Greetings from Tobacco Caye! *sigh* It was regretfully our last day in paradise. Today started much the same as the others, but ended with the sweet wistfulness of that final evening we all were secretly dreading. So here’s the run down on what happened today:
Today started off with a hardy American breakfast of pancakes that was accompanied by a sweet breeze, the shimmering sunlight, and pleasant rolling of the waves. Which subsequently was interrupted by a nice application of elbow grease in the final installation and touch-ups of our community service projects from the day prior. It was such an interesting experience getting the humbling feeling of seeing the islander’s smiles that were lit up when we installed the projects in the community. We never knew little kids could get so excited about trash cans.
Our final educational experience was unsurprisingly a bit chaotic. We were given an introduction to the world of marine survey techniques, specifically transect methods. Michael did his best to explain the procedure to us; however (and kind of the point), we realized how difficult it is to get accurate data of that beautiful underwater world. Using PVC quadrants and a thirty meter tape measure along the ocean floor can only be so accurate for our inexperienced Culver minds, especially because fish don’t really care much about what we have to say about leadership.
After an action packed day and saying goodbye to our aquatic friends, we all had the opportunity to share in small groups our own personal leadership stories. Leadership in this case is used a bit loosely—the stories we told were more centered on our life philosophy (who we are), how we individually are inspired to change and help the world for the better, and of course, how we are going to make that happen.
Going to miss the slow, yet incredible island life. Thanks to all the parents for the opportunity, and for following our journey so diligently.
Signing off from Belize,
George Cruickshank and John H. Buggeln