February 1st and 2nd

When I began packing for our trip to Belize last week I must admit that my heart wasn’t in it. I was almost too embarrassed by that to even include it here, I mean why wouldn’t my heart be in a great vacation to a place I love? With all that’s going on with our family right now (wedding planning, college, etc, etc), it just felt somehow wrong to take this time out to do something just for us. A trip can take me out of my comfort zone and leave me feeling unsettled until I get settle in, but this was somehow more than that.

Even after we arrived in Houston and sat at the airport waiting for our plane to Belize I thought, I am going to be able to enjoy this? And even wondered why we were going when so much as home seems to need our attention. At the lowest point of self-defeating thoughts I wondered if I still liked Belize, and tried in vain to count the reasons I’ve loved it on past trips.

Because we were late landing in Belize, my mind upon arrival was initially consumed with the question of how we would ever have time to make it to the island tonight (because planes and water taxis stop running before dark).

After making our way through immigration, baggage claim, and customs we raced outside to get a cab to hopefully make it to the water taxi pier before the last boat left. Our driver was about 75 years old and couldn’t have weighed much more than 75 lbs, but he immediately took our request seriously and although he didn’t think we had time to make it he was happy to try.

We tore out of the airport parking lot on 2 wheels and my first thought was, he’s gonna kill us on the way to the pier! My second thought as I looked at the surrounding countryside was, now I remember why I love Belize! I tried but couldn’t conjure up a concrete reason in my head, but instead I could only sense this intangible quality to the sticky warmth of the air, the palms that seem to be almost taking over the small homes we passed in various states of disrepair, and even to our friendly cab driver who didn’t find it too hard to chat amiably while he drove 80 mph and swerved around any cars in our way.

While I was busy philosophizing (in my head) about the beauty of Belize, we came upon a road block. A road block! The police were checking license and insurance right in the middle of our race to the pier. And although cabs do not have to stop at roadblocks here, we did have to wait in the long line of cars. Our driver was visibly upset! So much so that we begin to reassure him that it would be ok and we appreciated him trying his best, but we were obviously going to be too late now. We had made a reservation at a hotel in the city just in case his happened, so he drove us there instead. We would stay the night and catch the water taxi in he morning.

By the time we were onboard the 9 a.m. water taxi, the excitement of seeing the turquoise water was undeniable. Our friend John, at whose property we would be staying, was waiting for us on the pier. The feeling was a little surreal. The sparkling water and the spectacular beauty of the small island made me wonder how I could’ve ever doubted my love of this place. How fickle our minds can be! Luckily I’ve learned over the years not to always trust my thoughts, they can lead me astray if I believe them too quickly!

After unpacking we set out on our bikes (no cars are allowed on the tiny island) to re-familiarize ourselves with the quaint town and to pick up some supplies at the fruit stand and market. We spent the afternoon relaxing, reading and visiting with John on the pool deck before biking to the dive shop to confirm our dive for tomorrow. Dinner at Chef Juan’s small restaurant completed the night before we turned in early.

Now that I’m here I see the truth. It’s ok to take out a little time for ourselves, life will go on as planned even if I take a little time out. The beauty and laid back vibe of the island are just what I need to relax. Let the fun begin ??☀️