked like a body (wrapped up in a sheet). They were all kindof laughing, etc, so it kindof appeared to be a practical joke. The locals standing near by said "he's inibriated, he's had too much". Well, regardless, the police kept carrying this body down onto the dock. In my head I'm thinking...that's a dead body, and if it's not, what are they doing with it?

Well, turns out it was a corpse. An older man had died in his sleep I guess, so they toted the body out on our private dock and left him there to be picked up by a charter boat (he didn't have family with him). It was an interesting glimpse of the police and how they run things. So, we chose to clear the dock until the body was retrieved (I was actually getting too hot, so ran out there and quick jumped in while he was stilling laying there...i'll admit, it did feel a little weird). Super strange??!!!!

Sunday we went snorkeling - saw pretty fish, and swam with more sting rays and nurse sharks! It was nuts. Our guide brought sardines to feed them when we first arrived and it was crazy. He said to jump in opposite side of the boat from the feeding. The sharks were between 4-8 feet long. I jumped in but definitely stayed towards the other side/back of the boat to watch until the frenzie cleared out a bit. Then our guide jumped in and caught one! He held it so we could touch it. Wow. Very fun!! And scary at the same time.

On the water taxi home, I was smashed inbetween 2 interesting people - one of which kept hitting on me..."you are so beautiful, seriously". His eyes were beyond bloodshot, it was very awkward, but the taxi was full so I couldn't move. He asked if I had kids to which I said no, but I did say I was married to a Doctor and that we were here working with the red cross....which only mildly worked. The entire ride I had to keep my eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

So, back to work today....tomorrow we are going to Dangriga for the day to help with the radio program again. Enjoy the new pictures!

http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/SanPedro?authkey=2mufgyMTRnQ

Typical Day

10pm-4am - Dogs barking and loud vehicles throughout the night
4am - Tropical birds chirping near my window in a loud fashion
5am - Beto and Alice awake, eating breakfast and setting table
6:30am - finally get out of bed
7am - eat breakfast (toast, oatmeal, fruit, instant coffee, juice)
7:45am - start walking to Red Cross Office
8:15-8:20 - arrive at work, try to quick check email
8:30-12pm - work, visit organizations in community, read materials, etc
12-1:30 - Belize lunch hour(s)- we generally take a lunch from home (leftover dinner, fruit, or sandwich)
1:30-5pm finish work
5pm-5:30 walk home, maybe stop off at stores to explore around. Get honked at, called "beautiful", see iguanas and wish-willies (like iguanas but dark grey), large barking dogs behind fences in our faces, etc
5:45-6:30 - go for run every other day at the marion Jones track near our house
6:30 - must be home by this time!!! Gets dark. We eat dinner, chat, watch the news, etc.

The rest of the evening is spent "debriefing" the day, or having "seminar" as we call it. We also watch TV. Bed Time is generally around 10:30ish.

Tonight we might try and see a movie at the princess hotel and casino near our house. It's close enough to walk, but since the show starts at 8pm, we'll have to take a taxi. This is a large hotel with several theatres and an arcade/bowling alley, etc. Saturday and Sunday we're thinking to head over to Ambergris Caye, San Pedro. We'll just stay the night.

Hope all of you enjoy the 4th of July!!!!

Pictures~

Here is a link to my recently downloaded pictures. Excuse the duplicates, etc. I just wanted to get something out to you all. My mom has the other half of our trip on her camera!! Enjoy


http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/Belize1?authkey=b_qPRO74ZEw

Thursday

Okay, it's been a while since I've updated. Things have been crazy. Last weekend the girls and I bused to San Ignacio and stayed at a "resort/working farm/ranch" called Clarissa Falls. We saw the Ruins again and then tubed down the river. It was refreshing after having been in the hot sun. So, we put on our lifejackets (required) and attached ourselves to our tubes, so that when we fell out we wouldn't lose the tube. I'll admit I was a little nervous. The guy who dropped us off said "just stay center left". That was it. And, "we haven't lost anybody yet". Okay. So, after going down around 7 rapids/waterfalls, we reached clarissa falls resort and got out of the river...it took about 2.5 hours. I bailed twice and was just spinning under the water and rocks. It was literally drop-offs/waterfalls in a few places. The worst part was hearing it approaching and having NO IDEA what it looked like or where it would be best to go down.

