Belize Mission Trip 2025 News

Day one began with a Mass held at 06:30 in Fr. Dave’s hotel room. Which was an experience that I will never forget. There were 18 of us that all piled into that room, each with a desire and hunger for the lord that unified us. We have all come from very different lives. Each with our own strength and weakness. Each of us with our own story and personality. A dynamic that only the Lord could have formed. Following Mass we had breakfast together and then headed off to the airport. Once we arrived at our gate we sat together and prayed morning prayer. On this trip we were asked to participate in a social media fast. Which for some was a worry; however, for me it was an aspect of the trip I greatly looked forward to. This fast allows us to disconnect and full remove ourselves from luxuries and comforts of our everyday life. It allows me to be 100% focused on where and what God wants me to do. Without discomfort and pain there is little room for growth. For the plane ride we all had a plan of who we were going to sit by and get to know but like always God has a better plan. We all were mixed up with random people (not on our mission). A fun fact about me is that I am a yapper and I absolutely love talking to people. So the second I sat down I started talking to two older ladies I had the privilege to sit with. We spent the whole flight talking about our faith and walk with the Lord (in addition to basic information about ourselves). The plane ride was unlike any other time I have flown. The whole plane was vibrant with life. You could feel the love and attentiveness of everyone on the plane. After landing in Belize we all joined back together and began our adventure. We had a long car ride and were able to pray the rosary together and get to know each other even better. All I have to say is Fr. Dave’s driving is fun. Also not having AC in the car really kick-started the trip haha. On a serious note, what a blessing each and every single person is. I can truly say I love everyone God had blessed me with meeting on this trip. I am in awe of the hunger everyone has and it has really humbled my heart and made me realize how much I really do not know and how I will never be enough. No one will ever be enough but that just shows the level of love God has for us. Even knowing that and all our faults he chooses to love each and every one of us personally. My smile never faded and my cup was always full. Then later in the night we were able to participate in adoration and Holy hour. To set the scene: We were sitting in the commons area (covered in sweat) the altar in front with two large doors open behind. There was a beautiful scene in the back with the trees and the Mountains. As it got later the sun set behind the Most Holy Sacrament. It was absolutely stunning and humbling. Following holy hour we were welcomed into a local’s home. Their family completely rearranged their home to fit 20 strangers. Not only that, but they prepared a large meal for us. There was so much love and thought put into it. They also prepared this beautiful dessert that clearly took so much time and money. As I was sitting there I was truly humbled and realized we are in an area that so many people would label poor and lacking, but truly I am poor. Spiritually. These people welcomed us into their home without second thought and loved us so greatly. Something I am not sure myself nor my family would do with ease. There is no amount of money or fancy dinner that could compare to the one I had that night. It is easily in my top two best nights of my life. As a sat there I also meditated upon the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And if we all focus on that love He shared and blesses with we all have common ground and can be joined together. And not just together but truly genuinely love each and every single person. I also had the blessing to have the 3 year old daughter attached to my hip. Ivy came and sat on my lap most of dinner. She was so sweet and caring. All she had was love and interest in us. This trip was supposed to be to help the people of Belize but really God had placed me here to help me. I can truly say that my life has and continues to change and never will be the same. Glory to God in the highest.