Belize: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience #HogsAbroad

Hey, y’all. My name is Elisa Mills, but I go by Lisa! I am a College of Engineering student studying Biomedical Engineering Pre-Med. During the months of May and June, I participated in the global community development program in Dangriga, Belize.

Funny story about what actually peaked my interest in studying abroad as I go into my fifth year at the University. Over Christmas break, I was leaving an interview for my clinical research internship, and I ran into an old friend’s mother who discussed how both of her children just returned from studying abroad in Spain and all of the wonderful adventures they experienced, etc. I informed my mother of this encounter, and she asked me, “Lisa, why didn’t you study abroad?”

I kept asking myself the same question, and I just could not come up with a valid answer. I could not study abroad during the academic year or during the summer seeing as I had commitments to the Pom Squad for the past four years (which is totally fine—you will not hear a single complaint from me!). So, all I could think was, “It just never worked out.” But, I figured I should take advantage of this opportunity if it is so readily available. I chose to travel to Belize, and it was, hands down, one of the best decisions of my life.

Not going to lie, I was slightly nervous of traveling to Belize at first. I had no idea what to expect or what I would encounter. Not to mention the whole Zika scare and having a mother who works in the medical field… You can only imagine what kind of questions she was asking about preparation and such (in a good way just like any caring mother would)! This was only my second time out of the country. To me, it is scary traveling to a foreign place to begin with, and I thought I was not much of a flying person. Man oh man, I sure am glad I conquered my fears because it was definitely worth it. Now, I’m counting down the days till I get to fly somewhere new and who I get to meet and what adventures I can embark on.

Quite frankly, I did not perform adequate research about the place to which I was traveling. I did some but not enough. What’s funny is our preceptors even told us to do some research. I mean, I did, but I didn’t (we’ve all been there... so you feel me). Shame on me, I know. But, the adventure I experienced and the people I met exceeded all expectations.

Even the plane flight in was breath taking. I knew exactly when we were crossing over into Belize territory because it was COVERED in green and beautiful, blue waters. The second we stepped off the plane… sweat. But hey, what else would you expect in the Carribean? Honestly, the beauty of the country was absolutely magnificent that sweat was the least of your worries, plus you just naturally accepted the fact you would always be showering in your sweat (the ocean breeze helped a lot down in Dangriga).

We had about a three-hour bus ride from Belize City to Dangriga, and if you get carsick as easily as I do, get yourself some Dremamine ASAP. “It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.” (Name that movie, GO!) After Belmopan, the capital of Belize, you will lay eyes on the most gorgeous views—tons of mountains and serene nature. My favorite view of all was the Sleeping Giant. Check out the picture and see if you can spot him!

I would catch myself just staring out the window and admiring the trees and the mountains because let’s be real… when do we ever have a chance to just stop and stare and gaze upon such beauty when there’s this test to study for and this class to go to and this event to drive to, etc.? When you have a moment like that, take advantage of it and hold on to it for as long as you can because life is short, and we need to enjoy the moment instead of trying to rush through and get by.

We arrive to Dangriga, and the hotel I stayed at was the Chaleanor Hotel. SHOUT OUT to the employees and the family that owned the hotel. Straight up—they were the kindest and most considerate people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Not to mention I had two of the best roommates, and the AC was rocking, which comes in handy trust me. The atmosphere was so quaint and peaceful.

It really was an enjoyable stay. AND, it was steps away from the beach, so there were many perks to living here for three weeks. We had great company, great views, and great care—what more could you ask for?

Now, let’s get to business. The real reason why we traveled to Dangriga was because of the important projects assigned to the four teams in this program, which included Social Work, Business, Health, and Engineering. Being a part of the engineering team was an incredible honor. I had a great professor and met such fabulous peers all with a wide range of personalities that made the experience absolutely unforgettable.

The engineers were assigned to construct picnic tables for the local primary schools and two archways to symbolize the founding of Dangriga by Alejo Beni at the entrances of Alejo Beni Park. We had the chance to work with Peacework who facilitated a wonderful three weeks of projects and excursions, to work at a woodshop so graciously offered by a dear friend to Peacework (who had a chicken farm right behind his house, so when we were waiting, we were catching chickens and putting them to sleep), and to work with the mayor himself and local construction workers.

