This is how we took my youngest son going to school in Belize
In my house, we have a rule: never answer the phone when it’s dinner time. Last night, I broke that rule.
The phone rang four times before the answering machine kicked in. I stabbed a piece of chicken and had just placed it in my mouth when I heard, “Hi Sonia, this is Lori Basheda from the Orange County Register, and I have a few minutes available to interview you….”
I raced over and grabbed the phone, trying to chew and swallow while pretending to sound cool, relaxed and ready for an interview by a newspaper reporter.
If you are interested in reading about my interview, please read it here.
Back in June of this year, I blogged about “The Heart of a Volunteer”
It’s now my turn to help the 400 kids we shall be treating in October 2009.
I am excited to be a part of this team and shall share stories when I get back.
I’m home until October 10th, so please let me know what you’d like to learn about Belize and these 400 Kindergartners and up, and their lives. Also feel free to comment on your own volunteering or desire to volunteer.
Congratulations on the interview!
I'd like to know more about what you will be doing in Belize… from the organization's web site, I gather it's mainly nurses and doctors who volunteer. Have you got a medical background?
I'd like to know more about education: how many kids stay in school until 16? How does education help them live a better life?
Your life sounds fascinating – like you're contributing to this world. I'm so jealous.
Great news about the interview!! I moved to Ghana 13 years ago to volunteer. I spent 3 years at it before becoming too jaded with the Aid Industry in Africa and had to get out of it.
But I have to say that the work you do with children is too amazing to describe. It will be more than heart warming – it will change and enrich you. So ENJOY!!!!
Great interview and good luck with your trip back to Belize.
Congratulations for the interview. The picture is gorgious!
Congratulations, nice interview.
Have a fun trip/working vacation back to Belize.
Good interview, good article!
Congrats! That's awesome.
The interview was great, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your experiences in Belize. For those of us who don't have that opportunity, there are always volunteer needs close to home and many satisfying ways to contribute to the needs of others.
@LadyFi
I do not have a medical background but I shall be helping with weighing and measuring the children, something that doesn't require a medical background, and stuffing small gift bags for the kids with combs, toothpaste and other stuff we shall bring. I'm also helping with the logistics, transportation etc.
@Midlife Jobhunter
I'm sure you're contributing too. We all do.
@The Pale Observer
I would love to hear more about the 3 years you spent volunteering in Ghana. I can see the problems and frustrations with dealing with politics etc. I am looking forward to working directly with the children though.
@Lauri
Thanks. Will keep everyone posted afterwards with photos.
@Phivos,
I love that photo of my son on the boat too.
@GrammaAnn @ Christina @Midwest Mommy
Thanks for the Congrats.
@Jeanie
You are so right. Perhaps after this, I shall be brave enough to do something with kids in LA.
I'll write some posts about the volunteer work. Not always as rewarding as they say! But kids always inspire me – or at least make me laugh!
Have fun.
Congratulations on your interview…sounds like big things are happening for you!
Gorgeous picture! Not quite how we get to school 🙂 I'm so impressed you donate so much of your time. Congrats!
Awesome Sonia! You look so pretty in the photo! Us moms will do anything to get a wayward teen back on track, but moving to Belize, that was extreme! When my oldest daughter got into trouble, (we lived in Diamond Bar at the time) I pulled her out of high school and home schooled her for a year. Her head now on straight, she enrolled and was soon atop the honor roll and captain of the glee club!
Bless your heart, to return to Belize on such a selfless mission is admirable. I enjoyed the article, thanks for the link.
Speaking of volunteering – I haven't had a chance to post an entry in my blog since last week because I have been busy volunteering at the elementary school my two youngest attend. I also feel it is important to give back, in whatever way each person finds works for them.
Enjoyed the interview -I hope you have a wonderful and productive trip to Belize!
@The pale Observer
I shall be over tonight to see what you wrote.
@Johanna
I'm very busy which I enjoy.
@Jill
Yes, I can't wait to experience the volunteering in Belize. Thanks.
@Elizabeth
How great to hear another successful story about a teenager.
@Restless Native
So you've been busy helping out. Good for you.
Great interview! Congratulations. It's also interesting to learn more about your background moving there.
Arrived on your blog by accident, Sonia – and stayed to read it, compelled by your writing, your subject(s) and your extraordinary – and extraordinarily inspiring – story. Good for you: good luck, and bon voyage!
Greetings to you from a nomad in southern France.