So, being that we are going to pack up in a few hours, this is my last blog from Belize! I will try to keep this one brief...did I hear a sigh of relief?! :)
Wednesday was a busy day around the compound! We got the dining area prepared and ready for our Ladies Event. The ladies of the village were so excited that they came an hour before it was to start! We went ahead and got started early with washing feet and hands and painted nails. The ladies came and came and came and we pampered these wonderful women for three hours! Each lady I washed and painted had their own story of life and I could truly write an entire blog just on them. It was a treat for me to pamper these ladies because they were so appreciative of what we were doing for them. I actually learned how to put those decal things on, too! Funny enough, though, I saw some of them "fixing" their nails after the event! :) Two of the girls I pampered came back later that night for our VBS and church service, and their nails were still like I did them! Yay!! :)
After the ladies event, we ate lunch and prepared for the VBS here on the compound. We ate an early lunch and the kids started coming! We gave them ice cream and let them do all the fun crafts we've been doing this week. I worked the bead table again and my favorite person was this little girl who was no more than 2 years old. She amazed me with how well she was threading those beads!:) After VBS, we went into the church for a puppet show service. I got to sit with one of the gals I met earlier, which was fun. I'm hooping she comes back tonigh for the teen event! After church, it was showers and bedtime.
Thursday was our free day and we went snorkeling around Caulker's Cay. I was so glad that Hailey did so well on the boat ride! Thanks so much for my friends who were praying specifically for that! She also did great while we snorkeled! I loved the time we spent together holding hands and swimming by the reefs. I did learn the hard way that the reefs are not made for us to touch them...something about poisonous darts or something on the coral?! All I know is that one of those reefs jumped up and touched my knee and they weren't joking about it hurting! No worries, though, I'm good! Several of our team members got little (some big) cuts on their feet and legs from swimming yesterday, but it was worth it! Nice, relaxing day for us all! To top off the day, we stopped at the Art Box and SHOPPED!! Oh, yes, what a way to end my day! :)
And finally, for today, we were busy again. We went to a squatter village to give out the rest of our supplies and do VBS. I believe this had to be the hottest day yet. If anyone wants to look up the temperature and heat index for today in Belize, please let me know! We came back and ate lunch and prepared for the teen night. We are about to eat dinner and have fun with the teens!
For final thoughts, I am pleasantly surprised by how well our team works together, even in this heat and hard work. I can hardly believe how differently the people here live than we do at home. I take so much for granted at home, like warm water, air conditioning, and my Select Comfort bed. I would gladly come back here to serve again, if God calls me to do it again. And my shock at how well Hailey has handled the heat and hard work here. When I say she hasn't complained once about doing the work down here, I mean not once. In fact, she has had such a wonderful and happy spirit here, and it's been such a pleasure to serve beside her this week. I can't even describe in words the feeling I have about being here with her this week, (sob, sniff, sniff). I'm so completely proud of her work this week. Especially yesterday when she faced her boat fears. On our way back to the mainland on the boat, I told her how proud I was of her for snorkeling and all. She said, "well, I figure we are on a mission trip and God will keep me safe." My prayer for her is to hold on to her boldness she found here and let God continue to lead her at home. As for me, I am still processing all that I've encountered here and may be able to share more of what I learned later. It has been such a blessing to serve and share God's love with the people here. It's been an "unbeliezable" week! Thank you God for allowing Hailey and me to be your hands and feet this week!
Miss everyone and we come home tomorrow! :)
Misty
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
SUNBURNT!!!
The title says it all. Today was our free day here in the wonderful country of Belize.
We had an early morning, as we had to drive two hours to catch a boat by 9:00 a.m. The island we went to was named Caye Caulker Island. The first thing we did was snorkel around the coral reef area. We saw many types of fish and coral. (The best part was watching everyone learn how to swim with flippers). The water was crystal clear so we could see everything very well. The coral came all the way up to the surface so a few of us scraped our arms and legs on it.
After that, we had an interesting (and nerve-wracking) experience when we got to swim with sting rays and nurse sharks. At first, many of us were a little freaked out and nervous, but all went well. It was so much fun getting to swim with them, but the sting rays had a habit of swimming through our legs while we were not paying attention. Many of us even had the opportunity to touch them. The best part of the whole snorkel experience occurred when Mrs. Rhonda (the woman who is terrified of everything) got in the water with the sharks and sting rays. When we left there, we went back to the Island.
