Thursday, June 26, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Reflections
This trip has been so amazing. I have been so so fortunate to have been submerged into a completely different, yet similar culture than the culture I am accustomed to. The people here are so friendly, the children are so caring, and the food is amazing. Everything in Belize and everything that I have experienced has just included relaxation. Everyone says "no worries." I have really tried to include that phrase in everything I do, and I hope everyone will try to do as well. It's our experiences and our family that matters most; no worries, because every little thing is going to be alright. It has been a fun adventure for all of us.
-Annie Short
I felt the presence of Jesus working in holy cross, specifically within the children at the school.
- Lawton Kariher
This week in Belize has been truly amazing. From the spiritually enhancing energetic souls of the kids to the breathtaking view "on top of the world" at Lamanai, everything this week has been perfect. I feel as if I have grown closer to my youth group and have had two amazing leaders to help me in that journey. I feel very lucky to have experienced this before going off to college.
-Kristen Burgess
I can't explain to you how amazing this week has been for me. I've learned so many things from the children at holy cross and the adults as well. I'm so happy that I could have this amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
-Anna Young
I made many new connections with the kids at holy cross in standard two, and had time to think about them as I sat atop the pyramid and gazed across the river and jungle at Lamanai.
-Eric Lassiter
This experience is one that I'll never forget. Meeting and getting to work with the kids and teachers and being able to reach out to each of them was really special to me, as well as continuously remembering why we came to San Pedro in the first place. I can't wait for an opportunity for me to be able to come back. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen and was a part of it.
-Catie Ringer
-Annie Short
I felt the presence of Jesus working in holy cross, specifically within the children at the school.
- Lawton Kariher
This week in Belize has been truly amazing. From the spiritually enhancing energetic souls of the kids to the breathtaking view "on top of the world" at Lamanai, everything this week has been perfect. I feel as if I have grown closer to my youth group and have had two amazing leaders to help me in that journey. I feel very lucky to have experienced this before going off to college.
-Kristen Burgess
I can't explain to you how amazing this week has been for me. I've learned so many things from the children at holy cross and the adults as well. I'm so happy that I could have this amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
-Anna Young
I made many new connections with the kids at holy cross in standard two, and had time to think about them as I sat atop the pyramid and gazed across the river and jungle at Lamanai.
-Eric Lassiter
This experience is one that I'll never forget. Meeting and getting to work with the kids and teachers and being able to reach out to each of them was really special to me, as well as continuously remembering why we came to San Pedro in the first place. I can't wait for an opportunity for me to be able to come back. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen and was a part of it.
-Catie Ringer
Sorry for the delays in posting. The blog stopped wanting to cooperate after Tuesday. Plus, finding good internet was hard to find this week, which was ok by us. We didn't really need it with all the fun we were having exploring a new place.
On Saturday the group left San Pedro for a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. The boat picked us up for a 60 Belize minute boat ride to the mainland. This is where we got on a "natural air conditioned" bus to ride another 60 Belize minute. We met up with our Lamanai tour guide at our next spot and he took us in a boat down the river.
On our way to Lamanai we had a spider monkey come up to the boat where we were able to feed it. We also saw a alligator and many different species of birds.
When we got to Lamanai we had a picnic lunch and toured the little museum they had on site. This houses some of the small artifacts that had been excavated from this site. We then headed into the rainforest to see the temples. We all climbed to the top of Lamanai and the views from the top were spectacular! It is such a gift to be on this trip, we are all so thankful for the time we have spent together doing some incredible things.
On Saturday the group left San Pedro for a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. The boat picked us up for a 60 Belize minute boat ride to the mainland. This is where we got on a "natural air conditioned" bus to ride another 60 Belize minute. We met up with our Lamanai tour guide at our next spot and he took us in a boat down the river.
On our way to Lamanai we had a spider monkey come up to the boat where we were able to feed it. We also saw a alligator and many different species of birds.
When we got to Lamanai we had a picnic lunch and toured the little museum they had on site. This houses some of the small artifacts that had been excavated from this site. We then headed into the rainforest to see the temples. We all climbed to the top of Lamanai and the views from the top were spectacular! It is such a gift to be on this trip, we are all so thankful for the time we have spent together doing some incredible things.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursday night photos continued
Some of the photos are starting to posts...I will try to post some from the past few days that didn't want to go through...or as many as I can before it crashes again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Last day at Holy Cross
We can't believe this day is already here. We have had such an amazing time getting to know everyone here at the school, from the teachers, to the students, to the wonderful ladies who made us meals all week, to Lydia and her family, we couldn't have asked for a better week. It made many of us tear up thinking that we have to leave all these wonderful people after getting to know them so well.
Today was made especially hard to say goodbye because we spent even more time today having those personal conversations with many of the casual connections we had made this week. It was great to be able to come down this week and have these experiences. I know we will carry this week with us for the rest of our lives.
Today was made especially hard to say goodbye because we spent even more time today having those personal conversations with many of the casual connections we had made this week. It was great to be able to come down this week and have these experiences. I know we will carry this week with us for the rest of our lives.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thursday at Holy Cross
Thursdays are a special day at the school as it the day that they hold chapel. The team watched and participated in all three chapel services. It was very interesting how each one was the same but very different.
For the younger group the teacher lead the chapel service but had the children act out the story. Everything the teacher said they repeated.
The second group were slightly older and they recited together with the teacher the liturgy.
The last group was the older group and the standard VI class students lead chapel service for the rest of the older kids.
