Mission to Belize, 2026

 Friday was a day to rest and to decompress.  Everyone spent the day doing whatever they preferred, whether that be snorkeling, exploring the island or lounging by the beach, unique experiences were had by all.  No matter the activity, we all enjoyed the chance to just soak it all in. We were able to share our individual experiences with each other, from the previous days. What stood out? What was challenging? What surprised you? Having that day for just that purpose is so crucial to our mission. Otherwise, how can we possibly go home and explain what we’ve seen and done to those who will undoubtedly ask, “how was the trip?” We get to try to find the words together first.  How impossible it seems to describe. Even chronicling it all here does not do justice to what was seen, heard and felt.  It is our hope, however, that the Holy Spirit will guide our words and bring at least a little bit of our personal encounters home to those around us.  Our group in fro...

 A shorter post tonight, after a full day.  We began by checking out of our hotel, which meant hauling all of our luggage to hold at the church, while we worked. A beautiful Mass reminded us all once again that the mission of this trip is not the physical work, but the encounters-of God, the Belizean people and the finding of the two in each other.  After Mass and breakfast, we loaded up and trucked out to the sites, to finish as much as we could before quitting time. It wasn’t long before the rain moved in and added another level to the challenge of the day. While those at the clinic site had shelter, those working on the family house powered through the downpour to get roofing sheets up. A few short hours later, we had all but completed the home for Lu and her family. The clinic site came along well also. The living area was nearly finished and the clinic addition underwent a few plan changes, rendering it necessary to be left incomplete.  We faced quite a few obst...

What a day.  What a full, incredible day.  On Wednesdays, we spend the first half of the day working hard to finish as much as possible on our big projects.  The second half of the day is typically spent on some sort of uniquely Belizean experience, together. This has traditionally been a visit to the Mayan ruins, but it was switched up a bit this year and we instead went into the jungle.  It’s a day of mixed emotions, as we all feel the pull to power through and finish the work/skip the outing. Last night, however, Fr. Scott reminded us of the importance of truly seeing the people and getting to know the real Belize on this mission trip. He pointed out that while the buildings are a priority of the trip, the people and the culture take precedence. This is why we take a half day and venture out.  It’s to get to know this part of the world and be able to leave with a better understanding of what life looks like here.  Not to mention another chance to get to ...