I have enjoyed my weekend here in San Ignacio, because of the internet, I finally can blog and download pictures. The first one is the house I live in - the house above is the family house. The sloping grassy area is where I slipped and fell. Although the floor is concrete and bare (they use this house for storage when it's not used for guests), I have a bedroom and a bathroom. The other volunteers have outside latrines. The water is piped in but not reliable and regularly I need to bath with buckets of rainwater accumulated in a water tank outside of the house. I've learned to wash with very little soap because the water is soft and hard to remove. To conserve water, I've learned to bath with half bucket of rainwater...pretty good, huh?! My family on the other hand can bath several kids from one bucket!
This is Dona Lucina walking to the field last week when Don Ramon needed to pick the 1400 corn order. I want to get more pictures of her because she is an endearing lady. Just a glimpse of her typical day: she gets up at five am to ready Esli for the 6 o'clock school bus, makes breakfast for her and me. I leave at 7:30 for my training classes. She then readies the three younger kids for primary school. In the morning she does laundry and irons - a task she does every day - then prepares lunch for me and Abdiel who leaves at one for college in San Ignacio. After lunch she helps in the field. She gets back to the house in time for the younger kids returning from school, then plans for dinner - she makes tortillas, tamales, and kills chicken (something I haven't observed or want to yet). Throughout the daily schedule she deals with issues such as buying books, pens, etc. for their school needs, helps with the older daughter's children, and shops for groceries.
These pics are just a few of the kids in the family - everyone with different personalities and I'm having fun getting to know them. We're working on a jigsaw puzzle that I brought with me - a thousand pieces. At first, they didn't have a clue on how to work the puzzle but once I got the borders done, they are steaming ahead, and I feel confident that they'll get it finished before I leave.
Finally, you see me holding an iguana at the iguana farm in San Ignacio - we toured two weekends ago. As you can see, I look a little worn out from the climate but I'm told that one eventually acclimates. The scene below is from the San Ignacio's farmers' market - we ate papusas for breakfast this past Saturday. Needless to say, I'm eating my way through Belize with lots of carbs! I'm looking forward to my own place where I can start eating veggies.
This is my last day in San Ignacio. I head back to San Antonio this afternoon - the 5 o-clock bus will get me there by six. I have lots of Spanish homework to do - I'm afraid that I'm not a very good student because I choose to spend time with the family. Tomorrow I head out to Belmopan for the Spanish class and hope to cram a bit on the bus. Hasta Luego, Amigos!!
What nice pictures! So green. The family looks "picture perfect" and I can chuckle knowing the kids are laughing at you in Spanish (and you still don't understand) while they try to entertain you by doing your puzzle... after all- how many years did Ryan and I have to endure that on the kitchen table??? lol. Hopefully you are not taking up their kitchen table- but I know that they are enjoying having you. If only they knew how lucky they are to be with you. We miss you much- Ayla, Gina, Maria and all are well- lots of fun at BBQ at house in honor of friends' engagement and FOOTBALL- the only time you know I can bear Mondays. Love you much and I always look forward to your blog. Kim
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed every word of your journey's description. I hope someone is collecting all the entries for a book. Pictures are beautiful. A bath in a bucket....I'm very impressed. Take care of that wrist. Looking forward to more adventurous stories.
Lynda
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I too hope that you or someone is collecting your entries for a book: the pictures and your descriptions are wonderful, I can really "see" your adventure, such as your little house, the family and Dona Lucina, and you with the iguana. I'm appreciating your journey vicariously! take good care, sincerely, barbara
Hola,Sandy....It feels as you've been gone for ages already. Does it feel that way to you too? You look happy and healthy in your photos, and yes, I do recognize that outfit and always thought it looked great on you. OK, so the iguana was NOT photo-shopped? You're braver than I am. Francisco says the best papusas are made in El Salvador :) Sandy, I know this isn't the best way to tell you, but I know you would want to know. Dear Brenda passed away Sunday. Namu Amida Butsu. Take care. ~yoshi
ReplyDeleteHi Yoshi, I am so sad to hear that Brenda passed away - I saw her just before I left thinking that I would not see her again. I had hoped that she would get better. Even though we all must anticipate our death, it continues to be difficult to see friends and family members leave us. She was a special person to all of us at the temple. Namu Amida Butsu, Sandy
ReplyDeleteSandy-loo!! Great pictures!! I love them all. And what beautiful people - happy faces for sure. I envy you being there. However, I think you have a dead body wrapped up in plastic in your front yard - is that common? Did that person fall down the hill too? :)
ReplyDeleteI want your pupusa!! They look so good - are they filled with cheese and beans? I'll now have to go to the Mission and get my own - I'm sure they won't be as good.
Please keep the great stories coming! They remind me of the letters Nettie sent to Shug in The Color Purple. The land of Belize really comes to life and so do your adventures (i can see you jumping around with ants in your pants now).
Love you!
Jer