I also got very sick saturday night. I'll spare details, but it was bad and lasted a few days, so I started on antibiotics. Feeling better -- thanks for keeping me in your prayers.

Now we're back to Belize City and jumping in with the red cross. The office is crazy with people and supplies. they have received tons of donations due to the flooding down here. We are supposed to be working on an HIV/AIDS campaign. In essence, a media campaign? We'll see how that goes. Also have been travling around town meeting organizations and people.

That's it for now. I have downloaded some pics, will try to post a link later when I have more time.

First day on the job

We made it back to Belize city and my mom left yesterday afternoon (did you make it safely home, mom?) Today is my first day w/ the Red Cross. It's been interesting - sat through a first aid presentation this morning to employees at the central bank in Belize. Of course, the instructor kept saying "we have nurses in house so if you have any health questions, ask now". Just because I'm a nurse doesn't mean I know everything! However, I was able to answer some questions about diabetes and epilepsy. We learned all about poisonous snake bite treatment as well as other very practical information. I was very glad to have sat in on it. They pretty much switch constantly between english and creole so I don't always catch everything...

This afternoon we are going to be going to the auditions they are holding for a radio campaign for HIV AIDS that they have received funding for.

Sounds like we may eventually be "instructor trainers" for the peer education program called "together we can" which focuses on HIV/AIDS. So, we'll be going to rural areas (accomodations and everything arranged through red cross) - probably each of us with a local belizian instructor - to go do these trainings.

And of course, if there is flooding or tropical storms, we will be a part of the response for these events as well.

I'll keep you all posted! My host family is great. She is a wonderful cook. No A/C in the house (but their car has A/C). Nice part of town. We were planning to travel down to Tobacco caye this weekend however there are more "tropical waves" set to roll through and so the weather and flooding will create challenges. I think we'll stick around and maybe visit the Belize zoo. I'll really try and post some pictures soon. My memory card is getting full anyways, so I won't have much of a choice~

Island Life

Well, here we are on Caye Caulker. It is our last night here and mom's last night in Belize. We've had a great time! The weather has been iffy. We arrived here Monday on an EXPRESS bus! Yes, praise the Lord, they do exist. It was just like the kind I used to drive in AK, a nicer tour bus with A/C. Although, it was so crowded from San Ignacio that we had to stand for around the 1st hour. That was fine though. All in all, it took us around 2 hours from San Ignacio to Belize City and it didn't stop except for larger cities. We had bought some fresh pineapple and a banana from a street vendor before we left and it was great.

Got to Belize city and bought tickets for the water taxi out to the cayes. We had about an hour before it left so we explored only a bit of Belize city. It's crazy there (compared to the other places we've been). Busy, dirty, loud, etc. So, we didn't explore around too much. About everyone we've met now along the way has been robbed there.

We water taxied out to Caye caulker. We grabbed a seat under the bow in the shade and were so glad. As we left dock the crew started to unroll this tarp for the people in the last 2/3 of the boat. They basically sat on part of it and then had some along their backs and enough to hold up over their heads. Basically, they got soaked and windblown and burned. I liked my spot under the bow.

Got off in Caye Caulker and it was hot! We had our packs on and didn't want to venture far to find a place so we stayed at the De Real McCaw the first night. It did fine. A/c and 2 beds and a private bath and fridge. We even had our own deck with a hammock. And we had a nice family with loud children above us with what sounded like plywood flooring. We were up late and up again early. The next day we moved to a different hotel with a room on the 2nd floor with views of the ocean. It's been better here. Except for when it rains and we have a flood from the front door and the slider. We just put down extra towels. It has rained a lot since we've been here. Great storms. Tons of thunder and lightening and wind and pouring rain. We have it down to a science now. We'll be out and about and can see the black clouds approaching in the distance. We know that once the wind starts to pelt us we have around 2 minutes or less to find cover.

Tuesday we were gonna snorkel but it was stormy, so we each finished a book. We've been enjoying the food and local drinks called "panty rippers" - cocount rum and pinapple juice. Very tasty. Today we did get out and snorkeled the local reef. We were on tour with 2 English people and one person from Holland. Mario was our tour guide and thankfully he gave a little more instruction than the last guide. We got to swim with around 10 Sting Rays - even touched them. It was scary at first jumping into a bunch of them (along with a 4-5 foot baracuda), but it was incredible. We also saw all kinds of colorful fishies and neat coral. It was perfectly fit into our day from 10:30 to around 12:45 - right inbetween storms. We were so glad we went when we did!

