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.

Phase 2 Continues with Sign Painting

Today was a quick trip to the property to see the progress on the road.  The load of gravel didn’t go as far as anticipated (phase 2).  Plus we can not purchase any more core (as it is called) until Wednesday.  Next Monday is a holiday – Commonwealth Day.  

Also while on the property today we shared the vision with several people as they passed by along the way.  As we painted the sign people looked and stopped to talk to find out what was going on with the property.  Needless to say, we continue to paint the sign.  Due to the wind and the sun, the paint dries extremely quickly so it was a challenge to make it look efficient.  For now, the sign displays the website and we continue to work.

Volunteer Staff Arrives

Our next volunteer has arrived to San Pedro.  He will be with us for the summer as volunteer staff.  We are grateful to have his heart of service for Living Tree Academy.

Our beloved taxi driver always shares the heartbeat of the country with us as he transports us from the airport to the water taxi.  During this trip he shared the reason for the capital city being named.  A contest was set up to chose the name many years ago.  Since the river Mopan ran through the current capitol and “bel” stands for Bel-ize, the city was named Belmopan.

Our taxi driver also took us to a fruit stand in the City; produce and much more is cheaper on the mainland than the island.  It’s a learning process but we enjoyed picking up a few bananas, mangoes and pineapple.

The water taxi was quit a treat, however our volunteer staff lost his hat quickly as it flew off his head in the wind.  Thankfully he brought two hats.  This was our first trip on a double-decker water taxi and during the evening hours.  After a long day of travel we all arrived back at the staff house after dark.

Rock and Architecture

LTA put another load of rock on the road today to get closer to the property.  The tide has been in again so the water level on the road has been high; therefore the previous load of rock that was planned to be placed as far back to the property as possible was used to build up the current path.

Tide coming in....

Drivable now but lots of water! (Side of golf cart)

Tide leaving (water still on the side)

On a different note, the architect, Froylan Alvarado, who we met with responded to LTA stating, "It was pleasure to have met with you and your team, I think the idea and the project is a noble one as well as visionary."  Highly recommened to LTA, Froylan works in design, construction and engineering.  His interest in the presentation style of the classroom so that the architecture followed suit was appreciated.  We look forward to sharing more of the vision of LTA with him in the near future.

Roof top of one of Froylan's designs

Architect Meeting

LTA BOD representatives and volunteers with expertise in building, met with Mr. Froylan Alvarado (Belize Architect) this morning.  We shared the current design, the idea of being a green campus, as well as the overall vision for LTA.  He shared his understanding of building placement based on the sun and wind, therefore suggesting the classrooms be positioned North to South. Generally the wind flow in Ambergris Caye comes from the Northeast.  After our meeting with him, we all started paying even more attention to the surrounding architecture.

Fun and Meeting

Yesterday LTA volunteers enjoyed snorkeling and kayaking next to the barrier reef within binocular distance from the staff house.  With the kayak having a see through bottom and the water being so clear, volunteers were able to see the seabed from the kayak.  Some parts of the sea were only a couple of feet deep, however there were some drop offs to the barrier reef.

In the afternoon while driving through town, the team stopped by the Manager of Education’s office to touch base on the overall project of LTA.  Representatives had met with Ms. Armstrong during a previous visit, however this was our initial visit since the purchase of property.  She was thankful for us keeping her informed of our progress.