Far From Home: Wilkins Weiss

Description of Service

2010-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Each Peace Corps volunteer is responsible for writing a Description of Service (D.O.S), which is the only official document that describes the work you completed as a volunteer. A copy is sent to Washington where it is kept on file for 60 years. Here is my D.O.S.:

Description of United States Peace Corps Volunteer Service (D.O.S.)

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Country of Service: Belize

Invitation to Serve: After completing his application, interview, background investigation, and receiving medical/dental clearance, Christopher Weiss received his invitation to serve in the United States Peace Corps in April of 2008. He accepted his assignment to serve in the country of Belize as a Youth Development Facilitator in the Youth Development Sector.

Pre-Service Training

Dates: August 18, 2008 – October 28, 2008

Location: Independence, Stann Creek District, Belize

Christopher entered pre-service training on August 18, 2008 at the Peace Corps Belize Headquarters in Belmopan, Belize where he completed a twelve week (331 hours) intensive training program that covered the following areas:

Cross-Cultural Training – Volunteer safety and security; working as a development volunteer and professional, forming and working with groups; training and motivating adults and youth; integration into Belizean culture and community (94 hours)

Technical Field-Based Training – Training in youth development practices; training on how to work with groups and local organizations; utilizing non-formal education techniques; planning and organizing a community event with local youth group (164 hours)

Language Training – Intensive Belizean Kriol language instruction (73 hours)

Mr. Weiss was sworn in as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) on October 28, 2008 by U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter at Governor General Sir Colville Young’s residence in Belmopan, Belize. Mr. Weiss was assigned to Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City, Belize to serve as the Program Developer/Coordinator of a youth development program. Built with the help of Peace Corps Volunteers in 1962, Edward P. Yorke High School is a government funded co-educational institution based on a firm foundation of discipline. Since that time, it has gained the reputation of being one of the best secondary schools in the country.

Peace Corps Service

Dates: October 28, 2008 – September 22, 2010

Location: Belize City, Belize

Christopher arrived at Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City, Belize on October 30, 2008 as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Throughout his two year service he was responsible for the following:

Program Coordinator/Developer – Coordinated, developed and facilitated an after-school at-risk youth development program: It’s Up To Me. Each of the two years, 15 students were selected in August by the school’s administration to participate in a 25 week behavior modification program. He increased the program’s group promotion rate from 50% to 73% within a one year period. Six students who took part in the program during Mr. Weiss’ stewardship eventually graduated from high school. He created a 60 page student workbook to allow for program fluidity and sustainability; subject areas included: time management, study skills, friendships, decision making, personal strengths, anger management, communication, puberty, stress, drugs, goals, life-purpose and HIV/AIDS prevention. The It’s Up To Me student workbook was presented to the Minister of Education’s Task Force on Alternatives to Corporal Punishment. He also wrote and received a $500 grant from the Kids to Kids organization to help pay for the student workbook, sporting equipment and school supplies for the students in the program. He created a 40’ by 40’ vegetable garden (basil, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers) on the school’s compound to be utilized by the program in the future.

Life Skills Instructor – Mr. Weiss taught eight 36-week Life Skills (5 in 2008-2009: 150 students, 3 in 2009-2010: 90 students) courses at E.P. Yorke High School to students ranging from ages 14 to 19. Students were exposed to various methods of instruction such as debates, panel discussions, role playing, class discussions, group projects, reflective writing, guest speakers, class lectures and presentations to enhance their assertiveness, critical thinking and decision making skills. Subject areas included: goal setting, values, self-awareness, communication, conflict resolution, sex education, decision making skills, social issues, career development and exam taking skills.

Disciplinary Board Member – As a member of the Disciplinary Board, Mr. Weiss met twice a quarter with students nearing expulsion and their parents to discuss their child’s future at E.P. Yorke High School. After the meeting concluded, board members vote on the status of the child. Often times, the meeting served as an intervention to let the student know he or she needed immediate improvement or face expulsion.

Disciplinary Seminar Lecturer/Facilitator – In August of 2009, Christopher facilitated a two day Disciplinary Seminar (50 participants in 2009) to teachers and senior administrators at E.P. Yorke High School with the Vice Principal of Discipline; topics included: suspension rates, reason for suspensions, setting disciplinary goals, alternative methods of discipline, positive discipline and the introduction of the Think Sheet. Towards the end of the seminar, Mr. Weiss facilitated, in a democratic forum, the changing and implementing of school policy in the following areas: homework policy, equipment/textbook policy, tardiness, absenteeism, demerit policy, study hall and Think Sheet policy.

School Management Member – Each Friday during the school year (August – June), Mr. Weiss met with the Principal, Vice Principal of Academics, Vice Principal of Discipline and the Counselor to report and discuss the progress and status of the students involved in the It’s Up To Me Program. Management meetings included general discussion of the status of E.P. Yorke High School; Mr. Weiss compiled data, created visual charts/graphs, provided analysis and recommended necessary policy changes for the betterment of the high school.

American Football Coach – Mr. Weiss was responsible for running the American Football Club on Wednesday’s during the school year. Each week, 40 male students ranging from ages 13 to 19 learned about and played American football under Mr. Weiss’s tutelage.

Sports Committee Member – Mr. Weiss was a member of the E.P. Yorke Sports Committee. He was responsible for setting up and running numerous sporting activities (October – February), culminating in the annual Sports Day. In collaboration with the Sports Committee, Mr. Weiss wrote the first Sports Day rulebook. In addition, he wrote a grant proposal for a $300,000 sports/multi-purpose complex that contained plans for on-site sporting and coaching development as well as the development of the Belizean student-athlete.

Contributions to Peace Corps Community:

Mr. Weiss served as the Volunteer Advisory Committee (V.A.C.) Representative for the Belize District (June 2009 – June 2010). The Volunteer Action Committee is a forum for volunteers to vocalize their questions and concerns to Peace Corps Belize staff. Meetings were held once a quarter.

He served as the Warden for the Belize District (June 2009 – June 2010). Wardens are responsible for relaying safety and security information to district volunteers.

He facilitated two sessions on Mentoring and Working with Belizean Youth to the Peace Corps Youth Development Sector Trainees (September 2009 and March 2010).

He took part in training panels for Peace Corps trainees: Life as a PCV and Relationships in the Peace Corps (October 2009).

He documented numerous stories on personal blog: Far From Home: Wilkins Weiss http://christopherwilkinsweiss.blogspot.com/ (June 2008 – September 2010).

Belize Human Development Report

2010-07-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to some info on Belize's overall situation according to the UNDP:

http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_BLZ.html

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

COS Conference

2010-07-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

A couple things:

1. Tulum, Mexico - Julie and I took our last vacation this month. We took a trip to Tulum, Mexico and it was glorious. Anyone who doesn't believe in heaven, hasn't been to the beaches of the Yucatan: white sand, crystal blue water, warm weather. We went snorkeling with sea turtles, snorkeling in fresh water centotes: Dos Ojos, to the Tulum Ruins (whoa!) and Playa Del Carmen for the day. It was refreshing to be in Mexico again, it is such a nice break from Belize and everything is a lot cheaper. I did pretty well on using my vacation days while being in the peace corps. Each volunteer receives a total of 42 days of vacation for the 2 years, i have 7 left. Not bad. I made some phone calls a few weeks ago to buddies back in the states, and one of them stated: "It looks like one big vacation down there." There are a lot of nice places in and around Central America and Peace Corps allows for regional travel, but let the record state peace corps work is no vacation.

2. COS Conference - we had our Close of Service conference this month at Hopkins Bay Resort in Hopkins, Belize. It's the last of the Peace Corps in service training seminars, but this one fills volunteers in on exiting Belize and transitioning back into life in the USA: saying good bye to host families, host country agencies, friends and filling out your DOS (Description of Service) and completing your resume etc. It was an awesome conference and it was nice to be with my training group one last time. Our group started with 42 volunteers and we are down to 22 as of yesterday. A lot of people decided to ET (Early Termination) due to a variety of reasons. I am really proud of myself for sticking it out down here. 3 years ago when i started talking about doing Peace Corps, my friends thought i was crazy and it was "un-weiss like."

3. 64 Days left in the Peace Corps - its crazy to think I have been in Belize for 2 years now, this whole experience flies by. I am COSing on September 22 and should be back in the States on September 23.

4. I am working on starting a non-profit: VolunteerPlacement.org. More to come at a later date.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Video

2010-06-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post videos so people could get some sense of what goes on down here in Belize. To read about some of this is one thing, but to actually see it is another. So I hope you all enjoy these videos.

Man on his way to work crossing a flooded bridge, while carrying his boots, a gun AND his bike. No big deal. What route do you take to work?

Video

2010-06-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Garifuna Settlement Day 2009 - Dangriga, Belize

Video

2010-06-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

100 Days

2010-06-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

So I only have about 100 days left in the Peace Corps. Pretty crazy. School let out for the summer vacation. I am working on creating a Leader Manual for the It's Up To Me program. One of my main concerns is long-term sustainability, but with a Student Workbook, a Leader's Manual and the support of the Principal, the program should stick around for a long time. The school received a replacement Peace Corps volunteer to continue some of the work with the program and for our first project together we are building a trellis over the garden. I thought it would be cool if we could turn the gardening area into a permanent gardening area.

