Bye Bye Belize

 Time to depart Belize taking one boat from Punta Gorda to the Honduras border.  It was a rainy day, again, and I woke up early to take a walk through the market. I bought some banana bread, which was super fresh.  The market consists of fruits and vegetables, special spices, and Belize specialty items. 


It starts on the water and then ends closer to the city. I ended up buying a coconut for an older gentlemen, 65 years old and selling coconuts since childhood.  Of course , I had my line of questions to learn about his background and why he enjoy his job.  He reported enjoying the social interaction with people and also it's been passed down in time. 

These are the people that just make my heart melt.  The ones passionate about simple jobs, the ones who love their home country, and their base for social learning comes from customer interaction. Thanks Ronald!

The center city of Punta Gorda is interesting as you have these, "cultural kitchens" all over with people turning their small houses into restaurants.  When buying my ticket for the boat, I asked where I can buy a water.  I walked upstairs and there was a kitchen and on the porch women were all sewing scarfs. When I asked what was happening there, he informed me that his wife and himself rented out that space for local mothers to work.  They assist them in selling what they make in the market-wonderful, just wonderful.


In Punta Gorda, you see real culture and real Belize. It is not sugar coated with tourist friendly spots rather it is just Belize. You can meet authentic locals who can share with you about their culture and how the live. You can also meet people who aren't so interested in sharing, but that's okay too because that is the reality of some places.

                                   

             

Nature's Way Guest House

It's amazing how far kindness can go with people.  Being kind, courteous, respectful, interested, and caring has opened up so many doors for me when traveling. 

When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are specific ways to get yourself ahead of the game. When talking with the owner or initial person(usually referring to the owner or person in charge). Instead of thinking about your needs, the price, where you can go to eat, what to do-try the opposite. Ask what they enjoy to do, where they like to eat, when they started the guest house, comment on the atmosphere and decor positively-make a positive imprint on their memory.
 It's okay to spend some time talking with them instead of rushing in and wanting to plug your phone in and go on WIFI. When you take time and acknowledge people, it will change your stay in extraordinary ways.   

When I arrived at Nature's Way guest house, I was shouted at from an office. He told me to walk forward and I did towards his office. He was sitting in the chair with his feet up on the desk. It looked as if he was swimming in a pile of books and old posters filling up the walls.  For me, this is just like an instant conversation starter. My being gravitates towards scholars and well educated people, especially of the older generation. I always want to learn from them-always, always. Professors, supervisors, and those with true life experience, which is how our being learns just through experience.   

Therefore, I told him that I was only in town for a night and was headed to Honduras. I shared with him my mission and we talked about his amazing travels and work in the military. We shared what we love about Mayan culture and Guatemala.  He had two daughters and you could see the pure passion and love in his eyes.  His pride towards their accomplishments and his desire to Thoughts always cross my mind with this generation,

 "Wouldn't it be great to have a father to discuss all these theories, experiences, passions, epiphanies, and beliefs with?"

Anyways, we just kept talking until his other old friend named Charlie chimed in with our conversation. I was standing there with my bags at my feet and after all this conversation, we talked about the room. You have to put the effort in first.  
I put my bag down and I am all ready to put my bag away and take a shower. 

" We don't have a room- we are completely full with the private group here, but I can help you find something else."

" Sure, that would be great." Still extremely nice and happy. 

He drew a small map and pointed them out and I am thinking, "Please don't make me do this." It is pouring rain and I do not have the energy with my backpack and extra bag.  

We still keep chatting a bit more and then he tells me he is sorry because he knows it's raining. He is looking at me and I am putting my backpack on and he says,
"You know what I never gave you a tour."

I am thinking, " Does this man know how exhausted I am."

I smile and say, "Ok sure."

He says, " I want to show you the part upstairs we are going to remodel." 

We walk up the stairs and there is a nice bathroom, 3 bedrooms, and just some construction pieces here and there-nothing major. We walk towards the corner where there is a bunk bed, a fan, mosquito net, and a cool breeze coming from the window from the beach. 

He says," If it's okay with you, you can stay here tonight."

I smile brightly, "Yes, it's definitely okay. 

His wife is downstairs grumbling a bit at first because I heard that no one except family stays upstairs. 