On the Island, our team split into a few groups to explore the many shops that were there. One group went swimming in the ocean (all of them were wounded by the end) and the rest went to shop. After we regrouped, we got ICE CREAM!!!!!!! Then we started to make our way back to the boat. It was then that we started to realize how sunburnt everyone was. The boat ride back was less noisy than the first one, as we were all exhausted. Then we got on the bus and headed to the Art Box (a Christian owned souvenir/ art store). Then we headed to the compound for dinner.
Everyone has now showered, and everyone is in the process of putting aloe and coco butter all over themselves. To say that tomorrow is going to be a painful day is an understatement, but we will persevere. Much love to all of you back home and we will see you soon!
~Rebecca and Amy~
We had an early morning, as we had to drive two hours to catch a boat by 9:00 a.m. The island we went to was named Caye Caulker Island. The first thing we did was snorkel around the coral reef area. We saw many types of fish and coral. (The best part was watching everyone learn how to swim with flippers). The water was crystal clear so we could see everything very well. The coral came all the way up to the surface so a few of us scraped our arms and legs on it.
After that, we had an interesting (and nerve-wracking) experience when we got to swim with sting rays and nurse sharks. At first, many of us were a little freaked out and nervous, but all went well. It was so much fun getting to swim with them, but the sting rays had a habit of swimming through our legs while we were not paying attention. Many of us even had the opportunity to touch them. The best part of the whole snorkel experience occurred when Mrs. Rhonda (the woman who is terrified of everything) got in the water with the sharks and sting rays. When we left there, we went back to the Island.
On the Island, our team split into a few groups to explore the many shops that were there. One group went swimming in the ocean (all of them were wounded by the end) and the rest went to shop. After we regrouped, we got ICE CREAM!!!!!!! Then we started to make our way back to the boat. It was then that we started to realize how sunburnt everyone was. The boat ride back was less noisy than the first one, as we were all exhausted. Then we got on the bus and headed to the Art Box (a Christian owned souvenir/ art store). Then we headed to the compound for dinner.
Everyone has now showered, and everyone is in the process of putting aloe and coco butter all over themselves. To say that tomorrow is going to be a painful day is an understatement, but we will persevere. Much love to all of you back home and we will see you soon!
~Rebecca and Amy~
Thursday
Today is team rest day. We are up early to see the "tourist" part of Belize. We will take a boat to a small island for snorkeling. It has been an emotional couple of days so we are ready for some fun and relaxation
The ladies event was busy. We were supposed to start at 10 am but we had a line already at 9am so we started early. I met many wonderful ladies and I fell blessed to have been able to wash their feet. I am sure they were grateful that I wasn't the one painting their nails. Our young girls did an awesome job. VBS was a huge success. We has a lot of kids from the community of Roaring Creek come. They had ice cream, plenty of crafts and then the most awesome puppet show ever.
I am so proud of the team. They have been so amazing - loving on these kids and sharing God's word. Clay said he had one child who knew what all the colors of salvation beads meant....from last year when we were here. One of the ladies thanked us yesterday and said "we were their Easter blessing every year".
Sheila
The ladies event was busy. We were supposed to start at 10 am but we had a line already at 9am so we started early. I met many wonderful ladies and I fell blessed to have been able to wash their feet. I am sure they were grateful that I wasn't the one painting their nails. Our young girls did an awesome job. VBS was a huge success. We has a lot of kids from the community of Roaring Creek come. They had ice cream, plenty of crafts and then the most awesome puppet show ever.
I am so proud of the team. They have been so amazing - loving on these kids and sharing God's word. Clay said he had one child who knew what all the colors of salvation beads meant....from last year when we were here. One of the ladies thanked us yesterday and said "we were their Easter blessing every year".
Sheila
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
More Misty Moments
So it's been a couple of more days of busy fun around here! Yesterday was a roller coaster ride of events with nonstop action from breakfast to bedtime. Let me just say that the food Yvette fixes us is amazing! Breakfast was some yummy pancakes that tasted like French toast! That started the day off on a swell note for me! We loaded the bus early and headed for a squatter village to hand out rice, beans, and toys. What a difference in how these folks live. How I take my shelter at home for granted. The lives of the villagers are so simplistic and rustic compared to my busy life at home. They were appreciative of the goodies we gave them and the prayers we prayed for them. Amazing how many things they have on the land that they don't own (and very well may be told to leave the land when the owner decides to take it back!). We walked and prayed in the village for about an hour and boarded the bus again. We scarfed down our lunch in less than an hour so we could go back to the church of the village for VBS.
