IMAP:
Belize
Click Here to Register
A
group of Marquette students and staff will be
traveling to Punta Gorda, Belize, to participate
in the International Marquette Action Program, January 1- 11, 2009. Participants
will prepare for the trip throughout the spring and fall
semester for the cultural and personal differences
which will be encountered in Belize. This is an
immersion trip. To immerse is to "plunge
into , or to absorb deeply." Those
participating on this trip cannot but help to
immerse themselves into the culture, language,
lifestyle and spirituality of the people of Belize.
This unique cultural exchange is likely to affect
those who participate, leaving them undoubtedly
changed and more aware of themselves and their
greater connection to the people of this planet. |
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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 Massachussetts.
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.
IMAP:
Belize Additional Information
Quotes
From Recent Participants
Photos
From Our Recent Trip
Photos
from Our Recent Trip
For
more information, feel free to contact:
Gerry
Fischer or Ann Mulgrew
University Ministry, AMU 236
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
Phone: (414) 288-6873
E-Mail:gerald.fischer@mu.edu
ann.mulgrew@mu.edu
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