Keeping it Alive

You just spent a week in a foreign country sweating in 100 degree temperature and getting blisters as you perform more hard labor than you have ever done in your life...yet you want to do it again.  However, if you have been on any mission trip you know the awesome feeling and the desire to keep that joy in your heart forever.   Why?  Simple...you experienced a little piece of Heaven.  You experienced caring and unconditional love.  When you freely love and serve others with no expectations it is indeed and special experience and a deep feeling of joy for everyone involved.  Now don't get me wrong, not everyone have this amazing experience because we often go out and serve with wrong intentions in our hearts.  I admit that I have been on mission trips where my actions were driven more by my own personal pride ...but once we figure it out its the most amazing feeling and we understand what Jesus said in John 13:34  "As I loved you, so you must love one another".  Lets keep it alive until the next trip.

Our Final Day in Belize

Today was special.  We spent the day in San Pedro village a place that holds a special place in my heart.  Our Belizean partner, Mr Rafael Cob lives in San Pedro.  Six years ago Rafi and I met on a roof as we were replacing the zinc on his church building.  Rafi and I became instant friends during that week and since then we have worked side by side on projects for over six years.  We returned to San Pedro three more years and built three homes in the village.  We made many friends and forged some deep relationships.  While our work now takes us to many different villages we always....always come back to San Pedro on Sunday to worship and work side by side to show that love does not care where you are from or your status or your money.   Love is blind to all the things that often separate us...we are all the same people of God and together we can change the world!

Lesson Learned...God will Provide

I sat waiting for our group to put out our lunch on the very first day visiting Chunox.   All the kids had jumped on their bikes or walked home for "dinner" as they call it in Belize.  They eat the largest meal at noon in Belize and then a light snack in the evenings.  There were several kids still hanging around the school and talking with us so I asked our local social worker Mr. Rafael Cob why they were not going home.  He informed me that they did not have any food at home to eat.  He told me that over 5% of the children don't have nutritious meals at home because their family simply can not afford it.  So I asked...will they starve today and Mr. Cob quickly educated me that there is food to eat in the forest so they will survive.  Then as I paid more attention over the next few days I realized that God will provide.  The abundance of fruits on the trees in Belize provide sustenance for those who have nothing.  Mango trees are overflowing with fruit.  We see banana and plantain trees with large bunches.  Coconut trees are everywhere providing water.  There are many other fruit trees that are in everyones back yard...papaya, pineapples, kinep, melons, avocados, star fruit, even a type of apple.  Its Amazing the food that just grows in the wild.  It is nature's way of feeding the needy.  Those kids did not starve that day but everyday for them is a struggle.  We had a small impact but we will continue to do what we can to make a difference.  Thanks for all your help and donations because together we can change the world.

Day 6: Matinez Family and the Villamill Family

Today we had a change of pace...we went to the village of Xiebe and worked with two familes.  We got connected to the Martinez family through Carol Hanbury who came down with us last year and was touched by the daughter (Juanita) so much that she could not let go and felt the need to provide help.  Carol raised funds for the Martinez family over the year and worked with our partner in Belize (Rafael Cob) to get a small rice garden and other vegetables planted.  They are able to feed themselves and sell some to make money.  This family has absolutely nothing only a tin roof on a shack.  Our project was to build them a chicken coop to allow them to get fresh eggs and even start a small chicken farm.  What we did for the Martinez family will only have a very small impact but it will help.  They need so much more than we can provide.  We will continue to stay connected and help where we can.

The Villamill Family also lived in Xiebe village.  They lived in an nice cement three room home that was build by Horizon Church two years ago.  We swarmed their lovely home and painted the outside and the inside to put a personal touch and to bring life to their home.  We are grateful to Horizon for building this home...you could see how their lives were improved compared to the stick house which they still use as a kitchen.  This family had 16 children so we had lots of helping hands.  of course, many of the little kids were covered from head to toe in paint.  It was a great experience to work side by side with the Villamill's and to talk and get to know some people.  The sad story in this family is that Mr. Villamill was blinded in one eye from working in the papaya fields.  When the man of the house is unable to work the family will struggle.  The local church is also doing everything to help this large family.  We had a blast and it was a blessing to our team to have met all these wonderful people in Xiebe.

