Belize Journal - Fall Semester 2005, Creation Care Study Program

Goodbye CCSP Fall 2005

2005-12-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

We’re thankful that all of the students arrived home safely. Students, you will be missed! We wish you all a very Happy Christmas! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

dis be...

2005-12-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Written by Kenny
Performed by Kenny, Miranda and Eric at our final community celebration

This pens script cant capture
God’s perfect postcard reprint
Of the replant of riparian filters,
Funnel cakes cover the
Carnival fun of consumption
We function as funnels and
Love not to waste the waste
And haste to taste the sweet
Scent of superiority,
When face to face
With lard driven society
Our piety prevents the
Message from getting across
All’s lost until we stop to feel
And realize…

Dis dah pop revelation-
dis be weak gratification
Dis be summa camp
Dis Dah Carib Sun
Dis be so much fun.

Relax.
Listen to the Creole council
With each ounce of worry
Their drum beat slips away.

The guilt will follow us home,
Velcro-clipped to the
Wing of an airplane
We’ll sing the refrain
Of Ubi Late fast fading
Coast to coast across
The ocean

We boast the world record
In dismantling arms
Reducing the alarmingly rapid rate
Of ozone depletion
We mean it.
They’re the say-much
Do-nothings who don’t know
The sweet taste of Marley, Martha,
Marie.
Of Fry Jacks, Maya,
Shelley.
Here we are in Belize
With free-zone,
Where there’s
Curruption,
Dam squared,
Eruptions
On pine ridge miss
Like Riaan’s golf swing.
And we learn the peace, love
Joy, kindness, understanding
And unity
Of community
It won’t be long and
We’ll see each other again,
But we’ll miss the peace
Of Max’s protection
We’ll greet the meat
Of next years election
With the surprising diction
Of conviction
Cause together we stand
Together we band
Together we stand.

Dis be pop revelation-
Dis be weak gratification
Dis be summa camp
Dis Dah Carib Sun
Dis be so much fun.

Relax.
Listen to the Creole council
With each ounce of worry
Their drum beat slips away.

Resensing place we chase the
Echo of ignorance
Of the third world whirlwind-
Free trade, fair trade, trade winds
Bring the rain.
The muddy bain of the river flows
with the money train of the Dirty IMF
Leaves nothing left for global
Dispensation. The nations vaction
In the Dis Da Fi Wi paradise,
While off shore
Their cruise ships glow like embers,
Massed for December attack;
We seem helpless, hopeless,
But remember

Dis be easy.
Dis be summa camp
Dis dah Carib sun
Dis be SO MUCH FUN

New Leadership at CCSP

2005-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

New Leadership at CCSP
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

We enjoyed having Jared, Meghan and little Gloria Friesen with us for the last little while as they learned the director and administrator ropes from Phil and Iris. We wish Phil and Iris all the best in Ausie! Justin and I are looking forward to working with the Friesen Team... Bring on Spring '06

Integration and Debrief Week

2005-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Laura and Linda - Cookie Project
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

The last two weeks of CCSP went by in a flash! Integration Week taught by the program director, Phil went very well and the students enjoyed the opportunity to work in groups and make connections between all they have learned this semester. The students spent time intentionally preparing to go home and envisioning ways to put what they learned here into action back in the US. One of the many activities we did during Debrief week was make cookies for all of the people that help to make our semester a great one. Pictured here is Linda and Laura working hard in the kitchen to make that happen.

Happy Birthday Justin!

2005-12-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Justin!
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Happy Birthday JUSTIN!
We hosted the first annual CCSP Entomological Symposium in Justin’s honour, with all staff and students presenting newly “discovered” (or newly imagined) insects to Justin for his and our collective amusement.

Farewell Phil and Iris

2005-12-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Farewell Phil and Iris
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Farewell Phil and Iris! What an incredible five semesters of dedication you have given to the program and the students who go through it. It has been great working with you! We celebrated their years here with a party and of course, lots of skits and songs as tribute!

Stream Ecology

2005-12-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Laura Goes Bug-Eyed over the Bugs
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

We wrapped up the Tropical Ecology course with our stream module last week. The students explored streams in the Mountain Pine Ridge and Lower Barton Creek River, measuring discharge and collecting invertebrates. Back in the lab the students spent time mapping watersheds as well as identifying and sketching insects. Dave Mahan from Au Sable was a great instructor – Thanks Dave!
Click Here For More Photos of Stream Ecology

Nursing Observations Come to a Close

2005-12-02T01:06:00.000-08:00

Our nursing students from Messiah College just wrapped up their nursing observations at three different local hospitals and clinics. They all did a great job and learned a lot – well done ladies! Enjoy their mini-blog reports.

Kori's Nursing Observation at La Loma Luz Hospital

2005-12-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Kori
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

I spent my two weeks of Nursing observation at the privately owned mission hospital in nearby Santa Elena called La Loma Luz Adventist Clinic and Hospital. This was such an incredibly new experience, which exposed the inner workings of the health care system to me in a helpful and friendly way! Although for one week I was sort of assigned to the hospital side and the other week to the clinic side, the entire internship felt relaxed and we were able to float around where ever if there was more activity some where else. I was able to pop in on some ultrasounds, x-rays, EKGs and nebulizer treatments in the ER, and doctor consultations). I was privileged to come into work each day on the good old public transportation (which only failed me one day out of the 13) and spend an eight hour working day with the nurses, technicians, physicians and other important staff. I learned through actually practicing as well as observing. I felt much more comfortable by the end of the two weeks on how to take patients vitals (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, etc.) I got to observe the nurse's administering many IV's and even was asked to help in some parts of the process which was a little alarming that they allowed me this but exciting! My first week I saw two deliveries and a minor surgery done for a patient who had an expulsion and the second week I sat in on a hysterectomy which was so neat to watch for two whole hours. Reflecting back on my experience, I am so thankful for two things. Number one in being exposed to the health care system in Belize; seeing good practices that reduce on the about of waste such as sterilizing equipment and re-using dressings, bed linens, etc. Number two, to be out in the culture and off of our farm, meeting and interacting on a daily basis with the people of Belize was great and left me with faces I will remember and miss.
Kori Shelden
Messiah College

Anna's Nursing Observation at the Mopan Clinic

2005-12-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Anna's Pics
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Hey there loyal blog-readers! I spent the last two weeks observing at the Mopan Clinic, a small clinic in the nearby town of Benque. I helped out at the pharmacy with Nurse Rosita and sat in on prenatal and postnatal check-ups with Nurse Hall at the Maternal Health and Childcare clinic. This was quite the cultural experience seeing how 95% of the communication there was in rapid-fire Spanish, Creole/Spanish, or (as I like to refer to it) Spangcreolish. Fortunately my two supervisors knew English and took time to explain medical procedures, answer questions, and simply chat with me. I enjoyed my time there and really got to know the nurses I was with very well. The main clinic takes care of basic medical needs such as injections, sutures, nebeulizer treatments, eye exams, and regular doctor visits. The Maternal Health and Childcare clinic gives out immunizations for Hepatitis B, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, and Tuberculosis and advises mothers about childcare. This past Tuesday was exciting because I got to accompany Nurse Hall to the nearby village of Succotz for a mobile clinic. The clinic does an amazing job caring for the large area in and around Benque especially with providing infants with vaccinations. I really enjoyed and learned a lot from the two weeks I was there.

Anna Frodigh
Messiah College

Laura's Nursing Observation at San Ignacio Hospital

2005-12-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Laura at San Ignacio Hospital
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

From November 21st- December 2nd I participated in a nursing observation at the San Ignacio Hospital. This is a public hospital that provides free healthcare. The first week of my nursing observation I assisted in the maternity ward where I was fortunate to observe and assist in the births of several beautiful babies. This picture is of me in the delivery room at one of the two beds where the mothers are stationed to have their baby. Since the husbands were not allowed in the delivery room I held the mothers' hands as they painfully delivered their child. After the birth, I assisted the nurse in cleaning up the mother as well as taking her blood pressure and escorting her to the recovery room. Once in the recovery room I would attach the IV bag and get it started for her. After this process was complete I would aid the nurses' assistant in recording the weight and height of the baby. After the baby was dressed I would sometimes be the fortunate person to deliver the baby to the proud mother. My favorite part was seeing the big smiles on the moms' faces after they had seen their baby for the first time. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to share in these moments with the mothers.

Laura Gaugler
Messiah College

Leah's Nursing Observation at San Ignacio Hospital

2005-12-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

Leah observing at San Ignacio Hospital
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

I’ve spent the past two weeks at the San Ignacio Hospital with Laura G. For the first week I was in the Outpatient Department with Nurse Sheila and Reyna where I gave out patient numbers, took vitals, and helped with dressing wounds. While there I witnessed a biopsy on a Rasta man’s foot, the removal of an ingrown toenail, and the lancing of an abscess on a patient’s chin that squirted it’s contents about four feet. I also bought a sweet vase from a Guatemalan man that was selling his merchandise on the hospital’s veranda.

I spent the second week at the Maternity Ward where I was lucky enough to watch two deliveries. The first baby was a little boy weighing 7 pound and 3 ounces. The second was a little girl weighing 5 pounds and 9 ounces. I was permitted to sit with the mothers and time their contractions before they gave birth. I also took their vitals and listened to the babies’ hearts beating. After they gave birth, I took the mothers to the recovery room and then watched as the nurses bathed, measured, and weighed the babies.

Leah Francis
Messiah College

Sarah's Nursing Observation at La Loma Luz

2005-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Sarah's Nursing Internship at La Loma Luz
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

I spent the past two weeks working at La Loma Luz 7th day Adventist hospital for my nursing observation. I spent the first week working mostly in the vitals and x-ray room. For vitals I learned to take blood pressure pretty well, we also took pulse, weight, and temperature, for all the patients that came to see a doctor. In x-ray I learned from my friends Elijio, and Steve how to set and develop x-ray films, how to set the machine to the right voltage, and even to shoot the x-rays! I learn from the ER nurse Patty how to start an IV, but didn’t practice it, it’s a little scary. I also watched a lot of IM injections the last week the LPN/pharmacist Ms. Letty let me give my first injection! I also got to watch two deliveries, one of which was on my 20th birthday, which was an amazing experience. I spent a bit of time in the pharmacy counting pills, and helping to fill prescriptions. I got to see a hysterectomy preformed by the gynecologist and the ultrasound tech, Sylvan; it was a really neat procedure to see. He also let me work with him and was a great teacher, I got to see 3 obstetric ultrasounds, 1 abdominal, and 1 pelvic. Ultrasound technology is really cool. I had a really great time just getting to know the hospital staff, everyone was generally really nice and willing to let me help out or show me how to do things. It was great!

Sarah Miller
Messiah College

Nursing Observations Come to a Close

2005-11-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Our nursing students from Messiah College just wrapped up their two-week nursing observations at three different local hospitals and clinics. They all did a great job and learned a lot – well done ladies! Enjoy their mini-blog reports.

Katherine
SLC & RCBB - Resident CCSP Belize Blogger ;)

Happy Birthday Kenny!

2005-11-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Kenny!
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Happy Birthday KENNY! What a crazy night of improv drama on the night of Kenny’s 21st birthday.

Happy Birthday Sarah!

2005-11-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Sarah!
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Happy Birthday SARAH!
The icing on top of the proverbial thanksgiving cake was that it was also Sarah’s Birthday! After our community feast and concert, we headed down to the classroom turned movie theatre and enjoyed cake and Bride and Prejudice – a Bollywood spin on one of Sarah’s favorite classics, Pride and Prejudice. B & P is hilarious and we laughed so hard, straining our already full and aching bellies!

