BELIZE TRIP

At 3:00 A.M. on April 19, 2005, Nelson Dice, Robert (Bob) and Darlene Eberly, George and Lorraine Elliott, Jeff Myers, left the Greencastle Otterbein United Brethren in Christ Church parking lot for a 1O-day missions trip to the Here's Hope Ministries facility located in Belize, Central America. This project is being developed by Here’s Hope Ministries in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Services of Belize. The facility is located on a 42 Acre of land about 33 miles from Belmopan, the capital of Belize.
After being driven to the airport by Dan Timmons, we met Roger and Carolyn Shuman from Hagerstown, MD who joined us for the trip. We boarded a US Air flight to Charlotte, NC, where we boarded an international flight to Belize. The flight was without incident and we arrived in Belize City about 8 1/2 hours after leaving Greencastle. The staff of Here’s Hope Ministries met us at the airport where we "stuffed" our suitcases into the van and headed toward the project located along Hummingbird Highway between Belmopan and Dangriga. Bob was our driver at this time and he pointed out many things of interest as we traveled. We were introduced to the Belizean culture by having a very enjoyable lunch at a nice outdoor restaurant. Our next stop was at an Amish community where Bob introduced us to one of his Amish friends and obtained potatoes. The Amish live a rather austere life but have developed many ingenious techniques to tame the rather rugged tropical land in this country. Bob also pointed out the Mennonite communities that have been developed in the area. The Mennonites came to Belize in 1958 at which time they purchased about 18,000 Acres of land from the Belize government. They have developed this land and have added other lands over the years. These people have become very productive and successful.
On Wednesday, after a night of much needed rest, the job list was given to us. There were quite a number of tasks to be accomplished such as shelving for the kitchen closet, painting in many areas, plumbing and electrical work, and general repairs. One of the neighbors had a car with a broken front axle and Bob had taken two new axles along to Belize in a duffle bag since he was aware of this situation from a previous trip. The axles were donated by Mr. Phil Oberholzer, owner of Oberholzer's Garage near Greencastle. Replacement of the broken axle was somewhat challenging without having some tools that would have made the work easier. George, Jeff, and the neighbor's brother-in-law were able to get the car (Honda) repaired after much sweating in near 100 degree temperatures. At about this time, Bob had returned from a trip to Belmopan and just as he got to the driveway, the van brakes failed. We found brake fluid over the area of the right front wheel. Closer inspection revealed that a brake line had rusted through. George, with the help of Jeff and Roger proceeded to remove the wheel which revealed more problems. The rotor had worn down to zero thickness on the one side and needed replaced. Also, the caliper was in bad shape requiring replacement. Bob was able to get a Mennonite fellow to take him to town for the needed parts and supplies needed for food preparation by Carolyn, Darlene and Lorraine. He was able to get the rotor, brake line, and brake fluid but not the caliper. The parts were replaced using the old caliper which was not in very good shape. We tried to get a new caliper the next day but could not locate one. The van was driven during the rest of our stay.



George, will the car be finished soon?

During our stay, much paint was used by Jeff, Nelson, and Roger as they painted the caretaker's house, the kitchen closet and new shelves, and the metal screening on the veranda. Lorraine assisted them with some of the painting. George provided the work schedule for each day's work based on what Bob wanted to get done and then worked on tasks involving electrical installations including putting in a 200 Amp breaker in the main panel box since there was no way to turn off the electrical supply to the facility. A 100 Amp breaker was also installed in the sub panel located in the school/dormitory building. Near the end of our stay, Darlene and Lorraine were able to move items from the kitchen into the newly completed closet which made the kitchen much more user friendly. About two days before we were to leave, a Mennonite fellow came to install a new driveway into the facility. He worked until after midnight the first day and started up again at 4:00 AM after a couple hours sleep in the same room as Jeff and Nelson. When we left for the trip home, he was nearly finished with the driveway work. This was a much needed improvement into the facility.

 


Nelson Dice Hard at work

 


OK, we're ready for the driveway!

Since Roger and Carolyn could not stay the entire 10 days, Bob decided to take Friday of the first week to show us some of the attractions around this area. This was a very informative and enjoyable experience. We got to visit the Maya temple that is many times shown in pictures involving the Mayan culture. We had a guided tour by a young man who was of Mayan decent and was studying the Mayan culture in college as funds and time permitted. Someone from the states was assisting him with the college expenses. Lorraine and Roger climbed the steps that went to the top of the temple which was quite impressive. Roger climbed to the top of the temple but Lorraine stopped about halfway up since she does not enjoy heights. This visit was a highlight of the day's trip. We also visited the Mennonite community located at Spanish Lookout. The Mennonites have established a self-contained community where just about anything one would need can be obtained. They even generate their own electricity thus are not dependent on the somewhat uncertain supply from outside sources. We stopped at a dairy operation where ice cream was purchased. Shopping was also done at a large store located in this area. Everyone enjoyed the many things we saw and experienced during this one-day excursion.

 


Lorraine approves of Jeff’s newly constructed stepstool

 


Jeff Myers, Lorraine and George Elliott - First meal in Belize

 

Roger and Carolyn had to leave on Saturday due to a previous commitment but their time with us was very enjoyable and helpful. They brought with them experiences of work with other missions in other parts of the world during the past number of years. Roger got the security system for the facility working properly which was needed before the facility could become occupied by the girls who will be coming there after the dedication in July, Carolyn assisted Darlene and Lorraine with duties in the kitchen that were necessary to take care of the fellows who are pretty much helpless in this area. Their excellent meals were very much appreciated even though some of the food was somewhat experimental. At the end of the work day, we gathered around the table for a time of devotions and fellowship. Nelson led most of the devotional periods which often generated interesting and thought-provoking discussions.
Many times during our stay, we would have visits from neighbors and friends of the Eberly’s. A lot of the visits during the day were children in the area. Darlene always had coloring books for them to color in. The children loved that and made many visits. We all enjoyed talking to them. They are so precious.

 


Carolyn, Lorraine and George look at buying baskets while Rodger gives out candy.

 

As the time came closer to our departure, we tried to get as much done each day as possible. There were still some items on the work list that we did not get done but we felt very satisfied with what had been accomplished. On the last day, Bob drove us to the airport for the trip home. Bob was staying a couple days longer to take care of some additional government business related to opening the facility. The ministry is for girls in the age range of 10-14 years who are in very difficult situation due to many societal problems that exist in Belize. Please pray for God's continued blessing on this work and that it will change the lives of children who will be coming there. Bob and Darlene's vision of providing an education, training and God's word to these neglected and abused children is beyond description and requires your continued support and prayer.

 

 

by: George and Lorraine Elliott
June 3, 2005