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.

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

Last Day in Belize

To see more photos visit the SCN family Facebook page here.

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.

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.

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.