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Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
WE'RE HOME!
This is short and sweet, as it is late and a shower and sleep are calling my name. We're home and just walking back in the house is a reminder of our many blessings. The mission does not end here. This was just the beginning! Everyone sleep tight!
I (WE) LEFT MY HEART IN BELIZE!
We are packed and just finished another wonderful meal prepared by Yvette. The bags are packed and soon we will be on our way. Devotion time this morning was very sweet as we each shared three memories of this amazing week! Tears were flowing as our hearts are overflowing! We have pictures and videos to share and even more our memories of BLESSINGS FROM BELIZE! We came to be His Hands and Feet and in turn we were blessed beyond measurement!
See you tonight precious family and friends!
See you tonight precious family and friends!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Return to Buena Vista
We made a second trip to the small town of Buena Vista and today we gave out toys, hygiene packs, medicine, popsicles, and bubbles. Lauren, Joel, Ashley, and Damaris all face painted. These kids are amazing and are always smiling; which brings much joy to our team. The kids are all very grateful for what they get. A pencil brings so much joy to them.
When we first got there today, they came running to the bus, looking for the friends they had made Tuesday. Once everyone got off, the kids took everyone in different directions. A lot of the team ended up kicking soccer balls around with the kids, while the rest of the team unloaded the bus. When the bus was unloaded some of the team members were given bubbles. The kids loved the bubbles! It was so inspiring to see the children's faces light up when we blew the bubbles with them. They loved being able to chase them, and try to blow them. Today was a day full of joy and laughter...and we look foward to seeing you guys tommorrow!
When we first got there today, they came running to the bus, looking for the friends they had made Tuesday. Once everyone got off, the kids took everyone in different directions. A lot of the team ended up kicking soccer balls around with the kids, while the rest of the team unloaded the bus. When the bus was unloaded some of the team members were given bubbles. The kids loved the bubbles! It was so inspiring to see the children's faces light up when we blew the bubbles with them. They loved being able to chase them, and try to blow them. Today was a day full of joy and laughter...and we look foward to seeing you guys tommorrow!
Leap of Faith
This morning we woke up bright and early. We packed up our bags and headed off to a local school. There the puppets performed for the kids. After about 3 hours of hard work the team was hot and tired.
As a boost we had a picnic at a nearby river. If you haven't figured it out yet, there was a bridge over the river and several of the team members decided to take a leap off the bridge. The water was cool and refreshing.
All those who jumped agree that is what indeed a leap of faith. Standing on top of the bridge was indeed scary and nerve racking. Once you just closed your eyes and jumped, the thrill was amazing. I guess the hardest part about jumping was trusting the river to catch you gently.
The leap into the river is similar to the leap into faith. At times it seems scary and nerve racking, but God is always there to catch you. This entire trip has been a leap of faith for the team members. God has caught us, kept us safe,and tomorrow He will bring us home safely.
As a boost we had a picnic at a nearby river. If you haven't figured it out yet, there was a bridge over the river and several of the team members decided to take a leap off the bridge. The water was cool and refreshing.
All those who jumped agree that is what indeed a leap of faith. Standing on top of the bridge was indeed scary and nerve racking. Once you just closed your eyes and jumped, the thrill was amazing. I guess the hardest part about jumping was trusting the river to catch you gently.
The leap into the river is similar to the leap into faith. At times it seems scary and nerve racking, but God is always there to catch you. This entire trip has been a leap of faith for the team members. God has caught us, kept us safe,and tomorrow He will bring us home safely.
Orphanage & Backyard Bible Club
(This post is a day late because yesterday was so full!)
We began our day of ministry at a local orphanage. The children who attend school were not there but we were able to minister to two teens and several children from about 5 mos to 5 years. Our team brought in puppets and the children enjoyed seeing them up close. Then, we decided to play some music for them. Steve helped bring out a drum set from their storage and we had a keyboard. One young lady who was blind, enjoyed the music so much that she sang into the microphone. She was all smiles. We spent TIME with them. We rocked the babies to sleep in our arms. We tickled and played with the children. We sang and rubbed their backs. We were blessed. Our team left school supplies, stuffed animals, toiletries and underwear for the home.
The afternoon was time for planning the Backyard Bible Club. We prepared for over 100 people to attend this community wide event for Roaring Creek. The event began at 5:00 pm with a hot doog cookout. We served 200 hot dogs with chips and juice. Then the kids moved outside to stations for face painting, balloon animals, games, crafts and much more! The backyard of the Uriah Compound was filled with both children and adults! When the sun set, we moved into the church for a puppet show at 7:00 pm. The sanctuary was full! Children were sitting and standing to see these puppets. The show was a blessing and enouraged them to know God's name and pray always! One song reminded them that "He put the stars in the sky and He knows them by name. You are amazing God!" Each child received a toy as they left the building. (Some children were clever enough to go around the building to re-enter in the backdoor for another toy! We finally closed and locked that door. Wow! You should've seen the rush for the toys!)
Our evening ended with a beautiful eclipse of the moon. God had blessed us with another amazing day of serving. Please continue to hold us in your prayers. We miss you all!
