ISLP 2009

ISLP BELIZE 2010

2010-03-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

The UofL International Service Learning team for 2010 is ready for departure on March 12. The interdisciplinary service learning teams include students and faculty from Dentistry, Education, Communication, Justice Adminstration, and Art Therapy. We will be in Belize for one very full week. The trip includes some cultural and fun time at the Mayan Ruins called Xunantanich and snorkling on the barrier reef. The majority of our time will be spent working in the villages of Red Bank, Independence, and Georgetown. The villages are located in the Stann Creek district which in the southern portion of Belize.
The team has many projects planned:
* Dental Clinic
* Workshops on Bullying and Conflict Resolution
* Teaching and Work in Schools - Science, Health, Art/Drama/Music
* Health Classes for Women

We will post information and photos each day of our trip. Please send notes and comments back to the the team. This will be our way to stay in touch with our friends and family while we are on the trip.

Justice and Art Therapy In Georgetown - Day 5

2009-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

2009-03-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

I have three best friends now, oh I'm sorry four. I now have Yeni (the leader), Yosarry (the co-leader), and Cristy (the follower) and Yosarry's sister Bessy. We played ring around the rosie, had an art show, etc.

Except for Bessy, they each wrote me a letter and at the end wrote I love you. I love them too. I would really like to come back in a few years and see how they are doing.

I will really miss Red Bank, Belize!

Toma Lynn Smith
Senior
Communication

Photos from Tuesdays Work

2009-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today may have been the best experience on this trip so far for me. I got to work in the dental clinic, which I had been looking forward to since I heard they were also going on the trip. I can't like, it started out slow and I only got to play dental receptionist for the first hour or so, but after that it really picked up. First of all I have to thank Jay for letting me play his assistant. He took me under his wing and I really did learn a lot. Giving and shot was one of the most exciting things I've ever done. I've been telling everyone that in two years I'll be back as a dentist and not a communications major. In closing I guess the most important thing I learned about today was how the work we were doing impacted the people in the village. Seeing the pain that they were in, and the fact that we were able to ease that pain and help fix some problems is something that I will always remember. When someone told me this was a life changing experience they weren't lying.

-Dillon Miles

GREETINGS FROM THE DENTAL TEAM!!!
whoop whoop.

We had a big day! In our small wooden room with 4 dental "lawn chairs" and headlamps for light we managed to see 59 patients today in Red Bank. Many extractions were performed and lots of teeth were filled. We worked a late shift (till 7, dark) with hopes of seeing many of the men who work late on the bananna farms, but instead we saw lots and lots of children that had been in school all day. Due to the lack of flouridation in the H20 and the local love for sugar cane there is a high rate of Early Childhood Caries (cavities) in the children of Red Bank, although if you ask a group of them how many times a day they are supposed to brush they will yell " THREEEEE."
We have brought them toothbrushes in the past and again this year but its just not enough. In the future we hope to help them integrate flouride into their water supply.

On a personal level, each one of us on the "d-team" learned a lot today. We gained an understanding of dentistry that cannot be obtained from sitting in a classroom or working in a clinic at ULSD. We worked a 10 hour day where we didn't stop, not because we had to, but because we have skills that can help people that are in pain and will not be able to recieve relief unless we complete their treatment today. We leave tomorrow and surely we will not be able to see everyone, but today we rocked out in the clinic, everyone pulled their weight and did as much as we can.

We love relieving pain, but with losing a tooth you can lose your self esteem and confidence...
So... we took 8 impressions during the day with materials that were really sensitive to the humidity and heat. Then tonight, after we had worked a long day, we sat around a small reading lamp at Cardie's hotel and had a "flipper" party.
We made 8 small plates with fake teeth for some of the patients who had lost their teeth either this year or last.

Talk about rewarding. It sucks having to pull so many teeth, but if you can give a few back it makes it even better! We have lots of funky bug bites and funny stories from clinic, but I like to think of them as souveniers...

When i'm itching my ankles next week in class while listening to Dr. Bernstein lecture about oral cancer i will be thinking about my adventures in the clinic "wooden room with concrete floor" of Red Bank.

Special thanks to Dr. David Jones and Dr. Tom Clark for their guidance and advice while on this trip and especially in the clinic.

Jen Wilson, Dental 2010

Tuesday- Georgetown

2009-03-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

We were warned that by the time the middle of the trip came, we wouldn't want to leave. Well, this is so true. I think all of us will have to undergo some sort of "detachment therapy" when we arrive back in the states. I will say that everything I've seen here, has shown me that people all over, have the same values, wants and needs. We all want better and affordable healthcare, jobs, and affordable schooling for all. This is true for the people in Red Bank, a small village here in Belize. I have had the wonderful oppurtunity to go into the homes of Belizeans and into schools and interact with different children of several different races and I have found that people are people, children are children....we are the same. I am LOVING it here, the faculty is amazing and is doing an awesome job making sure we have a great spring break...in the traditional sense and otherwise =) I am so blessed to be here and I thank God for this opportunity.

