Go Deh Strong-Ruta Maya Canoe Race

https://www.gofundme.com/ruta-maya-canoe-racego-deh-strong?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta_button&utm_campaign=upd_n

La Ruta Maya Belize Endurance Canoe race is an annual race that is one hundred and seventy miles, or 4 days, of paddling along the Macal River. Participation in this experience is a long-standing tradition among the Jesuit Volunteers placed in Belize. 

In continuation of this family tradition, we, the females of the Punta Gorda JV community, invite you all to be a part of our La Ruta Maya experience beginning on March 3rd. In addition to witnessing the amazing ways in which individual efforts can come together to accomplish a seemingly impossible feat, we are eager to witness and experience the transformative work of the Spirit through one another and those we meet throughout this journey.  We are not only excited to build a community of loving support and encouragement within our canoe, but we are also eager to carry along with us the female spirit and energy of resilience and fearlessness that are consistently sources of creating positive change in our world, with the power of transformative love and peaceful protest. 

Our team name, "Go Deh Strang", is a Belizean Kriol phrase that essentially means "more power to ya." We hope to join the spaces of resilience, peaceful protest and hope  that we have witnessed being created back home in response to injustice, fear and discouragement. We hope to use the power of our bodies and of community to give "voice" to our love and appreciation for all of the incredible female figures in our lives, both here in Belize and back home. In honor of all who have supported, loved and inspired us along our own journeys of faith and transition and in honor of all those who ceaselessly dedicate their lives to seeking and witnessing a "faith that does justice", we wish to honor you and your efforts by way of this canoe race.You will surely be in our prayers and your love and strength within every stroke of our paddles! May She, who gives us the will and the power to live and to live fully, continue to bless you and keep you! 

-We are in the midst of creating a playlist for the canoe race itself. Any songs, artists, or other inspirational  fuel and suggestions are most welcome!

-If you have any intention (person, experience, place, idea, etc.) that you wish for us to hold in prayer and at heart throughout our experience, please forward them to any one of us ladies. We are currently in the works of creating a unique way to uplift intentions throughout the four days.


Race items to be funded for:
-3-person canoe
-3 life jackets
-3 oars
-Transportation 
-Camping gear
-Food, snacks, and beer to fuel our incredible service team!! (shout out to our JV/Belizean fam!)


Team "Go Deh Strang" is currently being fueled on:
Belikin Beer
Bananas
Callaloo or any other green veg
Chocolate
Peanut Butter
The wise words of Joyce Rupp
The strength and grace of Michelle Obama