Julie and I are going to Tulum, Mexico for our last vacation next month.

COS conference is coming up in July.

My official COS date is September 22, 2010.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

New Experience

2010-05-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know how to put it any other way: one of my co-workers at E.P. Yorke was murdered last week. Apparently he was driving around the downtown area at 11 p.m. and a group of "gang bangers" stopped his car and shot him in the head and then took his car. After shooting him, they then tossed him into the street and drove off with the car. Cops later chased down the vehicle and captured 3/5 criminals.

I can say that this is a new experience for me. Never have I personally known someone who has been murdered; to have one of the people you work and interact with on a daily basis taken away is painful. He worked at the high school for the last 10 years and he was a really good basketball player in Belize. I can't recall a day on campus that we didn't joke around or speak to each other. Just recently he started calling me "rich white bwai" because he asked what my parents did for a living. I stated that sure my parents are doing well but as for me, well let's just say that the $79 in my US Bank account would not take me very far.

So yesterday I attended my first Belizean funeral and it was very large even for US standards. They had to use the University of Belize gymnasium for all the people that showed up. The Prime Minister, Minster of Education, The Ambassador of the United States along with other dignitaries were in attendance. My co-worker was the son of the mayor of Belmopan. They are hoping that this senseless murder will be the turning point for the violence in Belize. In my opinion, the corruption will prevent any real progress from taking place.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

It's Hot

2010-04-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

What's the temperature down here right now? Thought you'd never ask:

99 Degrees
Feels like 117 Degrees

Can't wait for June.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Mention in the Miamian

2010-04-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the article: Snapshots of Service in the Spring 2010 Miamian: Miami University Alumni Magazine:

http://www.miamialum.org/s/916/internal.aspx?sid=916&gid=1&pgid=2249

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala

2010-04-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

So i just got back from a whirlwind of a trip: 8 days in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. So here goes:

Day 1 - Dangriga, Belize to Puerto Cortes, Honduras: 3 1/2 hour boat ride
Private Taxi from Puerto Cortes to San Pedro Sula
Nice bus from San Pedro Sula to Copan Ruinas

Day 2 - Copan Ruinas, Honduras: We all went to a natural hot spring resort/spa that was 45 minutes out of Copan so we got to see some of the Honduran countryside. One of the highlights of the trip.

Day 3 - Bus from Copan to El Poy, Honduras/El Salvador border. It was Sunday so one of the buses were were going to catch wasnt running, so we get on one of the worst buses i have ever been on. 3 1/2 hour ride to El Poy, the bus stops a town short of where we are supposed to be so we get a taxi to the border. After walking across the Honduras/El Salvador border we take an authentic chicken bus ride to San Salvador: sharp fast turns, loud music, half the bus is standing, making stops every 2 minutes, conductor yelling out the window, people selling random food and drinks at every major stop. craziness. We finally get to San Salvador and we are staying at the Hilton (one of Julie's friends gets employee rates) We barely left the hotel; there was no need: gym, comfortable bed, tv, steam room, pool, sauna and a subway right across the street.

Day 4 - San Salvador, El Salvador

Day 5 - Private taxi to Playa El Tunco, El Slavador, the best beach I have ever been to (move over bootleg Wind n Sea in La Jolla, CA there's a new beach in town) Cool little surf town with black sand beaches, fish tacos, awesome waves and pure fruit popsicles: Heaven is that you?

Day 6 - Private shuttle from Playa El Tunco to Antigua, Guatemala. Julie and I have already seen Antigua so it was nice to be back but i've seen enough Antigua.

Day 7 - Ran out of money and had to borrow some from Julie's friend just to get back home. Shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City, overnight bus from Guate to Flores

Day 8 - 7 am bus from Flores to Belize City and we are home by noon.

Crazy trip. We are almost done with seeing all of Central America:

Belize - check
Mexico - check
Guatemala - check
Honduras - check
El Salvador - check
Panama
Costa Rica
Nicaragua

Ask me again in August and they will all be checked.

Let the record state that Matthew James Gill owes me $20.00 US Dollars. Why you ask? I'll tell you: Before the tournament began I bet him that the Duke Blue Devils would make it farther that the Kentucky Wildcats. So if you see him on the streets of Chicago, please remind him to pay up.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Your Real Age

2010-03-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with my Peace Corps service but i thought it was cool: Check this out and take the real age test:

http://www.realage.com/

My Results:

Calender Age: 26.4

Real Age: 21.0

5.4 years younger than I actually am!

March

2010-03-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

A few updates:

The garden is coming along nicely. We have installed a roof to shade the plants from the intense direct sunlight. The roof consists of "bush sticks" and coconut tree palms. We planted cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, basil and yellow peppers. We tried to plant green peppers but i think the seeds were old. I have three goals for the garden:
1. Have/produce at least one piece of vegetable
2. Incorporate gardening into the It's Up To Me Program
3. Create a permanent garden for the school

Thanks again to The Tennis Company in San Diego, California for donating 12 basketballs to the E.P. Yorke High School Physical Education Department. The owner/my former boss donated 12 soccer balls last year and the school greatly appreciates the donations. If anyone is interested in donating sports equipment (softball mits, volleyballs, soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes etc.) or school supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers) please feel free to contact me:
weisscw@gmail.com

The Social Investment Fund Application for the E.P. Yorke Sports/Multipurpose Complex is eligible for funding, which is good news; the bad news is they don't have any more money for the year. We will need to wait until September to see if it receives funding. That would be awesome for the school and it would be kind of the icing on the cake for my Peace Corps service.

Well I guess Belize has reached a new low: cops are shooting cops in San Pedro (a major tourist destination). I stand corrected: "A cop intentionally shot another cop and killed him" As many outsiders know, Belize is considered a violent place, but if you live here it's different. Everyone knows that the violence is primarily gang-on-gang violence with the occasional outbreak of random brutal crimes. A cop shooting another cop is pretty crazy though. If the violence in Belize continues, regardless if it's gang-on-gang, this country will have a tougher time climbing out of the developing world.

The new class of volunteers comes to Belize next week. It's crazy to think that I am almost done with this experience. My COS (Close of Service) date will probably be the first week of October.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

February Garden

2010-02-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

I started a garden at my school. The school gave me a large plot of land to do whatever I want. So far we've created a seed bed, compost pile and we are just about done turning the soil over. It's a lot of work and I am using forced/slave labor to help me complete the project: Suspension students. If you get suspended from school in Belize you don't go home, you work. The soil is very rich because about 10 years ago a teacher started a garden and chicken coop but it was abandoned about 5 years ago. We should be planting some seeds within the next week or so and doing some transplanting in about 3-4 weeks.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

New Week

2010-01-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

I had a long day yesterday at school. I thought I would share:

6 am - wakeup
7 - go to school
8 - school starts
8-9 - ref 2 basketball games
9-9:50 - Life Skills Class
10 - meeting with a student
12 - lunch
2:30 - meeting with a student
3 - Sports Committee Meeting
3:30 - It's Up To Me Group Meeting
4 - ref 2 basketball games
5:30-10 pm - Disciplinary Board Meeting

14 hours at school.

In other news, the It's Up To Me received a $500 grant from Kids to Kids. I wrote the grant about a year ago and it was rejected. I reapplied, and we got it. So now the group can operate without tapping into the school's budget.

I submitted a grant application to the Belize Social Investment Fund for the Edward P. Yorke Sports Complex and Athlete Development Program last week. This one is a lot bigger than the Kids to Kids and has an impact on the entire school and community.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Guate

2010-01-04T10:53:00.001-08:00

(Let me state that before you read this post, there are a lot of "best ever" classifications. The Weiss' have been know to throw that phrase out from time to time, but believe me when i say "best.")

Wow! Guatemala was awesome and I can say that it was the best trip of my life. When each day seemed as if it couldn’t get better, it did:

Day 1 – Punta Gorda, Belize to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala – 1 1/2 hour boat ride across the bay. Small boat + medium sized waves = fun ride. 6 hour bus ride from Puerto Barrios to Guatemala City. 1 1/2 hour chicken bus ride from Guate to Antigua, or as the conductor put it: TIGUA! TIGUA! TIGUA! We arrive in Antigua and head to our hostel: El Hostal. We head out for dinner and find this awesome sushi place that had the best pad thai I have ever had.

Day 2 – Walk around the city and decide to sign up for the Pacaya Volcano night hike. Lunch before hand we had panini's (something we can’t get in Belize) and they were awesome. Shuttle left at 2 pm and returned at 9 pm. Best hike i have ever been on: high altitude, volcano, lava flowing at the top, roasted marshmallows on volcano lava! crazy. It was a “Humbling, Earth Experience” as i like to call them: being tossed around in a rip tide, skiing, small boats in a big ocean etc.

Day 3 – We walk around the city in the morning and took off for Lake Atitlan in a 3 hour shuttle ride. A lake that has been called the most beautiful lake in the world; and i have to say it very well may be in the running. Our hotel was awesome: we had a private cabin with a incredible view. If you got to Atitlan, stay in Santa Cruz at the Iguana Perdida. Delicious commune style organic dinner.

