Sunday, January 15, 2012
Here At Last
Wow! Yesterday was the longest day ever. We left our house at 5am for a 7am flight. We did spend a few hours in the Dallas airport, grabbed some food, and Liza worked on some homework. That is one huge airport. We then took another plane to Belize City. Upon landing, we saw a great deal of lush green swampy land, mostly open and barren. The few wooden shacks are up on stilts. There were so many friendly natives smiling, ready to help as we climbed down the stairs of the plane. Of course my favorite was the small Raggae band sitting in the middle of the luggage rack with their tip bucket. Liza was wide eyed and smiling, never having been south of Florida.
Then we proceeded to go through customs and find our seven huge duffels, all there safely! I hadn't made plans yet to get over to the island where we are staying, Ambergris Caye, and I knew all boats and flights stop around 5:30. A very nice man in the airport rushed us to Tropic Air, asked for my credit card and told me that was our route. It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, Liza and I were in this little 10 seater plane, and she was up the cockpit with the pilot. I quickly thought of Maclean and Cha Cha and said a quick prayer! :) Actually, it was amazing and only lasted 15 minutes. The deep blue ocean, hundreds of little cayes and the endless reef off in the distance were just some of the gorgeous sights.
The town of San Pedro is bustling with people on bikes, carts, stray dogs, many stands selling food and handmade jewelry items. Anyone and everyone will talk to you, bless you, and ask you if you want to buy something. It is definitely a poor area, and the people seem so nice.
We met up with Ali, and our new friend, Justin, for a quick dinner. Justin had travelled all day as well, so he too was foggy like I felt. We wandered around and stopped at a little place where Justin could get the lobster burritos he had heard about. Liza tried her first papoussa, and I had a yummy shrink kabab.
We are staying in a little place called the Conch Shell Inn. It is a little motel right on the water. It is a little small and rustic,no AC, a corner room next two two bars and a side street that had activity most of the night. Eventually we both put headphones on and dozed from complete exhaustion.
My goal today is to make progress on this lousy cold I brought with me. I will post some pictures later.
Miss everyone!
Then we proceeded to go through customs and find our seven huge duffels, all there safely! I hadn't made plans yet to get over to the island where we are staying, Ambergris Caye, and I knew all boats and flights stop around 5:30. A very nice man in the airport rushed us to Tropic Air, asked for my credit card and told me that was our route. It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, Liza and I were in this little 10 seater plane, and she was up the cockpit with the pilot. I quickly thought of Maclean and Cha Cha and said a quick prayer! :) Actually, it was amazing and only lasted 15 minutes. The deep blue ocean, hundreds of little cayes and the endless reef off in the distance were just some of the gorgeous sights.
The town of San Pedro is bustling with people on bikes, carts, stray dogs, many stands selling food and handmade jewelry items. Anyone and everyone will talk to you, bless you, and ask you if you want to buy something. It is definitely a poor area, and the people seem so nice.
We met up with Ali, and our new friend, Justin, for a quick dinner. Justin had travelled all day as well, so he too was foggy like I felt. We wandered around and stopped at a little place where Justin could get the lobster burritos he had heard about. Liza tried her first papoussa, and I had a yummy shrink kabab.
We are staying in a little place called the Conch Shell Inn. It is a little motel right on the water. It is a little small and rustic,no AC, a corner room next two two bars and a side street that had activity most of the night. Eventually we both put headphones on and dozed from complete exhaustion.
My goal today is to make progress on this lousy cold I brought with me. I will post some pictures later.
Miss everyone!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Ready....
Liza and I are almost finished packing. I am starting to get a little nervous and wondering what we got ourselves into. Maybe cold feet! Ready for a 4am departure. Have a wonderful week at home. We will miss you all. Go Ravens!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Iran
We are studying about Iran in geography. The boys each researched a particular theme of geography and culture as it relates to Iran. We learned about many fascinating aspects of this country's culture. 
Wednesday Update
Today Simon shared a fascinating current event about a Dutch artist named Theo Jansen. Jansen is an engineer and artist who makes outstanding sculptures. Simon actually made a sample model of Jansen's work showing the use of lateral movement. This kinetic sculpture is called "Animari" or " Strandbeest". Way to go, Simon!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Count Down
We leave for Belize in five days! The whole fifth grade is finishing up a second set of letters to their penpals, so we can hand deliver them. I know the children there will be so excited. Our fifth graders are also making short video clips for their penpals as well. Examples of topics in the videos are lacrosse, the Ravens, crabs, dancing, singing and more. It is fabulous that our students are taking the time to share parts of our culture.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Upcoming Mission Trip
On January 14th I will be going with our 8th grader, Liza, on a mission trip to work in the Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize. There are many children who wander the streets of Belize with no educational opportunities. Our group will be teaching soccer, and I will also spend time working in the classrooms there. Liza and I have been gathering sports and school equiptment to bring with us.
The boys have been communicating with penpals from this school, so it will be so exciting to meet the students in person. I will certainly bring a new set of letters and gifts from our crew to their new friends. I will also be gathering materials and doing research while there to teach a unit on Belize at Calvert this spring. I am so excited and will try to post updates about our experience while there.
The school website is below:
http://www.holycrossbelize.org/
The boys have been communicating with penpals from this school, so it will be so exciting to meet the students in person. I will certainly bring a new set of letters and gifts from our crew to their new friends. I will also be gathering materials and doing research while there to teach a unit on Belize at Calvert this spring. I am so excited and will try to post updates about our experience while there.
The school website is below:
http://www.holycrossbelize.org/
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