February 1, 2025 //
What started out in 2007 as a youth mission trip, has turned into a longstanding commitment to a very special place. St. Stephen’s has found a deep connection with this school and that continued this year with a team of 16 making their way to San Pedro Town, Belize.
This year’s team included: Rev. Christy Stang, (2nd time), Jim Bizal, (24th trip), Sue Bizal, (3rd time), Paul Hedberg, (2nd time). Fellow Rotarians: Rob & Karen Laughlin, (2nd time), John Sorteberg & Chris Kennedy, Judy Gelston (Rotary & church), Brad Prior from Washington State, Dr. Craig Holzem from Missouri, Manny & Kate Fimbres from Arizona, Larry Brust & Margie Shaul from St. Louis Park, and Father Kesner Ajax, the newly appointed priest to Holy Cross.
We had a long list of projects to accomplish while at the school and everyone was excited to get there. Flying out on Saturday gives us Sunday to rest and relax on the island before working at the school Monday thru Friday. This year we had some that went early and stayed after to enjoy the country of Belize while making the journey. There is a lot to see and do.
Sunday evening after a relaxing day before work, we all gathered on the end of the pier in front of our hotel and Christy led us in worship. Under the stars and the sounds of waves on the reef made for a beautiful way to prepare for the week at the school.
Starting out each day with breakfast at the school at 7:30 helped us accomplish most of our list. Here are our
accomplishments:
- Re-painted the complete exterior of the office, dental lab, library, and computer lab. Prior to painting, rotted boards were replaced and all of the walls were washed.
- Added croc fencing at the base of 1 building
- Moved AC units, replaced decking, and added stairs for the school to access the new church
- Built, painted, and installed a new sign. (The last one was destroyed by a hurricane in the fall of 2024)
- Added new access from the playground to the upper division classroo
- Many other misc. repairs!
Christy and Kesner, led the Thursday morning chapel services for the school, helped the principal with student evaluations, helped with the Spelling Bee, played with kids at recess, and most importantly, built upon lifelong connections to the staff and children.
Over the last few years, we have run a Fund-a-Need campaign at church leading up to our trip. 2 years ago we did new appliances for the kitchen, and they are working hard. Last year we had AC units that were either not working or on their last legs. This year we raised money for the new windows and doors of the church and security fencing. The windows and doors were ordered the week were on campus and will be installed in time for the Bishop’s installation of Father Kesner Ajax on March 2nd , 2025.
Thanks to all who made this effort a success.
I have always considered gathering as a team for meals to be an especially important element of these trips, so we continued that tradition. Each day at the school we eat breakfast and lunch in the same cafeteria as the staff and children. Ms. Rosalia and her team, including her daughter Dora, a graduate of the school and last fall’s SPICE program (San Pedro Institute of Culinary Education) make us excellent meals that give us the energy to get our work done. In the evenings we gather as a group and go to the local restaurants that participated in the SPICE program to dine and share stories of the day and our
lives. This is always a highlight for me getting to know our team in a deeper way. I always share this with some of our staff at the school as well. We have 5 to 7 of them join us for dinner one of the evenings to thank them for their continued work at the school and to get to know the team members better as well.
Here are a couple of quotes about the week from Christy Stang and Paul Hedberg:
Paul: “I have done the Holy Cross Belize mission trip twice. In both cases I learned a lot about construction and made many new friends. Most importantly, though, the Holy Cross School is a special place. As the founder, Vernon said, I am convinced that God lives there. There is magic in the staff, but especially the kids. They are open, grateful, and beautiful. I remember every smile, every ‘good morning’ and every hug. A week on a caribbean island doing good works for good people is a week very well spent.”
Christy: “This was my second trip to Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize, and I loved connecting with the people. Learning how to use the chop saw and seeing building renovations come to fruition was fun and memorable, but the energy and warmth of the community is what stays with me the most when I come home from this trip. The love the staff and students have for their school is tangible, and their joy is contagious!”
In closing, if you have any questions, want to get more involved with Holy Cross, or make a donation, please let me know and you can also visit our foundation website at www.hcefoundation.org. We are very proud to say that 100% of all donations go straight to the school.
Blessings,
Jim Bizal
Holy Cross Foundation Board Vice Chair
952-649-1525
Jim.bizal@bizalbuilt.com
