Hope in Belize

Well, It has been a good 8 months since I updated my blog, and that is just embarassing. I am going to make an effort not to let that happen again, and update more frequently.

I will start with Camp GLOW.

Girls Leading Our World

So, myself and several other Peace Corp Volunteers planned and held the 2nd annual Camp GLOW here in Belize at the end of July. We invited girls from our respective communities throughout the country. That was one of the most significant points of camp - the diversity of the girls. We had a variety of cultures and languages present, and it allowed the girls to really represent who they are, as well as learn from one another and share their cultures, languages and values. (Even though one of their biggest "values" is Hannah Montana). We had girls who spoke Spanish, girls who spoke Mopan Maya and Ketchi Maya, and girls who spoke Kriol. We had a total of 30 girls. The camp was centered on 3 goals: Self Expression, Self Esteem, and Self Reliance.

Some of the concepts are foreign ideas to these girls, and it was exciting to get the share it with them. We did different activities that encompassed these ideas throughout the week and did some fun extra things too - leadership scavenger hunt, futbol, volleyball, campfire with smores, talent show, and the legendary DANCE PARTY. Being a camp counselor is exhausting, and I had no idea how much it involved. Not only do you have to help with sessions, but you have to feed them, advise them, lead them, and help them with any miscellaneous problems they might have. (i.e: physical fights, stealing of items, questions on puberty, questions about sex, etc.) Twelve and Thirteen year olds have some issues! It was all well worth it, and not only did they learn from us, but we learned from them! I never knew how important Hannah Montana was until now. The week was successful and I got to meet some amazing girls, who will hopefully make a difference in this country someday.


There have been some other big changes since I wrote last. I moved out of Blue Creek Village, and am now living in Punta Gorda Town, which is the district town of the Toledo District. The population is a whopping 6,000 or so. I found a great house to rent. In my front yard I have a mango tree, lime tree, and mutiple banana trees. I also planted some herbs and flowers. I am pretty botanical these days... more so than I ever have been. I now live one street away from the seaside, which is lined with thatch cabanas that are great places to relax some evenings. You can go to the seaside and look out to see Honduras on the horizon. It is beautiful.
Last week however; I returned to Blue Creek for some vigorous hiking and cave exploring. When we got there I realized that rainy season is in full effect, and how the would effect us. The hike up the local mountain in the village is intense - and that is an understatement. It is a vertical climb almost the whole time to the top, where there are inspiring views. So I went along with a couple of freinds to take in the sights. Little did we know, we were next to risking our lives! It was quite a challenge to reach the summit, but a whole additional challenge to come down. In the end we made it, and were able to get some great excersize along the way. To be surrounded by such nature and beauty is truly amazing.

I am now working with a local organization called the Toledo Cacao Growers Association. It is an association of cacao farmers throughout the Toledo district. The aim is to improve the livlihoods of the families involved, by offering an alternative crop to sell for cash. Most farmers live off of subsistance farming, and the idea is that cacao can offer an alternative cash source. There are about 800 active farmers in the association. The other important point about the organization is that they sell to a company in England, who offers a guaranteed market for cacao farmers in Belize - and all the cacao is 100% Organic and Fair Trade. It is a premium which provides the farmers with more money for their crop. I am enjoying working in this world, and I am learning a lot as I go along.

Well - Omnibus '10 is coming up on our year mark of being in Belize. (The groups of volunteers are named based on the year that they will COS - Close of Service - and I have no idea why they call it Omnibus). I will soon take a trip back to the states to visit my Aunt and Uncle. I am excited and nervous, being that a year is the longest I have ever been away from the states. I am excited to be there.

The new group of volunteers is coming in right as I will be returning to Belize, and it should be interesting to be the "experienced" ones in Belize - especially because I still feel like I just arrived myself.

Well - until next time - Keep it Real.

I am continuing to strive to remember why I came to Peace Corp and accepted this mission. One of the most important things another volunteer has told us all is "It isn't all about you." If we all keep that in mind, I think the big picture would become a little clearer. Easier said than done, I know....