Tonight for dinner we at shrimp at Jolly Rodger Lobster man's hut on the beach. It was excellent food and we shared a table with 2 swiss, one german, one norwegian, and a gal from belgium. Very interesting and fun. The 2 swiss were robbed at knifepoint in belize city with a guy who recently served 14 years in prison for murder. Mom says "yikes"....too bad Red Cross isn't headquartered in Caye Caulker!

Well, I've called my homestay and they are ready for me tomorrow. The other 2 classmates arrive by plane tomorrow as well. I'm sure i'll be busy ~ Glad to have had this time to rest and explore.

In regards to food - lots of seafood (lobster, shrimp, conch, fish). They do serve rice and beans as a side with most things, although there is also cole slaw and fries....mainly if you ordered a sandwich or a burger. They serve Folgers coffee. There is surprisingly a lot of chinese restaurants and stores around - it appears that the taiwanese goverment has done a lot of social projects in partnership with the Belize government. We haven't tried chinese food yet, although we had excellent chicken curry today for lunch...

Real estate is very expensive here, Brandon. Not a lot of true land for sale on these islands -- a house would probably run around 300k and up U.S. I did take a picture of a nice place for sale (make an offer) along some highway that we traveled by bus. It was rather large, but needed a lot of work. Maybe you could recruit the hispanic lady you have rented my condo to help run a B& B or something? Sounds like Alyssa is enjoying her and the kids~

Love to all of you. Trying to take pics, haven't been able to download them yet. Actually, the truth is I haven't tried. Hey, I'm on vacation.....Enjoy the seattle sun. Sounds like you may be having more of it than we are!

Xunantunich

Today we made it to San Ignacio - left Placencia at 6:45 and got in here at 11:30...a bit of a ways, but not too bad. Thankfully we made all of the connecting buses in time and didn't have to sit around too long at the crazy bus depots. They are hot and dirty -- and chaotic. There's really no such thing as a bus schedule around here, you kindof just wait around until one headed in your direction comes along. So, thankfully it wasn't too bad! The buses here are simply old school buses. There is a driver and then a "conductor" who helps with luggage (tossing your pack through the back emergency door) and comes around to collect fares. You don't buy tickets before you get on, so you never know how much it's going to cost. The conductor simply makes his way up the aisles and stops next to your seat and stares. Then you pay him. If people want to get off along the highway (there are really only 2-3 main highways here in the country), they just whistle. The bus comes to screetching halts to drop people off or pick people off who are standing near the road and difficult to see too far in advance. Apparently "express" buses do exist that only stop at the main cities and bus depots but I've yet to see one. We have been told that one leaves from here tomorrow morning at 7:30am and goes to Belize city. We'll see about that. I'm hoping to catch some of the people who vend Empenadas on the street before we head out. I'd really love to eat an empenada and since we're closer to Guatamala right now (the Spanish is coming in handy), they are more common. SOunds like they start selling around 7:00am so perhaps it can be my breakfast.

At the stops there are people that hop on and sell various food and drinks~ people drink a lot of pop and juice around here and seem to eat a lot of cheetos. For the most part, a very impoverished country. People live along the highways in what we would consider shacks.

I've come across several HIV/AIDS campaign signs throughout the country. I've also passed one or two hospitals or health places, but nothing ever seems to be going on. It will be interesting to begin with the red cross.

So, we got in and found a place to stay, got some lunch and then hired a taxi to take us to Xunantunich (mayan ruins). We were told by some that they are right in town and we could walk. Thank the Lord we took a taxi because it was about a 15 minute drive at decent speed. We would have been walking for a long long time. We had to cross a river on a hand-cranked ferry in order to get there. They were amazing! We stayed for a few hours until they closed at 4pm and the military with their machine guns closed up behind us.

So, back to town get some dinner, buy water and a few bags of cheetos for the trip tomorrow and now I'm in an internet place w/ A/C. It's tricky to find rooms w/ A/C around here. Our hotel tonight simply has a ceiling fan.........

All in all, san ignacio seems like a fun little town. Tomorrow we are busing back to Belize City where we are taking a water taxi out to Caye Caulker. Honestly, I'll be glad to get back to the ocean. I like it out here in this area...there are pretty hills and rivers - it feels more like the countryside than the jungle to me. The vegetation is not as thick as some other parts of the country, and they actually raise cattle around here.

