Predeparture

After two years of hard work my Belize adventure is finally becoming a reality! For those of you who are new to the saga, since first year I have been working with an organization through Queen's University called Queen's Medical Outreach (www.qmo.ca). In my second year I was chosen to travel on a health promotion project to Belize that involved teaching students across the country about topics like child abuse and HIV/AIDS.
After a full year of dedication to the program, our 8 person team watched in horror as what began as a simple business deal with the local telecom company turned into a nightmare. Union workers upset with the sale of BTL stocks to an American company sabotaged the telecom lines disrupting telephone service, internet and electricity. Unfortunately, this also disrupted entry and exit of planes. Riots errupted in Belize city causing widespread damage, numerous injuries and one death. All unions went on strike in support of the telecom workers and, unfortunately, this included the teachers' union. The Belizean people called for the government to step down and the country was left in a general state of instability. After a several weeks of watching the situation rise and fall (all while try to study for exams) the 2005 Belize Project was cancelled 4 days before departure.

Devastated, but having allready been selected as the 2006 co-director with Katie Hamilton at my side, I set off to run the project this year without ever having been to Belize. After some trying times with contacts from the ministry of education, attempting to secure funding, and travelers were selected and plans were set. The adventure begins May 2nd!

Anne