Lazy Sunday

The title of this post pretty much says it all. I haven't done a thing today, except wash my sheets, watch an episode of NCIS, take a nap, and pack up the luggage that I intend to send home with Brad. Literally, I haven't done anything else.

I got the most charming video mail today from my Mom and brother, William. They made a flying trip to New Orleans this weekend, and while in town stopped at the National World War II museum. They video took about an hour to upload because of the TERRIBLE internet situation here, but it was well worth it to see their faces and hear a cheerful greeting. There's just something different about seeing your loved ones, as opposed to hearing their voices... that's why I've been so frustrated that Skype is out of the question here. On that note, I'll take a moment to send a shout-out to my mom, because I think she might be the only one reading... Love you, Mom.

Tomorrow I'm going back to BFLA to hopefully start the second round of interviews this week. I will be talking to commercial sex workers this time around, and after that I should be wrapped up with the part of my project that will actually take place in Belize. Good thing that it's all getting acccomplished, because I'm leaving for home in two weeks.

So, being half way through my project, as short as it may seem, I think I can make some appropriate reflections already:

1.) This project has challenged my morals, values, beliefs, and career path. I am thankful for this challenge, and intend to use this experience to promote self-reflection and growth.

2.) No matter how many project plans, templates, timelines, or agendas I create, the most important thing that I can do for my host organization is LISTEN, OBSERVE, and LEARN... because these people don't NEED my help, they need my partnership. BFLA is a wonderful organization, and they do an awesome job of offering health care and information to populations who would not otherwise seek medical attention. I have learned so much from only a few meetings with my host organization.

3.) Being around like-minded people, such as my family, friends, and even co-workers is wildly important to my own state-of-mind. The last two weeks has proven difficult because I have not found anyone here that shares to same frame of mind as I do. I will use this information to guide my decision making for the future.

I have learned a lot more than these three things, but I feel like those are the best pieces of representative lessons I can offer, without exhausting my entire experience, and most of all, jumping to conclusions since I'm only half-way through. Much remains to be learned here in Belize, and I am wildly looking forward to whatever is in store for the next two weeks.

Caye Caulker = Cute!

Just a quick update to say that Julianne, Olivia, Lindsey and I took a trip to Caye Caulker today, and it was great! It wasn't quite as close to paradise as the caye we went to last Saturday, but it was SO cute. It felt almost like a vintage Hawaii. It was very small, but had shops, with restaurants on the water, grocery stores, and other places. The people were all very friendly, and I managed to stay out of the sun enough to avoid a sunburn, because I had heard horror stories and seen the aftermath of Julianne's sunburn last week from Caye Caulker. There are pictures on facebook if you care to check them out.

Julianne and I came home, and have been watching "Groundhog Day" on FX. I'm going to make speghetti (my most frequently consumed meal) in a little while, and most likely call it an early night. I'm not sure what tomorrow holds, but I think Julianne is leaving Belize City on Monday for Punta Gorda, so we'll have to do something interesting and memorable.

Note to self: If you don't have one of those nifty color catchers to put in the laundry, you can't wash colors and white with reds. Your clothes WILL end up pink.

Belize it or not!

Well blog readers, I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates, but the internet situation here is nothing less than frustrating. I cannot begin to explain how many hours I've spent trying to read an email, or look up some piece of obsure information. None-the-less, I'm giving the blog thing another try.

First of all, I lived through my first earthquake a few days ago. Around 2:30 in the morning I was jolted awake, but at first I didn't know what was going on. I felt my entire bed shaking, but because of the confused state that I was in, I thought the wind was causing my mattress to wobble. I got up, looked underneath the bed to make sure there wasn't someone playing a joke, and laid back down after realizing that my mattress and boxsprings sit directly on the floor. Then the dogs started barking, loudly. I tried for the next thirty minutes to go back to sleep, not understanding what had happened. The next morning I awoke to a ringing phone. It was my mother-in-law, calling for my husband, to see if I was okay. She had to tell me that it was an earthquake... because I thought the whole thing had been a dream. I assured I was fine, called my mom, and then celebrated God's grace. When preparing for this trip, I thought of a lot of things that could go wrong, but I have to admit that natural disasters were not at the top of my list. I'm so thankful that I have prayer warriors all over the place back home who have asked for God's safety for me and Porter.