I made friends with his wife and gave her some nice compliments and I was thankful to have a nice place to stay. 

It's amazing how far acknowledgement and time can go.

PRIS

If I would have just rushed in and said, " Hi, do you have a room? The answer would have been, "No, we do not try two hotels down the street."

Punta Gorda

And there I went off to Punta Gorda. I was the only tourist on the bus and the backpack gave it away.  The backpacker's traditional bag will always give away your tourist identity.  I did not look extra special that day so I could of just blended in with the locals.

One of the greatest things about traveling is when you think it's over. I thought that this trip had pretty much ended in Placencia, but it continues and so does the beauty. 

Belize is one of the worlds last unspoiled destinations. Sometimes it's beauty is incredibly shown and other times you just look at it very puzzled.  

This last bus ride demonstrated the beauty of the Southern coastline. The bus was peaceful and I was able to stare out into the crystal clear waters.

Along the coast were vacation rentals and mansions-this was a beautiful place to live. The beauty is clear.

Arriving in Punta Gorda center, just confused again. 

The driver recommend a Green environmental guest house down the road so I went to check it out. It just started to rain and I had no energy to go searching for something. 

This was on the beach and 5 minutes from the boat terminal in the morning. 

Conversations with God:

"I can't do the walking with the bag and my extra stuff." 

Lets strike a good deal over here.  

Placencia

                       

"In many ways the Placencia Peninsula presents a microcosm of the best Belize has to offer. Over twelve miles of untrammeled golden beaches look out onto scores of enchanting cayes, the barrier reef and beyond that the pristine atolls. It’s an ideal base for amazing diving and snorkeling – including our famous whale sharks, as well as world class fly fishing and trolling. But marine attractions are only half the story. Across the Placencia Lagoon via a perfectly paved road lay all the wonders of the southern mainland: the majestic Maya Mountains, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers and the inspiring cities of the ancient Maya. Some visitors even manage to experience both surf and turf in the same day.

-Placencia Website-

-

Unfortunately, I did not do any of the Placencia activities because I was on a mission to get out of Belize and into Honduras, but I did eat some amazing Creole Grub-Fresh lobster with some yam bisque. Again, this Creole food rarely disappoints my stomach and it rarely makes it to the camera. I am just sitting and enjoying it bite by bite thinking how do they make this amazing food.  

Don't cry for me Argentina

It was time for the game and I was ready to sit in a nice outdoor place order a cold club soda and some food. I found the cutest place full of bright colors with guy a good size TV. I didn't really have a choice to go find something on the beach because the weather was its usual rainy self. 

I got the perfect solo seat in front next to some nice girls from Israel and a local guy who owns a travel agency. He was full of personality, sharp and up to date with current events and the world. His company was fantastic and we were both rooting for Argentina- of course.

 Who wants a European team to win the World Cup? 

At least Colombia and Costa Rica were close, but really everyone was rooting for Costa Rica in Central America. I kept complaining, throwing my hands up in the air, and he was amused with attitude. 

The most interesting part about this game was making the bet. Bets always make games just a bit more interesting. 

My bet was my future fate-if Argentina wins, I move to Argentina. With Argentina and Chile on my mind, this was a good bet to make and better yet a serious one. When I was living in LA, I flipped a coin to move to New York or San Francisco. It landed 2 out of 3 on New York and then after that I received all the confirmations to go-so I did. This made me a lot more upset when Germany would score because I do want to live in Argentina. 

During half time I walked over to see the beach- it looked beautiful and clear water. I passed in and out of bars and restaurants checking on the game and asking which team was going to win. I never cease to amaze myself with the entertainment factor.

Nevertheless, what was more interesting were the unique shops and creative food places serving Amazing creole food all over. Expats, foreigners, and Americans open up their own restaurants and stores Ex. Candy store, cafe, clothing boutique, jewelry store etc. 

Overall, It seemed kind of dead and everything was closed, therefore I thought the best decision would be to take the boat right after the game. 

Everyone knows the story. Argentina lost and Germany one and Priscilla didn't move to Argentina. Que triste! 

People were very sad about Argentina not winning it and South America was even more bummed I'm sure. 

My friend,Sam, had to go back to work and advised me to take the last boat or I would have to wait til tomorrow morning uhhh no gracias!

