As I had been pondering the thought of wanting to do more on my faith journey, my husband Tye arrived home one Thursday morning, from his ACTS meeting. He casually stated that they had discussed an upcoming mission trip to Belize, and they needed another couple to attend. I never gave much thought to the idea.The next week he handed me a piece of paper with some information scribbled on it about the trip. Again, I dismissed it. A few weeks later, we were leaving the country for vacation, and as he and I were taking off, he mentioned he really wanted to commit to the trip, so I sent an email response to the invitation, and we were now committed to attend the first international mission trip with St. Catherine. Although it had been tugging on my heart strings for those few weeks, I had much anticipation for what we had signed up to do.

On July 22, Tye and I headed to the airport to meet the other 20 people that we were going to be spending the next eight days with in Punta Gorda, Belize. Very few of us knew each other, and all of us were quietly questioning what were we getting into. The first thing we did upon arriving at the airport, was pick a partner in prayer that would not be revealed until the end of the trip. I knew immediately that someone would be praying for me the entire week, and everything was going to be okay. We had a full day of travel to arrive at the place where we would be living for the next week. We settled in and talked about what the week would bring before heading to bed.


We started each morning with Mass and then headed to San Luis Rey Roman Catholic School. We originally were going to build bathrooms for the lower grade children, but once we arrived, that project was not going to be able to be completed in the short time we were there. Some of our group was able to continue moving forward with that project, while the others were able to fulfill a dream of building a library for the school. We put in four days of work to complete the library and we were also able to interact with the children and teachers at the school. Our group was able to spend time with the children, playing ball and games, praying the rosary, and dancing with them. On the last workday, the teachers and staff were so appreciative of what we had accomplished. They were grateful for the amazing transition of taking a dirty, dark storeroom and transforming it into a beautiful, working library.

The teamwork that was experienced during these four days was nothing short of amazing. Our group was diversified, ranging from 18-78 years old and everyone had their role. The conditions we were working in and living in were so different from what we experience in our everyday life. We had limited supplies, no power tools, no air-condition, scarce cell phone and internet service, and only cold running water for showers, but the fellowship and camaraderie that we experienced over those eight days was a true blessing. We learned so much about each other living in such tight
quarters for that period of time. Every night was met with an adventure, and everyone pulled together to help one another out. No one complained and everyone made the best of every situation.On the last day of the trip, we were able to experience snorkeling in Belize. It was a remarkable ending to a wonderful week. On the very long day of travel back home, I had much time to reflect on the week. I have never met something with such anticipation. Everyone who knew I was headed on the trip would tell me it was going to be great. I would simply reply, “Check back with me on July 29, and I’ll let you know!” The only word I can reply, when someone asks about the trip now, is “amazing!” I gained so much from this experience. I was humbled by living in the conditions we had to endure. I feel like the other 20 people that I was privileged to travel with became family. Everyone’s partner in prayer took their role seriously, as I know prayer was the only thing that got us through some less than favorable times!
   

 There were so many memories that were made and the gratification that came with making a difference in the life of a child was priceless. I am so grateful that I agreed with Tye to choose to do this trip. It definitely took a leap of faith, and I am glad I jumped in with both feet. It was an experience I will never forget; it was truly unBelizeable!

If you would like to know more about our mission trip offerings, visit scschurch.com/missiontrips.