Architreks: Belize: Maskal Village

the snakeman in front of his house

Two days in and I already feel at home here. Maybe it’s the similar flora and fauna to Hawaii. Maybe it’s the similar crickets, critters, and snakes to Tennessee (although I am quite glad we do not have Jaguars in TN…), or maybe it’s just the fact that Belizean people are so dang nice. And happy! Every single person we have encountered has embraced us with open, trusting arms and it truly feels awesome.

Miss Mary wakes up early to cook our breakfast and walk the mile down the lane to catch the bus to bring it to us. All of the village (and some from the next village) parents send their kids from down bumpy lanes, through jungle groves, across streams to come spend the morning with us…and then trust that we will get them back safely at some point. The people of King’s College trust that we will do more help for them than harm in our renovation project. J And so far we have.

We had a fender bender today when returning from dropping off the last kid. We were slowing to make a left turn in the van, and a car hit us while trying to hurry around. All of the locals came trickling of the weather-worn houses that dotted the street. All were trying to help and offer services in the no-service cell zone. I followed one man on a bicycle back to his 2-room house where he and his wife and kids sat with me while we attempted to call the police. They used their phone card to dial 2 different police stations, trying to get us some help. Finally they called collect to reach a third police station and someone picked up! I can’t get past this man’s generosity to help a stranger by offering his personal phone card; it’s obviously not as simple as picking up a phone and dialing 9-1-1.

The first day having the kids yesterday was stressful; 79 kids and me having to quickly learn how to be a teacher and leader. However, today went a thousand times better. The kids are teaching me that I don’t have to have every single thing planned. They have fun no matter how organized I am, and no matter what we are doing. They exude joy in just being. The kids are so sweet and respectful to each other. Each of them knows every other one (91 kids today), and they look out for each other. It’s really an amazing lesson in community and I hope to find a place with such a sense of community to raise my kids one day.