Aloe Vera to the Rescue

Many people suffer from insect bites and Belize, but only special people receive the real, good stuff. Aloe vera straight from the tree.  When you have your legs change from a leg to a Belizian leg-that means Aloe Vera 911 call. 

Luckily, I had the pleasure of getting the "Belizian legs." I was told this by the Belizian mothers I was working with at camp. This means your legs are dark and you have white scars from the insect bites. You're legs look a Black and white Dalmatian dog all mismatched and scarred up.  It is not a pretty site and besides that the itching is the worst.

Mr. Mojito told me that the fresh Aloe Vera is the ultimate cure. He says that it will cure the scars, the itching, and everything will disappear. Clearly I know he is partially truthful and partially exaggerating.  Regardless, I tell him to please go cut some off the tree. 
(Seriously, how can one not love all these organic remedies? The medicinal plants are incredible!)
Mr. Mojito walks in with this beautiful, fresh piece of Aloe.  I run up to him and immediately say, "Thank you, Thank you." I am just sitting and staring at it like a weirdo and people around who have the same bite problem look envious. 

After I use it in my room over and over, I realize that I still have a lot left and I don't need all of it. 

Being caring Priscilla, I decide to walk over to my next door neighbor and deliver some Aloe vera. My next door neighbor happened to be the cute, Belgium, European guy.  Of course, the leader of the pack opened up the door. 

"Hi, I just stopped by with some fresh aloe vera for.."

I'm peaking my head in the door and I see the Belgium laying down underneath a massive, mosquito net. He looks disoriented and possibly drunk. 

Unfortunately, I get no eye contact, no goodbye-nada!

"Well, um I just wanted to bring this for you guys. You rub it on your legs for the mosquito bites and it's very soothing."

I smile and look over trying to get some attention from the European who is passed out and looks unconscious. 

Tom says, "Wow, thanks Priscilla that was so nice of you to share this with us" "Have a great trip back home and let's keep in touch."

I am peeking my head into the room and "Bam" the door is shut in my face.

Well, clearly he had a crush on me so he was pulling his "keep Priscilla away from European" moves.  It was quite cold and immature, but that's life. 
                          CE LA VIE

Intervention

As a brave soul, I let me curiosity take me into places I should not always be in.  This always happens with the desire to learn about people. Also, to make myself available to them as people gravitate towards me and his spirit.  People want to share intimate details about their life, they want advice, they want help, they want acknowledgement, they want to learn, they want to feel good, and they want to feel cared about and loved.

With this said, I went wondering through the houses to see a worn down house with a porch full of brown wooden boards all in a pile. Behind it, I found a man passed out and with a beer bottle laying on the ground. I tapped on the shoulder and he jumped up. I greeted him kindly and he was confused as to who I was and what I was doing there.  He kindly said, "Excuse me" and turned away to fix his hair and button up his shirt.  He looked Filipino, but clearly he was part of the local Mayan tribe.  He was thin with a dark dress shirt all wrinkled and beat up khaki cargo pants. He had a nice kind face and feet with no shoes. 

He presented with paranoia and anxiety and he said loudly, "Who sent you here?"

He was stuttering and said, "Did the police send you?"

He couldn't understand why I was there and I simply told him,
 "I just want to talk to you." 

I patted his shoulder and smiled and we sat down on the steps to the house.  He shared that this was his house that he owns with his wife.  His wife takes care of him and loves him even with all the drinking.  After a few questions, his drinking problem quickly rose to the surface.  We discussed his alcohol consumption, habits, reason for drinking, impact on family, etc. He opened up and shared his desires to quit(most addicts are great manipulators saying they will quit and they never do). 
To confirm, his interest in quitting drinking, he took the empty beer bottles on the ground and threw them away.  He then asked me to come towards the tree and I did. He cut a mango for me and then cut a big coconut for me to drink and one for himself.  

There we were outside the formal setting of social work, in the village, sharing a coconut and a one hour session together. 
It's hard to come up with substitute activities for a client when they are living in a village-it's limited.  However, the inspiration and religious component is priceless.  When I asked if he believed in Jesus, he shook his head and said, "Yes, oh yes." When I gave my inspiration speech about life and living it fully. When the body lives well, our life finds a way to live well too.
It was lunchtime and time for him to go home to his wife. His smile, his handshake, and his heart thanked me.

