Caldwell College Students Help Build Church in Central American Village

A mission trip to the Central American country of Belize in May turned out to be a life-changing event for 11 Caldwell College students. 

Led by college president Dr. Nancy Blattner, her husband Tim and staff member Meghan Moran, the group spent eight days in Punta Gorda, Belize, serving families and children.

When members of the group arrived at their destination May 13, they were greeted by Father Lou McCabe, an American Jesuit, who assigned them to assist local carpenters in building a church in the village of Corazon Creek.  The foundation had already been poured and eight pillars had been set.

The students' job was to help pour the remaining pillars, frame the structure, and construct the roof. That last task included putting up 11 handmade triangular support beams and applying zinc sheeting — all of which was set on a tight deadline. 

“Mass was to be celebrated in this church on Sunday, May 19, since that was Pentecost, and we didn’t want to disappoint the eight families of the village who would come or those who would arrive from much farther away either by walking or by bus,” Blattner said. 

Their days consisted of tearing down framing, putting up two-by-fours, and building ceiling trusses in the blazing sun — all with limited tools.

“We only had two hammers,” recalled Julia Scarola, a senior art and psychology major. 

Since materials were scarce, Scarola and a friend looked for previously used wood and pulled nails out of that supply so they could reuse the materials. In between building, the Caldwell students took turns playing with the local children. Some colored and drew with the young children using crayons students had purchased at a gas station; others took turns caring for babies.

“One of my favorite things,” said senior Selenia Vega about playing with the village's children. 

Students also took up a collection to purchase a soccer ball, toy cars, dolls and whistles for the children.

It was a thrill to see the joy the village children got from learning about cameras and iPhones that their new American friends shared with them, said students. 

“Seeing that just a little thing made the kids smile and happy," said Vega "[makes you realize] that life is so short and time here is not guaranteed.”   

By the end of the week, members of the Caldwell group had met their goal: The church was built and students were able to attend Pentacost Mass there on Sunday with the local residents! 

But the group accomplished something bigger than erecting the church, said Moran, assistant director of student activities and volunteer outreach. 

“Building the church was important, but even if we were not there, the locals would have built that church. The bigger achievement was the connections we made. Nothing compared to the joy and love our students received and nothing compared to the love and joy they gave in return.” 

Moran added the challenge for the students will be bringing what they saw and learned to their everyday lives.