Back "Home"

Finally after 4 months out, we are back "home" to Minnesota. It is surprising how quickly we assimilate to our All-American culture. Brushing our teeth in tap water seems normal again. No more hand-washing and line-drying of the clothes. Life is easier here, but somehow slightly less satisfying. If the electricity goes out in Belize, someone stokes up the fire hearth and grills some tasty fish and veggies. If the electricity goes out in the US, people rush for their cell phones and frantically dial the electric company demanding immediate restoration of their precious energy. There is something to be said for modern conveniences, but I think I prefer hard work and self-sufficiency.

Here are some things I learned this winter from my continuing education in Central America.

I learned how to:

1. Chop a coconut, grate its flesh, and burn the husk for fly repellent.
2. Catch fish by casting deep into the sea with a simple line (no rod and reel).
3. Cure a cough and other ailments with rainforest plants and trees.
4. Use a machete.

And my favorite

5. Keep my body in shape by dancing the "punta".

It was a blessed winter indeed!

Big up to my family on Caye Caulker: Uncle Ducky, The Chavarria family, Mother Rose, Mama Star, King Warren, Francine, Delon "Black" Chaplin, Bobbi, Jun and the Sandbox gang, the Sunset View crew, the rudeboys in the BNH, the M&N family and everyone else who made my heart sing this winter.

Jah Guidance Always and in All Ways!