Day 4 – Signed up for a Mayan weaving class and it was really cool, we were invited in to their home and they taught us how to weave this backstrap/belt type thing and it takes a lot of work. Whenever Mayans pass us in Belize we always say how expensive the gifts are, but now I understand: it takes a lot of work. Julie did Yoga in the morning too, which was given to her for free thanks to her Peace Corps status.

Day 5 – Back to Antigua and as we are talking about leaving this guy comes up to Julie and I and he says “where are you heading?” We say Antigua. He says he can give us a ride. no charge! Whoa. Saved us a few Quetzales. We also met some PCV’s from Guatemala who gave is this backdoor place in Antigua for 30 Q for the night. We later ran into this guy (Patrick) in the central park and he took us out to dinner!! Awesome!

Day 6 – 4 am Antigua to Guate shuttle. 6 am bus ride from Guate to Puerto Barrios. 1 1/2 hour boat ride from Puerto Barrios to Punta Gorda. Sike. 3 hour boat ride: small boat + really big waves = pant shitting fear that your life is about to end. Scariest boat ride i have ever been on, but for some reason i kind of enjoyed it. I should have been in the NAVY, or when you feel that your life is about to end, sarcasm takes over.

What a trip!! If you ever have the chance to go to Guatemala, go to Antigua and Lake Atitlan. I truly feel blessed to have had an opportunity to take a trip like that, especially to experience it with someone I really care about! I shaved my beard finally. October – January.

Check my pictures out on facebook.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Heck of a November

2009-12-02T07:18:00.001-08:00

November was one of my best month’s in country:

-Merida, Mexico: read previous blog

-Garifuna Settlement Day: I skipped out on Settlement Day last year promising myself I would go down to Dangriga this year. What an experience. It was awesome to say the least. A lot of ceremonial drumming. I’ll put some pictures up on facebook. Garifuna Settlement Day represents the day that the Garifuna culture came to Belize after being exiled from St. Vincent. Let the record state that I was in the Settlement Day Parade in Dangriga. Julie’s work: The Education Department, had a float and I decided to help them decorate it. I wasn't going to hop on at first, but i was convinced otherwise and i participated in my first parade.

-Thanksgiving – All of the Peace Corps volunteers in the country were invited to the George Price Center to have In Service Training as well as Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s always nice to be around a lot of friends during the holidays. We also got to play some tennis at the Embassy, so that was good.

-Tobacco Caye – Beach Camping on a private Caye in Belize, not bad huh? Julie and I had an awesome time setting up a campsite right on the beach shore. We also did some snorkeling right off of the barrier reef. Tobacco Caye is roughly the size of 2 football fields and its about a 45 minutes boat ride from Dangriga.

-Caye Caulker – I love this place. A backpacker’s paradise. I snorkeled Caye Caulker for the first time. I was really cold and cloudy but it was still cool.

I saw Obama’s speech last night about Afghanistan, did you catch the Peace Corps shout out? Nice.

"In the end, our security and leadership does not come solely from the strength of our arms. It derives from our people…from the diplomats and Peace Corps volunteers who spread hope abroad; and from the men and women in uniform who are part of an unbroken line of sacrifice that has made government of the people, by the... people and for the people a reality on this Earth."

My beard is still going strong. It’s been about a month and a half. I am shaving on January 1. Some new comments at school: Santa, Bin Laden, Osama, Mennonite, Hobo, Amish. Check the pictures out on facebook.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Beard Comments and Mexico

2009-11-04T06:49:00.001-08:00

I just came back from Merida, Mexico and the beard is in full force (3 weeks). I have been at school now for approximately 1 hour and I have already received 10 comments on my facial hair. Here are just a few:

Bwai, werewolf!
Mista Weiss, did you get lost in Mexico?
Grizzly Adams
Mista Taliban
Bwai Taliban
Rasta Bwai
Don't starve the barber Mista Weiss

Julie and I took some vacation days and visited Merida, Mexico. It's in the northern part of the Yucatan. One of the best parts of our trip was a day trip to Progresso, which is a little beach community about 45 minutes from Merida. It was that typical Meixco vibe in Progresso. Two Thumbs up to Mexico, the Mexican Culture, Merida and Progresso. It was refreshing to see a new place outside of Belize and I highly recommend visiting Merida for two days if you ever have the chance. I will post pictures on facebook later this week.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

almost november

2009-10-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

A couple things:

1. I am starting to feel the monotonousness aspect of Peace Corps service; I tend to get consumed by my primary project and it has become routine. Fortunately, I am really enthused about the E.P. Yorke Sports Complex. I see myself working on the plans, proposals and staring construction in the upcoming year. Let the record state: I am not thinking of quitting or anything like that, it's just one of the emotions/phases I am going through.

2. The new Ambassador had all the Peace Corps volunteers over for dinner the other night: it was for the new volunteers swearing-in. It was really nice and he seems like he is gung-ho peace corps so that's good news for the next couple years. It was my first official state sponsored dinner. I will post pictures on facebook so you can see some of the cool things from the dinner: plates, house, free food (indian), free drinks. The Ambassador went to undergrad with Obama and apparently they are good buddies.

3. I am growing out a beard until New Years.

4. I am growing out my hair until next Summer.

5. Cool quote: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other form a million different centers; energy enduring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." R.F.K. on moral courage

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

26

2009-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

So I celebrated my 26th birthday on the 12th of October. Julie set up a picnic blanket and we had a Sunrise Watercolor session. We each painted our interpretation of the sunrise. We both have different styles of painting: she has more of a creative interpretation while I am more literal translation. Let the record state that I have no idea what I am talking about when it comes to painting, I just started and I enjoy it that's good enough for me.

After painting we had breakfast at the Pelican Resort aka Julie's front yard. To my surprise, she had the staff bring out a home-made cheesecake.

It was a special birthday. It was different than all my other birthday's. I was taken to see the sunrise and got to paint the landscape. In previous years, I would have gone to a bar with buddies and drank myself stupid (nothing against that, and nothing against all of those who engaged in previous birthday celebrations, but i prefer an epic sunrise and a great breakfast to bonging beers in celebration of one's birth).

So thanks to Julie and all of the happy birthday wishes and if you forgot no worries. I mistakenly forgot my mom's birthday this year. Whoops. sorry mom!

Fall

2009-10-02T10:11:00.001-07:00

Lets pretend that Belize has seasons: It’s Fall! What that means here: it’s hot and rainy. Big surprise.

Good news: I finished the Student Workbook/Manual for the student’s in the It’s Up To Me Program! It’s been a goal of mine for a year and I finally completed it. It’s 70 pages of participatory activities that I gathered from numerous Peace Corps resources. I printed off 41 of them so they will hopefully be able to run the program for a couple years after I am gone. Sustainability. Lets hope it works.

Thanks to The Tennis Company for donating 15 soccer balls to E.P. Yorke High School. The Physical Education teacher, Principal and students appreciated the donation. I recommended that the P.E. teacher only use 5 a year so they will be good to go for the next couple years.

I gave 2 speeches to the new 1st year trainees/future volunteers last week:

1. Mentoring At-Risk Youth in Belize

2. Relationship Panel: Being in a Relationship in the Peace Corps

They swear in as volunteers later this month

Thanks DT for sending me the new Pearl Jam CD. Getting new/enjoyable music down here is no easy task.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Back from Vacation

2009-09-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am back from my recent visit to the United States and I am refreshed, re-energized and ready for my last year of service. While back in the motherland, I experienced the following for the first time in a year:

Chick-fil-a
Subway
Driving
Shopping Mall
Disney World
Relative Ease
I felt completely Safe
Relaxing with Family
Sleeping with a comforter

I had a great time with my family and I was happy that Julie got a chance to spend some time with my whole family. I still can't believe how fast my niece is growing and how smart she is.

This year I hope to have a even more productive year than last year. I hope to work on the following:

Sports Complex at E.P. Yorke
Teacher's/Leader's Manual for It's Up To Me Program
80% promotion rate for the It's Up To Me Program (73% last year)
Start a School Garden
Secure a Peace Corps Volunteer at E. P. Yorke for 2010-2012

A few sports predictions for the year:

NCAA Football Champions: Florida Gators
NCAA Heisman: Tim Tebow
MLB World Series: New York Yankees and Jeter retires
Tennis: Federer retires in the next 2 years

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

First US Visit

2009-08-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

I will be making my first trip back to the United States this week for the annual Weiss Family Vacation. I am really excited and it should be a blast. I haven't seen my brother, sister-in-law and niece in over a year. I look forward to dominating the Weiss Family Olympics and taking back the crown. I am also excited for Julie to meet my whole family.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Rain, PTSD and 1 Year

2009-08-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

So it's the rainy season and it hasn't been raining that much, but when it does....look out. Every time it rains I say" That's the most amount of rain I have ever seen." It is so much rain that it looks like it is snowing; and then you add the wind, it takes it to another level. A few systems are starting to form over Africa and the Cape Verde Islands which isn't good for the Caribbean or Central America, so the next few weeks should be interesting.