We began our day of ministry at a local orphanage. The children who attend school were not there but we were able to minister to two teens and several children from about 5 mos to 5 years. Our team brought in puppets and the children enjoyed seeing them up close. Then, we decided to play some music for them. Steve helped bring out a drum set from their storage and we had a keyboard. One young lady who was blind, enjoyed the music so much that she sang into the microphone. She was all smiles. We spent TIME with them. We rocked the babies to sleep in our arms. We tickled and played with the children. We sang and rubbed their backs. We were blessed. Our team left school supplies, stuffed animals, toiletries and underwear for the home.
The afternoon was time for planning the Backyard Bible Club. We prepared for over 100 people to attend this community wide event for Roaring Creek. The event began at 5:00 pm with a hot doog cookout. We served 200 hot dogs with chips and juice. Then the kids moved outside to stations for face painting, balloon animals, games, crafts and much more! The backyard of the Uriah Compound was filled with both children and adults! When the sun set, we moved into the church for a puppet show at 7:00 pm. The sanctuary was full! Children were sitting and standing to see these puppets. The show was a blessing and enouraged them to know God's name and pray always! One song reminded them that "He put the stars in the sky and He knows them by name. You are amazing God!" Each child received a toy as they left the building. (Some children were clever enough to go around the building to re-enter in the backdoor for another toy! We finally closed and locked that door. Wow! You should've seen the rush for the toys!)
Our evening ended with a beautiful eclipse of the moon. God had blessed us with another amazing day of serving. Please continue to hold us in your prayers. We miss you all!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Salt and Light to Little Ones...
Today the team packed rice and beans to take to the local community of Buena Vista. We left on the bus after an early lunch. Noting could have prepared our hearts for the faces we would see as we drove in to this community.
We drove up to the small school and children outside smiled and waved at the bus. We all grabbed bags of rice, beans and "goodie bags" with toiletry items. We divided into groups of two or three and the children followed us. On every street you would see groups of children with our team members. As the children walked with us, many of them would sing. Our group sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children". They were delighted to help carry the bags of rice and beans to the local homes.
Next, the puppet team set up their stage outside on the concrete porch of the school. They performed a puppet show with music for the children. Each child came out of their classroom with their wooden chair. They loved the puppets! They smiled and laughed at the show. It was beautiful to see their faces.
After the show the children went back to their classroom. We visited each class and gave toys to the little ones and notebooks or toiletry items to the older ones. They were so grateful...even for a pencil.
Our devotion was given by Mrs. Rhonda tonight and was based on Matthew 5: 11-16. We are to be salt and light to te world. We pray that we were salt and light to these little ones today. They blessed our hearts!
We drove up to the small school and children outside smiled and waved at the bus. We all grabbed bags of rice, beans and "goodie bags" with toiletry items. We divided into groups of two or three and the children followed us. On every street you would see groups of children with our team members. As the children walked with us, many of them would sing. Our group sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children". They were delighted to help carry the bags of rice and beans to the local homes.
Next, the puppet team set up their stage outside on the concrete porch of the school. They performed a puppet show with music for the children. Each child came out of their classroom with their wooden chair. They loved the puppets! They smiled and laughed at the show. It was beautiful to see their faces.
After the show the children went back to their classroom. We visited each class and gave toys to the little ones and notebooks or toiletry items to the older ones. They were so grateful...even for a pencil.
Our devotion was given by Mrs. Rhonda tonight and was based on Matthew 5: 11-16. We are to be salt and light to te world. We pray that we were salt and light to these little ones today. They blessed our hearts!
Jesus to their World
Hey Everyone!
Today was a really long day. We got up and did devotion and then packed up bags of rice and beans, some toys and other things.Then we headed to the village of Buena Vista. When we got there we went straight to the school.
At the school we were met by 140 kids. All eager to help and be loved on. We broke off into groups and let the children take us to their homes. At their homes we gave their parents a bag of beans and rice, some hygeine products and the kids each got to pick out a toy.
The groups returned to the school and a few minutes later we performed a puppet show. After the show we gave the kids another toy. Then guess what? The teachers let school out early so we could play with the kids!
The team split and played with the kids. Some played soccer, others listened to poems being recited, and still others just held the kids and made them feel loved. Just to give you an idea of the life these kids live, there was broken glass all over the school yard and many of the kids had no shoes.
The team left the school heart broken over these kids, so Mrs. Angela took us for icecream! Boy, was it yummy :-) Tomorrow we're going to a local orphanage and then the cookout! It will be a blast!
Thanks again for all of your prayers and love. We miss you all very much and can't wait to see you!
Shine On!
Ashley and Melanie and team
Today was a really long day. We got up and did devotion and then packed up bags of rice and beans, some toys and other things.Then we headed to the village of Buena Vista. When we got there we went straight to the school.
At the school we were met by 140 kids. All eager to help and be loved on. We broke off into groups and let the children take us to their homes. At their homes we gave their parents a bag of beans and rice, some hygeine products and the kids each got to pick out a toy.
The groups returned to the school and a few minutes later we performed a puppet show. After the show we gave the kids another toy. Then guess what? The teachers let school out early so we could play with the kids!
The team split and played with the kids. Some played soccer, others listened to poems being recited, and still others just held the kids and made them feel loved. Just to give you an idea of the life these kids live, there was broken glass all over the school yard and many of the kids had no shoes.
The team left the school heart broken over these kids, so Mrs. Angela took us for icecream! Boy, was it yummy :-) Tomorrow we're going to a local orphanage and then the cookout! It will be a blast!
Thanks again for all of your prayers and love. We miss you all very much and can't wait to see you!
Shine On!
Ashley and Melanie and team
"...the least of these..."
Good morning (10:00 Belize time)! Congrats to Mindy who won the Speed championship last night against Mrs. Angela! So much fun!!
Today we have already packed and prepared the puppets for their next adventure (more info in a moment), created relief packs of beans and rice to hand out to the locals, and had an amazing devo time thanks to Mrs. Terri.
Plans for today include visiting another village's childrens' home and a school. The puppets are pumped and ready to have some fun with the kids. Also will be handing out our bean and rice bags to people on the street. We are all looking forward to the "backyard cookout" which will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
Standby for more info...
Today we have already packed and prepared the puppets for their next adventure (more info in a moment), created relief packs of beans and rice to hand out to the locals, and had an amazing devo time thanks to Mrs. Terri.
Plans for today include visiting another village's childrens' home and a school. The puppets are pumped and ready to have some fun with the kids. Also will be handing out our bean and rice bags to people on the street. We are all looking forward to the "backyard cookout" which will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
Standby for more info...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Can you dig it?
Wow...what a great day! The boys worked extra hard on digging their ditch and the girls had a great time pampering the moms. It was so exciting to see the look on the moms' face while they were being pampered, sometimes we forget how simple things can have a huge impact.
A few members of the team, including myself, got the opportunity to visit a wonderful woman named Grace. Grace has 7 children ranging in age from 2 months to 14 years. Her son Steven is wheelchair bound and therefore she could not come to be pampered so we took the pampering to her. We got to play with her children and Steven even got a massage!
Later in the afternoon most of the team took a walk around Roaring Creek. They stopped at Daisy's Ministore and got a nice refreshing coke! Later on tonight we are having a speed tournament!
Tomorrow we are going to take puppets to the streets. We're also going to hand out rice and beans. Thanks so much for all you're prayers! We'll keep you guys posted on everything God is doing.
Hey Rachel heard about your puppy :-) Take good care of it! We love all of you and miss you bunches!
Shine On!
Ashley
A few members of the team, including myself, got the opportunity to visit a wonderful woman named Grace. Grace has 7 children ranging in age from 2 months to 14 years. Her son Steven is wheelchair bound and therefore she could not come to be pampered so we took the pampering to her. We got to play with her children and Steven even got a massage!
Later in the afternoon most of the team took a walk around Roaring Creek. They stopped at Daisy's Ministore and got a nice refreshing coke! Later on tonight we are having a speed tournament!
Tomorrow we are going to take puppets to the streets. We're also going to hand out rice and beans. Thanks so much for all you're prayers! We'll keep you guys posted on everything God is doing.
Hey Rachel heard about your puppy :-) Take good care of it! We love all of you and miss you bunches!
Shine On!
Ashley
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Arrival Replay, Plans for Tomorrow
Crossroads Belize Team left minus 3 people Sunday, Fedruary 17th at 4:00 a.m. Rachel Sommer and her parents Lynn and Steven had to make an emergency trip to the Fayette Community ER, keeping them from leaving with the rest of the team. (The whole team expresses their concern for the delayed trio and sends their love.)
Further complications occured when the remaining team arrived at the airport only to be told that their 17 ticket reservations had been cancelled. But the entire team has arrived safe and sound in Belize.
Our plans for tomorrow include pampering the local ladies for the women of the team starting at 10:00 am. The men of the team will be digging a ditch and helping with pipework.
More info will follow...
Further complications occured when the remaining team arrived at the airport only to be told that their 17 ticket reservations had been cancelled. But the entire team has arrived safe and sound in Belize.
Our plans for tomorrow include pampering the local ladies for the women of the team starting at 10:00 am. The men of the team will be digging a ditch and helping with pipework.
More info will follow...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Time to hit the road!!!
Hello Belize Team and Belize family members, etc, and others! Wake up and
grab a bag - it's time to go! (50 more minutes!) Belize or Bust!!!
After months of preparing the time has arrived - time to be "His hands and feet" and share the wonder of His love!
God is in the details!
grab a bag - it's time to go! (50 more minutes!) Belize or Bust!!!
After months of preparing the time has arrived - time to be "His hands and feet" and share the wonder of His love!
God is in the details!
Friday, February 15, 2008
ALL PACKED AND READY TO GO!!
Wow! All the suitcases are packed! (well almost anyway!) What a great team!!!
Is it Ashley in charge of checking all those bags? :)
Okay, so gotta end this blog by saying, "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!" :-)
Is it Ashley in charge of checking all those bags? :)
Okay, so gotta end this blog by saying, "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!" :-)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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