Speaking of Porter, everything has been smooth sailing thus far. Other than swollen feet, and the uncomfortable sleeping positions he has forced me into, we've been doing very well! I think he has really enjoyed the Belizean fruit, because his jumps and somersaults increase when I eat my daily intake of pinapple and watermelon.

Monday was a national holiday here, and to celebrate Michelle (our angel that takes care of the guest house and wears many other hats) took us to a Belizean waterpark called CrocLand. Yes, there were really crocodiles in cages behind the water park, as well as jaguars and other wild animals. By the way, water parks in Belize actually consist of a very large swimming pool, ATV trails, horse riding, and LOUD, very LOUD music. In fact, that's something I've noticed everywhere in Belize. This culture likes its music loud, and no other way. Most of the time it's hard to think because if the music isn't coming from a passing car, it is coming from an obscure and seemingly misplaced speaker on the sidewalk. For the most part, I enjoy the music, but I would also enjoy it a few decibels softer.

My project is going very well so far. I interview two members of the MSM (males having sex with males) population today for the first time, and it went very well. I was able to use some of the skills that I acquired when doing interviews for Arkansas Department of Human Services in practicum work last semester. The two men I interviewed were very nice, and helpful, and even invited me to an event their hosting next weekend.

Tomorrow Julianne, Lindsey, Olivia and I plan to take a trip to Caye Caulker to enjoy the beach, water, and a little relaxation. I'm excited about the trip, because I've heard so many good things about this place. I'll be sure to take pictures, but I'm sure I won't be able to post them here.

Brad's coming to visit next week, and I couldn't be more excited. He's flying in to Cancun, and staying for five days. I am looking forward to him seeing Belize City, because I want him to understand why places like these capture my heart. I know he'll fall in love, too.

Well, I'm signing off, and I promise to be more faithful, dear blog.

Belize gets BETTER!

We visited paradise today, literally. The picture are posted on facebook... please enjoy, and don't be afraid to experience jealousy.

Last night Olivia, Lindsey, Julianne and I went on an excursion to the movies. We had two options: The Hannah Montana Movie, or The Fast and The Furious. Although there was a brief moment of struggle, we decided on the later. It wasn't really my type of movie, and had we been in the states I would have never agreed to watch it in theaters, but it really wasn't that bad for $2.50. One interesting thing about the casino/movie theater/bowling alley/restaurant/bar that we visited last night was that there was a bathroom fee. Yes, I'm serious. We paid one Belizean dollar (50 American cents) to use the restroom. I suppose it is to keep the millions of middle schoolers that swarmed the place from loitering in the bathroom, but I was in shock. I mean, who really makes a pregnant lady pay to go to the bathroom?!? They better be glad I had the change, or else they would have seen my not so nice half. =)

Today was the trip to a caye that I never caught the name of, on a huge boat with Olivia's partner organization's director, Dionne. Apparently her and her extended family make a trip out to this BEAUTIFUL place every two weeks. They take a grill, a half dozen coolers of food and drinks, and enjoy relaxing and playing in the sun. It was fantastic!

Now I plan to spend the evening recovering from such a taxing day. I think I might try to find a church to attend in the morning, although I'm not sure how I will know what time it starts.

Happy Memorial Day/Commonwealth Day!

You don't even have to lick stamps in Belize!

Not much new to report to you since yesterday. Last night was spent lazily watching television, and celebrating Kris Allen as the new American Idol. It is so cool to think that such a nice, Godly man was chosen by America as a success story. I’m very happy for him, and his cute wife! God has very big plans for that man!
We also watched the Orlando Magic barely beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the NBA Semi-Finals. J.Dunk was happy with this outcome and Kohl was a little bummed out for LeBron, but I’m sure there will be more basketball to watch in the coming weeks.

