I recently had the idea for a blog series called “4 Senses of …”. Every month I am going to post a blog that describes what each new country holds in terms of Sight, Sent, Taste, and Sound. This is just a fun way to help you get a little taste of my experience and it will give me a way to remember specifics years from now. So, without further ado, here are the 4 Senses of Belize.
Sight:
My team is currently in the city of Belmopan which is surrounded by rolling hills covered in green jungle. In the midst of this jungle, colorful houses line the streets. This area reminds me of Florida, just a bit run down. All types of palm trees stand tall in peoples yards and produce green and yellow coconuts. Dogs and chickens are everywhere, just as they were on the Indian reservations I grew up going to. Because Belmopan is a higher region, many citizens have started migrating this way to better withstand the hurricanes and tropical storms that often come during the rainy season. Most people own bicycles here and you can normally spot multiple bodies on one bike. Being able to live in this area for the past three weeks has allowed me to see God’s beautiful creations in a different light. It always amazes me just how unique and beautiful each country is.
Scent:
Fresh rain and soil are the first things that come to mind when I think of the scent here. At night you can almost always count on a bit of smoke from people who are cooking to drift through the air. Due to the tropical environment, flowers of all kinds also add a beautiful perfume to the smell of Belize. Every now and then, you may get a whiff of exhaust and garbage, but what country doesn’t have that?
Taste:
OH MY LANTA… If you have never had a Fry Jack or Pupusa, you have never lived. These fried bits of heaven have shredded chicken and loads of cheese making them taste like baby angels. We also found this amazing Grapefruit soda which we are determined has crack in it because it is so addicting. On the days we don’t get to eat out, you can find us eating some sort of rice, beans, and chicken. However, our leaders have done a great job in mixing up dinner meals giving us a variety of ramen noodles with egg, soup, and even spaghetti. Breakfast and lunch are usually the same every day. We get the option of eggs, oatmeal, or cereal plus an additional two pieces of toast. Lunch is, and forever will be, the classic peanut butter and Jelly sandwich.
Sound:
With 19 girls living under one roof, you would think silence would never exist, however, it’s more common than one would think. When all of us are dispersed, you can hear the thousands of frogs, toads, and cicadas that surround us. Dogs, roosters, and other birds add to the morning symphony that is never afraid to wake us up early. Throughout the day, horns blare as drivers warn oncoming traffic that they will be turning the corner right behind our house. Music of all genres plays from sunup to sundown thanks to our beloved neighbors. It’s funny to hear American music being played but I was truly shocked the other night when I heard them listening to George Strait and Johnny Cash. It is always nice to hear familiar songs that remind me of back home.
Well, there you have it, one month down, ten more to go! Be on the lookout for my next blog that discusses one of the amazing ministries we have had the privilege of working with this month. Thank you all for running this race with me!
