About Belize
A small Caribbean country, Belize is fiercely independent and culturally rich. Though tourism is creating a boom of development for the country, many of its regions are still simple and pure while dealing with impoverished conditions. The Belizeans are very tolerant people who respect the varieties of different cultures, languages, and ethnic groups found within its borders which are roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts. Approximately 200,000 people live in Belize and consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian.
English is the primary language taught in school, yet it is not uncommon to find many villages in the areas we visit and work with, still retaining the ancient Mayan language among its older populations. Punta Gorda, in southern Belize, is a prominent port located on the Caribbean. The rectory of St. Peter Claver is located right on the Caribbean and the "parish" we work for includes the bottom 1/3 of the country found in southern Belize or the Toledo District. During our trip we will work with the parishioners of St. Peter Claver on small building projects, helping in the schools, or outreaching to the parishioners as needed. Working along side the people of the parish will enhance the immersion experience and support a cultural exchange that will be immensely enriching. This trip offers a chance to compare and contrast our lives of privilege with their lives of simplicity. To work, play and pray with the people of Belize is a chance to see and feel a life of love which Jesus calls us all to live.
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