Passports

We just put in our paperwork for 2 of these beauties - I needed my name changed and Benj needed a new one.

And "why," you ask, "do we need passports?"

Well, because we're going here:

To live in this:

 For 6 weeks. 

Just kidding on where we're staying. Although I'm sure it will be beautiful, I'm positive that it won't be quite that exotic or resort-like. But hey, Belize for 6 weeks. Sounds pretty good to me. Other MBAs are packing millions of moving boxes; moving to exotic parts of the country, like Ohio; and starting new jobs. I on the other hand am packing my bag and jumping on a plane to Belize for 6 weeks. Spreadsheets, marketing strategies, bottom lines... or sunshine, tans, and a humanitarian project. I'm taking the second, thank you!

A few years ago I went to Costa Rica with friends for a few weeks. It was a lot of fun, but I loved the newness of the experience, the people, the places, and so on, the most. That's probably what I'm most excited about this time too--it's an adventure, and I'm ready for a good one!

Of course, there will be some business. We have to have some reason to go and spend that long. As part of the humanitarian project, we're working on implementing a waste management system that is both good for the environment and affordable for the community. The main part of the project will be to implement the system, but we're also looking to convert it into a micro-franchise that the locals can sustain and use to not only benefit their standard of living, but they're pocket books as well. It's not millions of dollars by any means, but if we can help a few people and make life a little better then we'll count it as a success. 

Benj really has the coolest and most important job in the project too. He's working on the business side of it with me, but he's also the microbiologist that will help in building the system and then testing the affluence that comes from the system for harmful bacteria and diseases. With his work, we'll be able to help those that use the system,how to safely take care of it, protect their environment, and keep themselves healthy. He's such a smart guy... but that's what you get when you marry a microbiologist/biochemist right? 

So, here's to looking forward to 6 weeks of fun. 6 weeks of work. And 6 weeks of helping others, learning about a new culture, living in a new part of the world, and exploring all that's out there.