PTSD - sometimes known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Well, I would like to change the acronym to Post Traumatic Spider Disorder. I had my first run in with a large spider last week in my bathroom. It was about the size of a small sand dollar and i think it was venomous. I took a picture of it and showed it to the Eiley's and the first thing they said: "Dis da no ordinary spida." Most of the time if you see a spider here, it's a tarantula but not this time. It came in through my bathroom window and was hanging out in the shower. I had to get all pumped up to kill this thing because it was a. in my house and b. the biggest spider i have ever been in contact with. I tried spraying it with "Belizean Death Spray" (a really powerful bug killer that kills and melts ants) but it had no impact on this thing. So i spent about 10 minutes getting pumped up to kill it and finally it took my broom and trapped it in a corner and killed it. I have done some research on the internet and i am led to believe I killed a Black Recluse spider. Look up the bite on Google its pretty crazy. When you get bit by these things and it goes untreated your skin disintegrates and they typically amputate. I am kind of tweaky now and everything I see moving reminds me of the spider and I am constantly checking the shower and my bed for spiders. But the score remains Weiss - 1 Spiders - 0.

I have been in Belize a year now (As of August 20) and I can honestly say that I have learned a lot about myself, others and a developing country. I'm in a good place right now. This year flew by and it seemed like yesterday I was in Chicago living it up one last time. I look forward to the upcoming year in country and I hope to accomplish a lot.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

PSA Peace Corps

2009-08-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

I'M IN BELIZE Moment

2009-08-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

I just had one of those happy moments where bursts of joy travel throughout my body and I want to yell: I'M IN BELIZE!!!!! But I then realize I am in an office with a bunch of Belizeans and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to yell.

I guess its just part of being truly happy with where I am right now. It is still exciting to think I am in the Peace Corps and I am in Belize. Crazy.

Summer Update

2009-07-31T09:42:00.001-07:00

So Summer is almost over and I have a couple of updates for everyone:

1. I finished the It’s Up To Me Manual. I am happy with my work and it is currently being edited by several Belizeans. It should be ready to print by the beginning of the school year. The manual is one of my ways of ensuring sustainability of the program.

2. Random trips to Caye Caulker are nice. It only costs $25 round trip and when you find a secluded hotel/cabana on the backside of the island, its the recipe for complete relaxation.

3. Trip to Argentina is in the works for Spring of 2010.

4. I will be in the United States in September – Cocoa Beach, Florida for the Weiss Family Vacation. Julie is coming too!! I am excited for her to meet my entire family.

5. http://thisisdiversity.com/ – wanted me to post some of my blog entries on their website. They said they enjoy my take on life as a PCV. Money is given to the author’s of the articles who receive the most hits for the month. If my articles receive any money it will be donated to the “It’s Up To Me” program . Check out the website and search for my articles.

6. http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/its-up-to-me-program – Please donate to my project!!! We are so close to obtaining the funds. Thanks to those who have already donated: Vens, Ruza, Gill, Cook and Heiner. If you know of anyone that would be interested, please forward them the link.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Lobsterfest and Family Reunion

2009-07-06T13:09:00.001-07:00

It’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve got two things to talk about:

1. Lobsterfest – Julie and I went to Lobsterfest in Placencia a couple weekends ago. It’s a festival celebrating the opening of lobster season. There are a bunch of booths selling all different kinds of lobster. We decided to splurge at a nice restaurant instead of buying lobster at all the booths. We went to a nice place called Rumfish y Vino. We split the “Lobster 5 Ways” special. It was 5 kinds of lobster dishes with 5 different kinds of wine:

-Lobster Seviche, Lobster Bisque, Lobster crepes, Lobster Sheppard's pie and Lobster pasta.

It was delicious. It was nice to be back in Placencia again.

2. Eiley Family Reunion – I was invited to the Eiley Family Reunion in Placencia last weekend (back to back weekends in Placencia, not bad). It was my first large Belizean Family gathering experience. I was able to sit in the front seat while driving down south for the first time; most of the time I am on a bus or in the back seat of a SUV. The country of Belize is beautiful and driving from Belize City to Placencia you go through about 5 different scenery changes: city, Caribbean dessert (its kind of like Belize’s version of Texas), Jungle, Maya Mountains and Placencia peninsula. We left early in the morning so the fog was still hanging around in the Maya mountains. It was a spectacular sight. The reunion was a good experience and I had a good time meeting the relatives of my host family. They all treated me as if I were apart of the family.

I failed the Foreign Service Exam. Its not an easy test due to the randomness of the questions and the limited time given on the writing portion. Now that i am familiar with the layout, I am going to attempt the exam again next year. The pass rate is somewhere in the 20% range. Happy Birthday to Erich Weiss (July 6th). Hope all is well in the States.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Summertime

2009-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

It's almost Summer and I am pumped. All the students are done with school until August. Teachers are required to work until the end of June. I am going to work at school during the Summer months to work on the following projects:

1. Finishing Student and Teacher Manuals for It's Up To Me Program
2. Finalizing Plans for the E.P. Yorke Sports Complex - this is something I am really excited about. I noticed that sports are not as big of a part of the lives of the kids who go to school here; reason being: there are not many places to participate in sports. So i figured lets build a complex. The school has the room and if a complex is built and the sports programs are developed, it might help some of the kids who live on the south side of the city lead better lives. I had the Technical Drawing teacher professionally draw the layout of the school and about 6 members of staff decided on what they would like to see out of the complex. The plan is probably going to take about 4-5 years so I will hopefully pass it on to the next volunteer who comes in, assuming there will be one at E.P. Yorke. I will fill everyone in on the progress!
3. Create a Rule Book for Sports Day Activities - the school has a month of sporting activities in December and I was on the committee who officiated all of the activities. Considering it was my first year i sat back and watched a lot of the time and went along with the other refs. calls. There was quite a bit of confusion on a lot of the calls and the reasoning behind some of the decisions made, so I said: "We need a rule book so there is no confusion on the rules and calls being made during all these events." They all concluded that it would be a good idea.

So even though school is out, my summer should be filled with things to do.

I should also add that Hurricane/Rainy Season started on June 1. I am ready for some rain. I don't think anyone can ever be ready for a hurricane though. Living down here hurricanes are a serious threat and I expect to be consolidated a few times this season, but you never know. It has been extremely hot for the past couple months. If you look at a weather report most of the time it reads: 96 feels like 102. Humidity.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Pictures

2009-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

The 2008-2009 It's Up To Me Graduates

Letter to Future Volunteers

2009-05-27T10:07:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to write a letter to the future volunteers who are coming to Belize in August. The letter is included in a pamphlet they receive a few months before they depart. So here it is:

15 minutes before the revelation of site placements, I walked into my training officer's office and stated: “Send me anywhere in this country except Belize City.” Six months later I would say the complete opposite: I would not want to be sent anywhere but Belize City.

As a youth development volunteer, my primary concern is bettering the lives of Belizean youth, particularly those who attend E.P. Yorke High School. My assignment calls for me to develop and plan the It's Up To Me Program, which is a program for “at-risk” youth who are in jeopardy of being expelled from school. As one of the top high schools in Belize, one would assume that a United States Peace Corps Volunteer would not be necessary; however with over 42% of the school's population residing on the south side of Belize City: the country's epicenter of violence, gangs and crime, a volunteer is much needed. The presence of youth development volunteers in Belize is crucial due to 70% of the nation being under 30 years of age.

Upon arriving at E.P. Yorke, I was not sure how I would fit in with the students and staff. I had never worked in a school setting before or mentored students and I didn't speak Kriol that well. After about three months in my site, I felt like I belonged. I was developing the program, speaking and understanding Kriol, coaching American football and teaching five Life Skills classes (I am actually apart of the “Big Five” on campus: the Principal, two Vice Principals, the counselor and myself. We have Management Meetings, which are in Kriol, every Friday and my input is wanted and respected).

Believe it or not, Peace Corps was kind of a step up for me: I am satisfied with my job, work 7-4, have my own office (with Air Conditioning), a nice apartment and weekends off. I did not have any of the previously listed in the United States. It was not what I was expecting for the “typical Peace Corps experience;” but then again: what is the typical P.C. experience? The answer is: there isn't one, it's what you make of it. The effort you put into it will be given back to you in rewards beyond monetary value, exponentially. Closing with a bit of advice: Don't expect anything.....except a rewarding experience.

Christopher Weiss

Youth Development

E.P. Yorke High School

2008-2010

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Power of Ants and Creepy Bus Rides

2009-05-20T10:09:00.001-07:00

1. Being here in Belize I have learned many things, but one thing that I am constantly amazed by is the power, quickness and efficiency of ants. There are multiple kinds of ants and they all like different flavors and items. The first kind are these tiny 1/2 black 1/2 red ants that really enjoy sweets and any crumbs left on any surface: chairs, table, counters, stove etc. Their response time is about 3 minutes. If you leave anything on the counter, lets say a tiny piece of left-over fruit they will be there attacking the fruit. I have noticed they work with the sun, basically a 5 am to 6:30 pm. The second kind of ant is a big black ant that seems to aimlessly wander looking for dead bugs. Their response time is around 5 minutes. If you kill a roach and leave it there, the ants will be taking the bug apart and carrying it out of the apartment. Often times I will leave the bug/roach there just for the sake of entertainment. Both kinds of ants are afraid of movement and they seem to have a very quick communication system.

