Coming from Canada, I never gave much thought to how much choice we have and how we are continuously being bombarded with the ‘latest and greatest.’
But it was not long after volunteering at Holy Cross Anglican School that I started noticing little differences between the kids in Belize and in Canada. Belize is still a developing country and many kids who live here grow up with a different way of life. They are presented with less options, which was made very apparent to me at one school party we helped plan. I had a big bag of candies – donated from people coming to San Pedro on vacation – and the kids were taking their time picking through the sweets. I couldn’t understand what was taking so long. But then it hit me. They were simply overwhelmed by the amount of choices.
Things that I might take for granted are new and wondrous to them.When I took the picture of a boy holding two bags of marbles, I was struck by the look on his face, as if he were holding the latest Xbox. There are no Wal-Mart or Best Buy stores in Belize, and kids are not used to getting the hottest new toys for Christmas. You also won’t see kids riding the bus to school with iPods in their ears. In fact, there is no school bus and the kids either walk, bike or hitch a ride on a golf cart. And although you can buy an iPod on the island, it comes with a hefty price tag which many in the school can’t afford.
Another striking technology difference is the use of cameras. In Canada, it is not such a big deal for kids to have their picture 
taken. It’s the norm. But in Belize, many children are in awe of cameras and love having their picture taken – especially when they get to see the image afterward. Often, I start out taking a picture of one or two kids and end up with five or so in the shot.
I can honestly sat that the experience of volunteering at Holy Cross Anglican School has made me think about living life in a different, much simpler way. While some things definitely make my life more comfortable (e.g. my iPod shuffle), I do not really need as much stuff as I had back in Canada. I have come to appreciate the little things, and finding an occasional marble on the road serves as a reminder of this.
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Hi Tacogirl
You are absolutely correct that we here in Canada and the US hace way more stuff then we need, us included. We visited AC with our daughter last March and it was a real eye opener for her. She has always been afforded the luxury of getting everything she wants, but after visiting and seeing the children she has changed her ways. As a parent I am proud that she now sees that she does not need the latest and greatest to live-her motto these days is simple is better and she now volunteers at the school and dance studio to help the underprivileged kids.
She follows your blogs religiously. Thank you for helping my kid understand the real meaning of life-not money but doing good for others.
Mary Ellen Braun
Thanks for your compliment Harold it made my night.
hi there tacogirl ,the smile on his face is truly genuine.only the innocents of a child could show such joy. I’m happy to know that you are there to help. and yes we do not need as much as we think and the next time i see a marble l will think of you. good by Harold Alberta Canada.