Jocelyn Aalborg and Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Twenty one Upper School students at Mile High Academy (MHA) embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Belize, where they have immersed themselves in the culture while experiencing a journey of service and spiritual growth. These students, accompanied by faculty members, made a positive impact on the communities they encountered on their trip, March 7-18.
The students met late at the airport on March 6 ready to take off on the 7-hour trip. The beginning of their adventure started March 7 as they arrived safely in Belize, exhausted and excited for their upcoming adventure.
Throughout the trip, the students engaged in various activities aimed at serving and connecting with the local community. On March 8, they commenced their work at the MOVE Center and the Solomon School, where they led Week of Prayer sessions for 160 students, initiated construction projects, and fostered relationships with both students and staff.
The Mission Trip continued with visits to local churches, including replacing a roof at Fireburn Seventh-day Adventist Church and installed new ceiling tiles at the Guinea Grass Church. Cody, MHA’s local contact from MOVE that helped plan the trip on location, shared the following: “Thank you very much for the generous donation you sent us, as well as for the labor you gave us for Fireburn Church. We are truly very grateful to God, first of all, and to you and your work team. Only God can reward you for the work you do.”
MHA not only participated in outreach programs in multiple villages, but they also helped conduct a health fair, mechanics brigade, and children’s program in a community with no Adventist presence. But it wasn’t all work as they enjoyed moments of relaxation, including a day at the beach and a tour of the Lamania Ruins, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of Belize.
At the Solomon School, the students poured their hearts into construction projects, such as constructing a new covered eating area at the school. This involved building a concrete slab, pillars, and roofing, leaving a lasting impact on the local infrastructure and community. They were concerned they wouldn’t be able to finish the roof before they left due to the Sabbath hours. But that wasn’t good enough for the team. Late Saturday night, via construction lights, the team placed the final piece of metal for the roof installation.
As the mission trip ended, the students bid farewell to their newfound friends with heartfelt goodbyes and reflections on the profound connections they had forged. Despite the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way, the students returned home filled with gratitude for the transformative experience and eager to share their stories of faith, service, and cultural immersion with their families and community.
“We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service,” said RD Gallant, MHA’s Upper School Bible teacher and chaplain. “Their experiences in Belize have not only enriched their lives but have also reinforced our school’s mission of nurturing global citizens and compassionate leaders.”
—Jocelyn Aalborg is the vice president of finance and development, and Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.