Peacework provided breakfast and dinner that were generously cooked by local women, and let me tell you, it was some of the best food I have eaten in my twenty-one years of living. Bless!!! For lunch, the team would eat at a place called Ritchie’s, and lunch on average would cost anywhere from three to six American dollars. Everything is ridiculously cheap down there unless you go to a tourist attraction/city or buy an imported good like Doritos or whatever tickles your fancy. But even then, it’s still relatively cheap compared to American prices.

The excursions were mind blowing. The first weekend we travelled to Caye Caulker, which is an island about twenty minutes out on a boat from Belize City. Students had the option to go tubing or snorkeling. I chose snorkeling since I had never been before, so this trip consisted of many firsts. We saw beautiful coral and swam with nurse sharks and stingrays. And if I can swim with nurse sharks, so can you. I am deathly afraid of sharks, but they were all friendly creatures I assure you. We stayed at various resort hotels along the beach with gorgeous views. Overall, the experience was a 10/10—would recommend.

Upon our arrival to Belize City from Caye Caulker, we stopped at the Belize Zoo and saw a wide variety of their native animals. My favorite was the panther. We actually had a pretty neat encounter with this majestic animal. Check it out.

The next day, we ate at the Pelican Beach Resort for dinner with the entire engineering team. Check out this view. Sorry, but I had to include this.  No words will ever fully explain the beauty of this place.

And, I cannot go without mentioning one of the greatest people I met in Belize, Evan. He was known as Evan the granola guy around our group. He would kindly and patiently wait for us to finish breakfast either at the Chaleanor Hotel up on the rooftop or at Pal’s hotel on the beach to ask everyone that passed how they were doing and if they were interested in some of the most delicious granola. I truly believe I met him for a reason. He was an angel specially picked by God Himself to be put on this earth and spread the love and support that everyone rightfully deserves. His smile was contagious, and his heart was so pure. I cried when I said goodbye to him. His last words to me were, “If we do not see each other on this earth, I know we will see each other in Heaven. I will see you soon, Lisa.” I think about him and his family often, and I hope he lives a wonderful, abundant life because he deserves it.

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The second excursion we had was more inland at San Ignacio. But, before we left for San Ignacio, the engineering team stopped at the Marie Sharp’s factory and had a tour by THE Marie Sharp herself. She told us her story leading to her successful business, and it was quite inspiring. Anyway, the hotel we stayed at in San Ignacio had the most gorgeous view overlooking mountains. Even though I was bit by a spider in the middle of the night (I took it like a champ), I really enjoyed the stay and the city. The majority of the group went to the ATM Cave, and this experience was, hands down, the most adventurous thing I have ever done in my life. We hiked about twenty minutes to enter a cave that was three miles long (don’t worry we only went in about a quarter of a mile) and swam and climbed through and up rocks to see Mayan artifacts and bones and skulls. I wish I could show you pictures, but we were not allowed to take pictures, which makes it even cooler so you NEED to go. Moral of the story.

The next day, the group went to see Xunantunich, which were Mayan ruins. I’ll just show you pictures because words cannot completely describe its beauty either. It was a great workout climbing up those stairs. Interesting fact: Xunantunich means Stone Lady. The story is the Mayans saw a woman dancing on the top of one of the stone structures and magically disappeared. They believed she turned to stone, hence why it is called the Stone Lady. ANOTHER interesting fact: the stairs were purposefully designed to be tall enough to where you had to climb up them using your hands and feet or lean in with each step you took in order to bow down to the gods as you ascend up the stairs. How cool is that.

I believe I went on this trip for a purpose: to reopen my eyes to the natural beauty in this world, to be more welcoming and open-minded to new adventures, to discover who I am as a person, to meet people who would truly have an impact in my life (and hopefully I returned the favor), and to truly respect and appreciate all the blessings in my life that I may take for granted on a daily basis. Belize itself had such an impact that will last my entire life.

What a privilege to have had the opportunity in the first place—to make life long friendships, to meet the most incredible, inspiring, kind people, and to be submerged in such a beautiful atmosphere, culture, and environment for three weeks. I think about that trip every day… I really, really miss it.

May God bless Belize, its citizens, Peacework, and every person who has participated and will participate in this program. I hope they know of the impact they had on myself and the other students on this trip. Because of this trip and the people I met, I have changed for the better. Thank you God, University of Arkansas, and the students, now my lifelong friends, of this program for the most unforgettable experience.
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Learn more about the U of A Faculty Led: Community Development in Belize summer program at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/belize
Search for more study abroad opportunities in over 50 other countries: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search