TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014
Day 1
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014
Morning at the Village
Good Morning!! After enjoying a late wake-up call, we are about to have breakfast and fuel up for the day ahead of us. Our agenda... some team building exercises in the morning followed by time at the school and Maya museum in the afternoon. Our World Leadership guides, Randall and Jorge, will take us to the school today for an introduction to the local students and instructions for our service project.
We will share our first student blog this evening after some time to decompress and process the events of the day. Thanks to Ernesto and his wife for hosting us here! We are all excited to spend time with him, his family, and this community. Did I mention it is HOT?!!!!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014
First Two Days in Belize
When we first stepped out of the plane we were immediately greeted by intense heat and humidity. After waiting in the airport we met our guides Jorge and Randall, and we took a three hour bus drive to Maya Village Center. We were assigned to huts and went to bed. We woke up, had a great breakfast, of eggs, tortillas, and sausages. We did even more icebreakers and community building games and went to the school. We enjoyed meeting the 6th graders and played many fun games with them such as a rock-paper-scissors variation. After saying good-byes, we went to the Mayan Museum. At the museum we learned about how Mayans made and used pottery. We also learned how to make tortillas. After this we walked back to the village and had a delicious dinner. We cant wait for tomorrow and all the adventures it will contain!
Hi Mom and Dad!
-Nick + Thomas
Hi Mom and Dad!
-Nick + Thomas
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014
Morning With the Local Community
It was a slow morning and very quiet breakfast, but things quickly picked up and the energy was buzzing at St. Judes school. A quick 5 minute walk from our cottages and we were ready to get our work gloves on. Some of the students began building the walls of the new dining room while others went into the classrooms to interact with the local students. The highlight of our morning was having the opportunity to enjoy "play time" or recess before we came back to rest and have lunch. Our afternoon adeventures will include one group tubing on the river and the other going to the Chocolate Tour to make our very own chocolate.
Stay tuned for evening student blogs!
Stay tuned for evening student blogs!
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014
Day 3- Service Work, Chocolate Tour, Tubing
Today we woke up early to the sound of chickens and turkeys outside. After eating breakfast, we did a maze activity, in which we had to find a path across the area given. Next, we wrote questions that we had for community leaders about education, environment, and culture. This helped us to realize how different our lives are from the people here in Belize. The final morning activity we did had us choose someones name, and then watch them throughout the day to find things to give them positive feedback about. We would then tell them those things later tonight. After that, we headed down the road to St. Jude's School, where we rotated helping to build their new kitchen and dining room and helped lead the classes inside the classroom. Recess was a huge hit! We all ran around with the kids playing tag, duck-duck-goose, and frisbee, as well as giving piggyback rides to the littlest ones. We then joined the older kids again to do activities to learn more about each other. In these, we had to get in to groups of certain amounts and we were given a question to ask each other, such as: What is your favorite type of music? or Who do you think will win the World Cup? (We all want Brazil to win!!) After finishing those activites, we headed back to the Nuuk Che'il Guest Houses for lunch. We then split into two groups, one group went to the chocolate tour, while the other went tubing on a river at the jaguar reserve.
We grabbed our tubes and lifejackets and hiked for about 15 minutes to get to the beginning of the tubing entrance of the river. We then jumped into the river, which felt great and refreshing after a hot, tiring day. The river currents were pretty slow and gentle, so it felt like a lazy river. We tubed for about 45 minutes, stopping halfway to do an activity. In the activity, all 9 of us had to fit onto three tubes, then two, and then finally one. At first, we had trouble figuring out how to fit everyone on. However, as soon as we started communicating more and working together, we succeeded quickly. After that, we finished off the ride with minimal bumps and bruises (Don't worry, we're all okay!!) before hiking back to return our tubing equipment. We headed back to the Nuuk Che'il to change out of our wet clothes and relax before eating a delicious dinner. We then did our ANCHOR for the night, which stands for Appreciation, News, Concerns, Hopes, Obscurities, and Reading (a quote). We will soon head back to our rooms to shower and go to bed.
