Encouragement can change a child's life

Today in one of our schools we were playing a game where the class was divided into two teams and competed in a multiplication game. All the children were so incredibly excited about the game! My teaching style is very peppy and upbeat because these kids sit in a hot classroom for 6-7 hours a day, they get bored. So I try to be as *borderline* obnoxious and happy as I can be! The children love it too! I think a positive attitude makes children love to learn. When I was little, my mother and father always made things fun! Everything had a prize and I was always laughing. Laughing can cure the soul from anything has always been my mentality. Today further proved this. As we were preparing to play our game, the children anxiously lined up to be first in line. Everyone lined up except one girl. Wrapped up in the chaos and excitement of the game, I have her a few minutes to approach the game on her own. After 10 minutes I realized she wouldn't be playing. Baffled, I approached her and asked why she wasn't playing. Her response was simple,  "I'm not smart enough to play." I instantly told her this was not true and told her how brilliant she is and how she should show it off. She insisted she would not be playing. I gave her some space, thinking maybe she needed some time. I could see the longing in her eyes and dissapointment in her face when I accepted her rejection. Heartbroken, I approached it again, she begrudgedly agreed. She was smiling though! Huge success I thought. However, two minutes later, I saw her sitting down again. I couldn't imagine why. I asked her, she said someone told her to sit down. Angered by her poor treatment, I tried again. I have the best pep talk I could think of, and again she got up and tried again. I let her go to the front of the line, and she FINALLY had her moment to shine. She knew every single multiplication answer. I was unbelievably proud. She was so so so happy and excited and the class was happy for her. I don't know who told her to sit down, and nor does it matter. She hugged me over and over and whispered "thank you." If I've done nothing else, that single interaction made these 3 weeks worth it. So many children lack confidence in themselves, building confidence can save their lives and soul. Happiness is so precious and I can't imagine seeing anyone genuinely unhappy at such a young age. A small act of kindness, can go so far for someone else. Always remember to recognize everyone. Everyone is fighting their own battles whether we realize it or not. 

Dangriga Week 2

Cave Tubing, Zip Lining and Mayan Ruins

This weekend we went to San Ignacio! It's on the border of Guatemala in Belize. Upon arrival, we realized our hotel was a resort! A view is in the pictures below! San Ignacio is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. So unbelievably breathtaking. The mountain range runs through the city making the land so diverse considering a river also flows through as well! Friday we went to dinner,  then to the local bars! We went to a karaoke bar, SO MUCH FUN! The whole study abroad crew, roughly 60 people, went! A girl from the business group, also my Roomie, Stephanie Schujilak, was the MC for the night. Her personality is so loud and happy that it made EVEYONE want to participate! The owner of the bar, Ross, was originally said there would be no karoke, but we convinced him by saying Steph would MC the whole night. I honestly don't think I've laughed so hard on the trip. The group we came with is full of the funniest and most caring individuals. After Karoke and a couple buckets of beer, we went to the local casino! So cool to see how other cultures gamble. I've never been a gambler, at all, but watching and eating a late dinner at the casino restaurant was a great time. The next day we went cave tuning and zip lining. I have a serious fear of heights. SERIOUS. Adding a slight hangover, really made me nervous. My friends made me so comfortable though! I loved getting to experience it with Lauren, Sarah and Stephanie. Definitely made me so comfortable and excited! By the end of the 8 ropes, I was loving it! Then we went off to cavetubing. The Mayans considered their caves "hell" on earth, and the gate way to the underworld. It was where many human sacrifices happened. However due to the flow of the river and thousands of years, no human remains have been discovered. So if anyone tells me to "go to hell" I'm just gonna say been there done that. The caves were unbelievably beautiful. I've never seen such untouched beauty. If you ever have an opportunity to go, GO! 

The next day we went to the Mayan Ruins, the tallest in Belize. In a thunderstorm. Slippery limestone, not fun to climb! But me and Lauren were grandmas together and climbed super slow and cautious. The view from the top makes me wonder how the heck the Mayans built it. It's HUGE. Fun fact, Mayans wanted to be sacrificed! How?? Most common way was by tearing their rib cage open and ripping out their heart while they are alive. Seriously wtf. I can't imagine that happening. I would run away and never ever come back. However it was an honor. Strange. Makes me appreciate never being sacrificed!