It was very interesting to watch each of these chapel services through the different age groups.
During each service the question was asked if there were any birthdays or things to celebrate and each service we made Kristen go to the front of the room to wish her a happy birthday. So, for Kristen's 18th birthday the entire Holy School got to sing to her. It was pretty amazing.
Lydia was back today as well and she had plenty of projects for us to work on. We spent a little less time in the classrooms today and more time finishing up these projects. We were able to get Lydia a book together of the scholarships needed for next year, as well as the one student that is graduating this year that still needs a scholarship. Please let me know if you want to know more about this student. Overall, it was a productive day with a playground break in the middle.
I think we are all exhausted and took it easy after leaving the school...of course with the exception of going to watch the chicken drop.
We finished the night with reflection and continued celebration of Kristen's birthday. It was a great day. We can't believe it is already the end of Thursday! Time flies when you are having fun :)
We are still having problems posting to the blog site...so please forgive us for the late posts and broken up messages. Oh and any grammatical or spelling errors...it's late! We hope you are enjoying the ones we have posted!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
For the younger group the teacher lead the chapel service but had the children act out the story. Everything the teacher said they repeated.
The second group were slightly older and they recited together with the teacher the liturgy.
The last group was the older group and the standard VI class students lead chapel service for the rest of the older kids.
It was very interesting to watch each of these chapel services through the different age groups.
During each service the question was asked if there were any birthdays or things to celebrate and each service we made Kristen go to the front of the room to wish her a happy birthday. So, for Kristen's 18th birthday the entire Holy School got to sing to her. It was pretty amazing.
Lydia was back today as well and she had plenty of projects for us to work on. We spent a little less time in the classrooms today and more time finishing up these projects. We were able to get Lydia a book together of the scholarships needed for next year, as well as the one student that is graduating this year that still needs a scholarship. Please let me know if you want to know more about this student. Overall, it was a productive day with a playground break in the middle.
I think we are all exhausted and took it easy after leaving the school...of course with the exception of going to watch the chicken drop.
We finished the night with reflection and continued celebration of Kristen's birthday. It was a great day. We can't believe it is already the end of Thursday! Time flies when you are having fun :)
We are still having problems posting to the blog site...so please forgive us for the late posts and broken up messages. Oh and any grammatical or spelling errors...it's late! We hope you are enjoying the ones we have posted!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Snorkeling with the sharks
We had an amazing time snorkeling yesterday. We went with the the boat from the Blue Tang, on the Sirena Azul.
We saw stingrays, sea turtles, parrot fish. And then we swam with the nurse sharks. The would grab the sharks and let us pet them. It was AMAZING!
The only time that we were a little scared was when the giant eel started to come towards us.
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We saw stingrays, sea turtles, parrot fish. And then we swam with the nurse sharks. The would grab the sharks and let us pet them. It was AMAZING!
The only time that we were a little scared was when the giant eel started to come towards us.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Third day in Belize...Wednesday, June 18th
Today many of us tried to get up early to watch the sun rise, unfortunately it was overcast here. We still tried and received an early morning shower to help wake us up.
After a hearty breakfast and morning prayer at the school we moved to the computer lab where Aaron played us music to get our bodies moving. Randy was the highlight of the morning disco party.
We were only at the school for a half of day today, but that was probably best for us. With this being the last week of school there is not a lot going on in the school. We still spent time in the classrooms and enjoyed reading, drawing, and playing games with the kids.
Francis and Vernon came today to the school. This was a highlight for everyone at the school including our team. They talked to us about all the St. Luke's teams that were here before us and how much we have meant to the project. It was great to get meet them both in person. They are very inspirational people with a lot of passion and energy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
After a hearty breakfast and morning prayer at the school we moved to the computer lab where Aaron played us music to get our bodies moving. Randy was the highlight of the morning disco party.
We were only at the school for a half of day today, but that was probably best for us. With this being the last week of school there is not a lot going on in the school. We still spent time in the classrooms and enjoyed reading, drawing, and playing games with the kids.
Francis and Vernon came today to the school. This was a highlight for everyone at the school including our team. They talked to us about all the St. Luke's teams that were here before us and how much we have meant to the project. It was great to get meet them both in person. They are very inspirational people with a lot of passion and energy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Another successful day in Belize
We finish up the day with a home cooked meal from Desiree, one of the parents of Holy Cross School. It was amazing. BBQ chicken, pasta salad, and rice and beans...delicious.
Afterwards, we took a walk to get some local ice cream and on our way back we strolled out to the end of the dock and used the time for evening prayer and reflection.
Fabulous end to another fabulous day.
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Second day at Holy Cross
We arrived at the school at 7:30 this morning for a delicious breakfast prepared by the wonderful ladies at the school.
After morning prayer and reflection we caught up with Lydia to prepare for the days tasks.
Freddie showed up and had some tasks for the gentlemen to work on out side. The ladies worked in the classrooms and our banner we are bringing back. It looks great!
We all played outside with the kids before lunch...it was hot, but fun!
We all split up and ended the day in classrooms hanging out with the kids. It was another great day at the school!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
After morning prayer and reflection we caught up with Lydia to prepare for the days tasks.
Freddie showed up and had some tasks for the gentlemen to work on out side. The ladies worked in the classrooms and our banner we are bringing back. It looks great!
We all played outside with the kids before lunch...it was hot, but fun!
We all split up and ended the day in classrooms hanging out with the kids. It was another great day at the school!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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