January 4, 2012 Kindred Spirits Campground

January 4, 2012

Kindred Spirits Campground

I was not able to sleep very much last night. We listened to the howler monkeys and the crickets while I tried not to think about tarantulas and mosquitoes. It was funny because we did not know what was making the loud growling noises until this morning when one of the residents told us that it was the monkeys. We thought the noises were coming from raptors or jaguars, others thought they were sheep. It was surprisingly cold all night, I woke up several times trying to find some means of warmth with my blanket, sheet, towel, jacket, pants, and socks. In the morning we had class in the main building. Then we walked around the campground taking pictures and did homework. We ate lunch (ham sandwiches, chips, and salsa). I was able to speak with four of the Belizeans that take care of the campground. One man named Tim told us about the leaf cutting ants and the howler monkeys. There is a cute little boy who only speaks Spanish, I'm glad I know enough to be able to talk with him a little. Everyone is very nice here and they do an excellent job at making us feel welcome. We walked to the river, which took 40 minutes or so there and back. The jungle is so cool, I love looking at all of the different trees and vines. It makes me feel like our “woods” back home are boring, but I'm sure it's only because the jungle is “new” to me. The river was very pretty although getting to the river meant going through a lot of mud, but I really enjoyed walking with everyone there while we explored and took pictures. I helped make spaghetti for supper, which turned out to be really good spaghetti. We chopped up onions, green pepper, and tomatoes then added that to the tomato sauce, which I had never done before. I think I may do it that way at home a couple of times instead of using Ragu... except I'll have to add some more spices and such. I felt so bad because I repeatedly asked about doing various things like washing dishes or putting on another pot of water for more spaghetti, and was repeatedly reminded that we do not have any running water. We ran out during the day, but luckily we had enough to cook the meal. I really enjoyed working in the kitchen with the girls, it was a challenge to make a meal for 30 people.

After supper, we listened to a special speaker who taught about the environmental contamination. It was interesting and I think the most valuable part that I learned was the following statement: “The Lord gave us the earth. It is our world. How are we going to give it back to God?” So, I am going to continue to recycle and encourage others to do so as well. However, I do not think I will be getting rid of microwave even though the lead levels are going to kill me. Gosh, I sound like a smoker or something. Speaking of smoking, I did not know that there was cyanide in cigarettes. It's no wonder they are so awful.

I then proceeded to a quick cold shower. I got wet, turned the water off, washed, then turned the water on to rinse very quickly. It wasn't so bad, in fact, you can save a lot of water that way.

Now it is bedtime!