Belize- land which is lush in greenery and rich in the cultures of the Garifuna, Mayan (Ketchi and Mopan), Mestisto (Spanish speaking) and Creole peoples. A country where time and distance is relative, where "just around the corner"or "in a few minutes" would have different connotations to someone from North America. Belize was visited by 6 such North Americans in the week of November 11^th until the 18^th, 2007. The group from CAMEO consisted of seasoned professionals who have all traveled on mission trips before. Two doctors: David Keen and Joti Keshav; and four nurses: Yvonne Keen, Elizabeth Greaves, Sharon Baker and Judith Keen-Bingham all took the time to be of service to the people of Belize during this week.

Clinic started on Tuesday morning and was held in a school room in Triobladen (Trio) Village. The people there were not expecting us but were receptive. The group saw several children and adults, and worked tirelessly until there was no longer any light. The village had no electricity. This clinic saw a total of 129 patients, mainly Ketchi and Mestisto. The children hungered for the goodies of pencils and toothbrushes brought by the CAMEO team.

Wednesday took the group initially to a Hurricane shelter in Cow Pen. However, when we arrived we discovered that it was occupied by squatters working on a nearby building. We were then led by The Ministry of Health vehicle to another clinic in San Juan. We again, were not expected but managed to see a total of 100 patients despite the late start. Spanish was the language of the day and it was fortunate that although we did have an interpreter, three of the group members were fluent enough to understand and be understood in the language. The medication information too, had to be translated to Spanish, for easy comprehension.

Day three took the group down the rough Placentia roads (much improved now). On the way to the Breezy town of Seine Bight, the group picked up a young man who happened to have an ill child at home and was walking several miles back home after going to Dangriga that morning. The CAMEO doctors attended to the child and goodies were left in the home for the other children. Seine Bight clinic was rich in information about the Garifuna peoples. There we saw dancing and heard the language within the clinic. This clinic was one of the smaller ones and CAMEO medical mission group saw 60 patients here, many being screened for hypertension and diabetes.

The Hummingbird Clinic along the Hummingbird Highway took some time to be located, and turned out to be a one room building on top of the hill. Although no one was expecting the medical mission group, word quickly spread in the community and in the end 88 patients were seen.

All four clinics diagnosed and treated respiratory infections, hypertension, worms, skin diseases, anemia and diabetes as some of the primary problems. CAMEO was a welcome entity for all who were seen and we made a difference in the quality of life in all who were touched medically and spiritually.