Today was my last Monday at Isla Bonita. I cannot believe this is my last week of teaching! The past four weeks have really flown by. I am so sad to think about soon saying goodbye to my kids. I was blessed with a loving, grateful and truly precious group of kids to teach and I am so attached.
After a busy week of teaching, the weekend couldn’t have been any better. Friday night our group sang karaoke and hung out near the beach for the night. Saturday was one of my favorite days in Belize so far! The volunteer art teacher at my school, Miss Natalie, hosted a fundraiser to raise money for art supplies. The goal was to paint a mural on the outside of the school entrance. Throughout the morning, students arrived with their own paintbrushes and donated money to receive a cup of paint. I was elated to see how many kids and parents helped out, not to mention that every single teacher was present. Painting the mural also turned into a fundraiser for one of the teachers, Mrs. Yvette (my partnership teacher’s wife, and the sweetest lady ever!). Her father has heart disease and needs surgery, so the teachers cooked BBQ chicken and sold delicious plates of food to hungry kids, parents and volunteers.
My sweet boys helping paint the mural!
Most of the students and parents were gone by early afternoon, but myself and several other interns stuck around all day to complete the mural. After correcting and few mistakes and outlining the design, I was amazed at how great it looked! The principal and art teacher were so pleased! It was so refreshing to see how the entire school came together on a Saturday to support Mrs. Yvette and help paint the mural. My school in Belize is like one big family and I am thankful to not only witness the unique relationship between the students, parents, and staff, but also that I am included.
The fun continued on Saturday night when a few of us teacher interns braved a soccer game against the parent’s soccer team. We had practiced several times during the week and greatly improved, but we still lost 3-2. It was so much fun though! I have never played soccer in my life so I definitely was not the star player, but I really enjoyed playing with my friends and challenging the parents. We are holding practices again this week and having a rematch on Friday, so we’re hoping for a better outcome J
Yesterday was a completely relaxing day. I slept in and enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the beach with several friends. I hung out on the beach for the remainder of the day and I have a wicked sunburn to prove it. The last wonderful thing that happened yesterday was talking to my mom for the first time since I’ve been here! She finally got Skype working and it was so great to talk.
That's it for now!
Katy G
Katy - So great to see how well you are doing. Looks like you are a beloved rock star to your students, just like you are at Codington. We'll see you when you get back!! Best wishes from the McAllisters ;)
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