Day 5...R&R

I won't say much about today because it will only make you jealous.  Today was our day of rest.  We took the day off and took the entire team out to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.  Everyone had a lovely day snorkeling at Hol Chan a marine reserve and swimming at Shark-Ray Alley with the nurse sharks.  The team relaxed and rested as we are ready for two more days of work.  Back at it again tomorrow.

Day 4: Long travel but definately worth the effort

Today we travelled over 2 hours to cover less than 50 miles to get to Sarteneja village...I hope you get the picture that the roads and the two ferry made our travel a bit challenging.  We spent the day in Sarteneja. a small fishing village (1500 people) located along the Caribbean sea.  The name Sarteneja means "water between the rocks," referring to a massive piece of stone within the village that provides natural water through a well.  Many amazing things happened today but the one that most of us will remember is our lunch with the families.  As we approached lunch time we were told that we would each individually go have lunch with a local family in their home.  This is somewhat different from what we typically experience which is to have lunch catered in.  19 little boys and girls lined up with excitement  and they each took one of us home....it was amazing to watch everyone walking home with a school kid.  We had a chance to meet and interact with a family.  Everyone had a slightly different experience...what a powerful way to have an impact... because together we can change the world.

Day 2: Slow start to Chunox Village

Our first day was a little slow to start as our group did not leave the hotel until after 9:30...which is over an hour later than planned.  Things don't always go as planned but in the end it always works out.  The journey to our first village of Chunox was an adventure just getting there.  We had to cross two small ferry's just to get there and bounce around on rocky roads for over an hour.  As expected we encountered some challenges...but nothing major that we could not overcome.  Computer lab and fun games with the kids were the highlight of the projects.  Tomorrow we are going to Buena Vista village. 

Day 1 ...Successful First Day...everyone made it through the 18 hours of travel

The Cincinnati Team arrived this morning and everyone is now settled at Tony's Inn in Corozal Town... after 18 hours of travel.  Everyone is tired but excited and ready to work tomorrow.  We have several new people on the trip and they are all trying the national drink...Belikin beer and trying the taste of ceviche.   We brought in 79 laptop computers all in big plastic buckets.  Thirty computers are going to get installed in the schools and the rest are being brought in for an organization that distributes them to teachers.     It's a good start to the week...tomorrow we will go to Chunox village.  Our project include installing a computer lab, VBS with the kids at the school and we have light construction projects doing painting, screening and other projects.  We will rest tonight and start early for our long journey to Chunox.

Advanced Team has Landed in Belize

The Advanced Team arrived in Belize on Thursday to start setting up the preparations for Belize.   Well...okay, the advanced team is just me!  I arrived in Belize on Thursday and started to pave the way for the team arriving on Monday.  We were worried about getting the paperwork from the Belize government but it all came through ...we have an exemption to bring in over 50 laptop computers.  The team will bring all the computers and printers in the plane...17 large tubs of luggage!  The way is paved and we are ready to start our work next week. 

Kich Pan HanaTortilla Factory

Let me tell you the story about the ladies of Kich Pan Hana.   Last year when we visited the village of Cristo Rey we had the opportunity to meet Gayla Missett, Peace Corp Volunteer who was working with various groups in the village.  Gayla introduced us to eight ladies who had formed a corporation called Kich Pan Hana which means "Beautiful Women".  These ladies organized themselves and voted Flora Che as President of the Kich Pan Hana team.  The combined their resources and were able to get government funding to start up a Tortilla factory in the village.  For the past two years they have had a very successful and growing business.  They purchased a motorcycle to deliver tortillas around the village.  When I met Flora last year I was impressed by her passion for making the group successful.  She was proud of the fact that they had hired someone from the village to sell tortillas from the motorcycle.  She said to me..."I am creating jobs".  Its this passion that makes me want to help.  They have asked for funding to purchase a car so they can increase their deliveries and reach even further. 