Today we began to really experience the differences between our culture and theirs. Throughout the day, everyone was discussing things they found to be similar and different from our school, community, and daily life. For example, the classrooms worked very differently than ours, which was a cool thing to experience. We are all very excited for tomorrow to see the children, work on the kitchen, and learn more about the community.
P.S. Happy Birthday Brynn and Quentin!! Love and miss you guys!!
Hey Mom and Dad!
I am having so much fun in Belize! I made a bunch of friends in Pre-K and I went tubing. I can't wait until tomorrow! Love you and miss you!
xoxo,
Tori & Kelly
We grabbed our tubes and lifejackets and hiked for about 15 minutes to get to the beginning of the tubing entrance of the river. We then jumped into the river, which felt great and refreshing after a hot, tiring day. The river currents were pretty slow and gentle, so it felt like a lazy river. We tubed for about 45 minutes, stopping halfway to do an activity. In the activity, all 9 of us had to fit onto three tubes, then two, and then finally one. At first, we had trouble figuring out how to fit everyone on. However, as soon as we started communicating more and working together, we succeeded quickly. After that, we finished off the ride with minimal bumps and bruises (Don't worry, we're all okay!!) before hiking back to return our tubing equipment. We headed back to the Nuuk Che'il to change out of our wet clothes and relax before eating a delicious dinner. We then did our ANCHOR for the night, which stands for Appreciation, News, Concerns, Hopes, Obscurities, and Reading (a quote). We will soon head back to our rooms to shower and go to bed.
Today we began to really experience the differences between our culture and theirs. Throughout the day, everyone was discussing things they found to be similar and different from our school, community, and daily life. For example, the classrooms worked very differently than ours, which was a cool thing to experience. We are all very excited for tomorrow to see the children, work on the kitchen, and learn more about the community.
P.S. Happy Birthday Brynn and Quentin!! Love and miss you guys!!
Hey Mom and Dad!
I am having so much fun in Belize! I made a bunch of friends in Pre-K and I went tubing. I can't wait until tomorrow! Love you and miss you!
xoxo,
Tori & Kelly
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014
Day 4 Belize: Happy Birthday Aurora!!
Today we were still in two groups in the afternoon after we worked at the building project. During the project, we started to build frames for walls and also played with the children during their two recesses. In the morning it was raining but eventually the sun came out. After lunch, we went to the chocolate factory and museum here in the Maya Village. First, we walked to see a cacao tree and its fruit. Some of us tasted the seeds in the cacao pod, but we didn't. The other people in our group said it tasted like yogurt. The cacao trees are very unique because the plant grows on the trunk as well as on the branches. Our guide told us that making chocolate is very hard and long work. During the peak of their season, the workers have to crack open and pick out all the seeds. Next, the seeds are taken to the factory and get dried, crushed, then ground with cocoa butter to make the chocolate hard and shiny. The chocolate is then put into the freezer. Before the owners got a machine to grind the beans into liquid, the owners would only make 12 bars in a day. The best part of the chocolate tour was when we got the chance to be in the cold room with air conditioning. The chocolate is all organic and natural. The milk chocolate was amazing but the dark chocolate was very bitter! Realizing that chocolate making is such a long process, it made me appreciate the chocolate we have and all the machinary.
Hello mom and dad!
It's Allie, I am having so much fun! But I also can't wait to come home. It is really hot and humid! I am not homesick at all. Tell the dogs that I miss them! I hope you are not missing me too much! Miss you guys so much! Love you!!!! Only 6 more days!
Hi mom and dad!
I miss you so much and hope all is well at home. I am having so much fun! I wanted to also let you know that the food in Belize is so good! I dislike the heat and humidity, but I can live with it. Be home soon!
Kate
We would all like to wish a very happy birthday to Aurora, our gracious hostess!
Hello mom and dad!
It's Allie, I am having so much fun! But I also can't wait to come home. It is really hot and humid! I am not homesick at all. Tell the dogs that I miss them! I hope you are not missing me too much! Miss you guys so much! Love you!!!! Only 6 more days!
Hi mom and dad!
