visit belize – Deidra Deandra

10 New Belizean Businesses from Belize’s National University

New Belizean Businesses from the University of Belize

November 16, 2015–Today was such a fun and exciting day as I got to be a judge for the University of Belize’s Marketing Expo. Ten groups had worked to develop products to introduce to the Belizean market. They created the products, developed branding and packaging, and financed and marketed them.

Among the products were glow in the dark, eco-friendly lava lamps; yellow tomato ketchup, fruit juices, jams (including a delicious tomato jam, who would have thought?), wooden bottle holders, coconut oil, face scrubs and barbecue sauce. The response from the public was great and one of the businesses even sold out! Professor Audrey Pascasio said she was very proud of the effort her students put into their businesses and the feedback from the public.

It was so great seeing the next people the enter the workforce creating new Belizean businesses. I encouraged them to not let it be just another project but to actually follow through with their businesses. If they do, you should be seeing a whole new variety of “Made in Belize” products on grocery store shelves. Be sure to buy them!

University of Belize’s Mission Statement
The University of Belize is a national, autonomous and multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability.

See Photos of these New Belizean Businesses on Facebook.

10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home

I always enjoy the opportunity to share about the country I call home-Belize! These 10 beautiful photos of the piece of earth I call home, highlight some of the natural produce we get from the land, the animals, and the beautiful scenery!

1. Coconut Tree – I took this photo on the beach in Dangriga, Belize. Dangriga is a Town located in the Stann Creek District, Belize. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Coconut Tree

2. Waterfall – This Waterfall is located in the Elijio Panti National Park in Belize, a beautiful destination to visit in the Cayo District. The park has several activities including swimming, waterfalls, hiking, nature trails, caves, and Mayan artifacts
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Waterfall

3. Mennonite Produce – this photo was taken on a visit to the back-ends of the Mennonite Community, Spanish Lookout, in Belize. I can’t remember the name of the crop planted here but it goes on for miles and is a beautiful site to see. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Mennonite Community

4. Manatee – The manatee is a marine mammal that is a protected specie in Belize. This photo was taken at the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, the best place to see manatees in Belize. Manatees have paddle-like flippers and can grow to about 13 feet long with 1300 pounds.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Manatee

5. “E” – I remember taking this photo on a hike through the Elijio Panti National Park. It was quite an exciting find, a naturally formed “E” in the Belize Rainforest.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - "E"

6. Sunset in the Capital City – This photo was taken in Belmopan, Belize, the Capital City of the country. It reminded me of a Lion King Movie Scene. (:
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Sunset in the Capital City

7. Pink Rose – This beautiful rose was captured right at home in my mother’s garden. She has a variety of them in different colors and I always enjoy taking photos of the newly bloomed ones. Check out some of these same roses in our Mother’s Day Cards Designs. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Pink Rose

8. Sleeping Giant – The Sleeping Giant is a Group of Mountains in Belize located along the Hummingbird Highway. As you can see, the group of Mountains at a point on the highway, resemble a Sleeping Giant, hence the name.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Sleeping Giant

9. White Horse – I took this photo at the Banana Bank Lodge in Belize which is home to over 90 horses.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - White Horse

10. Coconut Apple – Locally known as “Grow-ins,” the Coconut Apple is found inside dried coconuts. It is quite a sweet find. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Coconut Apple

Give Joyfully!

Last week a story on my Facebook feed caught my attention and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. A friend from my church posted a testimony of how God is working in her life and I asked her to share as an encouragement to followers on my blog. She writes…

Give-Joyfully-deidradeandra “So, I have to brag on GOD…
About 8 months ago I found a piece of property out by family/church. I started praying over it every time I drove by and claiming it as mine. Well, a couple months ago, God SUPERNATURALLY provided the money for a down payment (awesome!) and I began the buying process. We agreed on a price and after it was surveyed 3 acres became 4 1/2 at no additional cost to me (super awesome!). I had my closing cost money saved up and ready to go then God told me to give that exact amount to a specific person. I did so joyfully and without hesitation. Today I went to sign paperwork and the seller leans over to the lawyer and says “Ya know what, just waive the closing cost on this one.” !!!!!
I mean, is God not awesome!!! HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL TO ME AND ALWAYS PROVIDED!
Now, I’m just waiting on a buyer for my house and I know His timing is always perfect.‬”

So my friends, I encourage you to be joyful in those times when He tells you to make a sacrifice, give your last, do without… He is always working in the background, your blessing might be right around the corner; so don’t miss out on the blessings God wants to pour out in your life!