Greetings from San Pedro Columbia, Belize
by Connie Burk and Jerry Moomaw

A year ago, we were preparing to move to Belize so that we could launch IAIA's first projects. We were busy assembling a shipping container of new computers and used books. Our plans took an unexpected turn when Hurricane Iris, a record-setting storm, slammed into southern Belize on October 8. San Pedro Columbia was directly in its path and suffered tremendous devastation. Nearly every home was damaged, all the trees were completely stripped of their leaves, and vast stretches of forest became a jumble of fallen and broken trees. We hastily organized a campaign to purchase a chainsaw mill and collect relief supplies to add to the goods we were shipping down.

We arrived in Columbia just seven weeks after the hurricane. By then, the ever resilient and resourceful people of the village were coping with the loss of their homes and crops. Our shipping container, originally expected to arrive in early 2002, was delayed. We practiced patience. We repaired the Columbia Opportunity Center building in the village. We started building our house and planted crops and gardens. We learned more about the culture of the villagers and they got to know us better.

Finally, in April, the container arrived. From then until now, our projects have been in full swing and amazing things have happened. The computer center was set up and soon became a busy focus of activity. Hurricane relief supplies and seeds were distributed. A children's library was organized and became wildly popular. The chainsaw mill produced beautiful lumber from many large trees that the hurricane blew down. Our house is nearly finished. There has even been time for doing stonework and planting useful and ornamental plants around our new home.

It has been such a rewarding experience! We achieved many successes, faced some difficult challenges, and made some mistakes - but above all we learned a lot. We often remind the people of San Pedro Columbia that, although we are the visible presence of IAIA, there are so many people backing us up and making the project possible through volunteer support and donations, especially the Athens-San Pedro Columbia Sister Village Program. People here have asked us to convey their thanks and appreciation.

We are eager to share the stories of this wonderful year, and are very much looking forward to the coming year and to the further development of IAIA's projects.

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