I miss you so much and hope all is well at home. I am having so much fun! I wanted to also let you know that the food in Belize is so good! I dislike the heat and humidity, but I can live with it. Be home soon!
Kate
We would all like to wish a very happy birthday to Aurora, our gracious hostess!
More pictures from Friday Afternoon
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014
Nim Li Punit and Lubaantum Mayan Ruins
Hello, Chase and Billy here coming at you with the 4th Belize blog. Today the group went to ancient Mayan civilization ruins called Nim Li Punit and Lubaantum . The ruins were pretty cool and had unique architecture. Our guide, Manuel, told us many interesting facts about how and what the structures were made of. We learned that the Mayans had to be very resourceful because they did not use any help like wheels so they could move big rocks. After we had an intense bus ride home, playing games and stopping at a super market to get soda. We were all worn out from the experience and full of knowledge. We had the chance to see how different life was back then compared to now. When we got back we had a divine dinner consisting of meatballs, rice, fruit, and salad. Today was a very active trip that we took and we can say for all of us, we are way more appreciative of what we have now.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
Tobacco Caye
Hello, this is Morgan, and I am writing the Belize blog for you tonight from a tiny island off the coast of Belize. This morning we went to St. Jude's to say goodbye to the kids one last time. It was very emotional and really revealed the value of goodbyes. While everyone was very sad, you could tell that the young children didn't quite understand that we weren't coming back. I personally tried my hardest to say goodbye as much as I could, but I feel that the kids weren't aware of the situation. Though they probably won't remember us, even though we gave them a scrapbook, each page about one of us, we will always carry the memories in our hearts.
Next we went on a long bus ride and then on a boat to the island. It was the perfect day for a boat ride because he water was cool and the sky was clear, and it was absolutely beautiful. Once arriving, we discovered that Tobacco Caye an extremely small island and truly felt like paradise. The water was crystal clear, the breeze was so cool and the air smelled so fresh. It was amazing!
Later came snorkeling. With the clear water you could see the reefs and different wildlife vividly. People seemed visibly upset by the many safety precautions and rules about not touching anything, but it was actually inspiring because those rules were set in place to conserve the environment and protect the lives of the animals. This effort to conserve such things is something that doesn't happen much in the US. People aren't as mindful and it really opens your eyes to the possibilities and the true beauty of nature.
The guides pointed out to us the many exotic creatures and others that weren't not so exotic. All of which we may see in the reef while snorkeling. After winding down, the group was given an opportunity to do a night snorkel. The night snorkel was a chance to see the wildlife that only comes out at night.
Overall, today was a very eventful day, filled with surprises and memories to be made. But most importantly, today showed us that the natural beauty of this small island and nature in general. One thing is for sure, we will have trouble saying goodbye to this little paradise.
Hello, this is Morgan, and I am writing the Belize blog for you tonight from a tiny island off the coast of Belize. This morning we went to St. Jude's to say goodbye to the kids one last time. It was very emotional and really revealed the value of goodbyes. While everyone was very sad, you could tell that the young children didn't quite understand that we weren't coming back. I personally tried my hardest to say goodbye as much as I could, but I feel that the kids weren't aware of the situation. Though they probably won't remember us, even though we gave them a scrapbook, each page about one of us, we will always carry the memories in our hearts.
Next we went on a long bus ride and then on a boat to the island. It was the perfect day for a boat ride because he water was cool and the sky was clear, and it was absolutely beautiful. Once arriving, we discovered that Tobacco Caye an extremely small island and truly felt like paradise. The water was crystal clear, the breeze was so cool and the air smelled so fresh. It was amazing!
Later came snorkeling. With the clear water you could see the reefs and different wildlife vividly. People seemed visibly upset by the many safety precautions and rules about not touching anything, but it was actually inspiring because those rules were set in place to conserve the environment and protect the lives of the animals. This effort to conserve such things is something that doesn't happen much in the US. People aren't as mindful and it really opens your eyes to the possibilities and the true beauty of nature.
The guides pointed out to us the many exotic creatures and others that weren't not so exotic. All of which we may see in the reef while snorkeling. After winding down, the group was given an opportunity to do a night snorkel. The night snorkel was a chance to see the wildlife that only comes out at night.