2. I have had 2 creepy bus rides in Belize. What exactly do i mean by creepy bus rides? This: Leaving a tiny village on the 3:30 am bus (that is the only bus out of the village and most of the residents take this bus to go to work or school. Can you imagine getting on a bus that early everyday to go to school? It makes you appreciate the relative ease of going to high school in the States.) and its packed with villagers who are all Mayan, meanwhile I am the only white person on the bus so they are all staring at me. The music on the bus: 1950’s American Gospel music. I said to myself wow this is straight out of a horror film. The second creepy bus ride was similar and the bus driver began playing 1950’s American Gospel music and 90% of the passengers began singing along. Creepy.

I spoke with a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who is currently serving in Guatemala and I asked why he hasn't been updating his blog anymore. He replied with: “It’s all become normal to me so it’s hard to write about stuff that goes on down here. I mean some guy took a shit in the middle of the road yesterday right in front of me and i didn't even think twice about it.” I am starting to feel the same way, but I am still going to try and update as much as I can.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Foreign Service Exam

2009-05-06T06:34:00.001-07:00

I have decided to take the Foreign Service Exam. The test is the first step in becoming a State Department Foreign Service Officer. If you are a FSO you work in Washington D.C. or at an US embassy somewhere in the world. The test has a reputation of being very difficult and many state department officers took the test several times before passing it.

The first part is Job Knowledge which includes: US Government, US Society and Culture, World History and Geography, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Management, Communication and Computers.

Second: English Expression

Third: Biographical Information Questionnaire

Fourth: Written Essay

If you pass the test you are invited to an Oral Exam in D.C. Apparently this is the toughest part. So basically its going to be a tough test, then if I pass that, a tougher Oral exam. Wish me luck. I would not pursue a career with the State Department until my obligation with the Peace Corps is fulfilled in October of 2010.

Three Language Meeting

2009-04-28T06:25:00.001-07:00

Since joining the Peace Corps in Belize, I have experienced a wide range of new things. Just recently I was asked to sit in on a Disciplinary Committee Meeting for the high school: students who have been suspended twice come in with their parents and meet with the board to discuss their future. The cool thing about Belize is that there are many different cultures and languages; when one student and his mother came in it was made clear that the mother did not speak English or Kriol. The meeting was conducted in Spanish, English and Kriol. My first three language meeting.

Spring Break

2009-04-15T08:41:00.001-07:00

Since I am working in a school I get two weeks of Spring Break. Julie and I decided to go to San Pedro and it was really nice, to say the least. We both saved some money for a couple months so we stayed at a nice hotel called Banana Beach. We got a free breakfast every morning and brought food from Belize City so we did not end up spending a lot of money on the trip. I took her out to a nice restaurant and the food was out of this world. She got a bleu cheese, walnut and pear salad with shrimp skewers and I got stuffed chicken breast with sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese and garlic potatoes. San Pedro is probably the nicest tourist destination in Belize. The island is filled with high class resorts, red bricked roads and golf carts. It’s touristy but not overwhelming. I enjoyed the vacation and hopefully will visit again. If my brother and his wife come down to Belize, we will probably go to San Pedro for a few days.

I saw two sporting events while on vacation: The Masters and the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship: Miami vs. Boston University. I enjoy watching the Masters every year and this year it definitely made me feel like I was in the states. As for the hockey game: Miami was up 3 goals to 1 with 1 minute and 30 seconds to play. Boston pulled their goalie and proceeded to score 2 goals in 42 seconds sending the game into overtime. Miami ended up losing in overtime. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I thought Miami was finally going to win a national championship in something but no no. Better luck next year.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Close Proximity to Murder

2009-04-03T06:07:00.001-07:00

One thing that takes some getting used to down here is being in close proximity to crime. Never in my life have I been able to stand at my place of residence and point to where murders have taken place. Just last month at the Bachelor Hotel (a huge hotel that does not seem to have any guests), which is a block away from my house, the owner let 4 people into the front office because he thought they were going to rent a room. Well that wasn't the case. They proceeded to corner him in the rental office, torture him, stab him repeatedly and then slit his throat. This all happened within 200 yards of my apartment. The robbers/murderers apparently wanted some money and the man (who in local newspapers is referred to as “Chinee man”) refused to give them any.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

La Ruta Maya

2009-03-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

I did the La Ruta Maya Canoe Race/Challenge this past weekend, which is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. Over 170 miles of paddling from Western to Eastern Belize.

Pre-Race
Joel and I arrived in San Ignacio around 11 am to do some last minute shopping/preparations for the race. Jacob arrived with the boat, paddles and life jackets at around 4:30 pm. Not knowing what the race really was about we thought we were going to be fine with out 150 boat, child like life jackets and our 3 wooden paddles, I repeat wooden paddles: 1st one was 10 pounds and approx. 5 feet tall, 2nd one was 8 pounds and 4ft tall and the last one was relatively light weighing in at approx 2 pounds. Let the record state that half of the boats in the competition are simply there to have fun and complete the race, the other 45% are there to compete while the other 5% are trying to win. The difference between those trying to win and those having fun is as follows: carbon fiber paddles weighing less than 5 oz., canoes that weight less than 30 lbs, year long training sessions, slim life jackets and pit crews that swim out to their boat and drop supplies in if necessary. We did not have any of that. We had the heaviest boat in the competition, the heaviest paddles, we didn't practice, huge life jackets and we carried all our food and water in our boat.

Day 1
Getting used to paddling because we had never paddled together before. We look obnoxious because we are the only team using wooden paddles. Day one was just exhausting and I am convinced we were the hardest working team in the race that day due to the weight in our boat and paddles.

Day 2
Wow I was sore so I took a Ibuprofen. Mistake. This allowed me to not feel my soreness so I could paddle harder and therefore I was more sore the next morning. Half way through the 69 mile day we convinced the safety crew to give us their lightweight paddles and we switched out the ten pound beast appropriately called BEN HUR. 2 wooden paddles one light paddle. This was the longest day of the race and it wasn't that bad. I think we just got into a grove and zoned out.

Day 3
I was really sore to start the race but got through it. Julie's 4H boat had dropped out of the competition so I asked if we could use her boat's light weight paddles and they said yes so this was our first day with relatively light paddles. This was out first full day of sun and the river was really flat with not very many rapids.

Day 4
Our best day by far. It was only 25 miles, but the wind and ocean current were going against us. I was in front and the middle for the first 3 days and we decided to switch it up so I sat in back steering the boat. I think this had something to do with our strong finish. I felt more comfortable controlling the ship and we seemed to swerve a lot less.

Looking back on the competition, it was as if we were running a marathon without training: not an easy task; despite the grueling conditions of the race, it was enjoyable and worthwhile for a number of reasons. Next year I hope to have a lighter boat, lighter paddles and pre-race training that includes rowing a canoe.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Please Help Out My Peace Corps Project

2009-03-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

As many of you may know, I am working as the Program Coordinator of the It's Up To Me Program. I thought it would be a good idea to try and get some of my friends and family involved, so here is your chance. The link below is an opportunity for you to donate to my project. Please click the link below to find out more:

http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/its-up-to-me-program

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Putting Things in Perspective

2009-02-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

We got this video in training this week:

http://www.miniature-earth.com/

Click on Enlgish to watch the video......If the world were reduced to 100 people this is what it would look like.........

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Things I could go for right now

2009-02-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

I do not miss the U.S. right now, but there are things I could go for. So here is a list of eleven things I could go for right now:

1. Subway - I'll take a foot long turkey breast on honey oat, all veggies with ranch and chipotle sauce
2. Golfing
3. Tennis - I am actually playing tennis at the US Embassy next week.
4. Book Stores
5. Driving - I walk or ride the bus everywhere
6. Snickers - the dog........Snickerrrrrrrrrrrrssssss
7. Wendy's - Jr. bacon cheeseburger with no tomato
8. Frank's Red Hot
9. Seasons - Winter has not been apart of my life in quite some time now
10. The American Flag - its weird how much you miss it when you don't see it flying everywhere
11. The excitement of watching sports that arent soccer - i enjoy soccer but not 15 channels worth

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

La Ruta Maya Canoe Race

2009-02-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

In March I am competing in a 4 day canoe race called the La Ruta Maya with two other Peace Corps volunteers. It is a gruelling competition and teams from all over North America compete. The race starts in San Ignacio (west) and ends in Belize City (east). The race is 170 miles:

Day 1 - 49 miles
Day 2 - 60 miles
Day 3 - 36 miles
Day 4 - 25 miles

We are required to have a support crew and a sponsor, in which we have already taken care of. I am really excited for this competition and have been working out religiously. I will let you all know how it goes.

http://www.larutamayabelize.com/main/default.aspx

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Typical Days in The Peace Corps