Good times at VBS! I worked the bracelet table and watched Hailey doing some more face painting. Warm weather (actually hot, but not complaining) makes us think of swimming! Which is just what we did! As soon as we got back to the compound from VBS, we changed into bathing suits in less than 10 minutes! We headed to the Banana Bank Lodge for swimming and it was beautiful! The highlight of the trip was definitely the monkey! Yes, real, live, monkey. Kathy S. and I went in search of the monkey and found it in the woods on a chain. A man came to feed the monkey and let me try to feed it. The monkey refused to take the banana from me, but decided it wanted to climb up my back and sit on my head. Yes, I'll have pictures when we get back! :) Poor monkey just wanted some attention. We laughed and laughed about how disgusted Rhonda was with those of us who "held" the monkey. I did wash my hair with some lice repellant last night!! Just in case...
We made it a little late to dinner, but it was yummy anyhow! A group of us headed to the small village church from the morning for a real Spanish church service. They were hospitable and so thankful that we accepted their invitation to come to their service! They even had "Pastor Clay" to preach! :) Nothing like spur of the moment teaching! He did an outstanding job with his sermon. Let me paint the picture of this church before I describe the music. Picture a small park pavillion with a roof, no air or ceiling fans, five light bulbs on the ceiling (with a few lizards) and plastic chairs. It was hot, but it was such a blessing to worship with these folks. It dawned on me that no matter what the culture, we all worship and pray to the same God. The girl who translated the service for us prayed in Spanish with such passion that I wish I knew what she was saying. We shook hands with the people after the service and got backtothe compound in time for the nightly devotion. After the devotion, a few kids (Hailey being one of them) got in front of the group and sang and performed the song "I Will Follow You". What a way to end the day! I finally got to get in the shower around 10:00 and wash the monkey dirt off my neck! Needless to say, I slept well last night.
I continue to be so proud of Hailey and how well she is hanging in there. It is HOT everyday and we are WORKING hard in rooms with no air and walking villages in the heat of the day. She hasn't complained ONCE about any of that. The only two complaints have been about her pinching her tongue on her water bottle and a tooth hurting. The other team members have commented on how well she is doing down here. In fact, all of the kids down here are the same...God's Little Troopers! They help and pitch in whenever and wherever they are needed. What an awesome time we are having down here!
Thanks for your continued prayers! Love to everyone! Miss you all! :) Mom, don't have time to proofread this because I have to go eat dinner...wonder if it's iguana again... :)
Misty
Good times at VBS! I worked the bracelet table and watched Hailey doing some more face painting. Warm weather (actually hot, but not complaining) makes us think of swimming! Which is just what we did! As soon as we got back to the compound from VBS, we changed into bathing suits in less than 10 minutes! We headed to the Banana Bank Lodge for swimming and it was beautiful! The highlight of the trip was definitely the monkey! Yes, real, live, monkey. Kathy S. and I went in search of the monkey and found it in the woods on a chain. A man came to feed the monkey and let me try to feed it. The monkey refused to take the banana from me, but decided it wanted to climb up my back and sit on my head. Yes, I'll have pictures when we get back! :) Poor monkey just wanted some attention. We laughed and laughed about how disgusted Rhonda was with those of us who "held" the monkey. I did wash my hair with some lice repellant last night!! Just in case...
We made it a little late to dinner, but it was yummy anyhow! A group of us headed to the small village church from the morning for a real Spanish church service. They were hospitable and so thankful that we accepted their invitation to come to their service! They even had "Pastor Clay" to preach! :) Nothing like spur of the moment teaching! He did an outstanding job with his sermon. Let me paint the picture of this church before I describe the music. Picture a small park pavillion with a roof, no air or ceiling fans, five light bulbs on the ceiling (with a few lizards) and plastic chairs. It was hot, but it was such a blessing to worship with these folks. It dawned on me that no matter what the culture, we all worship and pray to the same God. The girl who translated the service for us prayed in Spanish with such passion that I wish I knew what she was saying. We shook hands with the people after the service and got backtothe compound in time for the nightly devotion. After the devotion, a few kids (Hailey being one of them) got in front of the group and sang and performed the song "I Will Follow You". What a way to end the day! I finally got to get in the shower around 10:00 and wash the monkey dirt off my neck! Needless to say, I slept well last night.
