Greetings from Corozal, Belize

Today is our last full day in Belize and I'm already dreading leaving. I don't think that I'm ready to go home yet. I've fallen in love with the area and the warmth-both from the sun and the people. We get a lot of "hello pretty ladies" which can get annoying, but everyone is so friendly. They're always willing to say "hi" or "good morning" when you pass someone on the street. I didn't realize or even think that I was unfriendly at home, but compared to here I am awful. So often we all just walk to class with our heads buried in our coats that we don't stop to enjoy each other or our surroundings. I don't want to stare at the ground or close my eyes to the world around me here. I'm trying to soak in everything...the way the sun reflects off the bay, the way the water seems to change colors every day, the way people are always sitting outside together, relaxing and talking, and the way the clock never seems to control anyone's day. I love it all.



We were warned about experiencing culture shock after a week here, but I think I'm going to experience it after we get back to the States. I'm not ready for the cold weather and the bleak grays and whites that are dominating Nebraska right now. I don't want to give up the varying shades of green, the clear blue skies, the clean air, or the bright colors that are speckled around the town.



Here are some things that I have learned while traveling in Belize:



1. Although their oranges aren't orange in Belize, they are amazing. I think they taste sweeter than any orange at home and I've been eating so many of them. We have a market close to home where you can get 8 oranges and 8 bananas for $1.



2. Cramming 10 girls into one apartment with two bathrooms is impossible. I don't know how we managed to survive.



3. Once again, people are incredibly friendly. I think traveling reassures your faith in the good of people. People are generally good at heart.



4. It's impossible to be unhappy or mad in a place this beautiful. I'm not a morning person but I wake up excited and happy every morning.



5. I think traveling is kind of like getting a tattoo...once you get one, you've got to get more. I know I'm not finished exploring the world.



6. People in Belize seem to consider us friends. They treat strangers like family.



7. It's important to be grateful for what you have.



8. Traveling on a budget is a better experience than anything you could get while staying at resorts. We're here to adapt to their culture, they're not trying to adapt to ours.



9. Showers in Belize really aren't that cold, they're just not the hot that we're used to. Besides, it's so warm no one really needs a hot shower.

10. Eight days in Corozal has managed to give me so many experiences that I cannot ever forget and will stay with me forever. The schools, students, and teachers have touched my heart.