       One great moment in a sea of many PRIS 

Real Village Exploration

After church, I was captivated by the neighborhood. With a beautiful day and a love for villages, I was ready to explore it.



What does Explore mean for an Average tourist?
It means go in with a guide, stop with the group to talk to a couple people living in the village, take photos, talk to people in the group, take more photos, and after an hour-leave.

What does Explore mean for Priscilla?


It means to use all five senses to fully take in the environment. This means to examine, analyze, observe with your nose, eyes, ears, and touch. The fruits, the plants, the trees, the grass, the housing, the animals, the front yards, the sky, the sounds-fully immerse yourself into what's in front of you.  Put down the electronic device or limit your use.


When you are walking through the village, let your body take you somewhere else in time.  Let yourself wonder about how this village came about. What was it like 100 years ago? It's a time to use your imagination and creativity and this happens the most when you're alone.  

When you're alone, you are more likely to meet locals and talk with people about their customs and life traditions. It may feel outside of your comfort zone, but once you get past the fear it's a wonderful feeling. Instead of feeling afraid of being in an unknown place or working off false stereotypes-give people a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Some people truly do not feel comfortable and prefer to explore with the group-this is okay.
Although, there are many who have the desire and need to truly explore and they just don't properly utilize it. 

After I realized that the tourists are given tours through  these villages. My own tour was much more pleasurable, educational, and interesting.  For example, I spoke with a beautiful women and her son about her turkey farm. How many turkeys does she have? What do the turkeys eat? What's her family life like and is she happy living in this village? 

I walked around the village  utilizing all my senses-petting the horse, smelling flowers, eating a fresh mango, and learning children's play games. I helped a lady carry her enormous jug of water, which she said they use for everything including bathing, cooking, cleaning etc. 

A couple men were pulling weeds and I smiled at them, but they were not interested in the tourist-fair game-can't win them all. Baby chicks were following me straight into a coconut tree in the middle of a farm. The sun shined down in between the clouds alternating between

.bright sun and clouds

                                 

While the label of poverty would be mainly associated with these shacks, I do not focus on the label. It's a matter of the person, their lifestyle, and happiness. These people in this "touristic" village were content with their lives. They had the church, support from the Mayan center, a few local made restaurants, and plenty of nature and livestock. It was not a village to feel bad for rather it was one to feel proud for in a real way. Again, religion was sliding these people down a rainbow into a happier tomorrow.  And the best part was that you can see God's presence amongst this divine setting. 

The Religious Experience

Let's just say that I'm the type of person who thrives with different cultures. I love to learn about them intimately through real conversations, real learning of their everyday life, cooking with them, eating with them, attempting to work with them, and most of all: praying with them-learning about the role Christ plays in their lives. How does the church, prayer, religious community, music, gospel- get them through the day. 


There is always a curiosity to learn about how people accept their religion into their life. Whether it's a Hindu temple, a Mosque in Morocco, a Buddhist temple, or a Church- There is full commitment to being present and learning through ritual ceremony. I don't just float into take photos rather I want to be present for their religious experience to feel what it's like. 

When it comes to the Church, it's my number one place and my favorite place to visit.  To see how beautiful God's presence can be in a small space, a big space, a historic space, a fancy space-what matters is how people are interpreting this space.  How are they internalizing the message, the Eucharist, his spirit, the music, the Pastor etc. It's just a beautiful time to feel the moment and internalize what is being said. 

What if you cannot understand what is being said? It does not apply because you are still focusing on what you're feeling, observing, your senses and taking in the surrounding.  If you see the church committee smile and carry in the flower arrangement- you can see the love and the joy in their expressions. When you hear the Pastor's voice elevate and his tone of expression shift higher and lower, you can learn to identify what he is referencing. It just takes active listening and a positive attitude and will to learn. 

Over the years, I have attended services in French, Spanish, Bulgarian, Italian, Russian, and English.  In Morocco, I had an option to attend English services and I decided to attend French to learn and I felt connected to the French choir and my lovely Pastor. It just felt so right even though I only understand bits and pieces of the service. What felt right was the overall religious experience. It does not matter the language or the country rather it is how you connect to the overall experience with your observations, senses, and connecting with people and spirit.  It's not about hearing the historical text and knowing exactly what was said, but in this new experience. 

