New Years and Suzy's Visit

Happy 2009!! Bizarre. These past few months have had times that dragged by, but when I look at my life since January of last year the days and weeks have flown by. I asked myself; "what were you doing this time last year" I was in the woods with a group of students outside of Asheville, North Carolina. I hadn't even gone for my Peace Corps interview. Who would have thought that this year I would be celebrating New Years in Sarteneja, Belize??
As some of you may know, since Susannah is living in Akumal, Mexico (about 6 hrs by bus) we decided to meet up in Sarteneja, a sleepy fishing village on the coast of Belize, for the New Years. I arrived about 230 on the 30th and walked to our chosen lodging, Backpacker's Paradise, about a half mile into the bush from the village. Suzy had not yet arrived. I learned that there was a ferry coming in at about 430. Since this was the last transport of the day into the village I assumed she would be on board. There I was standing anxiously at the end of the pier, peering into the boat looking for Susannah, excited to see her for the first time in 5 months. She wasn't on board. :( Dejectedly, I walked around the village until a call came in, Suzy had gotten stuck in Corozal, missing the ferry by less than an hour. Our reunion would have to wait for another 15 hours. I passed the night chatting with other cabananistas, drinking rum and sharing stories. In the morning I was posted on the dock when the boat came in, this time bearing a beautiful blonde with an ear to ear grin. Of course, she had made new friends, and they all got to watch and hoot at our shameless reunion. :) Jacob was happy. The next few days were spent doing a whole lotta nuthin. Relaxing in hammocks, talking, reading to each other...generally being sappy and sweet. It was nice.
We were due to return to our respective homes on the 2nd, but found out that the last bus leaves the village at 630. AM. Lets not try to figure out what sense this makes. None. Gr. So our four day visit was now down to 2. In typical fashion, we decided that we were going to extend our time together, so Suzy came back to Orange Walk and Carmelita!! She spent two nights hanging out, learning how to play dominoes with villagers (playing much better than me, much to my chagrin) walking the dog, cooking, watching sunsets and generally getting an idea of where i live and who i live with. It was wonderful to have her here and share my village. Her leaving yesterday was tough, but its less than a month until she comes back for an extended visit.

All in all, i have been on cloud 9 for the past few days, feeling reaffirmed about what I am doing, and who I am with. Thanks for coming down lady.

2009 is a new year, and hopefully it will be a good one for me, for Carmelita Village, and for all my friends, family and loved ones.

I wish all of you the best for next 12 mos and beyond.