An Invitation to An Encounter in Faith and Solidarity with the People of Belize

Now booking Las Flores, Belize Central America Volunteers

To sign up, please contact:

Sister Luke Boiarski, Director
SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Programs
P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048
Phone: 502-348-1581 Email: lukescn@scnky.org

• Cost: $1,500 includes round-trip airfare from Louisville, KY; lodging and food; all activities and excursions. It does not include personal purchases or optional travel insurance.
• A current passport is necessary with expiration date no more than 6 months from date of travel.
• Participants must be able to walk some distances.
• Participants need to be prepared for the heat and sun of the tropics.
• Participants must be able to handle their own luggage.
• Participants are encouraged to read “Belize: A Novel” by Carlos Ledson Miller, available in libraries and bookstores.
• The trip is open to 12 registrants only. (Priority will be given to those who have not previously participated).
• A non-refundable deposit of $750.00 is due on or before October 15, 2012. The remaining $750.00 is due by November 15, 2012.

What Will We Be About?

We will focus on meeting people, learning about other cultures, making friends and sharing faith, while we work side-by-side with people in need.

We will be working with local residents in Las Flores for home and school repairs. We will work in collaboration with our Sisters in Las Flores, Belize. Las Flores is located approximately 33 miles northwest of Belize City.

Expand Your Horizons

There is a saying in Belize that once you drink the water, you will return again and again and again...For the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and their associates, the above adage is the truth. 

The SCN ministry and presence began in Belize with Sister Mary Lynn Fields. In 1975, Mary Lynn heard the call to go to Belize. Today ten SCNs and over 30 local SCN Associates serve with the people of Belize. 

Belize, a beautiful Caribbean land with a population of 280,000, is located southeast of Mexico in Central America. Belize is a land of many cultures, the earliest being that of the great Mayan dynasties.

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.

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....

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.

Las Flores Volunteer Trip 2012 - Day 2-3

Video from Day 2-3

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.

Photos at the Belize Work Site Day Three

More Photos from Belize

Video from Day One in Belize

Video from the first day of the volunteer effort underway in Las Flores, Belize right now.

Photos from the First Day of Building

Las Flores Volunteer Trip

I am traveling with a group of twelve to Las Flores in Belize, a small village outside of the capitol Belmopan. We will be completing work on a home here for a family of 10. They have spent the better part of 14 years working to make this home a reality, yet have only completed a foundation. Proper concrete building materials necessary to avoid the havoc caused by termites are expensive and unobtainable for the many low income families.But, through volunteer efforts and fundraising campaigns, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are able to bring in small groups of people willing to help and the means needed to make a new home a reality for a family in a place where it will make a difference.The Sisters have been missioned in this area of Belize for 6 years. A landing place for El Salvadorian refugees in the eighties, Las Flores has benefited from the work done in education through a daycare program, a library, pastoral ministry and repairs and home building efforts in the SCN volunteer program. All done in a partnership with the people of the Las Flores community.We arrived today and have already experienced the warm Belize welcome that some of us have received in our previous journeys here while others learn of this welcoming spirit for the first time.It is an added joy that I get to share this experience with my wife. We look forward to making new connections and meeting new friends in Las Flores. Let the work begin!

Spalding Hurst is the communications specialist with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. He is currently traveling with the SCNs throughout their global community — learning first hand about their ministry work, helping to connect through technology the SCN Community, and recording the stories of the Sisters around the world.

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Las Flores, Belize Immersion Experience - Feb. 2011

Return from Las Flores

SCNs Luke Boiarski, Miriam Louise Hauser and Mary Margaret Reid, along with eight lay mission volunteers, returned safely on Monday evening, February 21, from a week-long immersion in Las Flores, Belize. They were able to make repairs to three homes and assist with other needs of the families. Three nurses from the Saint Joseph Health System were among the volunteers and were able to provide health care to several people in the village.

Las Flores, Belize Immersion: 2/2011

SCNs Luke Boiarski, Mary Margaret Reid and Miriam Louise Hauser, along with eight lay mission volunteers, will be leaving for Las Flores, Belize, on Monday, February 14. They will be making repairs to three homes in the village. They began their time together with orientation on the Nazareth Campus on Sunday, February 13. During the morning liturgy, they were commissioned by the Sisters and all gathered. They will return from Belize on February 21. Please pray for safe travel.

Belize Immersion Experience - January 2011

An Invitation to An Encounter in Faith and Solidarity with the People of Belize

Download the Volunteer Ministry Brochure for the 2011 Las Flores, Belize trip.

What Will We Be About?

We will focus on meeting people, learning about other cultures, making friends and sharing faith, while we work side-by-side with people in need.

We will be working with local residents in Las Flores for home and school repairs. We will work in collaboration with our Sisters in Las Flores, Belize. Las Flores is located approximately 33 miles northwest of Belize City.

• Cost: $1,300 includes round-trip airfare from Louisville, KY; lodging and food; all activities and excursions. It does not include personal purchases or optional travel insurance.
• A current passport is necessary.
• Participants must be able to walk some distances.
• Participants need to be prepared for the heat and sun of the tropics.
• Participants must be able to handle their own luggage.
• Participants are encouraged to read “Belize: A Novel” by Carlos Ledson Miller, available in libraries and bookstores.
• The trip is open to 10 registrants only. (Priority will be given to those who have not previously participated).
• A non-refundable deposit of $650 is due on or before September 1, 2010. The remaining $650 is due by October 1, 2010.

Las Flores, Belize

Luke Boiarski, SCN, and a group of 13 volunteers returned safely on Monday, February 15, after spending a week with SCNs in Las Flores, Belize. They built a home for a family of eight and a latrine for the school, as well as other repairs.