Saying Goodbyes....

The last day was a blast! The coaches and Liza scrimmaged the boys' team. The sidelines were packed, and there was much anticipation leading up to it all week. Sadly, the Holy Cross coach would not include the girls and told them they needed to rest up for their game the next day. We tried to change that plan, but had to be careful about stepping on toes. The inequity between the boys and girls was one of our biggest issues. If and when I go back, continuing to spend time with the girls will be a main focus again.

Also, Mr. Bood and Mrs. Williams presented me with their video and pen pal letters. The teachers said this was the happiest they had seen these children. They truly wish they could meet their pen pals in person and show such joy when making the cards and video. I will work hard to keep this relationship up and look forward to sharing so many personal stories with our fifth graders about their friends.


Phew, that is a lot of travelling, but we are back safe and sound. It was so great to see Scott, Maclean and Tahoe, but not the cold and ice. I am sad today because I wish we had had more time with the wonderful people in Belize. Maclean made fun of us at breakfast because she said we acted like we knew the whole town of San Pedro, but by the end, we felt that way. So many of them are connected, and everyone is so kind, welcoming (maybe too much so at times) and grateful for our visit. The kids seemed truly sad to say good bye, especially Geariel, Lizbeth, Calvin, Elsner, Antu, Paulina, Cruz, and Mr. Bood. They are all so full of love and in search of friends, help and opportunity. They do not take anything for granted. Perhaps the more each of us has, the more we forget to appreciate it. Anyway, I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to meet such amazing people, see a beautiful place and be with Liza for a whole week straight, even without plumbing, TV and American food. Ali, Justin and Geoff were greater people than I could have imagined to travel with. They were awesome to let a mother and an eighth grader tag along with the fun twenty some year olds. They were all three so impressive, motivated, fun and honest people. Often people asked if I was everyone's mother, and I would have been proud to claim them all. In fact, they were such a terrific example for Liza to be around all week. I miss them already and look forward to keeping up with them.

Although I am a bit sad today that it is all over (and to deal with all this laundry), I am so so happy to see Maclean and Scott and my fabulous fifth graders tomorrow! I missed you guys! Thanks for taking the time to read these accounts.

Go Ravens!

XO