Summary

Round two of the blog. I have now written this blog three times over. The first time the internet access died and I lost it, the second time my computer froze, so third time is a charm, right? Anyway, this is going to be a lot shorter and different than the first two because I don’t have the patience to retype everything yet again.
I have been here for almost a month now. I can’t believe it has all happened so fast. I have been away from “home” for over a month. It is weird thinking that my home now is Belize City. When I say I want to go home, it means to Belize City, not back to school in Cincinnati or to Minnesota. The idea of home and how quickly it can change really baffles me. But, I don’t have time to get on that kick yet, so maybe I will save that for a different time.
So quick recap on things that have happened: I arrived in Belize City and we had a brief orientation (all 11 of us together), then the Punta Gorda volunteers (2 second years and 2 first years) left to go home. I went and did a family stay to see a more balanced view of Belize, not just the view I am getting as a white female living with 6 other Americans. After the homestays all 7 of us (2 second years and 5 first years) hopped on the bus to go to Punta Gorda.
The actual distance to Punta Gorda is not that far, as Belize as a whole is no larger than Massachusetts, but the school bus ride there takes over 6 hours. There are 4 paved highways in Belize and we took one most of the way there. Punta Gorda is beautiful and I know I will be back there, but the 6 hour bus ride with many Mayan children on your lap and fitting 3 to 5 people in a small bus seat is not my idea of fun.
I was in Punta Gorda having the last part of orientation for the past 10 days. While there we ran a summer “camp”, jumped off a couple of waterfalls, stayed in a couple different Mayan villages, and swam in the Caribbean Sea almost every day.
So now that the update of what I have been doing is over, let’s get to some different thoughts and ideas I have had over the past couple of weeks.
Wow have I been blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime. Many others are not lucky enough to be able to live and work in another country for two years. I have been fortunate enough to have family and friends that support me in my decision to get to know and appreciate another culture different than my own. Without the continual support of those close to me, I know I would not be able to do this experience. But, because of that, I am so blessed.
I have wondered lately why me? Why am I lucky enough to be given the opportunity to live in this beautiful place and be able to call it home? Many other people applied to JVI, why was I chosen over them? I am here and learning so many wonderful things about a magnificent Caribbean country, but what am I supposed to do with this information? Obviously me being here serves a greater purpose, which ties into why I am blessed to be able to do this and not someone else, but what is that? I know that means I’m getting into the meaning of my life and stuff, but I still can’t help but wonder why I am so lucky to be here and thinking about others who may not have this opportunity. But why am I so selfish to think other people would want this opportunity. This program and this lifestyle is definitely not for everyone. So why would people want to do this anyway?
Well now that I am talking in circles, I am going to move on. While in Punta Gorda, a Jesuit priest who will remain anonymous gave all of us solidarity rings. It is a brown ring made out of palm tree something or another. They symbolize solidarity with the poor. It means I am willing to give up my life of gold and silver jewelry to be more in unity with the community I am living with and serving. I absolutely love the meaning behind the rings. I completely agree with it and wear my ring all the time (although I have to be careful since it is a little too big and I don’t want it to fall off).
The issue with the rings is who makes them. There is a man in Punta Gorda who does not want the “white people” (ie Jesuit Volunteers) there. He has stolen many times from the JV house and done a lot of other inappropriate things. He has been supported by the Church though because at the end of the day, he is another child of God. Although this man has some issues and does harm, there is good in him. To help this man turn his life around, he makes the solidarity rings that are given to people. For me, and I know many of us, that causes a moral issue. We believe in solidarity and love the meaning of the rings, but to support the man behind them is supporting someone who you know robs from you. It is a very interesting issue. I find it very difficult to always be at peace and find the good in everyone, such as this man. I know that is not very “Christian” of me, but that is how I feel. It is difficult to be open and accepting of everyone.
I could type for a long time more about different things I have experienced, but I have my first staff meeting in 15 minutes. Eek, I am very nervous! I have yet to meet my boss or have any idea what I am doing. Wish me luck! (although by the time I post this, it will be way after the fact. Oh well, better late than never, right?).