Why I wish my Family was here and Other Life Lessons

Sunrise here in PG

Okay, I have been missing all my family and friends lately. I’m not homesick, I just think there are a lot of awesome things going on here in PG that my family would love.

Today we went tree planting with SHI (Sustainable Harvest International) in a village called San Benito Poite. It take about 2 hours to get to because the roads are so poor. This is a remote village but it was BEAUTIFUL when we arrived. We split up into 4 groups and went to a farmer’s house. Each group planted 50 Cacao trees and several coconut trees. It’s rainy season, so the area was really swampy. The guys from SHI would dig the holes and we moved the trees and planted them. I loved it and REALLY wish dad could’ve been here to plant with me. First, because he would’ve done a much better job that we did. Secondly, because I think he would’ve loved it! The SHI guys are awesome and how many people can say they have planted in the jungle!?!

Mary, Sarah, Nana, and I after tree planting

I also wish Mom could come down. I have been able to visit a few schools and I know she would love to visit them as well. I have learned so much and I think mom would be able to engage in a conversation of mutual sharing. Yesterday, we went to Sunday Wood, another village in Toledo district, so the group could do blood pressure checks and glucose checks. I tagged along so I could gather info for my project. It was great to see the village people come out and want to be tested. Since the village people eat food they grow, almost no processed food, and work hard during the day, almost all of them had great blood pressure. I loved to see that! Also, the children would come visit during their school breaks. They were really excited to get pencils and stormed me when I walked to the school for more. All I kept thinking at the school is that mom would’ve loved to be there with me!

Also, when we were listening to Dr. Palacio speak last week, we were at the university. The classroom must have been for educating teachers because there were posters and procedures all over the walls. I snagged this photo for Mom, Ms. Lynn, Ms. Mary Ellen, and Ms. Barb (I apologize if this sounds rude. It is the Belizean way to address you). I thought of all of you as soon as I saw it!!

Finally, life lessons. The other night the group had a cultural reflection session at dinner. I decided to stay because I really wanted to hear what they had to say and their thoughts on their stay in Belize. One of the MANY great things we discussed is how we would keep our stay in Belize with us when we returned home. I personally have been contemplating this one a lot lately. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me while I have been here. So with you, my readers, as my witnesses, I am pledging right here and right now to hold on to the values I have come to love about myself.

1)    Family and Friends – I have had so much support from everyone back home that I realize how many great people I have in my life! It is important to me to have at least one meaningful conversation with someone close each day.

2)    Exercise- I already do this somewhat at home, but all the biking and walking I do here needs to continue when I get back.

3)    Eat organic- While my meals are LOADED with carbs (often only carbs) the food here is so much better. I love how healthy it is and I want to start buying local and organic when I get home. If at all possible, I’d like to grow some of my own.

4)    Travel- This one is easy. I love this adventure and I realize it is the value I may hold closest to my heart. I have met so many great people, experienced some amazing culture, and learned more about myself. I want to travel to a new place at least 1 a year, more if possible.

       5)  Natural medicine – I start my work with Dr. Arzu (a doctor of naturopathy) next Monday. I know this one will become more specific after that, but I love the natural plants and herbs they use as medicine here. I think as far as prevention goes, this would be great for everyone back home.