Saint Xavier University students work with children in Belize

Week of June 23, 2008 -- Six Saint Xavier University students traveled to Central America to perform a week of service, which included working at ministry locations in Belize and visiting several cultural sites. To see a photo gallery and video of the trip, visit http://sxuinthenews.blogspot.com/.

The group was led by Sister Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., Sister Joy Clough, R.S.M., and Professor David Arenas, Ph.D. They were hosted by Hand-in-Hand Ministries, an international human services organization that seeks to make Christ present in the world through service to the poor, especially abandoned or disabled children. Students worked at two HHM-related sites: a pre-school in one of Belize Citys poorer areas and an outreach center for children with HIV/AIDS.

SXU senior Sara Koncel, of Shorewood, Ill., had the unique experience of substitute teaching at St. Martin's Childcare Center in Belize City when the regular teacher became ill.

Those kids learn and think and react exactly the same way they do here in the States, Koncel said. They have the same needs, the same desires, not necessarily the same dreams and aspirations, but they still have dreams and aspirations. Halfway around the world, three-year-olds are all the same.

The group also took advantage of the Sisters of Mercy presence in Belize by serving at Mercy Clinic, which provides health services, including home visits and a daily meal program for senior citizens.

This was an opportunity of a lifetime for our students to take part in the long-standing tradition of Mercy service, said Sister Sanders. The experiences on this trip speak to the very core of the values we hope to instill at Saint Xavier University, the first Sisters of Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States.

Koncel said she would definitely be searching for ways to take more service trips. You can sign me up now. Its just so fulfilling to go on a service trip. You take 10 days out of your life and you make such an impact on a child.

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