Wednesday, March 24, 2004
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Wednesday, March 24, 2004 |
| Holy Trinity members return from missionary trip to Belize “It took only a three-hour flight from Atlanta to bring us to Belize, Central America, and so we became short-term missionaries,” said Sheila Geist, after returning from a recent mission trip. Geist and her husband, Joe, along with Mary Darlene Horton, all from Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City, traveled together to work with River of Life Ministries, an inter-denominational mission in Belize. “For two weeks we were privileged to experience life at the mission and nearby village of Valley of Peace,” Geist said, adding that teams of short-term missionaries come from the United States throughout the year to help out in any way they can. “Seeing the beautiful purple orchids, listening to the loud roar of the little Howler monkeys, watching women washing clothes in the river, and walking through the Mayan ruins are only a small part of this simple and unique country,” Geist said. Belize is a fairly new country, situated between Guatemala and Mexico. Once called British Honduras, it was given its independence in 1981. The national language is English. “Valley of Peace” was the name given to the U.N.-funded refugee camp started after 1981 when refugees from Honduras, Guatemala and Salvador were transported there. “We met a wonderful elderly couple in the Valley, Benuto and Julia Hernandez,” Geist said. “A previous team built them a wood home. It had only a dirt floor so with the help of a team of Southern Baptists from Tennessee we were able to give them a cement floor.” The team added two bedrooms in a home that houses a family of nine. Donated items including clothing, shoes, material, soaps, toys and food were shared as well. A strong door with locks replaced an old slat one for one of the Valley churches. Basketball goals were built for the Valley school. Soccer and basketballs were donated. “We have never seen children able to kick a soccer ball so well with bare feet!” Geist remarked. “When we visited the only assisted living facility in Belize near Cayo, Luis Pulido, the administrator, welcomed us. We met the caring staff and wonderful residents. Clara is one of the lovely residents who was originally American but moved to Belize thirty years before. She would love to have a new roof to replace the old leaky one they have now. “ The team also came across a 93-year-old resident called “the Chicken Man” who cares for chickens and ducks in a side yard to the facility. “Luis is hoping to get him two sheep as well,” Geist said. River of Life Mission provides busing and entertainment for the residents. Teams have built outside conveniences like the gazebo where the residents enjoy sitting when the weather is nice. “What a joy to visit the schools in the valley,” Geist said. “The first school in Belize that is free to attend is a preschool in the valley run by the mission. The children are prepared for primary school by learning English and other basics. School boxes with school supplies, toiletries and candy were given to the area preschools. Their playground equipment consists of three swings and brightly painted rocks.” Geist said there are two ways to get in to the mission and Valley: One is by a walking rope bridge over Banana Bank River. The other is by ferry. The ferry runs only half the time as it is very outdated, but can take vehicles across. Plans are to one day have a permanent bridge across the river. “Teams with many skills are needed including construction, medical, tutoring, mechanics, hair care, gardening, sewing, and other things, but the greatest need is simply love,” Geist said. “It was an honor to meet our Belize brothers and sisters,” she added. “We hope to visit again soon, taking with us a team of Peachtree City residents. We plan to love and serve our Lord and these wonderful people. These words of Francis of Assisi come to mind when I think of serving in Belize, ‘Go into the world and preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary.’”
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