by 
A Calling to Belize: The Inspiring Journey of Rev. Canon Lizbeth & Gary — From Lychee Farming to Community Faith
By Macarena Rose, Belize Talk Radio
Happy, beautiful day to you! It’s Macarena from Belize Talk Radio, and today I have the honor of sharing the remarkable journey of two dear friends—Reverend Lizbeth and Gary—whose story captures everything authentic, resilient, and heart-centered about life in Belize.
Their story is one of adventure, faith, perseverance, community, and what happens when you say yes to the quiet divine calling to create a new life in a new land.
How Belize Called Them
Their journey began decades ago, traveling through Mexico, wandering deeper and deeper south, eventually reaching the Yucatán. From across the water, they saw Belize — and something within said, We need to go there.
Their “extended weekend trip” became a lifelong love affair.
By the early 1980s, they returned for a four-week exploration of the entire country—from Corozal to Punta Gorda, from San Ignacio to the islands of San Pedro Ambergris Caye.
They fell in love with Belize.
Not just its beauty—
but its soul.
Choosing a Life in Cayo, Belize
Like so many who settle in the Cayo District, they felt drawn to the region’s lush greenery, warm community, and slower pace of life.
They lived in Cristo Rey Village from 1987–1988, at a time when there were:
No telephones
No electricity
No running water
Only two vehicles in the entire village
Today, they smile looking back — because Belize has transformed dramatically, now offering modern conveniences while still maintaining its charm, manners, and cultural warmth.
The Birth of the Lychee Legacy
In 1993, they purchased over 100 acres of land and began an unlikely agricultural journey: lychee farming.
Back then, lychees were unknown in Belize. But global demand consistently exceeded global supply — making it a promising crop.
Their journey included:
Importing trees from as far as Australia and Hawaii
Transporting trees bare-rooted (often losing plants in transit)
Locating and sourcing new varieties in Lancetilla Botanical Gardens in Honduras
Planting over 1,000 lychee trees by hand
Educating Belizeans about this new fruit
Selling at markets, becoming beloved as “The Lychee Man”
People still call out “Mr. Gary!” across villages, towns, and even Placencia — a testament to decades of contribution.
They later added:
Beekeeping with over 60 hives
Coconut farming
Production of treasured lychee-blossom honey
Everything they created was done with love, patience, and a deep commitment to Belizean community.
Faith, Service & Community
While Gary later retired, Lizbeth continued her calling — being ordained first as a deacon, then as a priest, and now serving as a Canon in the Anglican Church of Belize.
Their life is woven into the community:
Service in faith
Support of Belizean families
Integration into Belizean culture
Deep respect for local traditions
A shared love of God, harmony, and unity
In Belize, churches of all denominations peacefully coexist, reflecting the nation’s spirit of togetherness. As Rev. Lizbeth says:
“We are one people in the nation. One people in God.”
The Heart of Belize: Manners, Warmth & Community
One of the most touching parts of their story is how Belizeans greeted them when they first arrived:
“Good morning!”
“Good evening!”
“Happy day!”
The genuine friendliness—especially from children taught to respect and greet adults—felt like stepping back into a time when kindness was natural and common.
This is one of the many reasons they say Belize is the place they cannot imagine living without.
Four Decades of Perseverance
Their life in Belize wasn’t always easy:
Lychee trees took 8–10 years to produce
Farming required patience
Obstacles appeared regularly
Life required determination
But they never gave up.
Because they knew BELIZE was home.
Today, after nearly 40 years of being part of Belize’s cultural fabric, they say with full hearts:
“We are Belizean. This is our country.”
A Message for Those Considering Belize
Their story is the perfect example of what many discover for themselves:
If Belize calls you… follow it. If you feel drawn here, there is a reason. The blessings come when you say yes.
Belize isn’t just a place.
It’s a feeling.
A peace.
A calling.
And for Rev. Lizbeth and Gary, it has become the beautiful place they proudly call home.
Take some time to visit Rev. Lizbeth at the church in Belmopan