Denise Polk
Justice Administration
Senior

Photos from Georgetown

2009-03-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

First Work Day in Red Bank

2009-03-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day in Red Bank and I have to say that it far exceeded my expectations! I am exhausted but feel so good about what we are doing in the village and how much I think it means to the people of Red Bank. Last night at our meeting with some of the village leaders, a teacher told us that U of L's work has made a difference in people's lives. I definitely see that and I hope they know what a difference they are making in our lives. I was amazed at the similarities; I came in thinking I would find so many differences but I saw common themes of parents working hard and sacrificing for their families, mothers wanting their kids to have better lives than theirs, and community spirit and division. I am very impressed with their slow pace and the simplicity of their lives. I am reminded of what truly matters in life and hope to slow down in my own life. And the kids! There are no words to describe the energy and spirit of the kids of Red Bank. I fell in love with them from the minute we walked into the schools. I had to abandon the first aid theme with our activity but it went well anyway. I felt so much love from the kids who remembered our names after a few minutes and held our hands while we walked down the road. I am looking forward to a good nights rest and another wonderful day tomorrow. Chau!

Rebecca Hall

Monday- Hard At Work

2009-03-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

So, today was our first day working in the village and it totally exceeded our expectations! We stepped out of our comfort zones and jumped into new roles. Who would have guessed you can learn so much about yourself and others all in one day. The community profiling was a unique learning experience for everyone involved, we learned so much about the community and the villagers of Red Bank. The Dental Clinic served over 50 residents of the community today which surpassed previous first day clinic turnouts. Everyone worked very hard today and are looking forward to the next few days in Belize!!

Jennifer Cruze and Emilie Dupaquier

Justice Administration

Getting Set Up

2009-03-15T16:57:00.001-07:00

The ISLP team collected mountains of needed supplies for the service projects and for the people that we serve. While watching the UofL game on Saturday night, we separated, organized and got ready for our work that starts early on Monday. Everyone is doing well and ready to start the work that we have prepared for so long.

Sunday

2009-03-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Selection Sunday!

Most importantly Louisville is the number one seed!

Ok, off to our adventures! Today, we had students and faculty on a fishing trip, snorkeling, scuba diving, beach combing, and shopping!

I (Taylor, Expressive Therapies) went on the fishing adventure with most of the 'dental dudes' and THE one E.T. dude, intitally the water was too choppy to put our lines in, so we ended up at Laughing Bird Caye. At the LBC, we snorkeled and spotted incredible fish, etc including a cuttle fish and a carribean lobster. The water was florescent blue, turquoise, dark blue, and light green. We drank milk from coconuts and caught rays....unfortunately we did not catch any fish:)

It was an awesome trip I will never forget, our guides Gabrielle and 'Bones' were super friendly and showed us all around the different cayes.

Belize...Synonymous with Paradise

2009-03-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I've come to Belize now with ISLP and I can say two things which define this journey. The first is that I am thankful that we all made it (with the luggage) in one piece and on the same day to Belize, something I was not able to do last year.

The second is much more emotional for me, and that is coming to Belize, I felt as if I were going home. It is a very foreign feeling to me (no pun intended), but it is something which makes me think about intensely. I did not feel like I woke up in one country and fell asleep in another. To me, I woke up at UofL which is like my home, and I fell asleep where my heart is, at least a portion of it.

Being able to enjoy this country, see the ruins and the history, and simply drive and see the beautiful people, vegetation, and landscape makes me feel like I have reached a euphoric peace. Tomorrow, I go to a Cay to go to the beach.

Maybe we've discovered Heaven on Earth after all... Regardless, I love Belize, and I am so happy and fortunate to be back!

-Mike Oghia (Socio)
University of Louisville, '09

1st full day in Belize!

2009-03-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

After an exhausting amount of travel (but with good company :) we finally made it to Belize. We have had the opportunity to view many amazing sites, but I must say that just being in the country is pretty great. We have prepared for so long that it is very exciting to begin to organize the work that we are doing here. I would have to say that the high of today, for me, was listening to our guide at the Myan Ruins. He was such an interesting and fascinating man that had much to share with us. Being in expressive therapies, I was very fascinated with what he had to say about color symbolism. He said that to the Mayans green represents life, energy, and power. Red and black were their ceremonial colors. Probably the low of the day are the bugs....but I guess I should get used to that. We are having an amazing time and it is great to be able to share this with whoever is reading this!

Jessica Harman
2nd Year
Masters in Expressive Therapies

Belize has been amazing, and everything that I had expected. All of the driving has been tiring but really cool to get to see the country. Today we went to some Mayan Ruins and it was awesome being able to climb to the top. I am ready to go to the Jaguar Preserve tomorrow and excited to start our work in Red Bank on Monday morning.

Sam Stewart
Senior
Communication

Belize is beautiful. I've never seen so much green: plants and trees galore. The beauty continued as we visited the Mayan ruins and stood on top of a pyryamid. It is HOT though, but it's beauty makes it worth it. I am grateful to be here.

