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.