So far today we made a trip to the post office and grocery store, and had a lack-luster lunch at this little burger shop and ice cream parlor called Bluebird. There was a health fair in town, and BFLA had a booth set up. It was mostly for the kids, but we stopped by to check out all the hustle and bustle. There was also a parade going through the streets a little before noon, but we never figured out why or what the parade was for. Just twenty men mysteriously banging drums and walking in a group…

The heat wanes on. I actually woke up cold this morning, but I was definitely not complaining. Any relief is welcome. As a matter of fact, I’m about to go take my second shower of the day, and it’s only 1 p.m. I have a theory about the heat, though. I think that my mindset determines how the heat will affect me. If I stay calm, and go about my day as if nothing is the matter, then the heat doesn’t get me down. But, if I worry about the heat, and think about the heat, and try to stay out of the sun, then I end up being paralyzed with exhaustion and sweat. So, for now, I choose to rise above.

I finished compiling a list of questions for Melanie when I meet with her next Tuesday. I think I might be ready to start revising my work plan, which is really exciting, because I never thought I’d see the day. I’m starting to get a clearer picture of what BFLA is, and the work that they do. The more I find out about their work, the more my morals and values are challenged. The people that work at BFLA are so dedicated, and kind-hearted. They are doing good things, and over all, the work they are performing is needed for the most part, and definitely a worthy cause. I keep reminding myself that I am here to help gauge the needs of a specific community, and learn first-hand what public service means, anything beyond that is what I have to put out of my mind and ignore. I am definitely learning a lot, and I feel that I will leave an impact within the short time that I’m here. I just hope that I can come to peace within myself about the work that is being done.

Enough deep stuff! It’s almost nap time.

Hello…. Sunshine

This morning I met with Joan Burke at the Belize Family Life Association, to kick off my service project. Julianne and I had a meeting scheduled with her at 9am, and when we arrived we were introduced to Melanie. Joan told me that I would be working directly with Melanie on the “sexual diversity” project that she had been heading up. Basically, we are going to be interviewing and surveying members of the commercial sex industry and also males that have sex with males (MSM), to find out how BFLA can help them access health care and increase awareness about safe sex. I’m really looking forward to being a partner with Melanie and her committee, who seem to already be off to a great start!

I was very impressed with BFLA and the amount of work they are able to tackle with such a small staff. The clinic where Joan’s office was located is a fully functioning sexual health clinic, and when we arrived there was already a full waiting room. Before I left, Melanie gave me plenty of reading material to look over, and we decided to meet again next Tuesday (because this weekend is a holiday here just like at home). Apparently, in Belize, Monday is Commonwealth Day. I haven’t taken the time to look up exactly what this holiday represents, but it’s interesting that it coincides with Memorial Day.

After an hour at the clinic, Julianne and I made the trip back to our house. We met a charming taxi driver named Bobi. His actual name was Alfonso, but he was kind enough to tell us the story of how he got his nickname, along with several other tales. Bobi is the kind of guy that I could listen to for hours and never get tired of him talking. He had very interesting things to say, and I could just tell his spirit was sweet. After he dropped us off we watched some CSI:NY and waited for Lindsey to get home from her morning meeting.

Then, the three of us headed to grab some lunch at Cenie’s and pick up some office supplies. On the way, we came into contact with some lively characters, who I only felt threatened by a couple of times. The people here are very funny. The either are very complimentary, or helpful…all in a very laid-back, “Hey Mon,” kind-of-way. Sometimes, just because I’ve gotten so many words of warning, I find myself afraid for no reason. Although I feel like I shouldn’t, I still keep my guard up, because I know the crime rates. I just find it interesting that wherever we go we are outsiders, but not necessarily foreigners. It’s a very weird phenomenon.

I’m up to three showers a day, which is a luxury that I am well-aware-of and thankful for, so far. It’s just so hot that anytime I get dressed and go to lunch, or a meeting, by the time I get back I feel so disgusting that a shower is a must. I’ve only been here for two days and I’ve already done a load of laundry, which everyone at home knows is not like me at all. I packed enough clothes that I hoped I wouldn’t have to do laundry, but since I’m taking three showers a day, that means there are a lot of wardrobe changes, too.

Other than that, everything here seems to be going well. Porter is behaving himself for the most part, other than keeping me hungry and hot. I apologize for the lack of posts, but it has been near impossible to get a post published... I've completely given up on Skype. Facebook, however, has been surprisingly cooperative, so if you want to see pictures I suggest you check out my newest album. For now, a nap is on the agenda.

Day one: Check.