2009-01-29T08:08:00.001-08:00

I thought I would list what I do during the week here in Belize: Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday:
6:00 am - Wake Up, make breakfast and shower
7:00 - Walk to School, its about a 10 minute walk
7:15 - Check my email
8:00 - Morning Announcements
8:10 - Meeting with a student
10:10 - Meeting with a student
12 - Lunch - I walk home for lunch
1-3 - Plan for classes
3-4 pm - American Football Club
4:30 - Home
4:45 - Run to the Gym that is one mile away
6 - Dinner
9 pm - Bed

Thursday:
6:00 am - Wake up, make breakfast and shower
7:00 am - Walk to school
7:15 - Check my email
8:05 - Meeting with a student
8:20 - Meeting with a student
8:50-9:30 - Life Skills Class
10:30-11:10 - Life Skills Class
11:10-11:50 - Life Skills Class
12 - Lunch
1-3:30 - Plan for It's Up To Me Program
4 - Home
4:30 - Gym
6 - Dinner
9 - Bed

Two typical days in the Peace Corps.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Purpose of the Peace Corps

2009-01-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

What is the Peace Corps exactly you ask? Great question. I think it is best described by JFK upon signing Executive Order 10924 on March 1, 1961:

"In establishing our Peace Corps we intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.
We will only send abroad Americans who are wanted by the host country--who have a real job to do--and who are qualified to do that job. Programs will be developed with care, and after full negotiation, in order to make sure that the Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not designed as an instrument of diplomacy or propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to permit our people to exercise more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development.
Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed--doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.
But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

What I Like and Dislike about Belize

2009-01-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

I am writing about things I enjoy about Belize and things I dislike:

Likes:
The Food - rice and beans, chicken etc. (excluding pigtail)
The Weather - 80 and up and that's winter
The Beaches
Belize City - 38 of 45 murders in Belize City last year happened in the south of the city, i don't live in the south side
My Job - the office, schedule and weekends off
My Host Family - The Eiley's are awesome
Palm Trees - gotta love em
Julie - she lives in Dangriga but its only a 3 hour bus ride to see her
Movies - bootleg copies of movies that haven't hit theatres yet in the states

Dislikes:
Sand flies - they come at sunrise and sunset, they bite, they are small and fly through the screen
Music - Punta is obnoxious and i don't like it at all
Belizean TV Shows - They have this show called Duets down here its like a local American Idol and everyone in the country watches it. Imagine the 10 worst performing acts you have ever seen. Now picture those 10 acts competing on TV: That is Duets. It's torture to watch. While living in Independence i figured out the entertainment situation in Belize. If entertainment value was put onto a universal 1 to 10 scale: Americans are accustomed to 8, 9 and 10's while Belizeans are accustomed to 2, 3, and 4's, but to them it might be a 8, 9 or 10.
The treatment of dogs - dogs are treated like crap down here, most are malnourished and have VD, its gross
Lack of News sources - Love FM provides all news on the radio and there are 2 news stations
Being treated like a tourist just because I am white - this means that I always have money and I always need a cab
The trash - Most Belizeans don't understand the concept of a trash can, plastic is everywhere

Do not let the list of dislikes fool you, my likes highly outweigh my dislikes and I am thoroughly enjoying myself down here. I should also let the record state that I am very respectful of the culture and do not publicly voice my opinions on dislikes and consider all experiences to be part of the Peace Corps journey.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The New Year

2009-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! I had a great holiday season here in Belize, despite being away from my family.

My new years was spent in Caye Caulker: which is a nice, quaint tropical paradise with waters of every shade of blue and green. The boat ride to Caye Caulker from Belize City is about 45 minutes and costs $25 Belize round trip. Julie and I stayed in an ocean front hotel and we had a lot of fun. I saved some money over the previous weeks and took her out to a nice Italian restaurant called Don Corleone's. I got lasagna and she got the lobster dinner. It was surprisingly the best lasagna I have ever had in my life.

After celebrating the New Year, I came to the realization that I do not need two things in my life anymore:
1. Swear words
2. Alcohol - excluding the occasional glass of red wine

Cussing or swearing is totally inappropriate and unnecessary. I feel like an idiot every time i swear. I'm done with it.

Alcohol has done nothing for me in my life besides drain me financially, physically and emotionally. I hate hangovers, I hate not being in control and I hate making mistakes while under the influence. I hate alcohol. I'm done with it. (Excluding the occasional glass of red wine, which has been proven to provide health benefits)

I don't really believe in new years resolutions, due to the inevitability of failure, so i prefer life changing/self realizations. So when I return to the United States in 2010, don't expect to see me swear or drink.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! This is my second big holiday away from the states and my family. Plenty of gifts have been sent down here and Julie and I will be celebrating Christmas morning at my apartment and then we are heading over the my host family's house for Christmas dinner. I am spending New Year's in Caye Caulker, which is a nice island off the coast off of Belize. Happy Holidays!!

New Apartment

2008-12-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

I found a nice apartment near the school in Belize City. I am happy that I am finally getting my own place after 4 months of living with host families, but I am going to miss having all my food prepared for me. If you want to write or send anything here is my new address:

5964 Campus Avenue
Apartment #10
West Landivar
Belize City, Belize

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Chess Tournament

2008-12-09T05:47:00.001-08:00

So Julie and I played in a chess tournament in Dangriga over the weekend. We both finished towards the bottom; since it was the first tournament for both of us, that was expected. We both played 4 matches and it lasted all day. It is safe to say that we both had a lot of fun and chess will definitely be a part of our experience in Belize. There are numerous chess associations in the country and they tend to team up with Peace Corps volunteers. The game has a number of benefits for both youth and adults in country: intellectual and the development of hobbies, simply put there is not a lot do do here. More than likely I will bring chess to the "It's Up To Me Program."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

My Job

2008-12-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have actually described my job in depth so here goes: I am working at a high school out of the counselor's office in Belize City, Belize. I am responsible for coordinating and running a program entitled “It's Up To Me.” The program was created by a former volunteer who basically wrote the framework, but did not include any activities/strategies/materials; so I am having to come up with the “meat and potatoes” of the program. I am having a great time because I can essentially do whatever I want with the kids. The students involved in the program are labeled as “at risk.” What is at risk? Students who are in trouble academically and/or disciplinary. There are currently 11 students in the program and I meet with them on a individual and group basis once a week. In the next two years I would like to create a manual for the program along with a handbook/assignment book for the students.

I teach 5 Life Skills classes on Thursday's and Friday's to 2nd and 3rd formers (sophomores and juniors). The subject matter includes: Goal setting, communication skills, conflict resolution, stress management, decision making skills, sexuality, STD's/HIV/AIDS, drugs, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, domestic violence, depression and suicide. It was weird at first because I don't really have any classroom experience but I am comfortable in front of groups so I am having fun with it. All classes are conducted in English but the kids often respond in Kriol.

Another crazy part of the job is that I am already one of the Big 5 on campus. Every week there are management meetings with the principal, 2 vice principals, a counselor and me. I am responsible for reporting on the status of the students in the Its Up To Me program. I am enjoying this because it holds me accountable. All meetings are conducted in Kriol.

Some of the benefits of the job: its a structured environment, I have my own office (desk, chair fan, window, door sign, the works. Its funny I couldn't find a job like this in the states so I have to join the peace corps to get hooked up with an office), I have the freedom to create my own work, I don't work on weekends, I get 3 weeks for Christmas, 2 weeks for Spring break and Summers off. ha.

I was also asked to be the advisor for the American Football Club the first week I got here. I enjoy watching football but I do not have any experience coaching the game. I think American Football is one thing that Belizeans think Americans automatically know and enjoy. The club meets on Wednesdays for an hour.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:13:00.001-08:00

My first major holiday away from the states: Thanksgiving. I was alone in San Diego last year for Thanksgiving so being in Belize isn't that bad. My host mom made all of the traditional dishes for me so I got my share. Happy Thanksgiving!

Chetumal, Mexico

2008-11-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

I went to Chetumal, Mexico yesterday with my host brother, his girlfriend and Julie. Chetumal is where Belizeans go to buy items that are too expensive in Belize: cereal, milk and toilet paper. It's got an American feel to it: there is a mall with a movie theatre, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, McDonalds, Burger King and Dominoes Pizza. We saw a movie and ate at McDiesel's: I got a Big Mac with fries and a coke. It's funny how McDonalds brings the American out of you when you are in a foreign land; in a weird way it makes you feel comfortable. At first i was adamantly opposed to eating at Mcdonalds but the golden arches were calling my name. Who can turn down big mac sauce? So good. It was a nice change from the rice and beans Belizean cuisine. I spent most of my money on food and entertainment, however I did buy a football for the American Football Club I am supervising at school.

I got my first package from my parents on Friday. It included the following:
Books
Maps - The US and World
Jeans
USA T-Shirt
Franks Red Hot Sauce
Magazines - magazines in Belize are $25

Far From Home, (Toledo, Ohio to Belize City, Belize - 1,916 miles to be exact)

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Full Day

2008-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning I was doing a self reflection/personal growth activity that Julie came up with and it made me laugh, think and cry. I couldn't help but think of Jimmy V's speech at the EPSY's in 1993.

