Las Flores Volunteers of 2012

SCNs Luke Boiarski and Dolores Greenwell, along with 10 lay mission volunteers, left for Las Flores, Belize January 9. They helped to build a concrete block house for a family of 10 in the village of Las Flores.

Click here to see this video on Vimeo.

Las Flores volunteer shares about one of her final days in Belize

Karen Schmitt sent this update on today's activities as she prepares to leave Las Flores after her two week volunteer experience.   Scroll down to see her account of prior days.
Friday, 2/24

This morning Ana Ruth and Louis took me to Heaven and it was only a 15 minute bus ride from Las Flores. This bus ride was a different experience than the first one.  Several men offered their seats to Ana Ruth and myself.   We went to the Blue Hole National Park.  It is right on the Hummingbird Hwy, you can hear the traffic while you are there.  They have a beautiful picnic area for BBQ's.  You walk down a set of steep steps and then you get a glimpse of paradise.  Before you is a pool, maybe 20 yards across, that contains the bluest clearest  water you could imagine.  The pool is very deep and it is constantly moving.  The area is comprised of limestone and over time the water eroded the hole to the stream underground.  So the hole is very deep.  You follow the river around the bend and there is a cave large enough to enter.  I thought it best not to enter.  A group of young girls told me the cave had bats in it.  I took their word for it.  They had gone into the cave.  The water goes into the cave and comes out 200 miles away.  So imagine being in a dish and looking up into a lush green jungle.  We stayed for about 3 hours.  It was so peaceful there.  If you were still and looked you could see hummingbirds flitting about in the trees.  We decided to leave about 11:30.  As we were changing a bus went by on the highway.  We waited a few minutes in the shade waiting for another bus to come along.  A group was getting into a pickup and Ana Ruth went to talk with them.  She motioned Louis and I over.  We rode in the back of the truck with several others.  They let us out at Las Flores.  Sister Paschal says that is a very Belizean thing to do.  I would never have done that in the States.

I went over to the school to have my last reading session.  As I was walking toward school, children with packs were coming toward me.  School had let out at 2 due to the festival they are having on Sunday.  I walked on to school and saw several of the boys I usually work with.  They came and said hello, I told them goodbye.  I turned to go to the office to say good bye to the Principal and the boys came running and said they wanted to stay to read.  We played reading games for about 20 minutes and they asked if they could go.  I told them I would be back to check on them and to work hard.  They both hugged me and thanked me for working with them.  OK, well now I'm choking back tears.  I went to the office and told the assistant principal I was leaving.  I thanked her for the experience and promised to come back.

I will  have my last knitting group tonight.  That will be sad as I have grown very fond of Ana Ruth and Louis.  Louis has been making beautiful beads and Sister Paschal gave him some money for jewelry making supplies.  I know whatever he creates will be lovely.  Sister Paschal asked him to lead the sewing group and he is pleased to do it.  I hope it leads to something more for him.  He has had such a hard life. 

Sister Carlette did not get her car back this week so is returning today on the 4:00 bus.  We will all go back to Belize City tomorrow afternoon.  Sister Carlette's niece is making her First Communion Sunday morning.  I will be in Belize City until I leave Monday at noon.

Belize 2012 - Hibbs Family

Luke Boiarski, SCN, along with 10 lay mission volunteers went to Belize City to build a house in conjunction with Hand-in-Hand Ministries on January 23. The group consisted of: Dixie Hibbs and five of her family members, two family friends and Lucianne and Steve Kunze (the mother and brother of Chris Kunze, SCN). The Hibbs family donated the money for the construction of the house in memory of Dixie’s late husband, Franklin.

Volunteer in Las Flores

Karen Schmitt, SCNA, traveled to Belize in early February with the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program to build a home for a family in need.  She stayed an additional two weeks to volunteer with the Sisters of Charity in the village of Las Flores.  Here are excerpts from her emails recounting her daily experiences.  Enjoy!

Days 2 & 3

We had a great day Sunday.  We had an all day reflection with a great speaker on discipleship.  The sisters and many of the associates in Belize attended.  We ended with a Mass.  It was a great bridge between the segments of my trip.  Stayed overnight at SCN Center.  We took the bus to Belmopan.  That was the adventure part of my trip.  Just the getting on the bus-lots of pushing and shoving.

