The Belize trip is
“Service” Immersion based.

Trip Destination:  Belize City, Belize, Central America.
Trip Dates:  Approximately 8 or 9 days at the end of winter break 2012-13.
Coordinating Organizations:  Boston College Campus Ministry, in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministries www.hhministries.com.

Hand in Hand Ministries Philosophy:  “Hand in Hand Ministries is an international social services organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of the poor, especially abandoned and disabled children. We believe that all people deserve life’s essentials - food, water, clothing, shelter, education and medical care - and that we are called to help provide them. An important part of what we do as a small, grassroots organization is offer people in the United States the opportunity for hands-on experiences of the developing world through our unique program of immersion trips. It is our hope that they will return home and become better for the experience while working to build a more just world. In all that we do, we seek to build community.”

Belize Trip Itinerary:  The B.C. Belize delegation travels to Belize City where program participants collaborate with long-time in-country partner, Hand in Hand Ministries in creating their trip experience. Within an urban community within Belize City struggling in abject poverty, delegation participants contribute to building a home, along-side the family that will eventually live in the home and other local Belizeans who participate in and support Hand in Hand Ministry’s “Building for Change” program. Participants also spend time throughout the trip at a center for children who have HIV or AIDS, and visit various other people working with organizations sponsoring solidarity projects.

Additionally, participants have the opportunity to learn about the larger context within which Belize as a country is situated. They meet with various community leaders, including local Jesuits, and listen to presentations and engage in discussions on the social, economic, political, and religious issues that have affected and continue to affect the people of Belize.

Exploring Faith:  Prayer, reflection, journaling, and conversation are core aspects of this experience before, during, and after the trip.  While Arrupe programs are open to people of any faith tradition, they are influenced by the Jesuit Catholic tradition, and Catholic liturgies are a part of the experience. Each participant is expected to participate in this aspect of the experience, share about her/his faith, in all of its joys and struggles and questions, and to explore and discern how faith and the gifts they have been given, connect to living in solidarity with all people, especially those who experience marginalization.

Living Simply:  During a trip, participants are expected to embrace “living simply.” Part of what this means is eating food that may not be familiar or plentiful, sleeping in beds or other places that are less comfortable than what might be accustomed to, getting dirty, bathing rarely, experiencing limited personal space, and possibly getting sick. Participants also may find themselves in situations that could instigate allergies, or not be able to accommodate dietary preferences, etc. Another aspect of the notion of “living simply” involves exploring our society’s and each of our own consumerist tendencies, and what this means regarding living a life with and for others.

Time Commitment:  Participation in an Arrupe program involves a year-long commitment including preparation for and follow up after the immersion trip. This commitment involves participating in weekly Small Community meetings, a pre-trip and post-trip retreat, several presentations, a few Catholic liturgies, a number of fundraising events and activities, and pre-trip and post-trip social justice awareness-building and community service projects. Expect this commitment to be about 5 hours a week, with retreats and the point drive week requiring additional hours. (Please note the “important dates” associated with the program.)

Language Proficiency: Participants do not need to be able to speak any language other than English to participate.

Safety and Health: Before applying for an Arrupe program, each potential participant and his/her family need to be aware that there are many health and safety risks associated with traveling to the destinations visited through this program. Please check the U.S. Department of State’s assessment of traveling to these destinations http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html, the Center for Disease Control’s assessment of traveling to these destinations http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx, and consider your own physical and emotional/psychological/mental health before applying. Should you end up participating in an Arrupe program, you will need to continue to check these websites for updates, as these assessments may change before an Arrupe trip departs.