Rainforest Realty
Rev. Macarena Rose
Rev. Macarena Rose moved from the US to Belize, as the Director of her Church. Two years later, she runs Rainforest Realty, hosts a weekly TV show, has coached the Semi Pro Men's soccer team and is the voice on the cell phone system in Belize.
Expat Women's Interview with Macarena
Expat Women: Macarena, let's start from the beginning. What inspired you to move with your 16–year–old daughter Chiara and your 10 animals from Florida, United States, to Belize, 5 years ago? Macarena: I believe in following your inspiration and dreams. Mine was strong to move to Belize, as was my daughter's. I do not believe in wondering what if, or later saying, " Wow, I wish I had..." So off we went!
Expat Women: What did Chiara think of your decision and how has she adapted in Belize? |
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Macarena: I was going to wait and not move to Belize until she graduated from high school, but she shared my dream – she too wanted to go, so it was her desire to be part of the journey of moving to Belize. I have no regrets and can see the difference in her from having had an international living experience in her life. She is now very open to all people, and has more of a worldly understanding and sense of compassion for people's lives and their struggles.
Initially, I was not sure how she would adjust, so she and I signed an 18 month contract with each other: we would move to Belize and stay there, no matter what for the term. Well, we moved to Belize and she had not been there even 10 days, when she looked over the veranda's views of the stunning Mayan Mountains and said, "I never want to leave, Mom." This –– from a teenager who used to have the cable tv on, a cell phone tied to her ear, the house phone attached to the other ear and instant messaging on the computer all at the same time!! Now she was living in Belize with not even a McDonald's in the country! One of my earliest memories of her speedy adaptation took place on Chiara's first day of school. I went to take her lunch and there she was – leaning out of the barn door–like windows, looking like a scene out of Mr. Ed, and a gorgeous happy smile from ear to ear. She had just mastered her first words of Creole with her newly–made friends. |
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Expat Women: How did you end up working as a real estate agent and being elected as the President of the Belize National Association of Realtors®? |
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Macarena: When I first moved to Belize, I looked for land for Chiara and myself on which to build our home. In doing so, I was shown around San Ignacio by three different men, (who still work here), and they each offered me the same piece of real estate – for three different prices! I was, let us say, highly insulted. When I complained to my friend, who happened to be a political leader of Belize, he said, well this is what they do here, and if you do not like it, I will give you my properties to sell and you can show them how to do it differently. So, with that, I went to work learning everything I could about titles, land laws and ownership rights in Belize. In 2005, I became a Founding Member of the Belize National Association of Realtors. In November of 2007, I signed the Bi–Lateral Agreement with the US–based National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.), for our Association. |
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Expat Women: You also offer your services as a Relocation Specialist. Do you think the real estate and the destination services industries are good options for expats looking to start new businesses abroad? |
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Macarena: It is my humble opinion that who better to help you than someone who has done it, who can advise on what to look out for, and who knows it from your perspective. |
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Expat Women: You also host a weekly TV show in Belize, you have coached the Semi Pro Men's soccer team and you are the voice on the cell phone system in Belize. Tell us more. |
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Macarena: Well, I moved to Belize to be part of Belize, and feel very fortunate to be able to contribute time and energy in many different activities. The television show I host, is all about bringing to light the extraordinary men and women who make Belize a better country, and this a better world. When the producer of the station asked me to do this show, I immediately agreed to do so, and for free. What better way to spread the positive aspects of people's lives than by making sure their light shines to all! I love that the youth see these adults they may know little about getting the recognition they deserve.
As to being the soccer coach; well, that just happened. It was not because I knew a thing about soccer. Mostly, they needed a team medic but then it just kind of snowballed. It was, of course, an oddity for Belize to have a woman travelling with the guys, being in the dressing rooms, and stretching them out on the fields before games. I can tell you these players have, in fact, become like sons to me and I love them as such.
As to being the voice on the cell phone service, I was asked to read 10 lines for a demo, and then I was chosen. I read thousands of lines in both English (the main language of Belize) and Spanish. It is still so funny for my friends and I to hear my voice on the cell phone telling them, "The number you have reached is not available", or "You do not have sufficient credit for this call" etc.
When I am working on relocations with my clients, I always recommend and provide suggestions on how to become actively involved as a member of their new community. I feel it is by getting involved that you truly become a part of your new community. |
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| Expat Women: From all of your experience in Belize, what would be the top 5 things that you have learned that you could share with us? |
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| Macarena: It is my pleasure to do so. The top 5 things I have learned are: |
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Do your research, find a true professionals who have experiences like yours (Google their names to check); |
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Ask questions, there is no such thing as too many; |
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Get everything in writing; |
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Accept that things may proceed slower in other countries and remember that this is why you looked to move in the first place; |
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Enjoy your journey, ALL of it. |
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Expat Women: Macarena, we thank you very much for your time and we wish you and Chiara all the very best. |
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| Links |
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Rainforest Realty
www.rainforestrealty.com
Belize Real Estate
www.belizerealestate.ws |
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| October 2008 |
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