I went to the school to be introduced to the pricipal and to look around.  After dinner, I was expecting one woman to come to learn to knit.  Well 3 showed up.  It was slow at first as they only spoke Spanish.  I ended up sitting on the floor and going real slow so they could follow my movements.  They all 3 caught on and did well for session 1.  They will return this evening for another go at it.

This morning I went to the school to tutor 5 children in reading.  They are Spanish speakers learning to read in English.  They are in 3rd grade but I found some easy picture books that they took turns reading.  I will return to work with them on Wednesday morning.  

I brought the hula hoops to school today and they were liked by boys and girls both younger and older ones.  It was fun to watch them experiment with them.  They even created ways to play with them that I didn't show them.  They are all so loving and always hugging.  

People come and go from Sister Paschal's house all day.  I just had one little girl stop by after school just to talk with me.  I gave her some bubbles, crayons and coloring books to share with her 9 siblings.  Paschal and I went to the market today.  I wish we had that in Memphis.  Stall after stall of fresh fruits and veggies.  I felt like a kid in a candy store.  The folks running the stalls called us "Mommy".  Paschal said that is a term of respect.  

Better get ready to fix dinner.  Need to get ready for the knitting circle.  

Wednesday, 2/15

We got a surprise last night.  One of my knitting friends brought us 2 1/2 dozen eggs from her chickens.  We had some yummy egg salad for lunch today.  

We got ready for bed last night and Paschal tells me she has 3 frogs in her bathroom.  They come up through the toilet.  It was fun!? catching the frogs to let them outside.  They had sucker feet so they could climb the walls.  We did get them safely out and they have not returned....yet.

This morning I went to the preschool to do some music and dancing with the little ones.  Fortunately my daughter had instructed me how to teach dancing when the kids speak Spanish.  Since they were younger than the dances were written for, I just made up steps.  They seemed to enjoy it.   After 30 minutes they were ready for more and I was pooped.

I then worked with the same group as yesterday tutoring them in reading.  I had a plan so it worked better today than yesterday.  I went back after lunch because one girl had asked me to help her with reading, she really needs the help.  Of course, another teacher wanted me to work with her kids too.  So I had a girl in the 5th grade, and 4 boys in 3rd grade.  It was a little trying but we got through it.  They asked me to come back tomorrow.  The problem is the books are written for Belizean schools but are written in the States.  So the content does not relate well with the students.  They are reading the words but I don't think they understand what they are reading.

Ruth Ann and Louis are coming again tonight for knitting.  Not sure it will happen but they have offered to take me to the Blue Hole this weekend.  

Thursday and Friday, 2/16 & 17

I have gotten into a routine.  Up around 7 followed by about 30 minutes of quiet reflection.  We have breakfast and then I prepare for my morning reading group.  They are from standard 3.  They are preparing to take a national standardized test.  They need the help as they are struggling.  The books are written in the US for Belizean schools but use lots of American terms that the kids don't understand. So sometimes they are not comprehending what they are reading.  

I go home for lunch at 11:30.  School lets out for lunch from 11:30-1:00.  Children go home for lunch and some live far away.  I return to school around 2:00 for the afternoon group, from the other standard 3 class.  

Sister Carlette came home last night from Belize City.  She and I went to the market this morning.  We had to take a detour due to the PUP parade.  The UDP will have a parade another day.  For those of you that enjoy thrift store shopping, it is paradise.  So many clothes sent from the US-cheap!  Too bad nothing I liked fit me.  

While I was at school this morning the librarian asked me to come after school Monday to work there with children having trouble reading.  I had a new knitter last night.  She picked it up quickly and will return again tonight.  While at the market this morning, one of the vendors said she had a niece that would like to learn.  So I am expecting her maybe Monday night.

The three of us will attend a funeral tomorrow in Dangriga for the husband of a long time associate.  Fortunately Sister Barbara will pick us up on her way.

Long time catching up – 2/21

Sorry for the long interval between emails.  We had computer issues, many viruses, hard drive crashes and big presentations due for class so I have not had access to a computer since Friday.  I hope we are back on track.  

We did get to the funeral Saturday in Dangriga. Sister Barbara took us in her car so we didn't have to take the bus. It was a Garifuna funeral and was interesting.  It starts with a viewing at the home of the deceased then the family walks to the church behind the hearse.  Then the funeral Mass and then the family walks to the cemetery.  The church was across the street from the sea.  It was beautiful there.  The Hummingbird Hwy is beautiful as well.  We drove past the Sleeping Giant.  You can really see it.  Lots of citrus groves along the way.

