Peace Corps Volunteers
2009-2011 Belize
All 41 one of us moments after arriving in Belize at the airport.
The 23 that remain. As of today there are 20 of us left.
We made it!
Checking in with the COS committee!!
Similar to a blue packet I got over two years ago...
COS was a 3 day whirlwind of activities and meetings. We had all the paperwork involved in ending our service in the Peace Corps and also we had to begin to reflect and make an 'exit strategy' so we don't disengage and ignore the fact we're leaving forgetting proper goodbyes. There were sessions on the benefits we receive and have available as RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers), panels, discussion about final medical exams (you have to poo in a cup three days in a row!) and so much more. On top of all this we had a great COS committee that organized activities for the rest of our waking time at COS. We had scheduled pool time, random fact, white elephant exchange, superlatives, jeopardy (which turned into a heated 2 hour hotly debated event), kumbaya circle where we shared what we felt and then tied a friendship bracelet on the person to our right. Lastly, my favorite was the PROM!! We had a PC Prom with a garifuna drummer and EVERYONE danced!! We bought special outfits and put on make up and did it right! The drummer was impressed by our dancing abilities and even passed the drum to Greg for a song or two as he danced with us! Greg amazed us all as we forgot it was him that was drumming...he was that good! There were slide shows, videos, cake, tears and laughter. A bitter sweet end representing the last time we will all be in one room together. I sure do love my fellow PCVs and couldn't have made it without them.
Our accommodations,
not unlike home but with a/c and a 4 channel TV.
There were pools!
Starting the goodbyes...
Pizza party with the Kibs!
Saying goodbye too our first host family.
So what are we doing this summer...
1. Spending entire days fixing things.
(and I mean an entire day)
A trip to the waterfalls during Amy's visit...Sheldon wearing my lem (ketchi for glass/mirror)
2. Trip, after trip to the waterfalls to swim and eat watermelon.
18 pounds of watermelon...no problem!
3. Hanging around with Steve
4. Working with Yvette on the library stimulation month.
At the start of movie night. We made 44 dollars!
G sitting as they bring back 3 desktop computers from death!
5. Fixing computers!
'G' AKA Alberto Choco Jr., Greg's little apprentice/ protegee came to us the other night asking for a reference letter to the technical college IT Vet for entrance into the computer program they offer. He has been a constant at Greg's side these past two years whenever Greg is working on computers. quietly watching, helping, and fixing along side Greg. I am so proud of Greg because yesterday at the creek he beamed as he told me, "I got it keveen, I am doing computers!" He was accepted after his interview and will start the two year computer technologies and repair courses this August! So proud of Greg!
This guy jumped in over our gate,
the same night a bat got trapped in our house.
Oooh living in a thatch.
*Hopefully I will post more photos and stories from COS soon, time permitting...78 days!*
I wish I could carefully look through all the contents of that packet! It looks very satisfying.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful about G!!
I still just can't believe it's almost over. I'm so proud of you both!!
Each picture you post, ... well, ... they are so dear to me because they are of a life that is very rare in today's world. God bless the people of Silver Creak and all that they stand for!
ReplyDeleteGod bless Kevina and Greg for being accepted by these great people and into the Mayan culture.
COS convention looked just wonderful and I hope the 20 of you that are left will all have such wonderful and poignant times to come in your villages. xo