Twelve Sacred Heart Academy students recently returned from Belize where they built a home for a family of four during an immersion trip with Hand in Hand Ministries. Alongside two SHA faculty members, Emily Jarboe (art department) and Emily Puffer (Accessible Education Center), eight sophomores, three juniors, and one senior joined in community to mix concrete, paint wooden planks, raise walls, and finally, bless a new home for a single mother and her three children.
Emily Puffer, Director of SHA's Accessible Education Center, reflected that the experience was even more powerful than she expected: "I felt so much pride watching our students work side-by-side with Ms. Christine and her family to provide her a fresh start that will empower her to break societal entrapment and create a better life for herself and her kids."
The Valkyries truly earned their reputation as "Strong Women of Great Faith," working diligently without complaint for three full days on the construction site. They learned new practical skills such as drilling and hammering, and also new social skills as they connected with the local community. Puffer remarked that "Our girls stepped outside their comfort zones to fully immerse themselves in the experience, willingly...taking part in aspects of Belizean culture. They were wonderful examples of our core values in action."
Indeed, the students acted with Reverence to Serve a stranger's Community, showing Leadership from the moment they departed Louisville and throughout the experience in a foreign country.
Kate Borthwick '26 reflected that although "the current state of the world seems bleak and full of pain, it is equally full of love and hope. I often find myself focusing on all the horrible things I read in the news every day, losing trust in humanity, but this service trip reminded me that there is so much love all around us, it's what connects us all to each other. It's important to remember to keep acting with love for all."
Sam Corbett '28 said her favorite part of the trip was "building the community between all the girls that were a part of the trip and being a part of something that would turn out to be so incredibly impactful for Ms. Christine and her family." She also learned "how to work cohesively with new people, as well as how to lead by example when doing difficult work. I learned to go with the flow, be patient, and try to see things you're a part of as bigger than yourself."
Sacred Heart proudly hosts several international trips each year, and through the Katy Brown '83 Endowed Global Hearts Travel Program, financial barriers are lifted so students can experience life-changing travel experiences. In 2025, students traveled to Belize, Greece and Turkey, and Costa Rica, and besides this Belize trip with Hand in Hand, the 2026 itinerary includes trips to Geneva, Amsterdam, and The Hague and The British Isles this summer. Trips to France, Italy, Australia, and Austria are planned for 2027. These opportunities inspire Sacred Heart Academy students to become globally-minded, compassionate leaders. Learn more here:
After the students worked hard to build a house during this service-learning opportunity in Belize, they immersed themselves into the community, visiting Hand in Hand's daycare facility and touring local landmarks such as the Altun Ha Mayan Temples and Caye Caulker Island.