Louis finished his hat and is now working on making beads.  I made a feeble attempt to show him how to do it.  He saw the directions and is making beads of his own creation.  I can not tell you how talented this young man is.

I still have one or two knitters come every night.  Yesterday I went to the Library to hold a reading session there.  I will return for that again today.  It is truly a slower pace here.  I could (have) get used to it.

Ash Wednesday

New activities are being added to my schedule every day.  I have started going to the Library after school for about an hour to help some other children with reading. I still have 2 reading groups each day at school.   Yesterday one of the teachers stopped me and asked why I had not been to her class.  So today I am going at one for music and dancing.  These children are in 1st-2nd grade so it should be fun.  I hope I can survive it.  After about 30 minutes I am really tired.  I still have one or two knitters each night.  Louis has moved on to making beads.  He has come up with shapes that are not in the directions.  He is really a marvel.  He was going back to Guatemala in March but now says maybe he will stay.  He is here now talking with Sister Paschal about helping to restart the sewing circle in the village.  He can do anything artistic.

We got a brief shower this morning and now the sun is out.  Not sure if it will be cooler or hotter today.

Tomorrow morning Ana Ruth and Louis and I are walking to a nearby river which they say is beautiful.  It is where the women of the village go to wash clothes.  It is about a 30 minute walk.  I am looking forward to it.  I figured I might as well see all I can see while I am here.

There is a neighbor that has a taxi service.  We call him when we need to go anywhere.  Mr. Patt is 80.  He is so kind and watches out for Sister Paschal.  A taxi ride is $5 BZ. That is the going rate for all taxis.

I do give Paschal many hugs and kisses throughout the day.  How could I not?  Plus I have to store it up for when I leave here.

Thursday, 2/23

Well I thought I was joking when I said another activity was added each day.  But today I will go and tutor another group in reading.  It is from a younger grade.  How could I refuse?

The music yesterday was....interesting.  We went outside because it is a tiny classroom with 35 kids to one teacher.  It is the equivalent of 2nd grade. The teacher went to the office and left me with the kids.  Several fights broke out and I just ignored it.  After about 40 minutes I was so tired I announced last song.  Then told everyone to go back in their class and I would get their teacher.  One boy got mad at me and said he would not go back inside.  I said I'm sure your teacher will be interested to hear this.  Of course he denied it when she got back.  She has her hands full.

I had a treat this morning as Louis and Ana Ruth wanted to take me to the river where the women of the village go to wash clothes.  It is about a 35 minute walk, mostly flat until you get near the river.  It was so beautiful there.  The water was SO clear and clean. They think it is the Macal River but they were not sure. There was a current to the river.  We waded across to a cave that Louis knew about.  We did not go in.  The water was cold coming out of the cave because it comes from the mountains.  We got back on the trail along the river and came to a swimming spot.  I had not expected to go swimming but it was so perfect.  The water was cool and refreshing.  There was a rock outcropping across the river and Ana Ruth swam over and jumped off the rocks into the water.  She had to think about it the first time but did it 2 more times and thought less and less before jumping.  It was good to hear her laughing like a carefree child.  They were so protective of me.  Taking my hand and helping me down the steep bank.  One walked in front and one in back of me.  She told me she wanted me to feel comfortable.  Then she told me they were there to protect and serve me.  I told her no I am out having fun with friends.  It wasn't a long walk but it must be carrying wet clothes for a 35 minute walk.

They talked again of going to the Blue Hole.  It is only about a 15 minute bus ride away and they say it is more beautiful there.  Maybe tomorrow....

Fun in the Sun - Final Day in Belize

We took the water taxi to Caye Caulker at 8:00 a.m.   Most of the group went snorkeling, while others spent the day shopping and relaxing.  The weather has been perfect all week.  We are happy and tired, but most of all so very grateful.

Friday evening - celebration and prayer

We ended the day on Friday with a delicious dinner at Old Belize, with the new home recipients and members of Hand in Hand Ministries as our guests.  People ordered coconut shrimp, chicken with rice 'n beans, grilled snapper, to name a few of the tasty meals.  The new home owners presented us with a thank you card, which we will cherish.  The card reads:

"God doesn't give us more than we can handle is what my grandma use to say and he doesn't.  You Guys Are the Best !!!

First of all, I just want to extend my gratitude to all of you guys, without you, getting my house wouldn't be possible.  God blessed me with the most sincere, loving, funny and kind family I've ever met.  You guys brought tears to my eyes, each and every second I think about you all.  Thanks Guys!!!
     From: Cheryl, Trevor and Ty-Ty."