Toma Lynn Smith
Senior
Communication

Wow. I've seen African, Asian, Amish, and Mayan people throughout the part of the country we have visited so far. I've seen thatched roofed houses and stately mansions on a hill. I've seen women washing clothes by the river, a HUGE iguana, learned about ancient Maya civilization, climbed a HUGE ruin of a pyramid and we're about to watch the UofL game here at Cardies in Independence! I am so blessed to have this opportunity. I am looking forward to working with the children and people in Independence and Red Bank. My only regret is not starting up a conversation (even though I really wanted to) with the citizens of Belize....I want to know what the "real deal" is. My goal for the rest of the trip is to daringly strike up conversations, OPEN MY MOUTH and talk! I'll probably be surprised at what I learn. And that's why I'm here...to LEARN about a culture very much unlike my own, but interesting nonetheless.

Denise T. Polk
Senior
Justice Administration

Made it to Cardie's

2009-03-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day. We made it through the mountains and arrived safely at Cardies. We'll get settled tonight and have some students do some of the writing. They are anxious to tell you about the trip so far.

Internet Irratic

2009-03-14T12:43:00.001-07:00

The Internet is not completely dependable here.

First Impressions from the Vice President for Student Affairs

2009-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

What a great group of students and faculty. Traveling with this delegation reminds me of the wonderful reasons why we do what we do. It is truly special to watch the transformation of these students -- from eager traveler to international scholar.

Just today, following a tour of Xunantunich (Mayan Ruins for a once community of 10,000) we were sitting in the shade talking about the meaning of specific words. Before that we were discussing history and engineering. Before that, nature's beauty. When we marry time with scholarship, as this programs does, it is amazing the things that can occur.

As you already know from earlier posts we have had an uneventful arrival to Belize. The moment the plane touched down on the runway it could be felt - astonishment, relief, excitement, joy, and adventure. All these feelings could be felt in that plane. Personally I felt this wonderful sense of contribution. Why? One of our faculty's many goals is to provide our students a meaningful, international educational experience. The moment we touched down we all knew it - we were not in the United States and we were again bonded forever in this unique experience.

I look forward to observing the growth of our students over the coming days. I have already held at least six video interviews I hope to put online before the end of the week. For the many friends and parents living this experience with us through this blog, please know that your student is learning a great deal about themselves and their colleagues. They are truly enaged in deeper discussions than many have ever had before, and they are experiencing a reliance on themselves (and others) in a process we hope they keep with them the rest of their lives. The photos they are taking say it all - they want to share this experience with you and to forever remember it.

At the end of the week I will offer one final summary of thoughts. Between now and then I hope you are able to enjoy the blog. Take care. Tom Jackson, Vice President

Photos

2009-03-14T10:39:00.001-07:00

Photos from the Travel Day

2009-03-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

We've had a great dinner and breakfast. After a good night's sleep, we are going to Xunantunich today to see the Mayan ruins.

Here are some photos from our travel day. Everyone says hello especially to moms and dads, kids, and spouses. We miss you, but we want you to know that we are off to a great start.

We're Here

2009-03-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

We arrived safely. Only a short delay in Dallas. Drove though the farming portion of the country to San Ignacio. We are at the Cahal Pech Resort tonight. Everyone is tired, hungry, but very excited about the trip. Will send photos later tonight.

Introduction to the ISLP 2009

2009-03-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2009 International Service Learning Blog. The UofL International Service Learning team for 2009 is a dedicated group of UofL students, faculty and administrators.

Most of our service learning work will occur in the village of Red Bank. Other villages we will work in include Independence and Georgetown. On the map, we are about 15 miles south of the Jaguar Preserve. It is about a three hour drive from Belize City and the airport. On the way, we go through many small villages and the mountains to get there. No four-lane highways here, only narrow, sometimes winding, two-lane roads with no lines and MANY speed bumps. It is a custom in Belize to have two sets of speed bumps as you enter a village and two sets as you leave the village. Many people walk along the roads, so it makes it much safer for the villagers.

We will be posting our blog each day of the trip, so our families and friends can keep up with our work and how things are going. Please send your comments and messages on the blog. We all enjoy hearing from you.

The interdisciplinary service learning teams include faculty and students from the following disciplines:

Communications

Dentistry
Education

Expressive Therapy

Justice Adminstration.

We will be in Belize for one very full week. The trip includes some cultural and fun time at the Mayan Ruins called Xunantanich and snorkling on the barrier reef. However, the majority of our time will be spent working in Red Bank, a small Mayan village. The remote village situated right at the edge of the rain forest has a population of about 1400.

The team has many projects planned:

Dental Clinic

Community Interview Project

School workshops on respect and bullying

Teaching and Work in Schools - Geography, Health, Public Speaking, First Aid, and Mathematics

Health Classes for Women

For you new bloggers, just click on comments and submit your note to the team.