I continue to be so proud of Hailey and how well she is hanging in there. It is HOT everyday and we are WORKING hard in rooms with no air and walking villages in the heat of the day. She hasn't complained ONCE about any of that. The only two complaints have been about her pinching her tongue on her water bottle and a tooth hurting. The other team members have commented on how well she is doing down here. In fact, all of the kids down here are the same...God's Little Troopers! They help and pitch in whenever and wherever they are needed. What an awesome time we are having down here!
Thanks for your continued prayers! Love to everyone! Miss you all! :) Mom, don't have time to proofread this because I have to go eat dinner...wonder if it's iguana again... :)
Misty
One emotional day (:
Yesterday we went to a squatter village and gave out rice and beans. It was really something! For me, it was very touching to see that those people only have a few items and they tried to give them to us. They are very welcoming and that just touched my heart. We had vbs also yesterday and we had fun. We did face paint, tattoos, bracelets, salvation necklaces, sports, and coloring. Then after that we went to Banana Bank for a quick swim break. We saw a monkey, and some birds (: it was soooo funny because Aaron went up to the monkey and let it climb on his back lol. Then after we got back from the Banana Bank we ate supper and they guys went to the bible study and the rest of us just hung out and chilled. Today we are doing the ladie's event (doing their nails) I'm so excited because I love doing nails (: also I cant wait to see their smiles again. It just touches me to see them smile :D well im gonna go help set up. See ya :P
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Another Happy Day
Tuesday was our "quick turn around/roller coaster of emotions" day. Our schedule was packed. The puppet team performed at the open market for about two hours, returned for ten minutes to fill water bottles at the camp, and jumped back on the bus to visit a nearby "squatter village" to pass out beans, rice and powdered milk.
The beautiful little village was named Camalote. Nothing could have prepared my heart for what I would experience here. I had viewed the photos from the visit last year. I knew what to "expect" but I was still overcome with emotion at meeting these beautiful, smiling, grateful people.
We each loaded our shoulders with food, toys and school packs and began our walk. We were told to watch our feet as we walked for slithering visitors and to be aware of dogs. Our team divided into groups and began to walk the dirt paths (not even streets because these people have stopped here in an effort to provide a better life for their families...they don't own the land).
We were blessed to have a young girl named Heidi (pronounced 'Hay-dee') to guide us to the homes. Another little boy ran alongside us and wanted to help. He seemed to stay beside me so I asked his name. His name was Denison. It made me smile as I explained that my name (Denise) is so close to his.
When we approached the second house I learned that this was the home of Becky's sponsored boys. Their mother was grateful and asked that we "pray for help to build a new house because soon this one will fall down and we will not have a place to live." We gathered around her, held hands as a group, and prayed together. She smiled in gracefulness.
The next house was much more "broken". You must know that these homes are simple materials combined to provide shelter. The home consisted of two sections with open doorways covered by fabric. The floors were dirt. She invited us into her kitchen area where we prayed. Her prayer request was: "Ask God for another happy day."
I was overwhelmed. How many times do I forsake joy? How often do I choose to worry and fear when happiness is a better choice.
As we walked away, Denison by my side, I leaned down to him and asked, "Denison, how do you say 'happy' in Spanish?" He quickly replied with his beautiful accent and bright smile, "content".
Now the prayer had new meaning...
"God give us another CONTENT day."
The beautiful little village was named Camalote. Nothing could have prepared my heart for what I would experience here. I had viewed the photos from the visit last year. I knew what to "expect" but I was still overcome with emotion at meeting these beautiful, smiling, grateful people.
We each loaded our shoulders with food, toys and school packs and began our walk. We were told to watch our feet as we walked for slithering visitors and to be aware of dogs. Our team divided into groups and began to walk the dirt paths (not even streets because these people have stopped here in an effort to provide a better life for their families...they don't own the land).
We were blessed to have a young girl named Heidi (pronounced 'Hay-dee') to guide us to the homes. Another little boy ran alongside us and wanted to help. He seemed to stay beside me so I asked his name. His name was Denison. It made me smile as I explained that my name (Denise) is so close to his.