Okay, that's all for tonight. Love~

Jungle

Today we started our tour with Evar at 8am. We got into his boat and headed out to the head of the Monkey River (about 50 minutes away via ocean). The Mangrove trees are really cool! As we were just leaving the beach we saw 2 bottlenose dolphins~
We got to monkey river town and placed our order for lunch later that day - fish and beans and rice. Then we continued on up the river to spot various birds and wildlife. When we were about 1/2 way up the river, we stopped at the bank and our guide got out w/ his machete to check out the monkey situation for us. He came back to take us to where they were. We saw several up in the trees - howling and swinging from trees. The Mosquitos were really bad (glad we had brought long pants and shirts). After we watched the monkeys for a while we wandered in the jungle as he pointed out land crabs, termites nests, lizards, birds, blue butterflies, and all kinds of plants and things which he explained. He knew the botanical names for everything. He grew up around there and has lived here for 46 years....
So, once we were back to the boat, we continued up the river and spotted a ton of baby crocodiles (no mama in sight). Evar asked if we wanted to go swimming, to which the 4 of us in the boat declined.
Then, we headed back and ate, and then on the way back to placencia from Monkey River town, we spotted several Manatee. One came right up to the boat! They are very cute and kindof look like seals when they surface. You find them by lookiing for the huge mud clouds that they stir up from the bottom as they move along and then you just wait for them to come up for air every now and then.
So, all in all, a lucky wildlife day. We're back here at purple space monkey for some dinner. Neither of us very hungry - slightly uneasy stomachs. Buddy, you had asked about the advil in the title of the last post and its meaning.....being out on the really rough sea did a number on my back and butt and head. My brains are slightly jarred.
Tomorrow we will be up at 6:00 to catch the hokey pokey water taxi to Independence, and then buses to Dangriga, Belmopan and finally San Ignacio.
Thanks for checking this and posting comments! It's way easier than dealing with emails. Time to eat and then get gelatto for the last time~

Sea Sickness and Advil

Hi all,
So we went out today with Splash tours to whale shark snorkeling. It was cloudy again when we left this morning, but it wasnt raining. It was ROUGH out there. Before we even left the dock he handed around a box of motion sickness medication. I thought it was rough even within the reef area, but had NO IDEA of what we were getting into once we crossed into the open water.

Whoa.

Seriously huge swells. And we had to bob around in this? Before I knew it we were being told to hurry and put our gear on and jump off. I had never snorkeled before so had no idea what I was doing. I have been diving before, so figured it couldn't be too bad! Threw myself off the boat and took a peek under me. Not much. Just a big open ocean with huge swells. The kind where the rest of the people on the tour totally dissappear for a few minutes and then re-appear. I had felt a little sick on the boat, but being out in the water was actually worse. So, we saw nothing. No sharks. The divers didn't see them either. I saw 4 large mackarrel.

We got to snorkel around the reef some and I did see neat fish there. After we came back into the reef and had lunch we went BACK OUT into the open water. We had to drop one lady off with the ranger who stays within the reef. She'd been puking all morning. Sick. I was glad I took the meds (she didn't).

Ah, same when we went out the 2nd time. No sharky sharks. Bummer! Oh well, if nothing else I had my own "deadliest catch" type experience with the waves.

Glad to be back on land. Just now getting hungry. we will stay here another night and go up the monkey river tomorrow. hoping to see monkeys, crocs, other things. Although, nature can never be counted on. This I know. We have however seen dolphins....and there is an excellent gelatto place here.

Then on Sunday we will head to San Ignacio to see Xunantunich (ruins). Then we will be off to Caye Caulker. Right now I'm at the purple space monkey about to eat and using freee internet! Yay. Well, gonna sign off. It's a miracle i typed this thing. every 5 seconds the cursor magically appears to a previously typed sentence and I start typing new stuff into the old. I think it's a spanish keyboard too, so a little funky. love you all

Change of plans...

