Greetings from Corazal, Belize

We've finally arrived in Corazal, Belize to work in the classrooms. I was so excited this morning and woke up before my alarm even went off. I wasn't sure what to expect and was hoping for an entirely new experience. So far, I've received exactly what I wished for.

Our group met at the Corazal Community College to arrange our placements with the school director, Mr. Mai. After waiting for a couple of hours, most of the students left to their assigned classes. Students have been placed in three different elementary schools and one high school. I had no idea Corazal was so large or that it even had a college. I was among the last group to be taken to a school. We're helping at St. Paul's Anglican School which is a building right off the bay. Since I was among the last people to leave the college, we hung around the building for a while and then met with some students who were having lunch. Anna and I decided to play Uno (since we figured everyone plays the same version of Uno) with a group of high school students, Ian, Hector, and Kevin. I had a fun time and learned to call each of them a "cheater" in Spanish...tramposo. We each ended up yelling it back and forth at each other.

Once we arrived in the classroom I was overwhelmed. All I needed was a smile to win these children over. I was placed in a what would be the equivalent of a fourth grade classroom with Sara. The children immediately stood up as we entered the room and greeted us with a "Welcome to Belize, visitors." Each shyly stared at us and tried to look away when we made eye contact. But sure enough, I would catch them staring at me a minute later.

When the students were released for a recess, I decided to head outside. Of course, I was mauled by all the students coming up to us. The entire school goes to recess at the same time so everyone was curious to meet us. They were so friendly and all smiles. I learned so many names this first day. I don't know how teachers manage to keep them all straight. They were so welcoming and loving.

I immediately started taking pictures when we got into the classroom and I think each student was silently hoping to get their picture taken. Their eyes would follow me through the classroom and when I turned my camera towards them I usually got a big smile. I would literally have to stalk and then sneak up on a student to avoid catching their attention and a huge grin.

The classrooms are small and hold about 20 students. My teacher told me her class is the smallest with 17 students. Each one is so unique. The teacher also told me there are about 10 different ethnicities within Corazal and it was obvious to tell the differences in the students. Each one was adorable and I have never felt my heart be so full. I'm sure I am not the only student on this trip who felt this way the first day.

The students are very eager to learn and although today was the first day of school for them, they were so excited. One little girl, Keiara, told me that she enjoys school better than summer vacation. I'm not sure that I agree with her, but I pretended that I did.

Sara and I also explained snow to many of the students and they were shocked. Most of them actually seemed jealous. Once again, I'm not sure if I agreed with them. I offered to switch them places and they could head back to Nebraska, but everyone laughed and declined.

We're using the computers at the community college which are incredibly nice so I've got to make this a short and sweet entry. I'll write again soon. I'm having a great time!

Casey