For Sister Valerie Miller, a recent mission trip to Belize offered an opportunity to share the Catholic faith through prayer, creativity and time spent with children.
Sister Valerie arrived in Belize on Aug. 6, 2026, before traveling to Las Flores with five other teachers. During the first four days, the group helped register 100 children for school. Each child was supported by a sponsor from the United States.
“Each child brought a thank-you letter for their sponsor and signed a contract promising to do their best in school,” Sister Valerie said. “It was encouraging to see how seriously they took their education.”
After registration, the children participated in Saints Alive, a Vacation Bible School program that introduced them to Catholic saints and Scripture through lessons, costumes and hands-on activities.
The first day centered on the Lord’s Prayer and St. Juan Diego. A teacher dressed as the saint and shared facts about his life and his encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe. Sister Valerie worked with children ages 5 to 7 as they made tunics from paper bags, colored pictures of Our Lady of Guadalupe and used painted celery to create roses.
“The children learned about St. Juan Diego while making something that helped them remember his story,” Sister Valerie said. “They were excited to participate and proud of what they created.”
On the second day, Sister Valerie dressed as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower. She spoke about the saint’s life and her belief that small acts completed with great love can lead people closer to God.
“My group made rose-beaded bracelets and clothespin crosses,” she said. “We also worked together on a mural showing the days of creation.”
Other groups created murals depicting Noah’s Ark and the parable of the good Samaritan. The children presented their completed projects the following day.
The final day focused on St. Carlo Acutis and his devotion to the Eucharist. One boy dressed as the young saint and shared facts about his life. Older children made monstrances using paper doilies, while Sister Valerie’s group created pennants featuring a chalice and host. They also drew pictures of Jesus and assembled a stained-glass-style paper puzzle of St. Carlo.
“One of the boys dressed as St. Carlo Acutis, and he really looked like him,” Sister Valerie said. “It was wonderful to see the children learning from one another and sharing what they had discovered.”
The camp concluded with presentations of the children’s murals and an emotional farewell.
“We said goodbye with hugs,” Sister Valerie said. “It was an exciting time with the teachers, our hosts, Cindy and Mark, and especially the children.”
Sister Valerie returned to the United States on Aug. 14 carrying memories of children eager to learn, create and grow in faith. Through Saints Alive, familiar stories of Scripture and the saints became lessons the children could see, touch and share with others.