Delivered March 4, 1993 by Jimmy Valvano at the ESPY's:

"Now, I'm fighting cancer, everybody knows that. People ask me all the time about how you go through your life and how's your day, and nothing is changed for me. As Dick said, I'm a very emotional, passionate man. I can't help it. That's being the son of Rocco and Angelina Valvano. It comes with the territory. We hug, we kiss, we love. And when people say to me how do you get through life or each day, it's the same thing. To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. And so, I can't help -- I rode on the plane up today with Mike Krzyzewski, my good friend and a wonderful coach. People don't realize he's ten times a better person than he is a coach, and we know he's a great coach. He's meant a lot to me in these last five or six months with my battle. But when I look at Mike, I think, we competed against each other as players. I coached against him for fifteen years, and I always have to think about what's important in life to me are these three things. Where you started; where you are; and where you're gonna be. Those are the three things that I try and do every day."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Today Show in Belize

2008-11-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

So I was flipping through the channels this morning and stumbled upon NBC's The Today Show (Belizeans get cable from random parts of the United States, so the TV at my house receives local channels from New York City and Denver. So I can watch the Denver local news if I wanted to. Its kinda weird though because I fell connected to family and the US in a way because my brother and his family are probably watching the same thing.) . They are doing a week long segment on exotic locations throughout the world that are being affected by climate change. One of the places is Belize. They are filming at the Great Blue Hole. What is the Great Blue Hole you ask: The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off of the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 45 miles from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last ice age when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to rise again the caves flooded, and the roof collapsed. I have not had a chance to visit the hole, but I am sure I will sometime in the next 2 years.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Quote of the month

2008-11-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

I heard this quote earlier today and it is what it is:

“The richest and fullest lives attempt to achieve an inner balance between three realms: work, love and play. To pursue one realm, to the disregard of the others, is to open oneself to ultimate sadness in older age; whereas to pursue all three with equal dedication is to make possible a life filled not only with achievement, but with serenity.”

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

New Look

2008-11-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

As some of you may have noticed, there is a new look to my blog. My former boss (whom I dominated in the game we like to call squash) has decided to help me out with the layout of the site. I've also posted a link to the tenniscompany.com. He has so graciously decided to give free shipping when you use the promo code: WEISS. He stated that he would also throw an extra 5-10% (depending on how he is feeling that day) off. Promo code: BELIZE. Why am i dong this you are all asking? I lost some bets. I bet that Obama would not be the next president and that Sears Holding Co. would hit $115 before it sunk below $50. Well, i was wrong. So feel free to take a look at: www.tenniscompany.com . Tell your friends, family, and anyone else you know about this limited time offer.

As for Belizean events, I just finished my first full week of work: Monday through Friday 8-4, my own office etc. I am working at a high school in the counselor's office. I am responsible for teaching 5 life skills classes, coordinating the "It's up to me" program (the Its up to me program is a program for "at risk" youth basically the bottom of the barrel of the high school, kids who are real close to being kicked out due to disciplinary or academic reasons), as well as supervising the American Football Club. (yeah i said it, football). I really like it so far and its something new and challenging.

Julie came up to Belize City this weekend and we ate dinner at the only Sushi place in the country. It was delicious and it satisfied Julie's 3 month craving for Wasabi (satisfied is an understatement).

I recently purchased Kenny Chesney's new album through I-Tunes and the first song is entitled "I'm Alive." The chorus sums up how I feel at the moment: "I'm alive and well. I'm alive and well. And today thats good enough for me."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Swearing In

2008-11-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

So I am an official Peace Corps Volunteer as of last Wednesday. The swearing in ceremony was at the Governor General's house in Belmopan. The Ambassador was there to speak and congratulate the group. After the swearing in ceremony we had a lee bash (kriol for little party) and I had a great time. The party consisted of a slide show, eating at a nice indian restaurant, Peace Corps superlatives in which i took home two: Best Friends For Life: Jake Hafkin and Chris Weiss otherwise known as "the jizz" all credit goes to Julie for the nickname, and Favorite Republican (i am one of 4 conservatives in the group).

On Thursday I decided to go up to Dangriga to stay with Julie for the night and we met up with Abby and Joel for dinner and red wine (which costs about $40 a bottle down here). On Friday we left for Placencia where we had our swearing in/Halloween party. One of the best four days i have had in a long time, to say the least. A common phrase used throughout the weekend: "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world right now."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Belize Pics

2008-10-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

2008-10-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

More Pics

2008-10-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Pics from Belize

2008-10-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Pictures and Videos

2008-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

I should have some pictures and videos posted sometime next week. Training is over and we swear in as Volunteers next week.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Food

2008-10-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make some comments on the food of Belize. As a nation of many languages and ethnic backgrounds, Belize has quite a few traditional dishes. While I was in Independence which is primarily a Kriol community there was a lot of rice and beans, plantains, baked/fried chicken, and wheat tortillas. If you were to visit any Mayan culture the main dish would be this chicken soup dish with corn tortillas. In Belize, you eat the whole chicken bones and all; when you are served fish you are given the entire fish (with bones), depending on its size. If its a big fish you will either get the head or the tail.

Have i had rat? Yes, its called a gibnut and it was really good. The last time the Queen was in Belize in 1981, she had gibnut aka The Royal Rat.

Have i had pigtail? Yes, it tastes kinda like a combo of ham and hot dogs.

I have not had the pleasure of eating iguana because its out of season right now.

Belizeans like kool aid with a shit ton of sugar. They call it juice. Its a little bit of water with sugar and a huge packet of kool-aid.

There are no "real" fast food places, excluding the 1 Subway in Belize City. Most of the food down here comes from shacks, street vendors or the inside of houses.

There are shops owned by people from Asia. Belizeans call these shops "Chinees" and they call all asian people "Chinees" as well. Its really racist but they don't see it that way.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Birthday Weekend

2008-10-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I am now 25. The weekend started on Friday with the usual trip to Belmopan early in the morning. I had to make it back by 7 pm to give a presentation to a youth group on the Peace Corps and Setting Goals and creating a Life Purpose statement. I was a little bit late but Belizeans are never on time so i fit right in. Saturday-Terra's host family invited us all to the private island for the night and it was awesome: camp fire, smores, 45 lobsters, sleeping on a dock etc. On Sunday morning we were taken back to Independence because we had to catch a boat to go to Placencia for a Beach Clean up with another Youth Group. The beach clean up went well and we saw the Prime Minister swimming with his kids. At 5 we all went back to Independence for a dinner/party for my birthday. My host mom worked really hard making all the food and the cake. It was Julie's birthday on the 11th so the dinner was for her too. On Monday we all went to Placencia again and had some fun. After we got home on Monday night Jacob's host family had us all over for dinner. Overall the weekend was awesome: private islands, placencia and free lobster, I am having way too much fun down here.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Placements

2008-10-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

So i found out a few days ago I am gonna be living in Belize City, Belize for the next two years. A few good things about being placed there: my house is close to the school I will be working at, there is a gym nearby, i am gonna be living on the safe side of the river, its an actual city and not a village, the airport is close and its a cruise port. The one bad thing about the city: its the crime capital of the country. Roughly 80-90% of the country's crime takes place in Belize City. Most if not all happens on the southwest side of the city.

Since my last post i've done a few things:
1. Cockscomb National Park/Preserve - a cool jaguar reserve with jungle hiking and natural waterfalls.
2. Volunteer Visit to Jungle - slept in a kechi village for a weekend, river bathing, soccer, volleyball, jungle fishing, jungle bowl making etc.
3. Independence Day Celebrations - get real drunk and sing bad songs
4. Placencia - wow beautiful Americanized vacation destination
5. Private Key - swimming and fishing off of a private island.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The 23 hour Peace Corps Day

2008-09-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Alright since my last post a couple of things have happened: We started a garden in one of the villages, one of the volunteers let go of a machete and it stuck another volunteer in the face, (luckily it was the dull side), saw Punta Gorda - an awesome waterside community, saw Mayan Ruins, slept in the jungle, did some cave climbing at the Blue Creek Caves, attended my first Beliezean party - funny story from the party: My host dad and his brother were getting pretty drunk of some Rum and they like to sing old time country songs - hank williams type country. They thought i knew some of these songs. not so much. Towards the end of the night they decided to play a song that i might like and know. They dedicated it to America and Mista Chris. The song they decided to play: "We Are The World, We Are The Children" hahahahahahaha. Nice pick guys.