 Gayla Missett, Peace Corps Volunteer, Corozal District, comments on Kich Pan Hana
“What really pulls at my heart strings is the relationship I have with the women’s group, Kich Pan Hana Tortilla Factory, in my village. It has been an amazing experience to watch this group of eight women take wings and fly. I have never seen such hard working, dedicated and enthusiastic women. Their desire to learn and improve their business and lifestyle has been nothing short of incredible. They have been tireless in their efforts and think nothing of working seven days a week.  Of course, I put a halt to that and told them that in my country that is illegal. They have been an invaluable support system. Their hard work has paid off with higher profits, better transparency, a work schedule that allows time for family and the possibility to expand the business to include a restaurant as well.”

Grameen Mirco-loans

I have been reading a book by the Grameen Micro-financing group.  Its pretty amazing what they have accomplished around the world helping the poorest people get access to the right information and access to funds to start up small businesses.  What I learned is that most of the loans they give out (and they have given out millions of small loans) are small amounts as low as $5-$100.  I also learned that most of their loans are to women.  Its amazing how access to financial funding and business advice and support can allow a mother of five children in India or Peru or wherever to earn a living by producing and selling crafts that are unique and hand made.  Connecting people together to drive commerce. 

Just over a Week to Go...

We are 10 days away from the Belize trip...I am super excited because I get to go next Thursday as I usually plan a few days before and after the mission trip to spend time with family and with friends.  I fly out next Thursday and will be staying with my wonderful cousin Lourdes Gallaty who has hosted me for the past five years.   I have plans to see old (not in age) class mates.  When I lived in Belize I would get butterflies everytime I traveled to the states...now I get butterflies when I travel back to Belize...how ironic.  Which is why I believe we should cherish the people and the things around us right now because someday you may long to be in the place you are...right now. 

The Greatest Challenge the World Faces

In 2002, former President, Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his accomplishments fighting poverty and disease.  Here is an excerpt from his acceptance speech..."the greatest challenge that the world faces ...the most serious and universal problem is the growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on the earth.  Citizens of the ten wealthiest countries are now seventy-five times richer than those who live in the ten poorest ones, and the separation is increasing every year.  The results of this disparity are root causes of most of the world's unresolved problems, including starvation, illiteracy, environmental degradation, violent conflict and unnecessary illness."  Jimmy Carter spoke to the world at a time of heightened concern with terrorism...he chose to call out poverty as our biggest challenge.  The great news is that the odds are in our favor....there is sufficient wealth to solve all of the world's poverty.    The world will be a kinder and gentler place if we all lovingly shared the cloths, the bread and the blanket we each have.  Together we can change the world. 
 

We Travel Next Month...Yikes!

Wheels up is on June 10th...and I am starting to get nervous.  I always worry about making sure all our projects go smoothly and I worry that every person on the trip having a great time.  Every year our projects get delivered with excellence...notice that I did not say they go smoothly because they never do.  One example from last year was our project to build a bike rack for Concepcion Roman Catholic School.  How hard can that be...design was simple and easy for us to build a rack that could hold half the bikes in the school yard.  How hard can that be?   Well we did not plan on the wood being hard!  We decided to make a very sturdy and strong bike rack so we purchased 2x4 to make the frame.  Again how hard can that be...well lets just say hours into the project and hundreds of nails and screws broken by the wood.  We eventually moved to plan B...use a good old hammer and beat down on the nails with precision.  It worked...but it left many frustrated and tired workers along the way.  Projects definitely do NOT go smoothly but the great experience for me on these trips is that everyone (including local Belizeans) always jump in to help solve the problem.  We alway solve the problem.  Like the time we mixed water into the oil paint or the time we were stuck without a vehicle miles from the village or the time the van roof was leaking and it was storming or the Cane Farmers Riot (I could write a book about that one)...many many problems but they always always always work themselves out.  They don't necessarily get solved the way we would like but they do get resolved and in the end ...Everyone is Happy.  Happiness it the real impact we desire. 

What do we do...

