The past two summers I have been blessed enough to spent in Belize. Belize is a small country in central America between Guatemala and Mexico. My step dad actual went down to Belize for work, which is why my family and I were able to spend so much time there. My mom, brother, sister, and I only got to spend summers in Belize, but I grew to love the country. I went in to Belize knowing that it was a poor country. What I did not realize though just how poor the country is.

The first summer I was in Belize was what I call my “tourist summer” because I spent a lot of time touring the different sites in the country. I really got a good chance to see and learn about the country of Belize. Belize is a beautiful country. It is full of ancient ruins, beautiful islands, and tropical jungles. I loved the culture and history I learned from being in Belize. It really is an awesome place to explore and relax in. But it is also a third world country. As I said before, coming in to the country I knew it was poor, just like a lot of countries in central America are, but I did not know how poor it really is. I did not know just how poor a country could be. In Belize so many people go without basic things like running water or even electricity in their homes. Even if they have electricity in their homes they still go without it most of the time because it is too expensive and wages are so low. Travelling throughout Belize I would see makeshift fruit stands or very small children selling coconut water in a bag on the side of the road in order to make money for their families. Small children would beg outside of bakeries and markets, just hoping that someone would take pity on them. Healthcare is more or less nonexistent; there are very few and very small hospitals. Belize also has very rough roads and the police do not really enforce traffic laws. This makes travel dangerous at times.

All of this made me realize how fortunate I have it in the United States. I have a home with running water and electricity. I do not go without eating; I have never had to beg for food or money. I am working on a bachelor’s degree, which is much more than most people, let alone girls, receive in Belize. I am so thankful I was born in the United States, and I do realize that not everyone has the same chances as I have had. Belize made me thankful for the United States. Living in a foreign country made more compassionate for people. I have always liked helping others, but seeing how destitute someone could be made me want to do more than just help. Being in Belize made me want to make an impact on others that are less fortunate than I am. Being in Belize change my views of the world; it made me a better person.