How Do You Feel?

What Do You Feel?

What is The Feeling?

Why Do You Feel This Way? 

Leaving Monkey Bay

It's funny when you stay at a place for a short period of time, you still manage to get yourself connected to the people and place. Of course, this depends on the person, but for someone like me- I connect. 

With such short time, you can be setting yourself up for disaster with deep connections and no time for follow up, continued sessions, or even continued contact. This is difficult for clients, some more than others, and it's just important to be professional and realistic with your goals, building connections for the client, and community supports in place. It is always important to set up boundaries and reminders that your time is short, but to make the most of every day and every moment.  There is always those sad goodbye's and hopes to see one another again. It stings at first, but it gets easier with time for both the therapist and the client. 

This does not always apply to clients rather it applies to a whole community. The guy who works at the local shop, the local family you get to know, your director, the restaurant owner next door, neighborhood kids. As a connect with an organization in one city, I connect with who surrounds it as well. It's a beautiful experience, which takes it's place staying in the heart and then I go onto the next one.  

Working with the whole MG community and with Monkey Bay created more connections and more difficulty saying, "Goodbye." The words we shared were so profound involving how blessed we were to be brought together. One of the Directors, Mrs. Francis who brought the cake, said the nicest things that I am forever thankful and adore her. The same goes for Mrs. R. When people appreciate you and acknowledge your work, your passion, and your existence-it's priceless. That is what the work is about working together and not competing against one another. In US, many people recognize how amazing I work with people and they don't want to give proper recognition because they are jealous and competitive. Don't get me wrong-there are many who give me amazing praise, but there are also those who are envious and want to see me fail.  This was not the case at Monkey Bay or MG Heights or almost never when I am traveling.  It's my own work, my own passion, and I make it happen.  People see it, they are thankful, and we make lives better together.  

Unfortunately, I did not get to say goodbye to my favorite cook. I wrote her a letter and made sure she knew that she was the most amazing cook ever.  Also, I did not get to say my goodbyes to the other director. Another one who was appreciative and amazingly smart creating a wonderful organization 20 years ago.  

Of course, Mrs. Francis had set up the bus for me to leave with my boys. They were going the same direction and I decided I would check out Placencia for a day on the way to Punta Gorda- if the weather would cooperate.  The bus was leaving at 6am sharp and I made sure to get myself out on the bus with 2 buddies from the camp.  The three of us were ready to leave and just pulling away.  There was a knock on the window and I was thinking who could be knocking that be this early. 

It was my Director. 

He smiled brightly and said, "Thank you for your incredible work here." "Please come see us again and we will work something out for you." 

"Bye.", Priscilla is blushing with pink cheeks.

"Okay guys. Vamanos"

And off we went South where they dropped me off at the Mayan Cultural Center.

   

Hover Cover

When I eat in Belize I literally hover over my plate like a turtle. The food has been so good including the chicken. Being a pescatarian (fish and eggs), I decided to start eating white meat more consistently and I am enjoying it very much. 

 Whenever I eat, I think where do they get these chickens? They are clearly right off the farm and just like an organic chicken breast from Whole Foods-except they are half the price. The usual meal in Belize and Guatemala includes chicken. It's cooked as jerk chicken, barbecue, roasted, sweet chili, and it's delicious! 

Again, I just sit and wonder how I do they make this- it's so good. 

That's what goes on in my head during a typical Belizian meal.

Desperate Home Make Over

Mrs. R is not only an incredible woman when it comes to community organizing/outreach, being resourceful, and making things happen.  She is a woman who loves home design and her home is one that is difficult to work with and quite small. She loves the colors purple and red. She loves paintings and bright colored drapes. But most of all....she loves a home that feels like home.  
With her busy days, she would love to just come home and feel relaxed and happy to be home.  Instead, she feels uncomfortable and tired of having no space to breathe between her three kids, herself, and her husband-it is quite a tight squeeze.  She helps so many other people, but she doesn't have her own space to breathe and reboot.  

