Cycling with Sally

Spirits were soaring as we stumbled upon Major Selo and two youths collecting money on the out skirts of Georgeville. We had been feeling pretty disappointed about not visiting Belize City and did not know about the Salvation Army volunteering opportunities in these more remote areas. Major Selo and his wife Vester, who are originally from Jamaica, have worked extremely hard setting up a positive, fun and educational Sunday School, a chapel and a fully stocked thrift store. It was great to learn about more about these services and future projects, speak and listen to the many children at school and contribute in a small way on the computer. We wish them all the best during their time in Belize and appreciate the huge difference they are making to their community.

 After discovering there was infact a Salvation Army in Merida we stayed an extra day so we could do some volunteer work as it had been a while.  Our host, Yapur kindly made the arrangements for us by phone and after picking our bike up from been cleaned and repaired we rode to 'Hogar de Ninos' and was warmly greeted by the Ruiz family.  They run a Monday to Friday boarding home and school for children that come from tough backgrounds.  In the weekends and holidays they go back to their homes to spend time with their families.  This program is particularly effective for families with limited income or single parent homes.  For example, a single mother is able to hold down a job while the kids are in the Salvation Army to provide for her children simple things such as running water and electricity in their home.  When we visited the kids weren't there and although it would have been great to play with the children we got busy painting the front wall of the main building.  Thank you to Miguel, Marcela and Israel for inviting us in and sharing your day with us.  It was such a pleasure to share a meal with you too.