I am safely sitting on the couch at the guest house in Belize City, Belize. My travels were safe and uneventful for the most part, and my wonderful classmates have been awesome hosts every since I arrived. I even got my own choice of beds!!

The house we're staying in is a four bedroom apartment style, second-story guest house that Peacework rents each summer. There's a kitchen (although no stove), a refrigerator (that is stocked with cold drinks by the owners or peacework, I'm not sure), two bathrooms, a kitchen table, and even washer/dryer. We have cable (130 stations to be exact), and although there is no breeze is is not that hot, at least, not yet. There are plenty of fans and the open windows create a nice breeze.

Belize in general is a lot like Honduras. The climate feels similar, and the lifestyle seems about par, with a flair of Carribean mixed in, of course. I wish I could describe it better, but for now the ride home from the airport did not leave me with many description words... so maybe I can say more in the coming days.

Apparently we're going out for dinner tonight, which means I'll need a shower once I have determined which room I'll be staying in, and then hopefully I can get in bed early enough to catch up on the sleep I missed by getting up at 4am this morning.

So far... so good. I took some pictures of Flat Brad (Stanley) yesterday on our last day in East Texas, but uploading them has not been as easy as I expected. Hopefully that will change if and when our internet gets fixed.

I already miss my real life Brad, but 28 days will not be unmanageable.

I've got a hot date!

Three days to go, and tonight is date night with the husband. I am fighting off a bout with nausea and general sickness today, so I didn't make it to work. I spent most of the night concentrating on NOT being sick...so sleep was sort of rare. However, I DID get a lot of errands ran today and I think I'm ready to go. Wow... really? It's already time?

I have a wedding to attend tomorrow, so my mom and I will make the trek to Little Rock one last time. However, date night is really what I'm looking forward to at the moment. We are going to see "Obsessed", which isn't a movie I've been wanting to see, but it might be alright. At least we might dodge the Angels and Demons and Star Trek crowd. Dinner is also on the agenda, and after eating crackers all day, I can't wait for a good meal. Here's hoping that I can enjoy the meal and keep it down!

No news on the project front, except that my classmates who preceded me to Belize have decided where we will stay. The only word I've gotten so far is that it is very hot. HaHa, well, at least I expected that part. Also, I heard the wireless internet signal isn't very strong, but perhaps that will be fixed by the time I get there. More to come soon!

Insert Creative Title Here

Four days until blast off, and I am honestly getting bored with the wait. For some reason, it's the suspense that is killing me. Today and tomorrow will wrap up my last days at work for a while, and I'm trying to tie up loose ends. I've spent most of the week trying to make my final purchases for "must-haves-while-international". It's been raining for the past two months it seems like, and apparently, according to the weather forecast, it will clear up and be sunny as soon as I leave North East Texas. Awesome.

Still on my list of things to do:

pedicure. (I know, it's important. )
pack. (Eh, I could live without it.)
prepare husband. (waiting for the right time to hand over list of things to do while I'm gone.)
buy Skype headset. (so indecisive.)
get Hep A shot. (yep, procrastination.)

Okay, so it's the short list... but needless to say, #1 is the priority.

Hope all my classmates are doing well so far! Safe travels friends...

Green Light for Travel

Today I visited my OBGYN and she gave me the final go-ahead for my trip to Belize, which is GREAT news, because a lot of work and money has already gone into this trip. Everything looks great for the baby, and apparently I'm as healthy as can be. I hope to post a sonogram picture soon, but I'll need to scan it, which is more difficult than I'd like to admit. Either way, rest assured that Porter is doing well. Looks like I have six days left until I'm on my way to Central America!

The suitcase sits open on the spare bed, and it's quickly filling with clothes. Have I mentioned that I over-pack? I have no clue how I'm going to fit everything into two suitcases and a carry-on. I'm almost positive that I'll be paying the overweight charge for at least one of my bags... but if I've learned anything from my previous international travels it is that you can never be too prepared! So, I'll continue to pack and hopefully be selective.

More from me later in the week when panic will surely set-in. Meanwhile, make sure you're keeping up with my classmates blogs. They are mostly all leaving this week.

Half-way there...

