First Communion Choir

I am just going to start this by saying that I typed an entire blog post in my web browser which then crashed.  I lost everything.  To any current or future bloggers, please type your posts in a word processor to avoid an intense rage and desire to throw your computer out of the window.  Deep breath. Anyways, I wanted to squeeze in at least one post before April slipped without writing a single one.

A few weeks ago, I went to the office at the RC school in the evening to set up for my exercise class.  I was surprised to find that the teachers were all still there.  I was even more surprised to find them singing.  As it turns out, they were forming a teachers’ choir for the upcoming First Communion Mass.  

“Miss Jessie, do you like to sing? Will you sing with us?”

Well, as a matter of fact, I love to sing, and, yes, I will absolutely sing with you.  They quickly placed a lyrics sheet in my hands, and we began to practice.  We met each afternoon to learn the words, all in Spanish.  We even had an accompanying keyboardist.  Everyone took their role in the choir very seriously.  The female teachers even decided to color coordinate their outfits, requesting everyone wear red and gold.

Well, as you can probably imagine, I left my red dress and gold heels at home when I was paring down my clothing selections to bring along on my Peace Corps adventure.  So, I began to look around for a red blouse.  I checked at secondhand shops in town and with a few ladies that sell used American clothing in the village.  I ended up with something that would work, but I knew that the other teachers were going all out.

Two days before the First Communion Mass, I got a call from the principal.  She asked me to go to her house for measurements.  She had just bought some material in Mexico, and her sister-in-law was going to make a dress for me.  I was flattered.  Within 24 hours, I had a beautiful red-and-gold dress that fit like a glove.  I offered to pay for the material and labor, but they were having none of it.  The principal’s response was matter-of-fact:

“Miss, I just want you to know how much we appreciate what you do here at the school.  It’s a gift.”

Yeah, try not to tear up when someone is that nice to you.  Her daughter even offered to do my hair and makeup Belizean-style, and they gifted me a pair of gold heels.  As I walked into the church, I was complimented on my dress, shoes, hair, and makeup.  According to the teachers, I looked “Belizean”.  I smiled in gratitude, but I don’t think I really expressed to them how thankful I was.  I was happy to have been included in such a special day and welcomed into a group of friends.  I was moved by their generosity, and I felt a stronger sense of belonging in this village that has become my home.  

Love always, 

Jess