My time in Orange Walk Town

Black Orchids

Since my last blog, I have had some amazing experiences.  Some of you may know of my current fundraising efforts  for the grassroots, NGO, Tikkun Olam Belize. One of my goals for my trip to Belize was to learn firsthand, the needs, challenges, and successes of the organization.

My visit to Orange Walk Town became extremely personal as I developed a very special friendship with an amazing woman. Because my experiences were so personal and some of the challenges the organization faces are so political and social in nature, I do not believe it would be appropriate to comment on them in this type of forum. I do however feel very blessed to have stayed with a wonderful family in Orange Walk Town, who opened their home to me and welcomed me like family.

My friend, Elisa Castellanos, President of Tikkun Olam Belize, helped me to see things I would never have seen and to understand the issues of HIV/AIDS and other STD’s, as it relates to the Belizean population. I was also enlightened to the current crisis of human trafficking in the country and some of the obstacles to addressing the adversities of the women involved.

A white orchid

In addition to the heavy stuff, we spent many an evening swapping stories of our countries, and cultures, drinking coca cola,and generally contemplating life, as we sat on the flat roof of her parent's house, to cool off in the breeze. We came to a brilliant conclusion that life is a lot like the sport of curling...but that’s for another story.