Hello, Friends
by Connie Burk

As we complete our third year in Belize, we continue to feel very fortunate living the lives we're living on the Columbia River. Every day, we enjoy the harvests of many fruits, chocolate, coconuts, native root crops and other vegetables. Our solar-powered home (right), a mix of wood, steel, bamboo, cohune thatch, and a large canvas tent, makes camping feel like luxury living. And the views from the hammocks on our front and back decks are exquisite.

We have much to share about our continuing work here. In some ways, it has been a year of "almosts." We almost had a Peace Corps volunteer assigned to IAIA in July but at the last minute, the "right fit" wasn't found, and we did not receive a placement. Also, we came very close to purchasing an internet satellite dish for the Columbia Opportunity Center, a longtime goal of IAIA's and many Columbianos, but we backed off due to a lack of solid startup funding and fears of teenaged vandalism. We consider both situations as only delays, though. After all, this is Belize, where very little happens quickly.

There is much to report on the positive side. Soon after my fundraising trip to Ohio in May, we found a new home for the Opportunity Center and, in mid-June, moved to our stronger, more spacious quarters near the village primary school. The move went well and, since the new location is closer to the center of the village, we have been serving many more children and youth.

IAIA was honored at the first commencement graduation of the nearby Julian Cho Technical High School in June and we have since strengthened our connection with this important high school serving youth throughout the region. In other regional efforts, we have developed ties with Peace Corps Belize, collaborating with both its central administration and village-based volunteers on projects.

Jerry continues to learn more about tropical farming and to talk with village farmers about how they are responding to the challenges they are facing. In May, he coordinated a bulk purchase of disease-resistant coconut trees from central Belize for village farmers replacing trees they have lost due to a disease traveling through our region.

All in all, it's been a wonderful year and we look forward to our next year on the Rio Columbia.

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