Journal Entry #8 (July 18th): You know that quote, “Life is 10% what happens and 90% of how you respond to it”? That quote couldn’t have been more true on this journey of mine. Earlier this week, I had lost about $340 US dollars (which is $680 Belize dollars) that I had previously saved up on my own before I came out here. It was incredibly stressful and I nearly had a heart attack; however, a vast blanket of comfort surrounded me as I began to simply breathe and realize that I am in good hands. After checking all of my bags and asking my homestay if they had seen any of it, I called my coordinator over at the ProWorld office. Instead of freaking out and throwing a mini temper tantrum/crying fest... I breathed in and out and made the most of it. Luckily, I called my father after an afternoon of anxiety and he helped me calm me down and was sweet enough to wire me a couple of hundred dollars to me from West Union. While I am up here, I have to make the most of it because if the deed was done -- it’s done. I am so happy that I continued on with a positive outlook and kept my head up! Phew. Note to self: never, EVER, bring all of your cash with you everywhere you go... especially in a 3rd world country.
That was quite literally the most stressful things I have ever been through. From this moment on, I made a promise to myself to be fully aware of my surroundings and to always be cautious of my surroundings. As if I didn’t have the common sense to do that anyway….?
Journal Entry #9 (July 19th): Today, the ProWorld interns and staff took the summer camp children to the Mayan Ruins in Luubantun and a Mayan village where my project coordinator’s brother lives. When we first arrived to his village, which is only about 30 minutes outside of Punta Gorda, I have never sweated so much! Oh -- and don’t forget the endless bug bites on my swollen legs. This whole “no AC” thing is still not something I can get used to. But anyways.... back to the point: the jungle is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. It’s so green, healthy, and bountiful from it’s own exquisite beauty beneath the canopy. Before entering the Mayan ruins, the children and interns took a gander through organic farms and made our own homemade lemon grass tea with a dash of cinnamon! Y-U-M. Seriously, I’m gonna need to get this recipe.