Well, today marks the fourth week that I have been in Belize! It's strange to think that I have been here a whole month. This last week Professor Mike came down from Taylor University to teach our stream ecology course. Who knew that streams could be so interesting and complex! We talked about how the bedrock and sediment of a stream determines its overall shape, chemical characteristics, and discharge (the amount of water flowing through the stream. We also learned about the variety of macroinvertebrates that live on the stream bottom--dragonfly nymphs, megaloptera, hemiptera, worms....The best part was when we actually had the chance to collect specimens and identify them. We spent most of the day on Tuesday and Thursday out assessing the quality of different streams--analyzing morphology, habitat, macroinvertebrate diversity, and chemical data. It was neat to be able to see how the types of minerals and macroinvertebrates present in the streams signified the amount of human impact and pollution.
We had a project and a short paper due on Friday, and then it was time for our first homestays! Another student and I stayed with a family in the small town of Succotz Saturday through Monday morning. Right when we arrived, the mother, Marisol, greeted us at the door holding her nine-month-old daughter Stephanie. Marisol's mother Cruz also lives in the house along with Marisol's twelve-year-old son Marlon. It was really interesting to get to know the culture of Belize from an "insider's" perspective. The family was warm and welcoming as many Belizeans seem to be. Marisol is a great cook and while we were there, she cooked us homemade pancakes, chimole, chicken with steamed veggies and mashed potatoes, and spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce. Fresh fruit was also never lacking as we had lots of watermellon, watermellon juice, and fresh pineapple! As it was the weekend and rained most of the time we were there, we watched a lot of TV. I was surprised at the multitude of American shows we watched...Animal planet, 27 dresses, School of Rock, and The Fellowship of the Ring to name a few. I also enjoyed playing with the baby and playing card games with Marlon. Probably my highlight of our visit, however, was the last night we were there. We were watching TV in the living room when Marisol called us into her room. Marisol makes jewelry and had layed out different things that she had made on the bed. We sat on the floor together and she told us about where she buys her supplies and how she constructs her necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I was able to tell her about the beading and jewelry making that I've done and even get some tips from her.
After we returned to campus, we started our reading week. As I am not taking Environmental literature like the other students, I have been able to get some much-needed studying for the MCAT in and also get a head start on readings for upcoming classes. The staff has made sure that we have some fun things to do inbetween readings. Monday night we had a Valentine's day party complete with a love languages quiz and a round of speed dating while impersonating a character (I had to be Darth Vader : ) ) We then ate yummy white cake with frosting and homemade vanilla and strawberry ice cream! Yesterday the staff had crocheting lessons, today we learned some yoga, and tomorrow we will probably go swimming.
Until next time! I hope that you are all doing well!
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