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Belize, Central America | ||
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My first day, I was totally unsure of what I would be doing, other than helping with whatever their greatest need was. I assisted Miss ElsieMae, the cook, in the kitchen with preparing food that is delivered to several elderly and primary school children (84 at the current time). Each of the people who received lunch has been approved through the program. Each day I go with Stanley (a regular Cornerstone employee) to deliver food-it's like meals on wheels for the elderly. He blows the horn on the truck for someone to come out to the fence or the truck for the food or I get out and walk to the door to give the person food. I talk a little with them, as it may be their only conversation with anyone for the day. Then I am dropped off at Santa Elena Primary School, which is the highlight of my day. The kids are lined up and an older girl will check off names on the sheet I bring each day. They each get a bowl, spoon, and half cup of cold water. The bowl will consist of rice & beans with mac & cheese and ground meat w/some veggies, OR they get Johnny cakes with beans and chicken (parts of chicken only-necks, gizzards, bony small pieces), and mac & cheese. They love hot dogs--homemade buns with salad dressing (mayo), ketchup and mustard and half of a hot dog. That and water is their lunch. To feed approximately 100 people for 5 days it costs $20. That is totally amazing to me! Belize is a very poor country indeed! Some of the programs:
There is some kind of a natural healing program, but I haven't found out anything about it yet. I did run into a "medicine man" though when I was downtown yesterday! He was so friendly. He helped to show me where the good spots were to put up posters for the women's group bake sale this Saturday and the market. I will be helping bake Friday afternoon and at the sale Saturday from 6:30-10am. They do have a contract employee who works on an AIDS Link newletter every 2-3 months. AIDS is rampant here in Belize. The country is SO beautiful with many ruins, caves, beautiful rivers and jungle! Right here in San Ignacio there are ruins on top of the hill--what a spectacular view! I am totally in awe over this cultural experience. Life here is much slower and living is much different. We are SO very fortunate to have all the conveniences in our lives. Part of me thinks living here would be good--so much slower paced! After I return, I will be happy to share my stories and pictures from this experience. I've taken 180 already and we have a whole week yet! The Cornerstone Foundation Their web site is: http://www.cornerstonefoundationbelize.org | ||
Madison East Lions Club
Greetings from San Ignacio! I'm Joyce Fox, the newest member of Madison East Lions Club in Madison WI USA. I am currently serving as a volunteer at The Cornerstone Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization.