After much anticipation, late nights, and large amounts of procrastination, Wisconsin Academy’s 2005 senior class, along with eleven adult sponsors, boarded a bus at 2 a.m. We had high hopes of reaching Punta Gorda, Belize, sometime the next day. As we left snowy, cold Wisconsin behind, we thanked God for the funds He had already provided to make this trip possible, and prayed we might be a blessing to the people we were about to meet. However, we were unprepared for the blessings we were to experience.

As we stepped out of the plane and into the sweltering heat of Belize City, the first part of our journey was quickly forgotten. Sweating through customs and gathering our luggage, we boarded yet another bus and began the last leg of our journey. What was supposed to be a five-hour ride turned into an eight-hour excursion due to a problem with bus brakes. Amazingly enough, we broke down in front of an Adventist family’s home! We spent about an hour with the family and then continued on slowly through the mountains of Belize.

Arriving in Punta Gorda, we had our first taste of Belizean cuisine prepared by local Adventist women. We searched out our respected sleeping areas, and headed straight to bed knowing our work was cut out for us early the next morning.

Our goals were to continue building a four-classroom school (started last year by the 2004 senior class), to conduct a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in Punta Gorda and the surrounding villages, and to have as much fun as possible.

Rising early the next day to a very muggy morning, we started in on our respective tasks; we laid out plans, located supplies, moved dirt and leveled floors. Throughout the week, the construction crew cut rebar, constructed forms, poured the bond beam, poured floors, made tresses, and fastened on the roof. “One of the most rewarding things about our trip to Belize was being able to see something materialize out of our efforts,” said Becka Helsius.

Throughout the week, the VBS crew held classes at four schools and visited two villages to distribute clothes. We have never in our lives experienced the excitement, vigor, and happiness these kids possessed. These kids alone made the whole trip worth it.

“One thing I enjoyed about VBS was the kids’ smiles and how they sang at the top of their lungs,” stated Sara Schaetzka.

As our week in Punta Gorda drew to a close, we looked forward to the two nights we would vacation on a private island. But, with heavy hearts and long faces, we said goodbye. The impact the people of Belize had on our class was immense. “Seeing how much they lack and yet how happy they are made me realize even more that material items don’t equal happiness,” said Swen Gillen.

We went to serve and to be a blessing to the people of Belize, but it is amazing how much more of a blessing we received in return. We will never forget our trip to Belize; the memory we have will always stay close to our hearts.

Sara Meulemans graduated from Wisconsin Academy in 2005.