Learning in Belize!

My name is Rachel Eaton and I am a student in the Dale Bumpers College.  I spent the past three weeks studying abroad in Dangriga, Belize, with 71 other students and faculty members.  I served as a member of the Literacy Team. 

Everyone learned something!

The reason I wanted to go on the university's Community Development trip to Belize was because of this literacy component; I am very passionate about reading and writing, and I wanted to help children learn how to enjoy reading.  I have always loved traveling, and before the trip I had never thought I would get homesick or feel uncomfortable out of the country at all.   

Reality check! :)  The first week I was away, I really wanted to come back home.  I felt scared and unsure in the town, I didn't know anybody else on the trip, and I wasn't doing the work I had expected to do.  It was a really hard week, but I made it through!  And in that week, I learned something that helped me for the rest of my trip, and that I believe will help me through the rest of my life.  I learned that sometimes our purpose is not what we think it should be.  Sometimes what God needs us to do is not always what we think we need.  I thought that I was going to Dangriga to teach...but I realized in that first week, and in the weeks following, that I was there to learn.  I learned so much about community, about teaching, about working with a team, about traveling, about myself and my goals, about support, and about flexibility.  My experience was such a positive one, because I can see that I gained so very much from my efforts and my time abroad.  

During those three weeks, I tutored kindergarten age children, taught creative writing lessons to 5^th and 6^th grade age students, and helped remodel a storage room at a local school into a library for the students.  The experience was very rewarding, and after it's all said and done, I can look back and know that what I did there made a difference in someone's life.  That was a big part of why I chose this trip, and one of the best feelings a person can have.  Although I am very happy to be back home, I know that the lessons I learned in Belize will stay with me for the rest of my life.   Did I have a memorable study abroad experience?  You better Belize it!

The Classroom Before....

and After