Thanksgiving - Nabitunich Style

2005-11-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

Pablo
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Thanksgiving was a big to-do around the Nab. Martha and Shelley were decorating with Iris and Laura a week in advance to prep for this special feast! We had a wonderful thanksgiving meal a day later on Friday, which we were able to share with our friends from Nabitunich. We also had the amazing flute player – Pablo Collado serenade our group throughout the meal and by concert following. What a great way to reunite after being separated for the week and recognize how thankful we are for the community we share here at CCSP. On Thursday, the true Thanksgiving Day, we read a thanksgiving liturgy both at the Nab and out at Calabash, uniting in worship though spatially divided.

Happy Birthday Iris!

2005-11-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

iris' birthday 5
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Happy Birthday IRIS!
Our nursing students and Laura C. threw Iris a little birthday party. The rest of us out at Calabash Caye were sad to miss it, but were there in spirit and gave her our birthday wishes as soon as we returned on Friday.

Marine Ecology at Calabash Caye

2005-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

Phil and Kristel
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

While the nursing students were starting their first week of observations, the rest of the group headed out to Calabash Caye for Marine Ecology. We stayed at the University of Belize’s Institute for Marine Studies, which is an incredible research site with white sandy beaches and quick access to the coral reef. Thanks to Laurie Furlong from Northwestern University for a great course!

Kenny as intern writer at Naturalite and Cubola

2005-11-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Banner Hanger Extrodinaire
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Here's CCSP's shining student, Kenny Johns, hard at work during a Spanish teachers conference in Belmopan. This conference represents just one of the many jobs that Kenny undertook during a two week internship with Cubola productions. Kenny recognizes his revolutionary work internationally, and he has given himself awards in proofreading, book carrying, and promotions writing. And what a banner hanger! He did the one in this picture all by himself!

In the fast paced and exciting world of publishing, there is little room for error. Kenny’s swift mind and sharp sixth sense for grammatical errors keep him ahead of the pack. No one on earth knows the difference between colon and semi-colon better than he.

But these past two action packed weeks are just part of the story for our hero. He spent his first week of internshipism with Naturalite productions, collecting tourism information for their top website, ToucanTrail.com. Indeed, if one should search for any tourism information in the entire Corozal district, it is his fine work that they would find. His ruthless interviews and detailed note taking have come to the aid of all budget travelers in the northern most reaches of the small, but exhilarating country of Belize.

Kenny Johns
Messiah College

Eric's Internship with the Ministry of Agriculture

2005-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Eric's Internship
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

I spent three weeks at the Belize Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Section. I worked primarily with the dairy operation of herding, milking and feeding calves. Between the early morning milking and afternoon milking I helped out with other operations on the farm: health care of the beef and dairy herds- I gave lots of injections; and the extension program- I proofread materials and travelled to Punta Gorda for a workshop for local farmers. Whenever I had a chance, I would go play with the baby goats, colts, or calves. I made a few good friends and drank a few cups of dang good milk.

I am trying develop a solid definition of 'animal stewardship' and ways to develop a culture (regionally or within a workforce) of 'animal stewardship'- treating animals with respect and gratitude, as they are an inseparable part of God's Creation. I worked on a production model that could be classified as 'organic,' 'free-range,' 'BST-free' and 'GE (genetically engineered) free.' Still, I find myself unsatisfied by some of the ways operations are carried out. Perhaps it's a reminder that mankind is fallen, despite the labels we try to apply to ourselves.