With this conversation, I could not help, but feel empathy for her.  The times when I stay with my Mom, I feel uncomfortable and completely unwelcome by my brother. "Home" does not feel like "Home." It's a horrible feeling and no one should ever have to feel that way.  While she has a happy family and a good relationship with her husband and kids-it is more of just the exterior that needs to be cleaned up.  I made some suggestions on how to create more space in the house, colors that would brighten up the rooms. Fresh paint and a few nice wall hangings or paintings can make such a difference. 

Unfortunately, Mrs. R feels that her house needs more than just some fresh ideas inside rather she just wants a new one. The house is quite small with a couch hardly fitting in the living room area.  The one she has does not have any springs and has been stained from years and years of use. The children have hole's in their mattresses with little space to walk let alone play.   
It's been 12 years of living in her house and she prays for something new.  

With all her participation in the neighborhood, she should have opportunity to move into another house.  All the houses are given by the government with no payment required.  She is the one running the medical clinic out of her tiny living room. It doesn't even make sense to have a space that small for medical purposes.  Sometimes she has people lining up outside her house at night. It's just such an unfortunate situation.  

When I watch her speak about her dreams of having a new house, I get tears in my eyes with her simple requests. She is not asking to move out of her community, but she just wants some more space. Space to design, space to put a couch, space for her children to sleep, space for her to do her work, and space to raise a family. As for me, I also want this space for her and I think about ways to make it happen. The reality is sitting in the back seat. The reality is tapping me on the shoulder.  As I sit in the front seat, I am reminded that there is only one thing I can do to help her: I can pray.  I dream about having her on one of our American TV home makeover shows. I imagine her face and how happy she would be, how happy the kids would be, but it's just far from reality.  I believe that anything is possible to to the extent of God's grace. 

Is it possible for her to get a new house one day? Yes, it is possible. Prayer is required and constant belief that change out of ones normal circumstances is possible.

Some people in Belize stay in poverty because they believe that is where they belong. They give up their hope and surrender to their culture's negative impact on their being, their strengths, values, and purpose.  They are left behind to wonder and dream about what a life having money would be like. They don't wonder about purpose rather they focus on the materialism-how money would change their life for the better.  

Money or a bigger house would not change Mrs. R's life in materialistic way. It would give her the comfort, the space, and the home that she deserves.  She deserves to come home, sit on the couch, read a book, and feel relaxed.  She deserves it more than anyone I know.  

The prayer will continue for this lovely, amazing woman. PRIS

Groups, Cards, and Euros

There was a nice group of Europeans interning at MB bay who were working on completing their MBA.  They were the same age as me and all very kind, reserved, and mellow. They were all from Belgium with the exception of one from Colombia.

Often I observed  them playing cards together. It had seemed they loved cards, and  they loved doing everything Together.  They were always sitting in a group for meals, work, and social time. I never saw them engaging with another local besides some tourists from the US and they never separated to even give themselves a chance to meet someone new i.e. meet a Belizian person. They just stuck together like glue, which made it difficult to get to know one of them individually.   

One night they invited me to play cards so  I decided to be social and act interested in the game.  I was my usual entertaining self and I was capturing the attention of the cute, French speaking boy from Belgium. He has this French, broken English accent that I fancy.  He was not my tall, dark, and handsome type, but he had dirty blond hair, cute dimples, great smile, nice physique. OK-he was cute.  

During the game, he was being so sweet teaching me the rules and he would change his voice in the sexy French romantic way. He put his hand on mine when I lost to console me.  He was sweet, cute, responsible, nice-all the things that a normal girl should go for yet Priscilla likes the unavailable, mysterious, beautiful players. 

When it comes down to it, this was not a social trip and I was very busy with MH. I did not focus on meeting someone or staying up late playing cards. I focused on people and making an impact. Although, in my life it has always been possible for me to do both. It was time for me to be social therefore I decided to invite the group out to Amigos to enjoy some food and the Euros enjoy some drinks.  It was so funny when I asked them because they acted so sweet and almost honored. I'm sure it would be a fun time where we could spend time talking, sharing our travels and experiences, or we could be......

Cycle of Abuse

My first day working in the MH community, I watched a Mom tease her child on the bus and smack her a few times. She had such anger in her eyes and she kept teasing the girl when she was not even misbehaving. I saw it coming as I know the culture I had signed up to work with- Afro Carribean. 

