Rain or Shine

    Over spring break, I was able to go on a mission trip to Belize. For four days, I went to a small Catholic school in Bladen and spent time with the kids who attended. Their buildings did not have air conditioning, only open windows with blinds for some airflow. The classrooms felt warm and still, while outside the heat was intense, with dry dirt, scattered rocks, and even ant piles across the field where the kids played. Despite this, the kids moved constantly between the classroom and outdoors without complaining.

    We spent most of our time outside playing with the kids, and I noticed how comfortable they were in the environment. Many of them ran across the rough ground barefoot or in slides, which I found impressive and eye-opening. We even saw and held lizards around the school and later at the resort, which made me realize how much was going on around us that I normally would not pay attention to. On the last day, we played full-field soccer games, with students bringing chairs from their classrooms outside to sit in the shade and watch. Even with limited resources, the atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement. The heat was overwhelming at times, and it made me realize how much I take for granted.

    On the way back to the hotel, large clouds rolled in and the sky turned dark as it began to rain. Once we arrived, the rain slowed and sunlight started breaking through the clouds. Soon after, a rainbow appeared over the ocean, creating a calm and peaceful end to the day. The shift from heat and activity to rain and stillness made me think about how both people and nature adjust to different conditions and still find ways to enjoy the moment.


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