Alright here is the good/crazy story: We all awoke at 4:30 a.m. to catch the 5:30 bus to Belmopan which is about 3 hours away by bus (the actual distance would be from Toledo Ohio to about Findlay, Ohio. In the states this bus ride would take about an hour) All of the training sessions were cancelled in Belmopan because one of the 2nd year volunteers passed away. So basically we all sat in the PC headquarters until 4:00 pm. We caught the bus back to Independence at 4:30. The Belziean bus experience goes like this: Its an old US School bus, Lines forget it, its a mob. pushing fighting swearing the works, as long as you get on that bus you are good to go. So picture a bus to its full capacity and add 40 more people. If you don't get a seat you stand in the aisles. Sometimes people stand for the entire bus ride. Meanwhile the guy who collects money doesn't collect the money right when you get on, that would be too easy and logical. He waits till everyone gets on and then starts to collect bus fare. He is climbing over people just about every time the bus stops. Speaking of bus stops or places that one would catch the bus forget that. If you want on you stand by the road (any road) and waive the bus down. so picture the full bus and then more people getting on along the way. It was one of those wow we aren't in America moments. So back to my long day story, So we are all riding back to Independence and then all of the sudden the bus stops in Dangriga (about half way) and someone starts yelling: "Chris! Chris! Is there a Chris here!?" I'm like whats going on here? It was my host dad: he was in Dangriga because his grand daughter was in the hospital. He wanted to know if i wanted a ride instead of riding the bus. I said fo sho. Jacob came along too. We thought we were leaving right away. No No. We didn't leave for another 4 hours. We were taken to the hospital, a bootleg casino (we didn't gamble) and given the full tour of the city. We ended up leaving at 9:30 pm. So we leave and hit Silk Grass (about 20 miles from Dangriga) and the van breaks down. Sweet. No cell phone service either. Someone finally makes a phone call for help somehow, and by help i mean a tow from a friend who has to drive to Silk Grass from Independence. We finally get picked up at around 12:30 am or 1. We decide to ride in the back of the truck bead which is sweet because it cools you off from the humidity and heat. By cools you off i mean 83 degrees. So we are cruising along and all of the sudden we get flashed down by some people who just had an accident. So we all get out and go check it out: This car struck a thick telephone poll and split it in half, 3 people injured: head injuries, showing skull, broken legs, shattered hips the works. The kicker: A dead guy. They were all drunk. The driver was thrown from the vehicle and didn't survive. Meanwhile right after we get there and until we leave its lawlessness. the ambulance arrived 45 minutes later. By ambulance i mean people with bootleg "medical training" and are basically there to give you a ride to the hospital. They picked up the three injured people and left the dead guy. All three guys rode in the same ambulance. The cops came about 2 hours later. (the cop car was driving by after we left).

We got home at 2:30 and went to bed at around 3 am. 23 hour day. no big deal.

Lessons learned: Stay on the bus and Belize is not America nor do Belizieans operate similarly to Americans.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Whoa

2008-09-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

What up,

Alright a lot to cover here: Staging in Miami was awesome. Being in a room full of people that really want to make a contribution to Belize made me feel pretty good. Hurricane Faye hit Miami while we were there. NO BIG DEAL. There was a big greeting for us at the Belize Airport, it was pretty cool. Training while at the Peace Corps Headquarters was basically a 8 hour session of Belize stuff. They kept telling us about procedures for quitting and going home, which was kinda weird, but 2 people have already quit. In the past two weeks I've seen or done the following:
-Garifuna Drumming and Dancing
-Cliff Jumping
-Watched Sunrises
-Watched Sunsets
-Caught a Sting ray
-Consumed more food than i ever have before (Ive only had rice and beans for one meal)
-Learned/Learning Kriol: Da weh yo nehym Bwai? Its basically bad English
-Biting Bugs (enough said)
-My host family is the shit: they call me Mista Chris
-Private Island: i am going to buy in 5 years: $40 K Belize
-2 International Soccer games
-Dead snakes dragged through the streets of San Juan: He shot it with a gun.
-Mango Time: Shook mangoes out of a tree: Them be some big trees.
-"Hey Bwai you be dat German!!!" apparently i look German
-I don't miss the U.S. at this point and i can see myself living here for the next few years.
-Had a two hour conversation with the town drunk about life and Belize. He said if he had my education he would "dominate people" Whatever that means. He really wants to fall in love with a french woman. This guy gets paid on fridays, proceeds to put his payday money in his pocket, gets drunk, passes out in a random place and people steal the money out of his pockets.
I'll add some pics and videos later. I'm out.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

In Belize

2008-08-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

Yo Yo,

I am in Belize and I just had the best week of my life. I've seen more stuff in 7 days than my previous 24 years of living: Garifuna Dancing, Beliziean Sunrise etc.

I wont have the Internet so i'll catch up in a couple weeks. We leave for our towns today.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Almost Time To Leave

2008-08-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

So I've got about 6 days until I head to Miami, FL for the staging event. I am going through lists of what I need to pack and making necessary purchases. There is a facebook group for all of the volunteers and some of the people who are already down there have made suggestions on what to bring and what not to bring. One volunteer's list included numerous items including: pots and pans, vegetable peeler, pillows, spatulas, nice pair of sunglasses, hanging shoe organizer, etc. Lets be serious here, I don't have most of these items and I am pretty sure I wont need them in lesser off conditions. She's telling me to bring a blow up sleeping pad. A blow up sleeping pad? Come on now....I slept on a pile of clothes for a little over 6 months in San Diego. I repeat a pile of clothes. I think I can make it without buying a blow up sleeping mat thank you very much.

About a week ago we were asked to fill out questionnaire's so the Peace Corps volunteers can get to know us better and one of the questions was: What is the craziest item you are bringing to Belize? I replied with: "I'm actually bringing a full grown adult chimpanzee. I'm thinking I am just gonna duct tape his mouth and bury him under clothes during the flights. He should make it through security right?"

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Conference Call

2008-07-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

So I had a conference call from Belize the other day and I was taken back by a few things. I couldn't understand the lady (my future boss) on the other side of the line due to her thick Caribbean accent, she was on speaker phone, and we were the two only people on the call. I thought conference calls involved more than two people? I guess that's how they do it down in Belize. I also wasn't expecting the questions she asked. The email informing me of the call said that it would be an info session and they would answer any questions we had. Well there was very little info given and she couldn't really answer any of my questions. The call consisted of her interviewing me.

I left Chicago this past weekend. My buddies threw a party that consisted of keg stands, daring people to take their shirt off, and yelling: YOU BETTER BELIZE IT!!!!!! I had a great time for the three months that I was in Chi city. A couple memorable things: Moe's bottle service, Kenny Chesney Concert, working for Ralph Lauren again, living with fraternity brothers, Taste of Chicago, and the art museum. All in all Chicago is an awesome city, but its a bit expensive and from what I hear the winter is miserable. Despite the amount of friends in the city, I don't think its for me.

34 days until I leave.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Peace Corps Application Process

2008-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would explain/list the whole Peace Corps application process:

1. Online Application (September 2007) - 25 pages of life information, 3 letters of rec., 2 essays
2. Interview in L.A. (November 2007) - Hour and a half interview in Los Angeles, CA
3. Nomination (November 2, 2007) - basically a recommendation to be given further consideration. The program or location one is nominated for isn't guaranteed. I was nominated for the Community Development Program in the Caribbean Region.
4. Dental Clearance (February 25, 2008) - I didn't have insurance at the time of my dental checkup = $400 occlusal guard + $110 checkup fee = $510.
5. Medical Clearance (March 14, 2008) - $110 checkup fee + $300 in lab work = $410.
6. Legal Clearance (March 21, 2008) - this is only a preliminary legal clearance. As soon as you accept an invitation they are running a full on FBI Background investigation.
7. Invitation to Serve (May 21, 2008) - I was invited to serve in Belize in the Youth Development Program.
8. Acceptance to Training Program (May 25, 2008) - this basically reserves a spot in the Belize training program.
9. Staging is August 18-20 in Miami, FL - 3 day seminar on Life in the Peace Corps
10. Depart for Belize (August 20, 2008)

Alright there it is: September 2007 - August 2008. 11 months. From all of the stories and advice from Mike Buckley, John Slattery and Randy Quinn (whom all served or are currently serving in the Peace Corps) it is well worth the work/wait.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

New at this whole bloggin thing

2008-06-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

What up,

This is my first official post on the blog, suitably entitled Far From Home: Wilkins Weiss. So I got accepted to be in the U.S. Peace Corps in Belize as a Youth Development Facilitator Trainee. I can't wait for the journey to begin and it should be a rewarding experience, to say the least. I hope to write a new post at least once a week and provide videos and pictures to boot.

I am doing this whole Peace Corps thing for two main reasons: 1. to become a better person and 2. to help other people. I've been a "leader" ever since I can remember: student government, sports captain, fraternity president etc. But have i really been a leader? Who's life did I make better? What contributions did I really make? I recently heard a speech by Rick Warren the author of The Purpose Driven Life and his remarks reminded me of why I am doing the Peace Corps: "Every time I give it breaks the grip of materialism in my life....we think that the good life is about looking good, feeling good, and having the goods, but that's not the good life. If money made you happy then the richest people in the world would be the happiest...not true...So the good life is about being good and doing good: giving your life away. Significance in life doesn't come from status, it doesn't come from sex, it doesn't come from salary, it comes from SERVING. It is in giving our lives away we find meaning and significance." My Peace Corps experience will be the first time that I truly give myself away to help other people.

My assignment will be to work with youth, community groups, and schools to increase youth leadership skills, employability or job creation, and to develop a knowledge based on facts about HIV/AIDS; how it is transmitted, how it is not transmitted, prevention strategies, and peer education skills.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss