Oscar working on the final phase of project.
Ariel, one of the few female wood carvers.
Lenny, working on a scuba diver piece.
Some of the family members: Octavio, ME, Lenny, Oscar, Rennie, and Harry!
The family works deligently making woodcarvings and jewelry for tourists. Unfortunately, this is their only source of income. They shared with me the daunting task they most ordeal to create the beautiful wood carvings that they make. They take turns returning to their village and spend a week in the jungle amongst the jaguars, snacks, wild boar, and other creatures that are dangerous and frightening. The wood carving process begins with them cutting down a tree and then slicing it into workable sections. They then draw the design the choose to create onto the wood and use a chainsaw to remove the wood that is not needed. They spend most of their time in the jungle carving the wood to sizes that are easily portable, and then the true work begins. Various tools are used to shape the wood and create detailed features. Once the figurine is complete, they begin the process of shining the wood which consists of three steps, sanding, sealing, sanding again with steel wool, and then shining using a form of polish. I was shocked to learn of this process and wished that all tourists were aware of the strenous work that goes into making these beautiful works of art. I had the opportunity to watch them as they sold their artwork, but found myself becoming somewhat angered when many of the tourists tried to negotiate the prices. I wanted so desperately to tell them what all went into making these pieces, but decided it was not my place. I did encourage the family to create a video documentary of the process so that they could show toursits as they considered purchasing the artwork. What inspired me is that the family works together to support each other. The income that they receive is split amongst the family to take care of the neccessities for living.
Pieces of artwork that the family has created!
Not only did I learn about how the family makes a living, I also learned that many of them were forced to drop out of school at the average age of 14. Because students have to pay to attend school, many families cannot afford to send all of their children, therefore, the oldest child must drop out and find a way to help bring income to the family. This is very unfortunate because many of them desire to complete their education so that they may have a better life for themselves. Unfortunately, because of their age and lack of job skills, many of the youth must turn to hustling to make ends meet. They have expressed that this is not what they expected their future to be and hope to have better opportunities if given the chance to finish their education.
In speaking with some of the families young friends, I learned that some of the youths were saved by American and English families who provided a home and educational opportunities for them. They truly are the lucky ones and they are very appreicative of the families that have helped them.
The family also talked to me about the struggles that boys and men face in the country. Ariel, also a new mother, shared with me her concerns for her newborn son. She explained how she prayed to have a little girl because of the fear she has for a boy growing up in Belize. She talked about how easily the boys become involved in gangs because of the lack of education and little opportunities for them in Belize. She worries that her son may fall into this lifestyle and prays daily for God to watch over him.
The best thing of all was eating the wonderful native foods. They fed me burritos, pigtail stew, stewed chicken, jerk chicken, barbecue chicken, and of course rice and beans. Everything was so delicious. I was lucky to receive some recipes and hope that I can replicate the meals at home. My favorite food was a cucumber salad that was made with cucumbers, carrots, onions, habenaro peppers and lime juice. I could eat this all day long. I can't wait to try my new recipes so that I can think about the times that I broke bread with my new family.
I will never forget the family and friends that I met in Belize. We keep daily contact and have been discussing plans for my return. I must say, I had the best time of my life and now have a new family for life. They will truly be missed!
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