It is common for abuse to occur within this culture and its a battle for therapists who are trying to encourage more positive methods. The clients at working based off their experience with discipline and punishment. 

The cultural impacts on parenting can have a huge influence leaving a therapist at a loss. Working with a few mothers, It took some time to get them comfortable, but when they were I had them just where I wanted them. We had an open discussion about hitting. One parent said she learned better ways to handle her kids. The other offered positive solutions, but it's clear she was going to go right back to her old ways. Getting through to the one parent is progress with this population.

As far as the other parents, I did not get a chance to work with them because their work schedule. It was clear that abuse was a central part of the community, which I had to work through. One day I was teaching a lesson and through the aisle comes my volunteer chasing her granddaughter with a tree branch. I watch them pass by as she follows her out the door. I understand they are going to keep their abusive ways, but can you please keep it out of my camp and out of the church. I don't think that is asking too much.

As far as witnessing the abuse, I never get myself involved with a parents discipline as that is their own situation to handle. You never interrupt a parent and tell them the right way to parent their children. There are different ways to bring up the conversation to effectively address the topic. 

What is truly important is to establish a rapport and put yourself in their shoes. Think about a cousin, a family member, a time you were baby sitting, a movie you watched, and let yourself think about how difficult the job must be. When you empathize, it makes the door a lot easier to open to discuss deeper things.  You can make suggestions based off your experience, but in a kind, gentle, non-confrontational, and non-superior manner.  

There may be many cultural barriers, but one has to keep that in mind.  It's a lot of work to teach someone something completely foreign to them. They were given this job of motherhood and they are just doing it the only way they know how.  A way that is taught by the culture to use verbal and physical abuse.  If we teach them something new, there is a chance they might try it.  

Keep smiling kids and believe in a better tomorrow! 

Mama Jones

There is only room for one Big Mamma in Belize and that is Mama Jones.  She was suppose to come to make jewelry with the kids, but she came late and the kids were gone. Mrs. Ravel had a meeting so I just sat with her. I did not exactly know who she was until she told me about all her amazing work.  She started a program for young women to start their own business with sewing, she teaches classes at her own school, she plans weddings, and she has her own ministry.  Her knowledge of the bible is impeccable as she quotes so much scripture I honestly can't keep up.   

Mama teaching how to make earrings

  

It was  nice having someone listen to me for a change as I addressed some of my concerns with ministry work. I feel like that is where God has placed me on this trip, but I told her I feel so much judgement from others. 

She told me to follow God's purpose no matter what and to follow the signs. I think I am pretty good at tuning into these signs, symbols, and people that come across my path.  She shared her personal experiences and signs that lead her to ministry.  I had been feelings some doubt this day specifically, but she empowered me to get back on the boat and keep paddling. 

She asked me to stay to work on an upcoming project she had- quite tempting I must say, but next project was already planned. The amount of people that ask me to stay and all the times I just have to keep moving-so many. 

Youth, Gangs, Shots Fired

As for the youth age 14-20, I had individual sessions with them about their life struggles, environmental pressure, handling anger, family situations, social supports, making short term and long term goals, jobs, and independent living skills.  It was difficult to meet with the youth because of the time frame I had allotted for youth. With my  curfew at Monkey Bay, I could only run the youth groups from 2 to 5 and this was not the time the youth were available.  Youth came out after 6 or 6:30 and for my Director, this was past dark and past my curfew.  I did the best that I could with the youth I did meet. I also personally went to the homes to stop by and meet them.  Many times they were not home, but at least I tried. 

As for my youth I did meet, they were all boys with the exception of a few girls.  The one young girl was completely house bound.  She was home schooled and only let out of the house with adult supervision.   She was sixteen and one could imagine how tough this must me for a young girl.  Her mother wanted to protect her from all the trouble going on outside, which there was trouble. Drug use, burglary/theft, and promiscuous behaviors i.e. girls pregnant at 12 years old. We discussed some ways to find her freedom and enjoy herself. I requested to speak with her mother, but her mother was working during the day. 

 One young boy was applying to work at a computer store and we practiced interviewing. Another was just turning his life around from gangs and fighting. He found himself in the same struggle most do-trying to stay away. This was very common territory and it flash backed right to Compton when I worked with those caught in gang wars.  It's truly such an awful thing when you want out of a gang, but you are stuck living right in the middle of it.  