Overall, today was a very eventful day, filled with surprises and memories to be made. But most importantly, today showed us that the natural beauty of this small island and nature in general. One thing is for sure, we will have trouble saying goodbye to this little paradise.
Next we went on a long bus ride and then on a boat to the island. It was the perfect day for a boat ride because he water was cool and the sky was clear, and it was absolutely beautiful. Once arriving, we discovered that Tobacco Caye an extremely small island and truly felt like paradise. The water was crystal clear, the breeze was so cool and the air smelled so fresh. It was amazing!
Later came snorkeling. With the clear water you could see the reefs and different wildlife vividly. People seemed visibly upset by the many safety precautions and rules about not touching anything, but it was actually inspiring because those rules were set in place to conserve the environment and protect the lives of the animals. This effort to conserve such things is something that doesn't happen much in the US. People aren't as mindful and it really opens your eyes to the possibilities and the true beauty of nature.
The guides pointed out to us the many exotic creatures and others that weren't not so exotic. All of which we may see in the reef while snorkeling. After winding down, the group was given an opportunity to do a night snorkel. The night snorkel was a chance to see the wildlife that only comes out at night.
Overall, today was a very eventful day, filled with surprises and memories to be made. But most importantly, today showed us that the natural beauty of this small island and nature in general. One thing is for sure, we will have trouble saying goodbye to this little paradise.
Pictures From Tuesday
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014
Snorkeling and Smithsonian Research Center
Hello parents and siblings. Yesterday we went to the Women's Co-op and then headed to Dangriga. From there we got on a boat and headed to Tobacco Caye. The boat ride over was fun, had big waves, and was a little wet! Later we went snorkeling in the afternoon for the 101 session and then again at night. The night snorkel was really cool, we saw about 3 moray eels. Today we went on an all day snorkel session and saw some cool fish like blowfish and barracuda in the reefs. One of our stops was to the Smithsonian Institute Research Center on Carrie Bow Caye. I learned about the process of getting accepted to do research there. It was really interesting to me because of all the experiments you can do. This field of science is interesting to me because of all the possibilities for life changing research. I hope one day I can do that type of research on Carrie Bow Caye.
Some research I might conduct would be about dolphins speech or about how the ecosystem is affected by the coral reef. I might also conduct research on the fish and urchins in the reef or on mangroves and island building. It would be a lot of fun to snorkel for research on the reef and dive for other cool facts. It would be awesome to work for the Smithsonian Institute and be in the water and labs doing research that will have lasting effects.
-John
Some research I might conduct would be about dolphins speech or about how the ecosystem is affected by the coral reef. I might also conduct research on the fish and urchins in the reef or on mangroves and island building. It would be a lot of fun to snorkel for research on the reef and dive for other cool facts. It would be awesome to work for the Smithsonian Institute and be in the water and labs doing research that will have lasting effects.
-John
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014
Day 8- Tuesday
We woke up for an 8 o'clock breakfast. Breakfast was eggs, hot dogs, fruit, bread, orange juice, and exotic jams (mango and banana). After breakfast, we boarded a boat for our day of snorkeling at various reef patches around the many cayes that populate the surrounding waters. Our first snorkeling location was not far from Tobacco Caye and was part of the coral reef. We jumped into the water with our snorkel partners and found lots of seagrass, but after snorkeling a little bit away from the boat we found a magical underwater world. There was coral that looked like brains and fish swimming all around. People who had underwater cameras attempted to chase the fish to get the perfect shot.
After about 45 minutes of exploring, we got back on the boat and went to observe the quickly growing mangrove population. The mangroves are a good tool for protecting land from hurricane erosion and to keep islands from disappearing. While snorkeling we saw juvenile versions of the fish we observed in the reef. Many fish choose to have their babies within the protection of the mangrove roots because predators such as barracuda can't fit through the roots. We also saw upside down jelly fish and various underwater plants such as mermaid umbrellas. Mermaid umbrellas look like miniature trees. They grow in that fashion to collect more sunlight. We made a loop tour to observe the mangroves. The water near the mangroves, unlike the water by the reef, is not clear and blue, but instead it is a green color and cloudy.
