Over spring break, a group of confirmation students and volunteers from St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Florence traveled to Belize for a transformative journey marked by spiritual, cultural, and personal growth. The trip marked the first international mission trip organized by the parish for a confirmation class, and it proved to be an unforgettable experience, uniting the community in faith and service.

The trip was coordinated by Father Jonathan Howell, pastor, and Director of Religious Education Kim Kroeger, along with dedicated parish volunteers. The parish partnered with San Miguel Arcangel Missions, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the development needs of impoverished rural communities in Central America. While parish staff and missionaries worked for months to plan the logistics, the wider parish community rallied to raise funds for building materials and travel expenses for the students.

Parishioners were excited to be part of the mission by volunteering at fundraisers and donating generously to make the trip possible. In doing so, the parish truly lived out Mother Teresa’s wisdom: “Some give by going, others go by giving.”

This was a journey of many firsts not only for the parish but also for the students. For many, it was their first time flying, their first extended time away from home, and their first direct encounter with extreme poverty.

A New Perspective

“This trip showed me to be thankful for what I have,” said 16-year-old Danny Babb. “Even minor things like clean water and air conditioning.”

In Cayo, Belize, the students were challenged to go without many of the comforts they took for granted back home—luxuries for many locals. They spent the week building a home for a family in need and connecting with the local community. While some students shared Latin American heritage with the residents of Belize, they were struck by the profound differences in upbringing and by how blessed they were to have been raised in the U.S.

“I learned that I am very fortunate my parents came to the U.S.,” shared 16-year-old Daisy Juarez. “I will make sure to stay humble and very grateful.”

Throughout the week, the students took part in everything from framing walls and constructing chicken coops to playing soccer with local kids and preparing meals. These seemingly simple tasks became powerful encounters with Christ and opportunities to grow in love, faith, and charity.

Mia Limon, another confirmation student, shared how the experience transformed her outlook on life: “Happiness comes in the form of love, community, and God—not from money or material things.”

A Lasting Impact

The trip was deeply meaningful for all involved. Martin and Maria Limon, a married couple who served as chaperones, agreed it was an experience worth repeating. “Almost everyone discovered abilities they didn’t believe they had,” exclaimed Martin.

By the end of the trip, the group was filled with joy, reflecting on their growth and witnessing the happiness of the family they had served. “It was a very moving and fulfilling moment when we saw the house being blessed on the last day,” added Maria.

When asked what they would say to someone considering a mission trip for the first time, the students responded, “It’s an incredible learning experience. It is not only a way to serve others but a powerful opportunity to grow closer to God.”