Eric Bradley
Calvin College

Laura's Internship at the Belize Zoo

2005-11-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Falconry Expert
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

These past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to work at the Belize Zooa s an Animal Care intern. What an amazing experience it was! From learning all about falconry and getting to fly large birds of prey, to handfeeding the problem jaguars and preparing food for all of the zoo's inhabitants, the two weeks I interned at the zoo were jam packed with amazing learning experiences. Food preparation took up a majority of my mornings, and of course there was the necessary cleaning of enclosures to ensure a sanitary living environment for the animals of the zoo. While these were the least exciting goings on of my internship, the amazingly fun experiences of working hands on with the animals made up for any minorly icky jobs tenfold. I was given a lot of responsibility, and was even entrusted to feed a couple of the animals (including the HARPY EAGLE) by myself! I learned so much about the native animals of Belize during my internship, as well as zookeeping in general. Working at the Belize Zoo only reinforced my desire to work in a zoo upon graduation from Messiah College. Not only that, however, it showed that whatever zoo I decide to work in, I need to have lots of interaction with the zoo guests, and can't solely be a caretaker of animals. In short, interning at the Belize Zoo was the experience of all experiences and my only regret is that it couldn't be longer!

Laura Klinefelter
Messiah College

Miranda's Internship at the Belize Zoo

2005-11-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

Miranda
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

During my three weeks as an intern at the Belize Zoo, I had many amazing experiences. Most of my time was spent preparing food for the animals, doing dishes, and assisting the keepers with the daily feeding and cleaning of the animal enclosures. Some of the highlights of my three weeks are: hand-feeding bones to jaguars, having my hair grabbed numerous times by an especially rambunctious Spider Monkey named Pancho, learning falconry techniques and flying the Roadside Hawk, Alvin, attempting to speak Spanish as much as possible, bathing a boa constrictor, and hand-feeding the Harpy Eagle, Panama. I learned so much during my internship about animal rehabilitation, conservation issues in Belize, and what it means to glorify God through caring for His absolutely fabulous creation.

Miranda Demos
Messiah College

Daryn's Teaching and Community Development Internship in San Antonio

2005-11-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Daryn Teaching in San Antonio
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

My three week internship was spent in a charming Mayan village called San Antonio. My base organization was a community development group known as the Itzamna Society. Most of my time was spent helping at the local schools in hopes to gain experience for becoming a high school science teacher. Both elementary and Jr. high schools in the town welcomed me as I aided teachers in grading homework, covering full class lessons, and substituting in the absence of a teacher. It all turned out to be very educational as I had no experience with teaching prior to my time in the village. I also had the privilege of surveying the newest national park in Belize found less than one mile from the village. James, an active community development worker, and I became good friends as we spent time in the Elijio Panti National Park and designing a brochure for the park. James taught me so much about some real issues of community work. He spends many long hours putting into his community and often only receives a sense of “village pride” in return. The highlight was certainly the homestay with a great family of seven. The children walked with me to school and we laughed and played games into each night.

Daryn Dockter
Northwestern College

Pete's Internship with BEST and the CDI

2005-11-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Pete hard at work
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Dear Journal,
Today was another hard day at the office. I spent all day taking pictures of myself using the timer on my camera. I would have done work but I didnt have any. Luckily Justin is changing my internship to the Cayo Deaf Institute. At CDI, I will be able to help out in their garden, their orchard, and anywhere else I am needed. I will learn sign language, although not that well. I will change the oil on a Toyota 4Runner and also a Kubota 425. I will also help with the castrations of 3 bulls. That will be a unique memory that will never leave my brain even when I try desperately. I will play football with the kids. I will wrestle with the older kids and then regain my pride by wrestling with the younger, smaller, and weaker kids. It will be great. I will learn about living by faith from Jason and Frank, two of the Mennonites who work there. I will learn about the different cultures between the speaking and the deaf, and even the culture between the deaf and the deaf who can lipread. I will learn a lot about walking as well, seeing as CDI is a mile and a half off of the highway. During those walks I will see gorgeous birds, smelly pigs, Eric, and friendly locals. Justin says my next 2 weeks at CDI will be great. I can’t wait.
I love you, journal. You are the only one that gets me. Never change, journal, never.

Yours Always,
Pete McLean
Messiah College