The thing with gangs in Belize is that there is red vs. blue and there is the power of association.  This is present in all gangs, but in Belize it seems like more of a chain effect.  When you are a part of the gang, everyone around you is involved.  Just 2 boys were killed that day at the local store. Shot. Point blank. They had no gang association, but their cousin did so they shot them.  It was so sad what was happening just when I was there. There was one death after the next with gang violence. 

 One of our mentors, Mama Jones, did not show up for her jewelry lesson because her grandson was shot and killed. It was all connected with this person knowing that person and a whole community left completely saddened. How could something like this happen all in just one week? It was complete tragedy hearing one story after the next all due to gang violence.

 Of course nothing is being done by the government to prevent this rather it continues to be problematic in the community.   Even Mama Jones said, there is nothing that we can do rather we just have to pray. And that is what we did. We prayed for those young souls lost due to gang violence.

Believe in Me Summer Camp

When you work with children, you gain experience each and every time.  You know what exercises and activities are a hit and when students can handle a challenge. It was my mission to make sure everyone was participating and at least putting in some effort.  Kids were often seeking my praise, which increased their motivation and interest in learning.   

Overall, the camp was quite successful with the kids and the community.  Local parents, teachers, the pastor, and others responded very well to my work and dedication to the community.  Each day things were hectic and some days were better than others, but with teamwork we achieved our goal. 

With the help of a few parents and And it was the amazing commitment from Mrs. Ravel, which made things come together with short notice.  

There was plenty to do in the daytime between the 50 to 100 students in attendance, meetings with parents, and community outreach.  It was my responsibility to plan all the activities and it was Mrs. Ravel's responsibility to get the kids to show up.  This required going around the community and reminding everyone of the camp.  Each morning we started with a song followed by aerobics. The activities following involved therapeutic and psycho-educational verbal exercises and games. It required some serious creativity tailoring exercises for the age 4 to 13 age group.






We planned to split them up, but the volunteers partially showed up.  And with our limited resources, we had to limit the materials we used.  I did go to the store with Mrs. Ravel to purchase a few things, but supplies in Belize are limited and super expensive.  There are only a couple stores that sell arts and crafts and they sell $7 crayons-it's ridiculous. How do these poor people afford anything.

When we walked in, I was like, "Um this is it?" 

She said, "Yes, welcome to Belize."

 "Um, isn't there just a dollar store or some discount store?" 

"This is it." 

With that said, I bought a beach ball and some other fun and easy activities with balloons. I was advised to not purchase anything, but I went against the hierarchy.  I had been advised to not purchase anything for the program-not one thing. 

With this community, the kids were very respectful saying, "No Maam" and "Yes Maam." When it came to me assigning leaders to tasks or asking for helpers, they could not have been more eager. When activities were starting and ending, there were always kids cleaning up-sweeping the floor, pushing in chairs, and picking up papers.  From their upbringing, they help out at home and are taught to respect their teachers and adults.  



As far as the older kids, ages 8 to 12, they were open to discuss their feelings and share their experiences.  I always have this close connection with boys and these group of 6 to 8 boys were fantastic. They were so kind, polite, we worked and we had fun together. We had a mutual respect and with this we met our goals while having fun and enjoying activities. Their biggest challenge was working together as a team and making compromises.  They were encouraged to push through activities they did not want to complete together and they learned a dose of patience.

Mrs. Ravel would say, "Priscilla they don't know anything about teamwork."

 I would say, "Well now is the time to learn."

That is the whole point of my presence to challenge them and help them learn better social skills, listening, teamwork, and coping.  
With Priscilla's  therapy, there is always some skill being practiced even when they don't believe it.  
                                   Jump!

                         Pris morning workout 

Musical chairs

                                  Deyra 

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Herbert 

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Mrs. Ravel´s kids I adored

Singing Jesus songs in the Church

Bracelet making 

Our two wonderful volunteers

Brother and Sister

Feeling Exercises 

They won the Scavenger Hunt

Favorite Little Boy 

Favorite boys 

Soccer with Rock nets

Volleyball

Sponge Relay Reward 

The Teamwork Train