God's Word - Property - Plans

Yesterday was an exciting day learning more about the book of Acts from God’s Word, working on the property (which included fixing a wheel barrow), receiving the almost finalized building plans from the Belizean draftsman and having a fellowship by the sea.

The property  continues to be filled and built up. Not only did we fill the 60’x40’ area with mud today, but sand as well. There was a bit of an opportunity when the wheel barrow supports snapped from all the weight of the mud. Thankfully God provides and our volunteers are very skilled at fixing things. With the donation from a Belizean resort of a piece of 2”x2” wood and some nuts and bolts from the local hardware store, the precious wheel barrow was back in working order!

The Belizean draftsman stopped by yesterday in order to deliver the blueprints for the future (very near future) building plans. The next step will be presenting the architecture plans along with an application to the Town Board.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, we all witnessed a comet shoot across the sky and land in the Caribbean as we read God’s Word by the sea. Our God is an awesome God!

Lights, Camera, Action

A recent tropical storm near Mexico has caused some illustrious lightning storms to take place nightly over the Caribbean Sea. One of our volunteers was able to capture the glorious sight with his camera.

Under the Sea

Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fishing, Lobster Diving - These are the activities LTA volunteers and a local Belizean partook in Sunday after fellowship.

It was certainly an underwater adventure as everyone took turns casting their rods and diving for lobsters. Surprisingly enough – the Caribbean lobsters do not look like the typical bright red lobsters with claws we are accustomed to in the States. Instead, these Belizean lobsters have razor sharp antennas (word of advice – do not hold lobster by the antenna) and their shells are white and brown. They live in holes/caves at the bottom of the sea. The lobster head can be used for making soups and the tail contains all of the tender meat.

Not only was it an enjoyable time of fellowshipping together, but it was also an informative time learning how to live off the natural resources that the beautiful country of Belize offers. The LTA staff house now has some fresh snapper and lobster tail in the freezer. RSVP and we’ll save you a seat at the dinner table.

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.