Retreats, motorcycles, Andy Palacio

I have been in Belize for six months now. Sometimes this time period seems a lot longer than six months since I’ve done so much and made home here so quickly, while it also feels that these six months have been merely a blink of an eye. It’s scary to think that if the first six months have flown by so quickly, the next six go even faster. The first two months were learning about what my job entailed, learning how to ride the motorcycle, and beginning to build relationships with my fellow JV’s and local community. Once October and November rolled around I had three retreats per week, some with the teachers others with confirmation candidates. At first it was a challenge for me to be expected to answer questions concerning church doctrine and make administrative decisions.

Jumping back into the routine after the holidays felt just right. I knew what I was doing, I knew all the principals and teachers and I had a new confidence in what I was doing and especially saying “no” or “I don’t know” and not feeling bad about it. I am not trying to live up to past volunteers in my position who I’ve heard so many impressive stories about nor worried about burning out and quitting like my latest predecessor.

Currently I am working strictly with the confirmation candidates helping them in preparation for the Confirmation ceremony, the first week of March in which I will have to escort and assist the Bishop with the 18 confirmations in six days. I have scheduled around three retreats per week and have tried to spend the night in one of the villages each week. Two weeks ago I slept in a tent and was visited at night my pigs, dogs and a horse. They just came to check out the green domed thing in the field so I said hello and told them to move along. They listened alright!

The retreats have been going really well. Most of all, I have attempted to make them relaxing and fun days for the Standard 5 (6^th or 7^th grade) students composed of music, drawing, games and skits. I am learning how to make them more structured, makes for a more enjoyable day and less stress on my part. They are such happy and beautiful children who find joy and entertainment in the simplest things. However they are being exposed to more and more influences that are changing the culture here.

My motorcycle has had different problems every month or so. Not surprising since its six years old and seeing the roads I ride. I just replaced the chain, rachet, sprocket and rear tire so hopefully that keeps it running alright for the next couple months. I love it though, especially when I have all my survival gear strapped down to the back of it – tent, sleeping bag, machete, food, first aid book, bug spray, candles and head lamp. I sometimes want to travel back in time and meet up with Fuser (Che) and Alberto along the road. But then again I don’t trust my motorcycle any more than La Poderosa (The Mighty One) and don’t want to be chased by a bunch of drunken Venezuelans. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then I suggest checking out the movie “The Motorcycle Diaries”.

Andy Palacio, the most internationally acclaimed musician from Belize who just one the UNESCO Artist for Peace award, passed away a week ago Saturday at the age of 47. There were ceremonies, parties and concerts all week leading up to his funeral on Saturday with thousands in attendance. His latest album, “Watina” is a masterpiece bringing together traditional Garifuna (Carib Indians) sounds with modern music. Check out this five minute video of Andy Palacio which shows a short glimpse into Garifuna culture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt6oOzyG9ec

Elections are coming up in two weeks in Belize so I’ve been trying to keep up on that and the latest with the primaries back home.