“What is snow like?” was one of the most frequently asked questions by the Belizean children. Ralph Schmidt (Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Spokane Valley), one of the Diocese of Spokane participants in this year’s mission trip, noted that the children were shivering when the temperature dropped below 75 degrees.

Others from our diocese included Mike Henneberry, Dan and Joanne Cenis (St. Stephen’s, Spokane), Blythe Marney (Holy Trinity, Spokane), Kay Surles (St. James’, Pullman), and Bob and Joan Reilly (St. Luke’s, Wenatchee).The group of eight joined 38 other volunteer workers who spent a January week in Dangriga, a poor community on the southern coast of the Diocese of Belize in the Province of the West Indies. Other dioceses represented on the trip were Montana, Nevada, Olympia, and Texas.

In addition to screening for medical and dental needs and providing care to more than 750 patients, the medical team went into emergency room mode when seven victims of a tragic auto accident were rushed into the clinic. Although two victims died, and the equipment was minimal, the experienced team members and local doctor were able to stabilize the others, preventing further tragedy.

Volunteers also set up a computer lab, replaced a rotting roof on the local school, and completed other repairs. Churches contributing books, school supplies, medical supplies, and funds to the trip included St. James’, Pullman, St. Stephen’s, Spokane, and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Spokane Valley. Holy Cross Anglican School now has a Resurrection Hall, named in honor of the Spokane Valley congregation.