Well, today we woke up to hear the pattering of rain outside. Hence, no snorkeling trip. The sky was dark gray and the sea angry. Thunder and lightening were plentiful. It did roll on through later in the morning, but it was too late to do a full day trip. So, we are on the list for tomorrow. The clouds are still hanging around, so pray for better weather!
So, instead, we walked around town, had fresh smoothies, bought some bread from Jon the bakerman, ate a typical lunch of coconut rice, stew chicken and slaw. Then, we layed on the beach and swam in the caribbean which is VERY warm. It's like a bath.
We're gonna head out to happy hour in a bit and then on to dinner. It gets dark so early here, around 6:30. this is very deceiving compared to Seattle where the sun has been setting around 9:30.
However, we are safe, enjoying ourselves, and unwinding to the slow and easy pace. There's really no rush around here at all, for anything. Such a change. A nice one.

Safe Arrival

Hello from Belize! After a long day of travel yesterday, my mom and I made it safely. We got as far south as Dangriga last night, where we stayed. This morning we made our way down to Placencia via bus and water taxi. It's beautiful here and very, very hot!! I don't think I have ever sweated this much in my life. Seriously.

Tomorrow we are going snorkeling -- hoping to see whale sharks. Howevev, the lady at the dive shop said if we didn't see whale sharks we'd probably see hammerheads or bull sharks (to which my eyes got really large). "They don't hurt do they?" So we get three snorkels; 2 with whale sharks and one off the reef. We'll keep you posted on what we see!!

The landscape is beautiful - jungly with lots of bright flowers - hibiscus, birds of paradise, mango, banana, coconut trees, you get the picture.

Alright, headed back to the beach......more to come!

Graduation

Yesterday for graduation the weather in Seattle was beautiful....Thanks God for the sun! Amazing since last week I was bundled up in fleece and even turned on the gas fireplace again. My family and friends roasted in their seats directly facing the sun at Quest field (where the Seahawks play for you out-of-towners). Meanwhile, I cooked down on the field in my nice black polyester robe.

When they called my name (and said it correctly, hooray) i felt a smile creep across my face. Yes, I am really done! It felt very surreal and liberating at the same time. Thanks to all of you, family and friends, who have supported me in this endeavour. I could not have made it without you!

Our plane leaves at 6am tomorrow...so the next post will be from Belize!

Another adventure with mom

The first ten days of my trip to Belize will be spent traveling around with my mom. The most recent time we adventured out like this was when she came to visit me in Alaska where I was working as a tour guide for Princess cruises in Skagway. She boarded my bus which was headed into the Yukon for the day. Lucky for her and my other passengers, she heard my lovely voice chime out stories, jokes and songs about Alaska and the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897/1898 for a whole 8 hours. Every now and then, mostly when I'm watching Jeopardy, these facts come in handy.

While she was visiting, we rented a car and took a road trip up to Atlin, BC. We stayed in this great little cabin that had no electricity. It had gas lanterns on the walls, a gas stove for cooking, and a wood fireplace for warmth. And an outhouse...the kind with room at the top of the door so you could see the stars at night! We had to chop the wood ourselves, and I was thankful that mom knew what she was doing. I realized fast that I'm not a good wood-chopper. We went to the little store in town and bought hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps, cheese, apples, bread and pancake mix. I'm sure there was candy in there too. And so the evening progressed, with us playing cards 'til all hours of the night. The next day we had arranged to go kayakaing on this serene lake in the middle of nowhere. It was amazing, and funny - paddling around a beaver dam and getting stuck in reeds. Nothing really compares to driving through the Yukon in all its majestic splendor. The vast wilderness. Living simply.

So, here's to another great trip with mom! So far, we have ideas of where we want to go, but no reservations have been made. We're winging it. We leave on Tuesday and she'll be with me until the 26th. I'll meet up with the other girls at my homestay and she'll head back to Seattle. A few ideas on the agenda: Placencia for snorkeling (hopefully with whale sharks). Somewhere in the jungle for cave tubing/exploring, ruins and monkey sighting. And, lastly, Caye Caulker for more sun, snorkeling and maybe sea kayaking? I think Lobster is on that agenda too.....
Okay, back to packing~

Venturing into the world of blogs

Hi Everyone,
Well, if having three emails isn't enough - let's add in a blog! I figure this will be an easy method of keeping in touch with many of you as I travel to Belize this summer and continue with life beyond.

I graduate this Sunday with my Master's degree! Hard to believe that three years of my life have flown by. That's three full-time years....winter, spring, summer and fall.....all spent in school. Needless to say, I welcome this change. And yet, even in welcoming this change comes the loss of all that has been familiar the past few years. It feels like an identity crisis of sorts.

However, I'm excited to see what lies ahead. Stay tuned; I'll try and post regularly...