Monday, September 19, 2005
We kept going with sustainable community development the following week with Dave Unander from Eastern University and looked at public health issues, agricultural development and food systems. During the second part of the week, we traveled up near the Mexico border and stayed with families in a community called Patchakan. This was a great chance to practice our Spanish and to learn about living in community while visiting a different culture. We visited a clinic where we learned about missions groups and their impacts. We were also able to visit Papaya and sugar cane farms, where students learned valuable lessons about the global economy, free trade and export agriculture.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Super Shelley
This is Miss Shelley, one of our amazing cooks here at Nabitunich. We are always thankful for the early mornings she puts in to keep us well fed and happy.
Marvelous Martha
Miss Martha is our other cook, posing with an elaborate cake she and Miss Shelley crafted for us on Belize’s Independence Day. Miss Martha takes the later shift and we’re grateful for the suppers she puts before us.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Balancing Act
Pete brought The Slack-line with him which has entertained the students, faculty and staff during our class breaks. It’s like playground equipment for adults. Though many of us can’t balance on it for more than a few seconds, Pete and Gretchen show us how it’s done with grace and style.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Sustainable Community Development - Week One
Thank you Terry Jantzi from Eastern Mennonite University for coming down and sharing your thoughts on development theory and practice with us. During this class, we looked at water issues and discussed the controversy around Belize’s hydroelectric dams and heard from a lawyer who worked on the case. We also looked at ecotourism as a strategy for economic development and visited the Trek Stop, our local ecotourism place, complete with composting toilets, butterfly sanctuary and Frisbee golf course. Through spectrums, speakers and class discussions the students learned much about sustainable community development.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Happy Birthday Hannah!
We had a great time celebrating Hannah’s 19th birthday, telling stories, eating cake and watching a film.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
The Happy Herpetologist
Miranda was in her element as she found and cuddled with this harmless little snake.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
The Life
The students enjoy a day starting at Vaca Falls then floating down the Macal River to Black Rock Lodge, taking in some of Belize’s most beautiful scenery on the way.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
On top of the world
During orientation week, our students went up to Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan site that we can see from our campus. From the top of El Castillo, the tallest pyramid we can look into both Belize and Guatemala. Pictured here is the group of students atop El Castillo with our excellent guide, Elfego Panti who taught them about the Maya in this area.
Happy Birthday Kristel!
We were honoured to celebrate Kristel’s 22nd birthday here early in the semester. Much crazy fun was had with a piñata, games, and of course, eating cake!
Missing Miss Mallory
We had the pleasure of getting to know Mallory Schroeder from Biola University for the first few days in Belize. Mallory had come almost straight to Belize from volunteering with children in Uganda, East Africa, where she unfortunately picked up malaria. Mallory went home to Texas to continue her treatment and recovery. We were very concerned to see her come down with this illness and wish her all the best at home. We miss you Mallory. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Dear Deer
The students had a chance to see some of the Belizean wildlife during orientation week at the Belize Zoo. It’s always fascinating watching and interacting with the creatures there and some of us even got to tag along with the zookeepers during feeding time. Pictured here is Marike feeding one of the young deer.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Green Dragon
Students find the internet cafe/health food store!
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.
How Many Stamps?
Eric, Sarah, Laura G. (Pictured) and Kori threaten to mail Daryn home during the Cayo: Sensing Place Activity.
Gotta have those French Pastries
Pete (pictured), Mallory, Hannah and Laura K. find the French Bakery during the Cayo: Sensing Place activity.
Kristel and Miranda get caught up on the news
During the Cayo Sensing Place activity, Miranda, Kristel (pictured), Anna and Kenny get caught up on the news in the Amandala, Belize’s black consciousness newspaper.
Cayo: Sensing Place
On their second day in Belize, the students had the chance to explore the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, together called Cayo. During this time they went on a photo scavenger hunt in their small groups. Every group brought back creative photos while they found various places around town. Here are some of my favorites from each group.
