We then got back on the boat and went over to Bird Island. Bird Island is a protected mating ground for the bobby and the frigate. It was severely damaged by the most recent hurricane. The island is slightly lopsided and shrinking quickly. We then had lunch on another caye. We had tuna, pb and j, and ham sandwiches. After lunch we enjoyed jumping, diving, and flipping off the dock into the clear water. We played Marco Polo and were fascinated by sticks which we named a ruffle bust.
After lunch we once again boarded the boats (named mi loaded and fuly loaded) to go to Carrie Bow Caye, the home of the Smithsonian research site. According to our guide, Michael, the research done there is pretty laid back and some may not have importance until long after it is published. One of the research papers published many years ago found that there are many microscopic worms in a handful of sand. Researches recently have found that these worms can cure AIDS, they just haven't figured out how to get enough of the cure from the mircoscopic worms yet. We toured Carrie Bow Caye and saw the labs and the toilets. The toilets were above the water and had a lovely view of the crashing waves.
We then went to our final touring destination which was on a reef patch near Carrie Bow. We once again saw many colorful fish and even some urchins. We returned to Tobacco Caye and had a dinner of fried chicken, rice, vegatables, and chocolate cake. We then closed our night as we always do with our reflection about the day and one last game. Our trip is almost coming to an end and we look forward to sharing many stories.
Dear Mom and Dad - I want you to know I am still alive!!! I love and miss you. I can't wait to tell you about my adventures when I get back.
Love Eden
After about 45 minutes of exploring, we got back on the boat and went to observe the quickly growing mangrove population. The mangroves are a good tool for protecting land from hurricane erosion and to keep islands from disappearing. While snorkeling we saw juvenile versions of the fish we observed in the reef. Many fish choose to have their babies within the protection of the mangrove roots because predators such as barracuda can't fit through the roots. We also saw upside down jelly fish and various underwater plants such as mermaid umbrellas. Mermaid umbrellas look like miniature trees. They grow in that fashion to collect more sunlight. We made a loop tour to observe the mangroves. The water near the mangroves, unlike the water by the reef, is not clear and blue, but instead it is a green color and cloudy.
We then got back on the boat and went over to Bird Island. Bird Island is a protected mating ground for the bobby and the frigate. It was severely damaged by the most recent hurricane. The island is slightly lopsided and shrinking quickly. We then had lunch on another caye. We had tuna, pb and j, and ham sandwiches. After lunch we enjoyed jumping, diving, and flipping off the dock into the clear water. We played Marco Polo and were fascinated by sticks which we named a ruffle bust.
After lunch we once again boarded the boats (named mi loaded and fuly loaded) to go to Carrie Bow Caye, the home of the Smithsonian research site. According to our guide, Michael, the research done there is pretty laid back and some may not have importance until long after it is published. One of the research papers published many years ago found that there are many microscopic worms in a handful of sand. Researches recently have found that these worms can cure AIDS, they just haven't figured out how to get enough of the cure from the mircoscopic worms yet. We toured Carrie Bow Caye and saw the labs and the toilets. The toilets were above the water and had a lovely view of the crashing waves.
We then went to our final touring destination which was on a reef patch near Carrie Bow. We once again saw many colorful fish and even some urchins. We returned to Tobacco Caye and had a dinner of fried chicken, rice, vegatables, and chocolate cake. We then closed our night as we always do with our reflection about the day and one last game. Our trip is almost coming to an end and we look forward to sharing many stories.
Dear Mom and Dad - I want you to know I am still alive!!! I love and miss you. I can't wait to tell you about my adventures when I get back.
Love Eden
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
Our Last Day
We were disappointed to leave the beachy Tobacco Caye, but we are excited to now be in the sunny Tropical Education Center. On our trip here we stopped at a craft shop called the Art Box. Our room is spacious and the dining room is nice. This afternoon we talked about leadership and how we all have the ability to become a leader in some way to offer positive changes in this world. Tonight after dinner we will go to the Belize Zoo where we hope to see jaguars, snakes, and tropical birds.
