Keri's bio-Dad passed away....

We received the news that Keri's bio-Dad, Gerald, passed away recently. We were not able to get to Tennessee in time for the funeral but are leaving tomorrow to spend some time with Keri's sisters. We will be in Tennessee through Thanksgiving so we will update you all some time after then.

Seen as our warmest article of clothing is a fleece jacket, we are bracing ourselves to freeze!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Keri's 40th Birthday in Belize!

Just a quick update to share Keri's birthday with everyone as promised. We went out the night before to our local casino, the Princess, here in Belize City. We had dinner and then ventured into the casino. It was strange since they take down your information from ID and photo you before they let you in. They had a craps table but it was not open.... BOO! So we saddled up to some video poker machines and played for a while enjoying some free drinks. We lost US$3 but considering the drinks cost US$4 at the bar, we figured we were ahead because of the free drinks. On Halloween we went to a party at a local place called Riverside Tavern for a party they were having. We did some people watching and had a pretty good time. It was very weird to be away from all our friends on such a big night. And of course what would a birthday be without a cake? Check out Pat's home-cooked creation in the picture below!

Now for the creepy part.... when we called our taxi guy to arrange for a pick-up he said he was on his way back from Orange Walk (a district town up north) but would pick us up on time. When he picked us up, he said his friend's mom had passed away that morning and she had asked him to transport her to Orange Walk. Then he said he had been scared. We asked him why, like maybe traffic or something, and he said "because of the body". Excuse me but what?!?! Evidently he wasn't taking his friend to Orange Walk, he was transporting the body of the mother!!!! And we were the next people he picked up! So we were in the same cab, probably the same seat as a dead person on Halloween night! Very weird and creepy!

That is one for the Belize files, huh?

Our Swearing-in Ceremony Peace Corps Belize 2009!

Hi everyone! Sorry we have not updated the blog for 3 weeks but we have been very busy. First of all, like the title states, we had our swearing in ceremony on October 22nd at the Belize Governor General's house. It is fantastic to finally be official Peace Corps Volunteers! The ceremony was a grand affair held on the lawn and was also attended by the new US Ambassador. The event ended after lunch and we then prepared for the 1st-years vs. 2nd-years soccer match. Due to my surgery, I couldn't participate and Keri forgot to bring her sneakers.... so we spent the game cheerleading.

After the game, we hustled back to get ready for a reception dinner at the US Ambassador's residence. Evidently he is a good friend/college buddy of our current president. Both him and his wife were very gracious in hosting us and put out a top of the line spread! He is a real supporter of the Peace Corps mission and should be a real benefit to our work during his time at the post. Anyway, it was a very nice affair with food prepared by the Ambassador's staff and his wife. The real treat was they had real wine.... the first we have had since leaving the US. It is very expensive here! Check out the picture of The Ambassador and his wife with us below! During the dinner, the superlative awards were handed out.... Keri won "Best Chef of Local Cuisine" and Pat won "Best Haggler", "Biggest Consumer of Rice&Beans", and "Most Likely to Extend Service".

After the "official" reception, we all headed back to the hotel for the informal party. Awaiting us was a nicely chilled keg of Belikin donated by the Brewery! It was a lot of fun.... probably too much fun. But everyone acted somewhat appropriately and a great time was had by all. The next morning was a little challenging for everyone as we had to check out and head back to our sites. Keri and I chose the late check out option and slept in a bit.

After everything was said and done, it was a very busy, but fun week. We look forward to our two years (maybe more) of service and are excited about the future. Stay tuned for our post on Keri's Birthday this Halloween.... in some ways it was our creepiest!!!!