Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Final Days after Building Home in Belize City for Volunteer Group
Saturday
On the road to Alta Ha-bouncing over potholes, through unpacked stretches of single lane road. Rough ride, but worth the trip.
Beautifully restored Mayan temple-with detailed explanations by guide. Several of the group climbed to the top of two temples. Rain showers came and went-Great Experience.
In the afternoon, we visited Old Belize Museum and Sea Side Marina. A slow down in our fast pace and a nice break to sip and savor the ocean views.
A candlelight ceremony closed our reflections of the week.
Sunday
Sleep late- leave for Las Flores by 10:00 am.
Rainy day- cooler, hard ride to Belmopan.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Last Days at Belize City House
Friday-The house is painted, doors hung and blessed with prayers and songs!
Today was sooo hot! Last touches of paint for louvres and facia board. More volunteers than jobs - older ones supervised from the van-noon came and we were still painting and hammering-but by 3:30 every nail was covered and every window, door and step was completed!
A lovely ceremony of blessing held up for 30 minutes waiting for Mark White's sons to arrive after a 3 hour ride on a bus-SCN's, neighbors, and all of the volunteers came for the delivery of the keys.
Mark was given a picture of the commissioned volunteers and a Hibbs family photo, a crucifix, a candle, a bible and a welcome mat! Mark promised to place them in his home and remember all of us-for days from a pile of lumber to a house.
Afterward we all (25) went to the Bird's Isle restaurant on the water-ate beans and rice, fish, shrimp, and enjoyed local drinks.
Today was sooo hot! Last touches of paint for louvres and facia board. More volunteers than jobs - older ones supervised from the van-noon came and we were still painting and hammering-but by 3:30 every nail was covered and every window, door and step was completed!
A lovely ceremony of blessing held up for 30 minutes waiting for Mark White's sons to arrive after a 3 hour ride on a bus-SCN's, neighbors, and all of the volunteers came for the delivery of the keys.
Mark was given a picture of the commissioned volunteers and a Hibbs family photo, a crucifix, a candle, a bible and a welcome mat! Mark promised to place them in his home and remember all of us-for days from a pile of lumber to a house.
Afterward we all (25) went to the Bird's Isle restaurant on the water-ate beans and rice, fish, shrimp, and enjoyed local drinks.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday in Belize City
From Sister Luke:
Thurs-
Up and at them-arrived at site by 8:30-painted the second coat of blue on the top one third of the finished 4 walls-at 10 am-all of the volunteers gathered to raise the walls - 5 men to lift and 6 women to anchor the wall from slipping. Heavy walls were lifted, braced, and held until they were nailed solid. All of the edges fit as expected and by 11:00 the house was up.
Next the roof-
Unload tin and rafters - climb nail and cut off ends-women continued to paint the 2nd coat of blue and the trim coat of pink-today was not as hot or as tiring as yesterday. Our skins continue to pink and our spirits are intertwined with the Belizian people and our mission of building a house.
Thurs-
Up and at them-arrived at site by 8:30-painted the second coat of blue on the top one third of the finished 4 walls-at 10 am-all of the volunteers gathered to raise the walls - 5 men to lift and 6 women to anchor the wall from slipping. Heavy walls were lifted, braced, and held until they were nailed solid. All of the edges fit as expected and by 11:00 the house was up.
Next the roof-
Unload tin and rafters - climb nail and cut off ends-women continued to paint the 2nd coat of blue and the trim coat of pink-today was not as hot or as tiring as yesterday. Our skins continue to pink and our spirits are intertwined with the Belizian people and our mission of building a house.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday in Belize
Hot and busy, but its been a very productive day — four framed walls-unload 3" siding to cover the walls-cut, hold, hammer-the sound of hammers intermixed with calls for help and more nails and wood. Pink and blue paint is spread on the finished walls and on elbows, hands and clothes-working late to try to finish this house for a Friday evening dedication. Good help from all volunteers. Sunburned and tired on the second day.
Working in Belize City - First Days
A message from Sister Luke in Belize City:
Monday, Jan. 23
We arrived at the airport in Belize City, captured our luggage and smiled our way through customs. Our tour coordinator /driver, James, met us outside the gate. We loaded the long bed pick up truck that was driven by Alphonso, an employee at Hand in Hand Ministry. Sister Chris was also there to greet us. She beamed as she hugged her mother and brother.
The Starfish House had plenty of rooms and beds and we spread out like molasses.
Later in the afternoon, we had a orientation on the veranda as Michelle, our cook, prepared a delicious beef and rice meal.
We visited the SCN center to meet the other sisters. They were so happy and supportive of our mission. As usual, Sr. Paschal touched everyone's hearts with her beaming goodness and love.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
Up early for morning prayer and a delicious breakfast. After driving around Belize City viewing old and new buildings we arrived at the building site.
Mark White, the new home owner, greeted everyone with a warm smile. He had waited for three years to have his home built. You could feel and see the excitement in his eyes.
Our working group was composed of Hibbs family and friends, Kunze family, Sr. Luke, Mark, Beto (the main construction supervisor) along with five local volunteers. The goal of the day was to pour piers to support the floor of the house and to construct the floor. All was accomplished!
Monday, Jan. 23
We arrived at the airport in Belize City, captured our luggage and smiled our way through customs. Our tour coordinator /driver, James, met us outside the gate. We loaded the long bed pick up truck that was driven by Alphonso, an employee at Hand in Hand Ministry. Sister Chris was also there to greet us. She beamed as she hugged her mother and brother.
The Starfish House had plenty of rooms and beds and we spread out like molasses.
Later in the afternoon, we had a orientation on the veranda as Michelle, our cook, prepared a delicious beef and rice meal.
We visited the SCN center to meet the other sisters. They were so happy and supportive of our mission. As usual, Sr. Paschal touched everyone's hearts with her beaming goodness and love.
Up early for morning prayer and a delicious breakfast. After driving around Belize City viewing old and new buildings we arrived at the building site.
Mark White, the new home owner, greeted everyone with a warm smile. He had waited for three years to have his home built. You could feel and see the excitement in his eyes.
Our working group was composed of Hibbs family and friends, Kunze family, Sr. Luke, Mark, Beto (the main construction supervisor) along with five local volunteers. The goal of the day was to pour piers to support the floor of the house and to construct the floor. All was accomplished!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
More from the Last Work Day in Las Flores
We have met so many wonderful people during our journey here in Las Flores. Our team of volunteers have become very close over this past week. The experiences are truly life changing here. We have Sister Luke to thank for bringing us together, Sister Carlette and Sister Paschal for their warm hospitality and all who we have met in Belize for sharing their stories and teaching us so much.
On the last day of building Sister Luke concluded the day with a special blessing of the home. It was a very special moment for everyone. The family of 10 receiving this home will certainly benefit from this gift and will in turn do many other great things for this village.
On the last day of building Sister Luke concluded the day with a special blessing of the home. It was a very special moment for everyone. The family of 10 receiving this home will certainly benefit from this gift and will in turn do many other great things for this village.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Rainy Last Day on the Work Site
Heavy rains have hit us around 11:00 a.m. We have taken an early lunch break. Right now we are pouring the lintels across the doors and windows and will soon be finished with a home ready for a roof — this will be completed after our group leaves.
A blessing of the home will happen later today.
A blessing of the home will happen later today.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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