Firm Ground Continues

A diligent effort continues to be made on the property. Volunteers are close to having a 60’x40’ section of the first acre completely filled and ready for construction. At first glance it may look like a giant mud bath, but given enough time and proper weather, the white mud solidifies to form firm ground. With the help of our floating raft, buckets and wheel barrow, the land is being prepped for the next phase: construction.

Along with the constant effort to fill the land, the wall surrounding this 60x40 area continues to be built up and re-enforced with large stones.

This week some of the LTA volunteers returned Stateside and another volunteer arrived to San Pedro. The vision continues to become a reality as many individuals with the same heart work together. Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support.

Crew working to move fill

Corner of future building site

Post represents back corner of building site

Renewed Cart/Trailer with Sides

We needed a cart to haul sea grass and other fill materials throughout the property; thanks be to God, we received one. After talking to the general manager from Las Terrazas, a resort near our campus, about LTA's goal in San Pedro, he gave us the perfect cart.  After a little restoration to fix the axle as well as new sides added by volunteers, we now have a usable cart.  We were also given the 2x4’s and the pimento trees to construct the sides of the cart.  It is a perfect size to carry behind a golf cart.  

When we asked a local Belizean what a cart like this would cost, they responded, "about $700 US dollars". We were also told that we could try to enter the cart into the Belize Independence Day Parade on September 21 to win up to $2000 BZ ($1000 US). We have considered filling it half way with sea grass and have one of the volunteers inside waving (what do you think?!).

With our new cart/trailer, we can now hauling fill more efficiently to the property. Thanks to our donors in San Pedro and the States for your continued support.

Turn Around and Trailer

Yesterday two accomplishments took place: the turn-around and the trailer. 

After many hours of work, we extended the road onto our property.  The new turn-around is strong enough to hold a golf cart. This will help tremendously for hauling fill onto the property. The turn-around is comprised of mud, sticks, sand, and sea grass. After a few days of constant sunshine the turn-around has had all of the ingredients necessary for a durable surface to drive upon.  Needless to say, we all took turns driving around the turn-around with great enthusiasm.

Preparing for the trailer on the turn-around

Taking turns test driving the turn-around

In addition to finishing the turn-around we have received a trailer that can haul large quantities of fill to our land and eventually aid in bringing building supplies to our building site. The trailer substantially multiplies our efficiency. What a great day of accomplishment.  The next step is to try the turn-around with the trailer.  God continues to supply our needs; He is willing and able!

The (donated) trailer being fixed up at local shop

Picking up the restored trailer

US and Belize Draftsman and Property Update

The week continues to quickly pass as we work diligently on the property.  The water is down so we can clearly see the road again however the potholes on the main road are atrocious!

We now have six volunteers in San Pedro.  (Our Stateside draftsman arrived yesterday to view and assist on the property.)  We started this morning by working the land.  The main focus is establishing a turn around for the trailer and filling the land where the first building will be built. 

This afternoon staff and volunteers met with a Belizean draftsman who will be working with us to ensure our plans are appropriate for Belizean building standards.  We need to fill out an application and present the plans to the Town Board.  The draftsman should have the plans ready in a week. 

Adventurous, Informative, Exciting - Altun Ha Trip

Adventurous, Informative, Exciting.

These three words best sum up our travel to Altun Ha, a Mayan ruin on the mainland of northern Belize.

We took the rollercoaster of a boat ride across the sea to the mouth of the Northern River. The Northern River was long and winding and led us straight to the small village of Bomba. Once in Bomba, we boarded a blue school bus and took it to Altun Ha where we learned about the history of the Mayans, saw and climbed many of the excavated ruins, and also browsed the gift shops on site. From there we boarded the bus, went to the Maruba Jungle Spa where we had about two hours to browse the place (which, yes, really was in the jungle).  At 3 PM, we boarded up the bus and returned the way we had come by bus, river and sea.

Our tour guides, local Belizeans, Devon and Leon were very knowledgeable and shared with us many ‘fun facts’, such as:

Belize has six districts (similar to states in the USA) and over 200 villages.

There are three types of mangroves: red, white and black which only thrive in salt water.

Belize is home to over 59 kinds of snakes. Even the most deadliest bites can be cured by natural herbs found in the jungle.

Four different types of large cats exist in Belize, the jaguar being one.

Iron wood is found throughout Belize. Next to iron wood, zericote is the strongest and is often used for carving; rosewood is used for carving as well.

Cashew wine is a treasured commodity in Belize. We learned that cashews actually bloom from a fruit (similar to a mixture of mangos and apples) and that is what the wine is made from.  The shell of a cashew is so acidic that it would be harmful to eat. Cashews go through a long process including burning and other things before consumable thus the reason they are so expensive.

We learned that the Mayans at Altun Ha did not participate in human sacrifices as opposed to those in other locations. They did, however, sacrifice other things to their gods. The coolest part is that we had the privilege to worship the one true God on the same spot where the Mayans had once sacrificed. It is a privilege to know The Truth.

Needless to say, it was a thrill to see and experience another side of beautiful Belize.

Water - Truck - Trailer

Volunteers saw the property at the highest water level yet; however, this did not stop the efforts to continue to fill the property.  The tide has finally gone down.  Although this helps our efforts with the property it quickly exhausts our efforts on the neighboring beaches for sea grass. 

Unfortuately, the San Pedro Town Truck that was promised to us was not available again this weekend for sea grass, therefore we are behind schedule at this point with our current plans. 

This week we were given an old trailer/cart by a local resort.  The cart itself is in need of repair however many things that the US would discard can be used in Belize.  By next week sometime we should be able to get the cart fixed and have it moving down the road to haul materials (and especially sea grass at this time).

Volunteers Arrive in the Rain

Volunteers arrived today during a rainy day in San Pedro.  They were escorted from the Belize International Airport to San Pedro by LTA President then greeted by staff after arriving in San Pedro.  They were advised ahead of time to bring rain gear since it has been raining on and off the past week (being rainy season) therefore they were prepared. 

We are all calling it an early night for a good night sleep so we will be refreshed for the morning work.

We are thankful they are here to help see the vision become a reality.

loading up the golf cart at the airport

headed to the staff house with luggage

packing in the golf cart