Belize is a small country in Central America, directly south of Mexico. They
have no significant amounts of gross domestic products to export, which means
they have to import almost everything at a very high price to the people who
live there. The primary industry of the country is currently tourism.
But, the income for tourism benefits a relatively small number
of people. Belize is a former British colony, so English is the official language.
The people are very warm and welcoming to missionaries.
"The
most amazing thing for me was to know God wanted me to be there in Belize.
I am not a bible scholar, nor do I pray out loud very well, but as it turns
out that is not why God wanted me to go to Belize. He wanted me there to
provide love to those children - unconditional love, to respect the day
laborers who helped us on the job site and show them how needed they are,
to be happy with having to be flexible and not stress about it, and to grow
inside as a sister in Christ and daughter of God. There are no words to
describe the new feeling in my heart. The change in me may not be noticeable,
but my heart has grown in a new way and my soul rejoices with new song!"
-- Gina
Recognizing St. Philip's had more gifts to offer from our congregation,
we began exploring the possibilities of partnering with Belize in 2004. Not
knowing exactly what God was calling us to do in this country, we went, knowing
that He would guide us along the way.
Our first few trips to Belize were focused on construction projects
the diocese was working on, as well as outreach in the schools - working as
teacher's aides in the classroom, performing skits for the children and just
spending time getting to know and building relationships with the kids during
lunch and recess.
"We
were anxious for Monday morning to arrive, our first day at St. Hilda's
School in the village of Georgeville. When we arrived, we were greeted by
seven teachers and 170 smiling children. Our team split up in two groups:
the construction group and the school group. Each day we had a different
art project with each class, which they enjoyed tremendously. During recess
you could see Gina, Sue and Michelle playing baseball, and see Fr. Mike
and Lance running around the building being chased by some 30 kids. You
could see Deborah creating animals out of balloons. To see the children's
smiling faces and their enthusiasm made all of us aware that our being there
made a difference in their lives. When you get a call from God to spread
His word, don't hesitate, but go! I am also convinced that one is never
too old to go on a mission trip to spread God's word..." -- Peggy
As our relationship with the Diocese developed, we definitely
felt God's hand leading us. He has shown us we can impact the lives in this
country in the form of education.
In the summer of 2006, we sent our first team of teachers to
Belize to model best teaching practices and to come along side Belizean teachers
in their classrooms to support them in building the knowledge and resource-base
needed to accomplish the goal of preparing all children to take a productive
place in society.
We
will continue to offer this mission opportunity for both teachers
and non-teachers, as this is the ideal first mission trip for anyone.
There are no physical limitations. There is no language barrier, unlike our
trips to Peru, where Spanish is the official language. This is an amazing
opportunity to grow your faith, and to be a blessing to and be blessed by
the wonderful people of Belize!
To apply for the next trip to Belize, please click
here.
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