Welcome to the Living Tree Academy Blog

With this blog we will keep you updated on our daily events of building a school in the Country of Belize. You will also be able to jump in and help with this adventure of a life time.

And anyone that is so inspired might find some of this information helpful in your efforts to build a quality school in any community or country around the world.

Stay in touch and lets change the lives of young people, one at a time.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

Road to Jordan


The River Jordan is not as deep as anticipated although the tide is low right now.  We should be able to cross in a couple of days.  Since the rain begins in June and the tide rises monthly, we need to work diligently to get back to the property to avoid as much water as possible.



While driving out of the LTA road onto the main road, a couple of tourists stopped to ask if the restaurant was “back there”.  We quickly let them know it is currently a dead end street right but will be filled with children for a school in the near future.  The sign below the LTA sign apparently caught their eye as they were looking for somewhere to eat dinner.  We were able to briefly share with them the vision for the school.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Phase II Complete


Yesterday was a great day of accomplishment.  Phase II of the road was completed which included a turn around to the end of the road at a small body of water we call “the River Jordan”.  This is not the actual end of the road but another opportunity to believe God, thus the name “the River Jordan”.  Phase III is crossing the River Jordan.  

Roadway in Progress

Phase II Complete to Jordan River (filled with branches)

Turn around for a cart


Meanwhile we found an amazing local artist to paint the LTA sign.  Known and recommended by people within the community, we have enjoyed his work around town.  We look forward to showing you his finished product in the next couple of days! Here is a sample of his work....

High School Mural in San Pedro


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Primary RC School

Yesterday we had a meeting with Ms. Monica from the RC Primary School in San Pedro to begin our statistic research.  She allowed us to take pictures of her classroom as she explained the grade system within the country of Belize (which we are still trying master the US equivalent).  She teaches one of four Standard I classes.  This grade has an average of 29 students.  

The Primary School ends June 24 and reassumes classes in August.  The teachers have a month workshop in preparation for the following year (2 weeks in San Pedro and 2 weeks in Belize City).




Commonwealth Holiday


Since Monday was Commonwealth Day many Belizean own and operated businesses were closed for the holiday.  Banks, schools and some restaurants observed the holiday.  Many locals were seen along the beach enjoying time with family.  

Mural painted at the High School during the holiday weekend


We traveled north to see more of the Island.  We had planned to take the water taxi to experience that aspect of transportation however it cost more than we were willing to pay at that time.  The roadway to the north is wide enough for two golf carts to pass (general mode of transportation) in most areas.  The road winds along the beach side in some areas and through the middle of the brush in other areas.  It’s a beautiful sight of God’s country.
North Road




Sunset

  

Summer Volunteer Staff Bio


Dylan Dearman
Graduate of the S.O.W.E.R.S. Program 2008-2009
Currently enrolled in Cayuga Community College to obtain an AA Degree in Computer Information Systems with Internet Options
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Being raised in the military, Dylan has experienced a variety of cultures and customs both in the U.S. and internationally. Living and traveling in other countries has enabled him to easily adapt.

After graduating from high school in 2008 he enrolled into the Students of the Word Equipped and Running to Serve (S.O.W.E.R.S.) Program. There he learned the keys to researching the Bible.  After graduating in June 2009 he set out to apply the principles he had learned. He traveled the U.S. for a year. At the end of his year long itinerary he moved to Auburn, NY where he now resides and attends college.

Currently he has committed his summer as volunteer staff for LTA in Belize. He participates in building a road on the LTA property and other necessary endeavors. He is also excited to mingle with the locals and to teach God’s Word as He (God) opens doors of utterance.