One month and going strong!

Cool and quiet week here in Belize...

I figured out how to post some pictures so check out the older blogs for a couple pics : )

Sunday was another day filled with food and beer. We were celebrating Daniel's dad's 77th birthday. Soooooo much food!! I had some bbq chicken, potato salad, scalloped and baked potatoes, ceviche (w/out the seafood part), different desserts, etc etc. After eating, Terry and I played Scrabble with Daniel's mom. Terry won the first game and I came in last. Daniel's mom won the 2nd game. She kicks butt at Scrabble and I set her up on that game! I also found out that Marielle will be coming to visit!!! So excited!!

Monday was kind of a busy day at work. We spent a majority of the day at St. John's College (which is not too far from the BFLA) to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues along with giving exams. It was the school's Wellness Week so we were not the only ones there. Nurse Suzette was set up upstairs to give pelvic exams, breast exams, and taking blood to test for HIV. Arthur and myself were set up at a booth on the main floor with some games, pamphlets, and pictures of STI's and information about them. My supervisor, Ms. Bulwer went to speak in some of the classes.

It was interesting to see what people (ages 17-20) here do not know about reproductive health issues. I think that sex and reproductive issues are still seen as taboo to talk about because many students were not interested in stopping to talk or even pick up pamphlets. Another problem was that the students did not have enough time in between classes to stop. Some students made an exception and just went to class late. The school gave good incentive for the students that stopped at the booths because if they visited five booths they would get extra points.

Two things I observed at the school were that the bathrooms do not have soap (I waited till we got back to the BFLA because that is just disgusting)! Also, the backs of the toilets have cages on them with a cutout for the handle. So not only are there bars on windows everywhere here....but on toilets too.

When we got back to the BFLA, I helped Cecil from accounts with the commodities inventory. It is intriguing to see the names of the medicines they use here as opposed to in the states.

The rest of the work week was pretty quiet. I just helped out in the Cytology lab and helped Ms. Ana find a venue for a youth retreat in April. Terry and I went to church after work on Wednesday to get our ashes. The church was packed! We saw Daniel's sister, Lupita (who always gives me beer), and she said, "I didn't know alchy's come to church." I told her that I was just following in her footsteps.

Besides work...I have been making plans for the year. My friend Kristen and I are going to do the half-marathon in Virginia Beach on Labor Day weekend. I thought that would be my accomplishment for the year besides graduating but Nancy talked me into doing the IronGirl again. She didn't have to do much pleading because deep down I really wanted to do it again but was just hesitant to sign up. Both events are great motivation to stay in shape though.

Friday was spent discussing my project for the semester. I think it will be very beneficial to myself and the agency. I will be assessing how much contraception the BFLA distributes throughout Belize (along with the age groups) and compare it to the sexually transmitted infection and HIV/AIDS rates of the country. Maybe my time and research here can help the BFLA set up a health database to keep better track of their information.

I got out around 2 on Friday because I had to walk home. Terry left for Dallas for the weekend so I asked if I could leave in time to walk home before it started to get dark. I was not expecting to get out THAT early but it was nice. I walked to Moon Clusters (Raphael's amazing coffee shop) and was going to stay there till Daniel got home but I decided to go get a pedicure instead. The pedicure was much needed after walking around with flip flops on all week : )

The evening was spent writing my project proposal and weekly log to hand in.

I never thought the day would come that I would consider 8:30 a.m. sleeping in but that is what is has come to. It was really nice out today so I spent most of the day going from the couch and TV to sitting out on the upper deck and enjoying the sea-breeze. It felt good to do nothing for once.

I miss home but according to mama bear today....I'm not missing anything but more snow falling. I love you all and feel like I am really finding myself with my time here.

"When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift...Thrown away...Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over." ♥