I’m on the home stretch of my stay in San Antonio. I have only until next Thursday with my host family. I move back to Belmopan on Friday to get the new site assignment and begin my stay with next host family for four weeks.
San Antonio, a small village in the Cayo District with about 2,000 Mayan residents, is located about two hours away from Belmopan by bus. The closest town is San Ignacio, an hour drive away through mostly rough, unpaved roads. I just got a history lesson from a publication, “After 100 years: The Oral History and Traditions of San Antonio, Cayo District, Belize,” written by Alfonso Ambrosio Tzul, 1993. The legend begins in the early 1500s when the Spaniards invaded Mexico calling the discovered land, Yucatan, and the people, Mayan. In actuality, the people called themselves Masawal. After 19 years of fighting with the Spaniards, 300,000 Masewals survived the conquest, but by 1700 A.D the number was cut in half. The Masewals became slaves to the new landowners, many died from foreign diseases such as smallpox and measles. The Masewals retaliated on 1847 and set the stage for the War of Races that changed the direction of the Masewal world. In 1876, a few Maswewal families established the San Antonio village. Today, some of the original families that settled here are still living – practically everyone is related.
Before the invasion of Spain, the Masewals out of respect and fear of the gods worshipped and practiced many ceremonial rites described in today’s history of the Mayan people. They believed in nine gods that were responsible for everything in the universe. When the Spaniards brought Catholicism, the Masewals on the surface practiced the new religion with deep underlying practices of their old religious rites more intimate with their daily life activities. It was the year 1962 that changed the village people dramatically when Anglican Pentecostal filtered through their lives. This was the first time that the people had access to the written bible. The Bible, up to that date was considered sacred and was available only to the priests. Many of the younger generation could read and write English and Spanish, and their curiosity was peaked with easy access to the bible. Unlike the distant relationship with the Catholic priests, the Pentecostal invited local villagers to become religious leaders. Today, the Pentecostal has a firm hold on the village with seven churches, each with a different interpretation of doctrinal issues. In my observations, I found the villagers heavily influenced with their religious beliefs and practices, live a somber and humble life as farmers, and retain a familial happiness despite the minimal living conditions.
It’s beautiful country with a bounty of natural resources but lacking in infrastructure to harness and reap potential living amenities that we take for granted in the States. I’m learning a lot about the people and the country, and the Peace Corps program is helpful in the acculturation and integration into Belize. Still, I continue to wonder why this country remains third world – Belize became independent from the British in 1981, twenty-nine years have passed, and the Peace Corps has been in this country since the 1960s.
Hey mom,
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't responded sooner. Amy, Ayla and I miss you very much. We very happy that you get to experience such wonderful moments. I wish I was with you...at least to see you jumping around getting the fire-ants off (that's a priceless MasterCard moment).
I saw that you called: it always makes me so sad when I miss your calls. Can't wait to talk you.
Amy is great. She's been very tired thru the first trimester: can you believe its already been 12 weeks?! Ayla's very excited about being a big sister. She mentioned you the other day about wanting to finish the puzzle that you started with her: she wants to wait until you get back to finish.
It sounds like you are enjoying your expierences. I'm very proud of you and I know you will continue to do great things for many people. Take care and talk to you soon.
Love, Ryan
Hi Sandy!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm a fan of your blogspot! I feel like you're teaching a LOT about Belize, about the people, about the peace corps. I too am proud of you! take good care, sincerely, barbara
Hi Barbara, It's so nice to read your comments - it helps me keep writing my blog. My daughter said that my last blog was out of a book - I read the book, but I did summarize and not cut and paste. Granted it sounds like a lesson in history. I promise the next blog will be more personal. Hope all is well with you and the guys at UC Oracles - please say to HI to everyone for me!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandyloo - Thanks for the great info on the history of Belize. By the way, do you know why their primary language is Kriol? I think it may have to do with the Garifuna people but I'm not totally sure. Please investigate for me. :) Love and miss my Sandyloo!!
ReplyDeleteJer