Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally

I had an amazing past 24 hours. A little over a week ago my PC Program Manager mentioned that the Ambassador would be in PG and wanted to meet with some of the volunteers down here. Last night all the PCVs in PG had dinner with Ambassador Thummalapally and his wife Barbara. It was a small gathering about 10 of us. We had a very nice meal at a local restaurant here. It was awesome to sit there and have a meal with the Ambassador, with it being his request. He is very down to earth and personable, along with his wife. We had a great meal, we were able to talk and share experiences since being in Belize. The Ambassador and his wife were genuinely interested in what we had to say and see what we have been experiencing. I enjoyed being able to be myself and joke with them, calling them celebrities and wanting to take their picture like the paparazzi. It was also lovely to share stories and experiences that we have had so far with the people of Belize. Here is the State Departments Bio on him: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/129357.htm

The Ambassador and his wife, Barbara and me after dinner.

All the PCV in PG with the Ambassador and Barbara.

His awesome car! Check out those flashing lights and flags!

I then got a phone call this morning saying that Barbara would like to come visit me at Fajina for a little while. Needless to say I was super excited. Barbara arrived and I showed her around the craft center, then we went up to the restaurant and had some cacao drink (basically a chocolate drink). We chatted for quiet a while about Belize, PC, being the Ambassador's wife, the Fajina Group and family. I then took her down the street to the market and the Human Development Department. I introduced her to Ms. Lorianne, she is the Women's Department Representative for the Toledo District. When we returned to Fajina the Ambassador arrived and he decided he had some time and wanted to see the center and restaurant as well. So then I had the undivided attention of both the Ambassador and his wife!!! It was a wonderful time and I am so happy I met such lovely people. Their encouragement and support had a very positive impact on my attitude towards my service here. Needless to say I am basically like family to them...we will probably have a lovely easter dinner...haha. The picture above is me with the Ambassador, Barbara and his security.