Can I have your wifi password?

Have you ever sat down to eat dinner with your friends, or even parents to notice that everyone's eyes are glued to their phones. They find themselves sucked in by something, in their opinion more interesting than human interaction. 

Not using my phone as often as normal has been a blessing. We too often brainwash ourselves with social media and forget to stop and {breathe}

I know you may be thinking, "but jordan you are blogging right now"... This is because we are required to blog during our trip, but I do believe in the power of writing, and expressing your thoughts during life changing situations and experiences. 

As Danielle and I sit in our hotel room, during a thunderstorm, in a power outage. We remind our selves how lucky we are to come from the family's and places that we do. 

We are constantly reminding ourselves that it could be worse. Almost in every situation. As frustrating as it can be to post these blogs, get on Facebook or Instagram you have to remind your self to stay humble and grounded at all times. Even during a power outage. 

Going places and exploring without any means of communication has allowed me to get close to some amazing individuals. People I knew before the trip I know even better, and people I never knew are becoming people that I will never forget.

The power of communication can go a long way. 

We are always starting conversations with locals and never miss an opportunity to interact with a child. 

As 12 of us sat on the back side of the island, we were captivated by the different shades of red and orange projected from the sky. We were approached by a child by the name of Salvador, age 10. He was kayaking in the channel, which is home to many animals including alligators. We exchanged small conversation as he told us about his father. He owns a boat and does excursions for tourists. Salvador's exact words were "he never gets a day off". He was summoned by his friends on the dock across the way a few moments after. 

This brings me to my conversation with danielle this morning. The entire economy here is based on tourism. Without curious people like my self, these people would be barely making it. As if they aren't already struggling. 

My favorite part about the island is that you get to know the locals from visiting shops and small hole in the wall restaurants. 3 chicken tacos for 1$ Belize, so .50 cents in America. Sounds like a steal right? Trust me, when I say they are way better than Taco Bell. 

It's important to have close interactions with these people because they are more like us than you would think. Normal everyday citizens trying to make there way through life, taking it day by day. 

Everyone is struggling to make it through something, no matter race, color, religion, or age. And that is why the most important thing about communication is hearing what isn't said.