May, 2011

I initially blogged a couple of weeks ago but removed it.  I realized that I vented rather than informed about my time here - too much information about the politics and internal conflicts.

On a more positive note, I am fortunate to work with some outstanding individuals who can make a difference to better the country.  My new counterpart, Ms. Corona, works to improve village life and represents the new Belizean women who are finally involved in building and strengthening the rural country.  She's a senator for Stann Creek, the Village Council Chairperson for Pomona Village, President of the Stann Creek District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO), and Board Secretary for NAVCO.  She is focused on the relevant issues, articulate in her goals for the country without the intrusion of political parties, and strives to make NAVCO a viable player in helping the villages.  Yes, there is tension and conflict within the organization, and hopefully the situation will get resolved soon.

Ms. Moody, another impressive Belizean, works for NEMO (National Emergency Management) and has her office in the NAVCO building.  This lady started as a volunteer to work during hurricane Richard when the Belmopan coordinator abandoned his post.  After working without pay for three months, NEMO hired her.  Seventy-three years old, she came to the job without any computer skills.  Within a month, she learned how to email, write a letter, and set up schedules on a spreadsheet.  With a strong Christian faith, she lives her life to the fullest: tirelessly as a coach of a softball team, active in her church, and takes the job to the nth degree with planned events and activities and visits to the villages to assess the shelters.

Ms. Cynthia, a village council member, comes to the office to clean once a week.  She takes advantage of the computer training we offer and has become a mainstay in our office.  Extremely dedicated to work for the welfare of her village, she struggles with the chairperson to get anything done.  I won't describe her personal life history for it is remarkable that she survives with a determination to make things better.  She and her family live without electricity and water - she washes her clothes in the river.

Last Wednesday was my birthday, and it was one of the best!  I usually dislike celebrating my birthday but this day turned out to be special.  It started at six in the morning with a text from Cynthia, then another and another - all from Belizean friends and family.  Larry, the PC volunteer at the office, organized a lunch with other volunteers and the office at a restaurant, birthday cake, and card.  Then more well wishes on email and Facebook and finally telephone calls from Kimberly and Ryan.  It was nice.

Today, the Belmopan Library will have a fundraising bingo - a popular event for Belizeans.  I'm boiling the wieners for hot dogs and help with the drinks.  Ms. Mary bakes cupcakes, Kathryn pops popcorn, and another committee member made children prizes and gift baskets.