 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
 |
||
Daily Field Reports - 2008 |
||
March 21, 2008
For some students, the adventure truly began in Charlotte as they boarded a plane ready to fly for the first time in their lives. We landed to a cooler than usual Belizean climate, navigated through Customs, divided into groups (which should be posted on the site) and set off to our respective locations. My station is Caves Branch, and it is such a joy to see the students arrive with a spirited sense of adventure and desire to explore. Within a few minutes after arrival, most of the group ended up in the Sibun River (see photo). They have already met several locals and are using their Spanish skills. To quote one of the students, “It was a wonderful experience swimming in a jungle river and then learning from the children and getting a personal tour of the orange groves. This trip has gone far beyond my expectations already, and I can’t wait to see what else we have planned…” We will all sleep well tonight after a long day of travel and adventure. Hope all is well at home, March 22, 2008
The afternoon consisted of interacting with the locals in the tiny village of Armenia where we performed some service work, played soccer and other games, and generally just enjoyed being in a foreign environment.
Happy Easter, March 23, 2008
Beth C. March 24, 2008
Liesel H. March 25, 2008
Steven C.
Rosanne S. |
||
We arrived safely! 
Waking up in a jungle paradise, the adventure truly intensified for Group I today as they were able to explore one of the most magnificent underground cave systems in the world. After hiking through the jungle, we arrived at the entrance to an overwhelming cave entrance. We then began our spelunking journey inward, witnessing impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, culminating in climbing and jumping off a series of beautiful waterfalls. To quote a student, “It was totally surreal!”
Tomorrow Group I will spend Easter Sunday rappelling off a 300 ft. cliff into a major sink hole in the middle of the jungle before heading to South Water Caye in the evening. Group II will rotate to me and explore the cave and waterfalls. Group III will rotate to Belize City, and Group IV will rotate to Banana Bank. The other groups report that everyone is doing well.
We had an awesome experience today. It started with our touching Easter sunrise service and then a transfer of locations from Banana Bank to Caves Branch. This three-story lodge is amazing and the view is spectacular. Soon after arriving, we ventured off to the caves. Now I can say that I have truly experienced darkness. We devoured lunch in the cave after our waterfall climbing and jumping. Then it was back to the lodge where we swam in the river, showered, ate a delicious dinner, played card games, and enjoyed some Easter candy. One of the best Easters I will ever have! Thanks to my group.
The rappel was awesome! It was so scary at first, especially the first ten feet, but after that it was awesome and so fun and definitely worth it. No matter how scared you are, do it. Most fun thing ever. Playing soccer with the kids was so fun, even though we were getting schooled. They are all so happy and cute. Today was definitely the best day so far.
Caves Branch, two words that can scare the living daylights out of an individual. The sweat, the hardships, the blood…those were the expectations. Don’t read a book by its cover. Being tossed into an awkwardly dark cave with large rocks and iced water, one should scream like a little girl. And many did. But the feeling of unease can very well transfer to a form of epiphany. The water, the heights, instituted values in each of us. A value of appreciation. Appreciation of the aesthetic value of the cave and the adrenaline rush of the ever-so-challenging waterfalls. Something like a cave, something unexplainable and yet jaw-dropping is able to humble us as human beings. We gain a new perception of Belize, and ultimately the austere charm of the country.
Today was amazing. We got here and talked to the other group before they left. Beth said I would LOVE the caves today…and she was Right! Today was so fun hiking then walking through the cave. The best part was climbing up the waterfall. Then we got to jump all the way back down. The guys who were our guides gave me four names…Rosita Bonita Precioso Linda. Grayson and I spoke Spanish with one of our guides the whole way back. This trip is so much fun, the people are so friendly and they have so much less than us. Seriously, I could stay here forever; everything is so simple. This was probably one of the best days so far this year, even though today was basically a simple day. I didn’t need technology or the internet or everyone else in the grade. I was completely happy with just the small group I was with and just hiking and climbing. This was my last day before my birthday…and it was definitely the best way to end my sixteenth year.