DAY 2: this place is AMAZING!!!

I'm in love with this place. I never dreamed of loving this place THIS much. The people here are incredible. The fruit is AMAZING. My group is seriously the best. The sunshine and trees are beautiful...I could go on forever and its only the SECOND day!!

Today was square foot garden day. We got to sleep in a little bit because I didn't sleep much the night before...oops but we finally made it to the school at about 10. The square foot gardens are basically boxed garden beds that we are making for the kids at a school that don't have money for food. So the things planted in this garden will be available to them to use when they don't have anything else. The kids that don't have enough money have been asked to help us build so they've been there everyday helping out. They are seriously the greatest and work so hard. Tasks that are somewhat difficult for us they just dominate and bust out like its not a big deal. I honestly can't wait to finish this project up and see everything come together. We've had a lot of help from local groups as well as two guys Richard and Robert who have honestly given so much just out of the good of their hearts. I can honestly say the highlight of the day was meeting Richard. He was the most genuine person who has dedicated his life to giving to his community. He definitely does not have an overabundance to share but he gives what he can to help those in need. He's involved in so many groups helping with people in the community who have AIDS, building shelters for the homeless and neglected, making donations to those who need money for an education, organizing trips to pick up supplies for those in need, building square foot gardens for children who can't afford any food...these are just some of the projects he's involved in. While we were talking I just felt so overwhelmed by all that this man does. He sacrifices so much time just to help as many people as he can have better lives. Not because he HAS to but because he knows that being a part of helping others is what life is about. He knows that by being a part of these projects is making the world a better place a little bit at a time. My favorite was his motto he shared with me: "we gotta be like shovels not hoes...we gotta work a little to receive a little". I'm glad he added the explanation. If you don't get it, don't worry about it but I really enjoyed it. But ya Richard is awesome. We need more people in the world like him and his friend Robert. Robert was another favorite person I met today who is an american organic farmer from California who started like 5 non-profit groups, pays for around 35 Belizean people's college education, helps with a local AIDS program in Belize, helps Richard with his random projects, owns a resort and farm in Belize as well, AND hosts private benefit concerts at his farm in Chico, CA for different non profit groups....ya we became instant best friends. Best part...you would NEVER guess in a million years that he was loaded just by looking at him. I love people like that. It always amazes me to see that there are still so many good people in this world who sacrifice so much of what they have to help others. I truly have SO much to be grateful for as well as SO much to give.

After the garden building it was lunch time at Hannah's which would change any human's life a lot. It was SO GOOD. Then we walked around the town a little bit...checked out the fruit markets and local stores with souvenirs and such. It took EVERYTHING in me to not buy every ring and bracelet I saw. I have a problem. But don't worry I didn't give in. The only thing I just had to get was my first Belizean CD "This is Belize". Yes...I love the music here. Not a surprise at all ha. It definitely won't be my last! We ended the day with Kayla's card game hand and foot which I have instantly converted to and then had dinner made by Sister K who is without a doubt the cutest and most loving woman you would ever meet and can make the greatest rice and beans. They were great! Then we walked around town a little more and of course had to get some ice cream and Vivian's. SO GOOD! Then came back watched some locals playing some basketball then I talked a few people into joining me in Brazil Butt Lift...we're all gonna be pretty sore tomorrow ha. Anyways....super long post I know but today has been AWESOME! This place is truly the greatest and I can't wait to get involved with more here. I love it so much already and have loved meeting all the people. In our group and the people we work with with and run into. This program is so fun and I can't wait to see what other experiences come my way! Peace and Love from Belize! 

PS: pics will be comin soon...