Plane tickets have been purchased, Tony's hotel and Pancho's rental vehicles reserved.  Logistics are the easiest part of planning a trip to Belize ...the hard part is What do we do?  The reason for mission trips around the world is to serve others and to show our love for them.  So its really important that we work in partnership with our Belizean partner (Mr Rafael Cob and Brother John Eustice) to plan projects that will have an immediate impact on the people we serve.  This year we will continue with our Computers in Schools program but we are improving some things.  We will implement more advanced laptop computers that are efficient and lower cost to maintain and support.  We will also provide some training for the schools on computer classes and how to fully leverage the computer lab.  We plan to implement three computer labs with 10 computers each in three villages (Chonox, Sarteneja and Buena Vista).  My second big focus for this year is to crack the nut on micro-loans.  I hope to get several small loan applications prior to June with the goal of loaning 2-4 loans for $500-$1000 BZE.  For perspective an individual could start a small village chicken farm with less $300-$400.  My hope is leverage the Kiva.com model as best we can to allow for a few folks to start creating commerce in their village.   While in Belize I will also invest time connecting with government agencies or local organizations that are involved in the micro-loan system.  My hope is to get our vision integrated into existing programs vs creating something new.  This one is harder to do but I want to simple "Get started" to learn and have an IMPACT! 

Fund Raising...its Hard Work

I have tremendous respect for people who are able to raise the finances to support their mission work and their family.  I have a good friend who moved his family to China and was able to get sufficient support to work and live with his wife and family of four over several years.  This was no small task.  I do believe that people are looking for good causes to support.  I know this because many of you have support my work in Belize and I know how passionate you are about helping people around the world.

The most difficult part of my Belize mission is fund raising. Mainly because I am personally not comfortable asking people for money.  To be clear, I am not even asking for funds to support my expenses.  I pay for all my trip and personal expenses and we also donate to the mission.  So even though I am asking for fund to help someone else...its still very difficult to do.  I always push it off as the last thing that I do.   Over the years I needed to raise between $4000-$8000 for a trip...and every year I over deliver on my goals.  Here is what I do know...every year an Angel will come to my rescue.  Just this week two Angels came to my rescue.  Two great friends of mine made significant donations to the Belize mission.  I am completely at peace now because I know I will very easily reach my goal.  My hope as always is to exceed the goal so we can do even more work in Belize...or so I can have a head start going into next year.  Talking money is never easy so I appreciate your gift either financial or spiritual support and encouragement.  I need both.  Please follow your heart and contribute to the cause.  Thanks for putting your trust in me to do work on your behalf. 

My Vision to Impact Belize

I took some quiet time to prepare for my upcoming trip in June.  I wanted to spend time reviewing and evaluating what I learned over the last 5 trips to Belize.  Every trip I learn something new and different...that because every trip I travel with new people who see Belize through very different lenses.  For me its great learning and growth.  I am thankful for all the folks who travel to Belize to offer help.  I have been amazed at how people who have never been to Belize will fall in love with the people.  Its Amazing to watch. 

Over the years I have led many projects from building a new home to presenting seminar on starting up a small business (I will tell you more about how the seminar went some other time :) .  Two insights have stuck with me and is a major influence in my vision for what I do in Belize.  The first, is about education.   I have learned that education is essential to economic development as it provides the basis for all future learning and growth. My second big insight is that enabling small businesses and opening up more opportunities for commerce in the villages and larger communities will allow for greater independence.  Mirco loan programs like Kiva.com is an easy way to provide funds (small loans of less than $1000) to enable individuals to achieve their dreams.  My hope is that someday the mission trips to Belize are no longer necessary.  The vision is that the people of Belize living in these rural villages are able to achieve independence and someday they may provide service and help to less fortunate communities around Belize.  That is my dream.

Getting Started

I am getting ready for Belize 2013 trip.  Its been a very busy year but now its time to get started.  Its always difficult for me to get started because the first step is fund raising and its just really hard to do.  I don't enjoy fund raising but because I am passionate about the work we do its usually not difficult for me.  I usually try to work on the project plans first just so I can be clear with potential donors on what the funds will do the change the people in Belize.  Together we can Change the World!