more time has passed, the harder to keep up with all the new and exciting things going on! So much has happened and it has certainly been a roller coaster ride of up’s and downs, but I will try and touch on the high points. There is about 3 weeks left of PST (Pre-service Training), and it’s hard to believe that I will soon be a Peace Corps Volunteer living and working in my new village.
The past few weeks have been like the
rest of PST (pre-service
training), exhausting, exciting, and a roller coaster
of emotions and
experiences. I continue to get closer and closer to my family.
I
can’t imagine leaving them in a few weeks, and I am beyond
thankful for the
relationship that we have built together. My two
sisters, Irma (23) and Ara
(17) have become two of my closest friends during my time here, and I am so
thankful for our constant
laughs, dance parties, and goofiness. Mixed in with
the endless fun, they have also taught me the richness of Belizean culture,
life in El Salvador (family of refugees), how to make tortillas (though
poorly), and helped immensely with my Spanish (while we all laugh at my
horrible Spanglish, of course!). Thankfully, this village is nearby the office,
so I know I will see my family throughout the next two years when I go into the
Peace Corps office. A few days ago, I even made them Shakshuka, my favorite
Israeli/middle Eastern cuisine that is loaded with veggies, tomato sauce, and
fried eggs cooked into the mixture (not main staple in Hispanic diet). Though they were certainly skeptical, I think
they enjoyed it! My favorite part of all of it, was how they ate it with a
tortilla (eaten at every meal)! It truly felt like a blending of my two worlds!
My sister,
Ara!
The past few
weeks, I have had the fortune of being able to play tourist a few times and
getting to see the beauty of Belize. A few weeks ago, I went with my family to xunantunich, one of the best Myan Ruins in Belize. It is truly a spectacular
site surrounded by the lush dense jungle of Belize.
My sister, Irma!!
The
whole family (almost!). 
My amazing Mama! Love her dearly! She
is one of the most
amazing women I have ever met!
Riding in
the back of a pickup is the main means of transport in
this country, and it has
definitely taken some getting used to
(don’t worry, mom and dad!).
Additionally, twice a month, Peace Corps takes Trainees on a field trip/
Culture Day. There are about 7 different ethnic groups here in Belize (in a population
of 350,000)! These ‘field trips’ provide great insight into the complex
cultural and ethnic makeup within the country. Last week, we had the
opportunity to visit a Kriol village where we learned how to cook their version
of rice and beans (with lots of coconut milk), roasted cashews (for cashew
wine), learned some traditional dances, etc. I really love the West-African
Influence that has shaped the Kriol culture and remains in small ways
throughout the country. Other tourist excursions have been wonderful also. From
visiting the majestically beautiful Blue Hole National Park with my good
friend, Jade’s family to enjoying the nearby river with my brother, sisters,
and 3 good friends, I am definitely enjoying the natural beauty of my new home.
These small get-aways are much needed and unbelievably enjoyable after 60+
hours a week of training and the stress of Pre-Service Training.
As looks
might be a bit deceiving, I promise my life here isn’t all
play! Training
continues to be rigorous, long, and tiring. A typical day tends to be 10-12
hours, full of language learning, technical training, community development,
language learning, etc. Someone described PST as trying to drink from a fire
hydrant…I would absolutely agree! Thankfully, I really enjoy the training, and it
has been a great balance of information learning and practical application of
the material and theories. For example, following our extensive training on
community development and sustainable initiatives, we were placed in groups and
were tasked with conducting analysis of community needs, community mapping,
community assessment, and plans for action. This involved speaking with
community leaders/members to gather information and present. The peace corps
has had 54 years to learn from their mistakes and refine the process of
community development work. They learned the utmost importance of process,
planning, observation, relationship building and how to implement sustainable
projects, and I am thankful for their progressive approach to development!
Our
time living in Valley of Peace (our training community) has given us a lot of
time to implement other initiatives as well. We have weekly literacy night for
the community where the children come out to practice their English and reading
skills. We also use this time to discuss health (as we are health volunteers!).
The first session we had a great handwashing activity that the kids greatly
enjoyed. After explaining germs and how to properly wash/when to wash hands, we
lathered the kid’s hand with glitter ‘germs’ and they practiced their newly
acquired handwashing skills- with soap for 20 seconds (length of ‘happy birthday’
song, which we sang to each child)! It was lots of fun, and I think the message
really got across! Our next activity was a nutrition lesson. Starting at 1-2
years, children eat multiple bags of chips, cokes, and popsicles a day
(ideals). Our nutrition lesson went well and including a healthy snack at the
end. It will take a long time for behavioral change to occur, but getting the
kids excited and motivated has been really great to watch.
It is so
hard to believe that I only have a few weeks left in Valley of Peace and of
Peace Corps training. This also means, I only have a few weeks left with my
group of fellow volunteers and good friends. We have formed a support team like
none other I have ever been a part of. We are there for each other through sickness,
cultural challenges/culture shock, problems back home, etc. No more time to update....but stay tuned to find out my new site placement!
