News/Updates:

1.  San Ignacio - Martha's Guesthouse (www.MarthasBelize.com ) was our home base. We enjoyed our stay there and recommend it for groups who want to be in town. We also went to Cahal Peche on top of the hill and offer that as another option if you would like cabanas with air conditioning and a pool and restaurant. Link: Cahal Pech Village - San Ignacio Belize (cabanas are $100 a night and can sleep many)    

2.  Billy White Village School was our first mission to filter the water tank used by the school. The school does have access to water from the village but the water is not predictable. Multiple trips to the hardware store brought laughter and team effort and bonded our team indeed! We came back the next day to meet the teachers and students and to meet with the Chairman of the Village about upcoming projects at Billy White School. Brainard was our guide and led us with grace and took the pics of our adventure.

3.  www.ROWKids.org was our second mission as we met with two students who were seeking funding for higher education at C.E.T. (Cayo Center for Employee Training) majoring in hospitality and front desk office. Myra is seeking funding for her second year there in hospitality while Yolanda Marroquin would begin her first year of two years training. The cost for each student with tuition, transporation from Billy White to San Ignacio, books and meals is $1400 and is handled by ROWKids. John Eve and Anthony have made great connections with the school. We toured the school, met with the admissions director (Fatima) and the head of the school (Mr. Silva). They welcomed us warmly and we are grateful for the spirit they have and the love of the students.

4.  Orange Walk:  We left San Ignacio to head north to the former New Life School at the Presbyterian Church in Orange Walk. It is under new management by the Presbytery of Belize led by Ruth (principal) and her husband (facility manager). They inherited disarray and debt from Roldan Rios and German Cob and are trying their best to rebuild TRUST in the school with the parents and community. Supporting them is a positive move and Rick Justice has their new budget. Please pray for them as they serve Christ in a tough situation!

5.  ROWKids expansion to Orange Walk: We met with Veronica Rivera and her family. Veronica is seeking to go to Galen University in San Ignacio or the University of Belize and major in tourism or marketing. We had a delightful visit with her and her mom and grandmother who is suffering from lung cancer. They showed us the x-rays and it looked bad. But their spirit was lifted by our visit they said and they certainly filled us with joy! John Eve and Anthony are going to try to establish a similar relationship with Galen University as they have with C.E.T. and that would be extremely helpful as we fund students there.

6.  SAN PEDRO:  If groups wish to continue their trip to Ambergris Caye, we strongly recommend www.Sunbreezehotel.net across the street from the airport. Ask for Julia or Norma and try to get a discount. Work directly with them and save money. The food at Blue Water Grill at the hotel by the beach is the BEST in town. We saw the U.S. Ambassador for Belize there and a week earlier, the Prime Minister of Belize was there. The rooms are spacious, tiled floors and the view is great.

7.  CAYE CAULKER:  If groups wish to try a more relaxed setting, consider this island and get off the water taxi and go left a bit to the Seaside Cabanas with a nice pool. The buildings are orange and you cannot miss it.

8.  PICTURES:  We are putting our pictures on our mission site:  www.soulshine.smugmug.com in the next days ahead.

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