It is now only four days until I leave for Belize. For those who are not aware, I am traveling to Belize to take part in an archaeology field school. I will be in the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management area from May 22 – June 19, taking part in archaeological excavations and studying Belizean culture. After that, I have set aside two weeks to learn about jaguar conservation in Belize.
Everything is now in order. I have procured all of the supplies I will need, I have made arrangements to meet with jaguar conservationists, and I have been reading up on the archaeological site I will be at. All that is left now is for me to go there.
This is by far the most adventurous, and frightening, thing I have ever done. I am currently in full gut churn mode: feeling a mixture of dread and excitement. I know I will face significant challenges on this trip, and there have been times when I wish I had chosen a study topic closer to home. But in those moments, the following quote from Joseph Campbell has brought me comfort:
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
As I enter this cave, know that I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me in any way: including those who have contributed to my GoFundMe campaign. I have not forgotten about the obligations I made to my donors, and I will fulfill them when I return. Also, I will have only limited access to the internet while in Belize. This means that I will most likely not be able to update this blog until I get back to the U.S. But when I do, I will have plenty to write about.
I will talk to you again in July.
The Jaguar 
Good luck Josh! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
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Thanks Jacques!
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Belize is an interesting place especially with the ruins and the culture.
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Have you been there? Everyone I’ve spoken with who’s been to Belize has said wonderful things about it.
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At one time, I owned 20 acres of jungle that I was planning on living on but it just didn’t work out. I traded that for two beachfront lots and eventually sold them. All the best laid plans (and an uncooperative wife) and all that stuff and yes, I have been there.
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I’m sorry to hear that, I can now say from experience that the jungle is a fine place to live. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.
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Muchísimos éxitos Josh :D
Te mando un beso enorme y disfrutas de esta experiencia única al máximo :)
Te espero para cuando vuelvas, para que nos cuentes todo!
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Gracias Ani! Vos contaré todo cuando vuelvo!
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You can do this! We’ll all be anxiously awaiting your return to hear all about it. Be safe.
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Thank you!
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All the best Josh, looking forward to seeing all the photos and reading all about your adventure when you get back…🐆
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Thanks Nancy!
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Sobre todo, disfrútalo, que lo mereces!!
Un abrazo enorme, y nos vemos cuando vuelvas ;)
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Gracias Chape! No dudo que lo disfrutare, y voy a tener muchas historias cuando vuelvo!
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Best of luck on your vision quest!
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Thank you!
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Good Luck dear Josh, my best wishes for your new period. Let us hear you sometimes. Thank you, Love, nia
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Thanks Nia! You’ll definitely hear from me when I get back.
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All the best! Have a kickass experience and time, looking forward to reading all about it! :)
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Thanks Shaiqa!
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Good luck! I’m headed for a field school too but in the middle of the rainy British countryside -_- haha
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Good to hear it! I hope you’re enjoying yourself and learning a lot.
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Good luck Josh! I can’t wait to read about your trip :)
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Thanks Lavanya! I already have a lot to write about, and I still have two weeks left.
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Hi… its almost July… how goes the adventure…..Just dropped by to check in
~B
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Thanks B, it’s great to hear from you. The adventure is still very much in full swing: I’ll be back in the states on July 5. Maybe I’ll get a chance to share a quick post before then.
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I think it’s wonderful that you succeeded. I can’t wait to see what you synthesize from your experience.
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Thanks Robert, I’ve spent the last few days looking through scientific literature and trying to make sense of everything I’ve learned. I have one final meeting tomorrow though, and it’s an important one.
I’ve also begun drafting a more personal account of my travels for the blog. It might be up to two weeks before I publish anything though, because my writing process involves many drafts and edits.
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I’m glad I’ve had a chance to check in…you seem to be in your element. :)
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Indeed! Although I still regard the Canadian backcountry (Lake Kipawa on Quebec, specifically) to be the most magical place I’ve ever been.
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It sounds like you are doing what you love…You bring the magic.
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Finally! I was waiting for this post to come up, very excited to read the next posts☺☺ And I’m so happy you went ahead anyways knowing about the challenges that can come up.
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There’s no growth without pain :)
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Absolutely!
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