All of my assignments for the Spring 2009 semester are completed (as far as I know), and let me tell you, it's a strange feeling. The only thing that lies between me and a month of public service in a new and exciting place is ten days of work and packing. The count down is on!!! I've made endless lists for Brad (my husband) to follow while I'm away. I've started the thorough cleaning that my house requires. I've visited the dentist and had my teeth cleaned (essential before every major trip), and most satisfying of all, I have started making a list for packing. The OBGYN appointment is scheduled for next week, so that I can get the final okay from my doctor to travel (keep your fingers crossed), and my suitcases have been pulled down from the top of the closet. This is really happening.

I can't really wrap my ahead around the idea that the Spring semester is over. That means that my classmates and I have successfully (I hope) completed the first year of our graduate program, and to date, no one has been stoned, excommunicated, and there has been no loss of life reported. I'm so proud of us! There were times that I didn't know if it would all shake out.

When we all settled into a cold and buzzing classroom in Sturgis Hall last August for orientation, none of us knew exactly what to expect. We were all busting at the seems to prove our raw passion and dedication. We wanted to help, to create, to motivate, TO SERVE. Although the first semester definately had some ups and downs, and more unexpected moments than I'd like to admit, I believe Class 4 of the Clinton School of Public Service accomplished our goals. I believe we are well on our way to being a class full of true servants, and we are now about to embark on our first test... in places all over the globe! It will not be easy. It will not be clear-cut. But it will be fun, and exciting!

I apologize for all the nostalgia. I get this way when chapters come to an end, even when I know there are seven more chapters to follow. It's almost like I have enjoyed reading this one page so much that I don't want to turn the page and see what's next, because it might not be as good. But, it will be... and the story will keep getting better. So here's to reading, and WRITING the next page. Good luck, friends!

The unleashing of 29 students into the world for a few months of service

A press release went out from the Clinton School of Public Service today highlighting the summer projects that my classmates and I are preparing for right now. You can check it out here:

http://www.clintonschool.uasys.edu/news-events/detail.aspx?id=578

In other news, I have *almost* completed all of my coursework for the Spring Semester. Until then, I will keep posting to a mimimum and writing will be my main goal for the day.

Where in the world is Lisa Porterfield-Thompson?

Let's start with a reference point to where I'm currently at: Texarkana. I live in Texarkana, Arkansas, and work two minutes away, but on the same street, in Texarkana, Texas. I have been going to school in Little Rock, Arkansas for the past year, and Memphis, well, that's just a fun time to be had by all, should you ever need to know where it is.

I've added a map of Central America, because if you're anything like me before I started researching, you aren't familiar with the location of any countries south of Mexico. So, check this out, and see where I will be located in relation to most of you normal people this summer:

This map is included so that you can identify with the rough situation I will be encountering in less the two weeks. I have sacrificed an entire month of my summer to work in Belize City, Belize, which is located on the eastern coast facing the Caribbean Sea. Now, some of my classmates have chosen to take the easy way out and spend their summer in the remotest villages of Africa, with little connection to the outside world, and no modern amenities, but not me. No, I have boldly taken a challenge to help others in a location where everyone wants to go. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I suffer for the cause! **
So, as for my last two weeks in the states before I embark on this journey: finishing finals, working at Opportunities, Inc., and trying to prepare my husband for a month of responsibility. It's going pretty well so far, as I only have one paper left to write for school, and a big fund-raiser Bass Tournament at work will wrap up our Spring campaign this weekend. As for preparing my household to run without me for a month, it will be fine. I'm just trying to write everything down that he might need, i.e. account #s, passwords, when bills are due, how to load the dishwasher, and when to water the flowers. He's a self-sufficient man, please don't let me paint the picture otherwise, but I am trying to remember that he's never EVER lived by himself for more than a week or two at a time... so it should be a fun journey for him, as well. If you're going to be in Texarkana, or Little Rock from May 18th to June 15th, call my husband. He will be bored, and will need company... and maybe someone to change the sheets on the bed. =)

Oh, by the way... I have updated my list to the right with all the blogs of my classmates, so you should be able to follow the links and check out what they're doing. What an amazing group of people I get to associate myself with in this capacity! Enjoy.

**Note to readers- Please read this section with the light-hearted sarcasm that I intended here. Otherwise, you could become seriously offended! =) Thanks!