Thoughts on September

9/10/07

St. Georges Caye Day

Today’s festivities began the many September celebrations in Belize. St. Georges Caye was the location of the battle in 1798 which the British defeated Spanish, making Belize a British colony and English speaking country. This weekend there have been many festivities and parades that will carry on throughout the month. Independence Day is September 21 celebrating Belize’s independence from the British that finally came about in 1981.

I have begun enjoying some of the fruits that Belize has to offer. Yes the mangos, star fruit, bananas but most notably, the fruits of the land. Last Friday I did my first village hike to the furthest village in the district. Along with a priest from Germany, I drove two hours west towards the Belize/ Guatemala border and then hiked two hours through “da bush”. Being in the rainy season and days after the hurricane, the trail was slippery, muddy, and flooded. Regardless I was loving every minute of it. Finally doing the village hikes that I had heard about and anticipated and going where no car has ever gone before. I especially appreciated having time to think about life here, what I was experiencing, and all my loved ones back home. I am very grateful all the time that my job will allow me to be alone and think, as I continue village hikes and motorcycle rides throughout the district. “Unless you’re fond of hollering you don’t make great conversations on a running cycle. Instead you spend your time being aware of things and meditating on them. On sights and sounds, on the mood of the weather and things remembered, on the machine and the countryside you’re in, thinking about things at great leisure and length without being hurried and without being hurried and without feeling you’re losing time” - Robert Pirsig.

Having the opportunity to really contemplate and reflect on the days events and what I am doing here has been so important so far and will hopefully keep me going over the two years. However, it is also difficult to calm the mind and be in the present moment when we reflect on the past and dream about the future. I am trying to be here as much as I can without anticipating what the next day, month or year will bring. My idealistic mind is sometimes difficult to settle, but if I can’t enjoy the time I have here, when will I ever be content in life?

Anyway, I have really appreciated hearing from some of you and hearing both updates in your life and your encouraging and sometimes, challenging words. Although I may not respond to you individually as much I would like, I do enjoy hearing from you and I hope to keep monthly updates going.

I hope everyone is experiencing joy and love in their lives and “spreading the good vibes” to all those around you.