We ended the night with a reflection on how we've been light and how we received light this week.  Very moving.

Today, we're off for a fun day on Caye Caulker.

Thanks for being with us on the journey in this way!

House Blessing in Belize

We gathered at the new house at 8:30 this morning to bless the house and present the new owners with gifts and the key to their home.  It was a heart-warming time, and tears were shed.  Then, the volunteer group traveled to Altun Ha Mayan Ruins for a tour.  Tonight, we will join the new home owners, some of the crew from Hand in Hand Ministries for a celebratory dinner at Old Belize.  Here are a few photos from the day.

Thursday - Belize City

We went to the work-site today to put the finishing touches on the house. It was a hot and humid day, but we've been blessed with no rain. We visited the Hand in Hand Ministries Outreach Center when we left the worksite and have returned to the Starfish House to shower and nap. Garifuna dancers and drummers will be with us tonight for a fun-filled evening.

Tomorrow will be the house blessing in the morning, and we'll turn over the keys to their new home to Cheryl and Trevor. We are going prepared with kleenex, as we're sure there will be tears of joy and gratitude.

This team has worked so well together - supported each other, and encouraged one another. The days are flying by. Thanks, as always, for your prayers and support.

Wednesday, Belize City

We started the morning, as always, with a morning meditation. We arrived at the worksite and went hard to work. Today was a milestone as we raised the walls on the house, put the roof on the house, added the louvres in the windows and finished most of the painting.

Tonight, we'll have a short visit with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Tuesday in Belize

Today, we made great progress at the work-site. We put wood planks on four exterior walls and completed painting three of the walls. The sun was hot, and we were tired by the end of the day. Tonight Sampson, a social worker with Hand in Hand Ministries Outreach Center spoke with us about their program. We are soaking it all in, and feeling so grateful for our time here. All those people who support us are being kept close in our prayer

Day 1

We had a full and wonderful day. Mass at St. Martin's where we met Sisters Chris and Higinia. Then we traveled to Las Flores, visited several families and had a marvelous lunch and visit with Sisters Paschal and Carlette. We were back in Belize City in time for the Super Bowl. We are excited about beginning our building project in the morning.

Good morning from Belize

First morning in Belize. This is the view from the terrace of the Starfish House. We're up and about, Caroline's preparing a breakfast of johnnycakes, and I smell bacon frying. Going to 9:00am Mass at St. Martin's and then to the village of Las Flores. Back to Belize City in time for the Super Bowl. It's gonna be a good day!

Safely in Belize

We arrived safely in Belize after a tight connection in Houston. Abel and James with Hand in Hand Ministries and Sr. Luke met us at the airport. We had a lunch of rice and beans with chicken or pork and heard an overview of our week. Beautiful weather and much excitement. Keep us in your prayers and know that you are in ours.

A trip to pay tribute

Twenty-four hours from now, we will be on our way to Belize. What started as a dream is now coming true. When our mother, Frances O’Toole, passed away in November 2010, we were filled with an overwhelming desire to pay tribute to her and our father, Jim, who passed away in 1983. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Belize many times over the years, most recently because of my role in the Advancement Office for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Belize always touches my soul on the deepest level, and my sisters and brothers have heard the stories over the years.

One night as we were caring for our mother, my sister, Mary, said, “I’d love to do something like that.” Then, on the day of our mother’s funeral, my family had the chance to meet Sister Luke, the Director of the Volunteer program for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. In conversation, Sister Luke planted the seed, and we began to talk about the possibility of a family trip to build a home in memory of our parents. And here we are. On Saturday, four of us siblings, a cousin and his wife, and seven close friends will travel to Belize and meet up with Sister Luke. Two brothers are unable to make this trip, but are with us in spirit - the way that matters most. While there, we will work through Hand in Hand Ministries to build a home for someone in need. Mary explains, “They provided us with a loving home. This is our way to pay it forward. We’ll provide a home for someone else.”

So many people have made this trip possible, and they are part of this journey too. Over 100 people attended a fundraiser and raised enough money to build the house, install plumbing and provide for other needs in Belize. Others purchased bracelets with the word “JOURNEY” in solidarity with us on this trip, and to recognize the journey that each of us is on in life.

So, this is your invitation to journey with us, as we hope to provide updates and photos each day. We are grateful for your prayers.

Patsy O'Toole