Our Mission Trip to Punta Gorda, Belize

Spring Break - March 13-20, 2004

(pictures link to theme pages)
On Saturday, March 13 we left from RDU to fly to Miami, and then on to Belize. From Belize City we drove three rented vans into Punta Gorda.

24 Wesley students + 3 vans = an adventure!

(Click on the van to find out about our driving adventures)

"Thank you for flying Wesley Air. Please prepare for turbulance..."
Upon arriving in Punta Gorda, we were introduced to lengthy stretches of unpaved bumpy roads, Mayan ruins, the village of Cuxlin Ha (our home for the week), the fabulous Donna and Gayle, as well as an assortment of God's creatures (scorpions, tarantulas, and a pit viper).
Click on the palm tree to download the slideshow for our Belize trip.
...Meanwhile, the flight to Miami was overbooked, and so five of us had to stay in Miami. It was a sacrifice we were willing to make!
Throughout the week we worked on several projects. We brushed up on our masonry skills to build a retaining wall along the balcony of the school's second floor. We learned about mixing concrete and mortar, sawing rebar, and the importance of a level. We built several handicap ramps as well as a set of steps. We were able to contribute to and help complete a house which a group from Colorado began. The kids were fascinated by our work and were always eager to watch, or to provide play breaks. We were amazed they could concentrate in school with palm trees and the Carribean right outside their window.
A crew was in charge of painting the bathrooms. We had a few adventures of our own. We were excited to leave our new friends with the most exciting bathrooms we'd ever seen!
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings we led Bible School with the kids. Our theme for the Week was "Jesus is our friend." We had lots of fun teaching new songs and learning old ones, making crafts, and acting out skits. We made Friendship Bags to remind the children that we were their friends too. And the best part was, after we left, the kids were still singing our songs!
When we weren't working (and even sometimes when we were) we found lots of time to play with the kids. Who knew hopscotch was so much fun?
As a group, sharing a week in close quarters with limited showers led to some pretty strong friendships. We had a lot of faith sharing experiences and played and worked together in God's beautiful playground. Everyone commented that because of this experience we feel closer as a group.
After four days of work, we drove to Placencia to enjoy our surroundings and soak up some sunshine. It would be impossible to describe Placencia (and all of Belize) in one word, but I think "WOW" comes close.
As we stepped back from our work to ask "How does it look?", Alexander put it in perspective for us.

"Anything that is good is beautiful."
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