A few weeks ago DeSmet Jesuit High School, an all boys Catholic School in St. Louis, MO, visited Belize for their annual Service Learning Trip. Our relationship with DeSmet began last year, when they were assigned to work at St. Benedict R.C. School for a week. This year, we began communication early and came up with a plan to help meet the needs of the school and provide a meaningful service oriented experience for the boys.
We started the week off celebrating Mass together Sunday Morning at St. Peter Claver Church. Monday was a holiday, so the team enjoyed a nice day at Hokeb Ha in Blue Creek. On Tuesday it was time to get to work. We split the boys up into two groups, half working, assisting teachers, and getting to know the students, and the other half working in and around the school. After two days we had the groups switch.
We put the team to work painting, building book shelves, organizing books, constructing volleyball poles, digging trenches, pouring concrete, laying bricks, and putting on an after school soccer/futbol camp. The team worked hard in the hot sun and did a fantastic job.
We can not begin to express our gratitude for the students and staff of DeSmet. We are so thankful for all of your hard work. The book shelves are great, the school looks fantastic, we can't wait for volleyball, and the students had a wonderful time at futbol camp. We hope you had a wonderful week, and we look forward to a lasting relationship with DeSmet. Thanks for everything guys!
We were thrilled to be able to work with St. Benedict's RC School while we were in Belize. The experience was one the boys will never forget and one that will forever change their lives. Thank you for allowing us the privilege to work and play with all the children at St. Benedicts. We miss you! We are already making plans to return in the future (hoping you'll have us!)
Posted by: Don Albert | June 09, 2009 at 01:58 PM