March 30-April 2

I had a great end to the week. We had an assembly with skits and performances given by the students. I finished my first set of lessons on Friday and am planning a review for my students for next week before their tests prior to Easter/Spring Break. I have one more full week of teaching. I actually have today off because of testing that is being done at the high school. I have gotten good feedback from my teacher. I told him that one of my main goals teaching here was to be able to manage the students on my own, as a new teacher that is a great challenge. At the end of the week he told me that he thought I had accomplished that goal already because he is able to leave me alone with them and I can handle them just fine. In fact I feel so much more confident with managing the classes than I did at first in North Carolina. But I believe that truly has come from experience and practice. I believe the challenges I had at home with classroom management has prepared me for teaching here in Belize.

I have to admit that it surprised me how the scheduling works in Belize at the high school, for example there is one social studies teacher for the entire Form One class (freshmen), so like I have mentioned before I am teaching 4 or 5 classes a day that have anywhere from 28 to 34 students. The total number of students that I am teaching is close to 200. It is hard to get to know them all and especially remember their names but we have developed a respectful and meaningful relationship, at least from my perspective. I can't imagine the responsibility of entering all of the grades and maintaining relationships with all of them and their families. I have not let myself be overwhelmed by this fact but have tried to immerse myself in as much responsibility that I can take on right now for the three weeks that I am at San Pedro.

We were treated to dinner at the end of the week at a new restaurant that the owner of the property we are staying at has opened in midtown. We all sat around and enjoyed a nice meal before the weekend commenced. Saturday consisted of me working for several hours down by the pool on my final inquiry-based research project. After I got a significant portion done I went to the Palapa Bar with some other ladies and enjoyed the sunshine for the afternoon. We met a great couple who insisted on buying us drinks for most of the afternoon, we soon found out because the woman is a third grade teacher and they were feeling generous and supportive on their ten-year anniversary trip. I had an incredible time with the girls that afternoon. I really got to know some of them more than I have yet and learned how wonderful and compassionate these ladies are. I am glad to be a part of this trip and all that we want to achieve.

Sunday was one of my favorite days on the trip so far that has been outside of school. We went on a sail boat all day snorkeling and adventuring on another island. I swam with sharks, sting rays, and all sorts of beautiful fish, coral, conch and much more. I spoke with the captain for a while and told him of my experience being a first mate on a 40 foot sail boat two summers ago and he let me drive the boat back for about 30 minutes. It was a ball! I am so grateful for these wonderful experiences. I am trying to remember each moment and share them with all of the great people that I have met, even if it is just for a moment.

 World's smallest and TASTIEST banana ever.

 Stern of the 38' Catamaran I sailed!

 Lunch on Caye Caulker,

 Ladiez at our local lunch joint, Melt.

 Beautiful mangroves.

Sunset from the hotel.