On this trip we have learned many things. We have learned a lot about the Belizean culture. We had the chance to speak with the principal at St. Jude's School. He told us that some kids have a 2 1/2 hour journey to get to school everyday. This made us appreciate being able to get to school easily. The environment is also an important part of the culture. The Mayans used natural resources like trees to build their home and without nature the culture will fail to live on. It is important to conserve the environment so animals have places to live and Belizeans can continue practicing the ways of the Mayans.
Before coming on the trip, we were concerned with communicating with others that may speak differently than us and with those who did not speak English as their first language. After communicating with more people, we found that it was not hard to speak with them. At first it was awkward with the kids because they were always asking us to speak Spanish. But after a while when we helped different kids they started to like us and we realized that you don't need to know the same language or be of the same culture to bond with people. One of the most important skills we can take away from our experience in Belize are the steps to good communication.
Madison and Rachel
On this trip we have learned many things. We have learned a lot about the Belizean culture. We had the chance to speak with the principal at St. Jude's School. He told us that some kids have a 2 1/2 hour journey to get to school everyday. This made us appreciate being able to get to school easily. The environment is also an important part of the culture. The Mayans used natural resources like trees to build their home and without nature the culture will fail to live on. It is important to conserve the environment so animals have places to live and Belizeans can continue practicing the ways of the Mayans.
Before coming on the trip, we were concerned with communicating with others that may speak differently than us and with those who did not speak English as their first language. After communicating with more people, we found that it was not hard to speak with them. At first it was awkward with the kids because they were always asking us to speak Spanish. But after a while when we helped different kids they started to like us and we realized that you don't need to know the same language or be of the same culture to bond with people. One of the most important skills we can take away from our experience in Belize are the steps to good communication.
Madison and Rachel
Hope For the Future
As we headed into our last night, we drove to the zoo for a fabulous night tour. We saw many animals that are not in the national zoo and we even got to see the only trained wildcat in the world. Speaking of wildcats, we also saw the Holton mascot, a panther! It was dark as we headed on to the balcony of the Tropical Educational Center for our closing ceremonies. As we passed around a candle we were asked to say one precious thing we would like to bring home. Our leader, Randall's item was stunning. He was bringing home hope. Hope that we would change this world. It was very poignant as we blew out the light of the candle that symbolized our trip. It was over. We got up bright and early to leave as we said goodbye to the hot, beautiful Belize. We will see you guys soon!
-Izzy
A small request that my puppy be brought to pick me up at the airport! A group request of cell phones, please!!
-Izzy
A small request that my puppy be brought to pick me up at the airport! A group request of cell phones, please!!
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
Final Goodbyes
Today has been a long, full day of emotions. Most people are excited to go home, some are sad to be leaving one another, but most of us are very tired. I can confirm to all the parents at home, that everyone here is smelly and hungry. We all woke up around 7:30 and finished our packing, then we had breakfast. We said our goodbyes to the leaders, then gathered on the bus for a 45 minute ride to the airport. Everyone was upset that today is the final day of our amazing trip, but excited to be seeing our parents, pets, and friends in a couple hours. (syke!) The first flight, which led to Miami, was short and relaxing. We landed with big smiles knowing that we only had one more flight to go until we reach home! We all sat down in the airport seats, counting down minutes until our plane leaves...but then we found out that it was cancelled!!! The group went around the airport looking for dinner and enjoyed our last meal together. Then we all headed over to our terminal for our flight, but we found out that it was delayed!! We kept our heads up and looked forward to the last couple of hours we had together as a team.
And so as we leave our long travel day, I hope our fantastic team of girls and boys, keep in mind the memories, the lessons, and the experiences we had from this trip. Our teamwork and leadership skills have strengthened and improved our team, we made new friendships and grew bonds with one another. We will all miss each other and miss the wonderful teachers that we are so lucky to have come on this trip. I hope everyone has an exciting summer and stays in touch!
Over and out,
Nicole Edmunds
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