Belize with me on my study abroad experience
ECU Belize in us – A vision came to fruition for two ECU faculty leaders, Drs. Crumb & Avent-Harris.
Day 1 –ECU Pirates Go Abroad – Raleigh-Durham Airport to Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport
Strangers are just friends
waiting to happen.
Rod McKuen
Scenery as we arrived in Belize
Belize is my Country.
I am Belize.
Belize is my family.
My school, my church, and my community.
I am the hope of Belize.
The hope of today and tomorrow.
I live and learn not only for myself.
But for my sisters and brothers.
I am the hope of Belize.
I promise to serve Belize
as faithfully as I can.
Pledge to Belize
Day 2 – Our visit to Holy Family RC School in Hopkins, Belize
Afternoon devotion – Great way to start your day. 
What Belizean’s call districts in their country, we call it cities in the U.S. 
…aspires to provide students with a holistic education. 
Learning can take place everywhere. A wall outside with multiplication. 
Day 2 Continues ….We took a boat to to Palmento Grove Cultural & Fishing Lodge, which is located on the north side of Hopkins. Here we immersed in the Garifuna history & culture.
Boat ride…. 
Dressed all up in my Garifuna attire 
He passionately shared the Garifuna journey with us. 
Survivor food…
I only did this for the camera lol. Honestly though, I do remember using similar kitchen tools like this when I helped my great-grandmother prepare food back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. 
Nothing like a family fish fry – the Garifinu way. On this day, I thought of how much the Garifunu culture reminded me of enjoyable moments with my family. 
Garifuna Drum Time….
On day 3, early in the morning, we took a van to Maya Community in Indian Creek. Here we met a Mayan family – a mom and her adult daughters. Another day of immersive learning !
Welcome – the smoke is how Mayan’s welcomed us. 
A different spiritual experience than what I am use to. However, I was moved by the moment. 
This is the mother’s kitchen 
Preparing our lunch with Mayan’s ladies 
This is healthy chocolate for you…. 
Another day of coconut water. 
I cannot name anything I ate, but I enjoyed the taste 
Outside bathroom at the Mayan’s village 
ECU Pirates do it big wherever they go! Enjoying the Mayan cultural experience
Day 4 – We experienced the Mayan King Waterfalls. A much needed relaxation time from class discussions and learning exchanges…
Day 5 – was a very special day…my birthday. On this day, we visited the Goldson House of Democracy and Patriotism. We listened and danced to Creole drumming and most importantly I had fun celebrating my birthday in Belmopan, Belize
By Day 6 & 7, I was exhausted! Even though, I was exhausted the learning did not stop. On our bus rides from one location to the next, we shared what was most meaningful at the last site we visited, we discussed what we hope to gain from the next site….The pictures I am sharing below are from day 6 and 7.
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Family-School-Community Partnerships Capstone Project 