Belize in Yourself!

Enjoying the sun at this beautiful hotel

Our schedule, packed with many things to do and places to go, was fulfilling. One of those places was the Ancient Maya Jungle Trail. The tour guide walked us through the trail and explained its history, value, and healing power. I learned the importance of knowing your history and how growing food naturally is the best decision. I was introduced to the cure for Hepatitis, a plant that is used for birth control, lemon/lime leaves, leaves that keep mosquitoes away, and an ingredient used for bug repellent.

Let’s not forget the primary purpose for this trip: to serve. We went to St. Ignatius High School to paint one classroom, but we worked so diligently as a team and completed three classrooms in less than a week.

The principal had a few of her “spirited” children to help us with the process. They were the highlight of our days! Their humor made me more humble and eager to be a part of something bigger than myself. While working with the high school kids, I learned a little Kriol.

Also, I learned about the educational system in Belize. All of the schools in Belize cost money. Toilet fees are supposed to go towards toilet paper and the custodial workers. In the past, the children had to clean the toilets. Parents have to pay for the books, and their children may have to share.

Minimum wage in Belize is only US$1.75, so it is hard for parents to send their children to school. Some kids must find jobs at an early age to help their parents. I found that saddening, but it is somewhat similar to the United States in specific areas. In the United States, some children around the age of 16 have to get jobs to support their families. 

Painting at St. Ignatius High School

The most valuable experience throughout this entire trip was meeting a Garifuna family and learning how to cook a meal from their culture called “Huddut.” The Garifuna escaped and came to Belize as free people. The British were afraid of them, so they passed a law. These group of people were fighters and still are. I enjoyed the engulfment in their culture for an entire night. They were very hospitable and entertaining! My heart warms every time I talk about this moment.

I churned fresh coconut so that we could make a cake called “plastic.” I helped cut the okra for the dish. I had never had okra before; it’s always fried in the South. The rest of my peers helped cooked the fish and plantains.

While we were waiting for dinner to be prepared, we engaged in other activities. There was this young lady with a ton of energy. She wanted to race back and forth across the yard. Of course, she was the winner every single time. It was so much fun just being around them and seeing how joyful they were.

They entertained us with songs and dances. The grandmother of the family, Ms. Adicta, treated us like we were her own. In the African American culture, we admire our grandmothers and mothers the most. The moments we had with her felt like home. It was hard for us to leave after everything we had experienced.

Cooking with the Garifuna Family

Another place we were fortunate enough to visit was the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve. The Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve displayed Mayan temples. The tour guide allowed us to climb the tallest Mayan temple. I am terrified of heights, so it was tough for me to see myself climbing a temple as tall as it was. Luckily, I had professors that were motivating and guided me through it. I couldn’t believe I had made it to the top! My ability to adapt and conquer my fear surprised me, but I couldn’t have been prouder of myself and my peers.

The last thing we did was have a final meeting that night to receive our certificate of completion and a TEP shirt. Leaving Belize was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. 

The re-entry process was harder than I thought it would be. Nothing felt the same as it did when I was there. Food did not taste as fresh, so I stopped eating certain foods for a few weeks. The attitudes of people were completely different. 



I will never forget this experience and the many things I took away from it. God made it possible for this opportunity to come to light for a reason, and I will continue to spread that gift of knowledge I received to others. If it was not for the scholarship I was given, I would not know what a blessing the rest of the world is.