Travel with Purpose

Join us to hear how a self-made entrepreneur shares her journey of building her dream business on the island of Caye Caulker. Stacy worked to pay her own way to get through high school on the neighboring island. She is now a mentor for the local high school, Ocean Academy’s internship program, helping young people gain practical business experience.  Stacy is a model of ‘giving back’.  Hear her st...

The Board Treasurer of Hope Haven Charities, Betsy Rosenlund, shares her personal involvement as well as the tremendous benefit Hope Haven gives to this island community. Hope Haven provides shelter and educational opportunities for numerous children on Ambergris Caye - ranging from infants to older teens. Come alongside and bring your talent to share an art project, music, read with kids, teach m...

Join us to hear the Executive Director, Kristina Romero, tell the history and current programs of Hope Haven. She share how the organization was established in 2015, to address significant community needs. Hope Haven consists of an orphanage, serving girls, and boys, ages 1-17. It also has a domestic violence outreach center, as well as a learning center supporting kids literacy and math skills, f...

Daniel, a Cuban engineer from Guira, a town outside of Matanzas, joins us to share the local perspective of participating in the installation of water filtration systems.  Daniel shares a unique perspective, being on the “receiving” end, but also active in the process of both installing and maintaining the filter systems. He witnesses the impact of purified water on extended communities, who come...

Keith Ogelsby, a Vicor with the Episcopal church in Ponte Vedra, Florida, recently participated in his 1st trip to Cuba. He went to Cuba to continue building and supporting a relationship of many years, with his home church and the community of Guira, Cuba.  Being a smaller, more remote city, these communities receive much less support, financially or spiritually. Groups which participate in these...

Having been to Cuba numerous times, Olga has seen many changes, but one consistency is the warmth of the people. Hear how welcoming the Cuban people are and how you may ‘leave your heart in Cuba’. Olga reflects on ways we can learn from each other and appreciate what each has to offer. Learn ideas of what you may do, such as bringing supplies of reading glasses, basic medical supplies, or clothing...

Join us to hear Enoc Carbajal Gonzales, share ways to engage with Cuban people. A Baptist Pastor of 27 years, Enoc shares some projects you may consider participating in, such as visiting the elderly; becoming a language partner; or bringing much needed supplies. Hear about the economic challenges today, as well as the wave of immigration – especially among the youth, leaving many elderly alone. L...

After having taught primary school for five years, Mrs. Ariani Gongora noticed children experiencing major challenges with reading. Additionally, she recognized the challenge of school access - both financially and in proximity for children in San Pedro, Belize.  Thus, she and her husband decided to build a preschool, breaking the walls of their existing house to create it!  Join us to hear the im...

Join us to hear about how Rotary clubs from the U.S. and Belize are partnering on a grant project to help resolve a problematic sanitation problem. Learn how you can help with this sanitation project at an elementary school on the island, building sidewalks. Hear ways to partner in other Rotary projects, working in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, to support local needs as you travel. Susan shares how R...

As a long-term member of the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary team, Ms. Ruby Enriquez shares her insights of engaging in Belize, from the programming perspective. Receiving students for years, she notes the connections that are made between travelers and local Belizeans, as they participate in service projects, side-by-side. As a community based organization, focused on projects addressing local need...

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is an environmental education center offering Belize Study Abroad experiential learning programs and training opportunities while serving as a model of conservation land Stewardship. Our goal is to guide our guests and students in experiencing the natural wonders of the tropics and life in a developing country, recognizing the diversity of human potential through othe...

Julia Sullivan has served as head of the Cuba committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida for nearly 20 years. Her first visit to Cuba was in 1998. Discover why she’s been returning multiple times per year since then. One of the main focuses of projects that Julia has participated in is the installation of water purification systems. Providing purified drinking water has a tremendously positive...

Marilyn Borst is Associate Director for Partnership Development of the Outreach Foundation, a Presbyterian ministry. The Foundation builds and nurtures relationships with church leaders, assesses ministry initiatives, and leads short-term vision teams around the world. In this episode, Marilyn shares the development of special connections in Cuba, creating and supporting long-term relationships. L...

Welcome back! Join us for Part 2 of Carlos Emilio’s interview, as he moves from the late 1950’s to the present realities of life in Cuba today. Listen to ways you may support the Cuban people, gaining a deeper understanding of the many challenges they are currently experiencing – from a highly inflated currency to constant black-outs, making a regular work or home schedule nearly impossible. Join...

Join us for a 2-part series to learn about Cuba’s rich history from the eyes of a Seminary Dean: Carlos Emilio Ham.  Carlos shares an unusual and unique story of his journey from Cuba to the U.S. -- and back to Cuba-- in the 1960’s.  Carlos was born in Cuba and raised in the U.S.  Yet, during the time of the revolution, when a great many were fleeing the country, Carlos’ family felt...

Join us to hear Reverand Mark Pendleton’s experience, creating “ Friends of Cuba ”, a nonprofit organization, focused on building friendships and providing humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people. After many trips, starting in the 1980s, Mark felt a need to stay connected with Cubans. Thus, he has helped establish on-going partnerships between North American and Cuban churches.  Travelers...

Get ready for our launch January 30th, 2023! I invite you to my channel where you can learn about meaningful ways to travel and engage in communities around the world - impacting lives, both yours & theirs.

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