When we approached the second house I learned that this was the home of Becky's sponsored boys. Their mother was grateful and asked that we "pray for help to build a new house because soon this one will fall down and we will not have a place to live." We gathered around her, held hands as a group, and prayed together. She smiled in gracefulness.
The next house was much more "broken". You must know that these homes are simple materials combined to provide shelter. The home consisted of two sections with open doorways covered by fabric. The floors were dirt. She invited us into her kitchen area where we prayed. Her prayer request was: "Ask God for another happy day."
I was overwhelmed. How many times do I forsake joy? How often do I choose to worry and fear when happiness is a better choice.
As we walked away, Denison by my side, I leaned down to him and asked, "Denison, how do you say 'happy' in Spanish?" He quickly replied with his beautiful accent and bright smile, "content".
Now the prayer had new meaning...
"God give us another CONTENT day."
Speak Gently
We awoke to the distant crow of a rooster in unison with tropical birds. Blue skies greeted our tired bodies.
Today the puppet team is headed to the market. Here they will perform and witness to all who are willing to listen...various ages.
In our devotion time, Becky read from LEAVES OF GOLD...
Speak Gently
Speak gently: It is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently: Let no harsh words mar
The good we might do here.
Speak gently to the little child
Its love be sure to gain.
Teach it in accents soft and mild
It mat not long remain.
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let such in peace depart.
Speak gently, kindly to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard.
They have enough they must endure
Without an unkind word.
Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so,
Oh, win them back again.
~David Bates
God use us to SPEAK GENTLY...
to be your hands and feet today.
~Denise
Today the puppet team is headed to the market. Here they will perform and witness to all who are willing to listen...various ages.
In our devotion time, Becky read from LEAVES OF GOLD...
Speak Gently
Speak gently: It is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently: Let no harsh words mar
The good we might do here.
Speak gently to the little child
Its love be sure to gain.
Teach it in accents soft and mild
It mat not long remain.
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let such in peace depart.
Speak gently, kindly to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard.
They have enough they must endure
Without an unkind word.
Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so,
Oh, win them back again.
~David Bates
God use us to SPEAK GENTLY...
to be your hands and feet today.
~Denise
Children, iguanas, and Christ oh my
Our team has been here for a few days now. We have settled in at the compound. Nothing is like what I expected!
I expected to have a hand sized spider crawl across the table at breakfast; instead we have lizards and toads the size of personal pan pizzas. (Neither has been on the table.). I thought we would have bugs crawling all over us in our sleep. They haven't been to bad. (Brooke did save Becky and Gerri from a 4" dragonfly.). I have not been chased by any snakes or crocodiles, yet.
We have only seen one iguana so far, not counting the plastic one inside the dining hall. (last night Yvette prepared us iguana and iguana eggs with dinner.) The egg was not anything I would ever choose to eat again...it was all yolk and gritty. The meat was very tasty, but it had a lot of fine bones similar to fish. When we passed out food, hygiene, and school supply packs some of the families gifted us with oranges and coconuts. I tried the fresh coconut water straight from the coconut...never again!
There are so many children here! It is heart breaking to see them wearing shoes that are worn out, if any shoes at all. Most of the children we have seen have been cleaner than I expected. In the poorer village we visited yesterday there were some exceptions. I've been warned that the children in the squatter villages will probably not be so clean.
Jesus is at work here. At the Sunday evening service I heard the sweetest music ever! The blend of the accents singing their heart out to Christ was amazing! He is working in me too! I can't begin to describe how blessed I have already been by this trip, even before we left!
I expected to have a hand sized spider crawl across the table at breakfast; instead we have lizards and toads the size of personal pan pizzas. (Neither has been on the table.). I thought we would have bugs crawling all over us in our sleep. They haven't been to bad. (Brooke did save Becky and Gerri from a 4" dragonfly.). I have not been chased by any snakes or crocodiles, yet.
We have only seen one iguana so far, not counting the plastic one inside the dining hall. (last night Yvette prepared us iguana and iguana eggs with dinner.) The egg was not anything I would ever choose to eat again...it was all yolk and gritty. The meat was very tasty, but it had a lot of fine bones similar to fish. When we passed out food, hygiene, and school supply packs some of the families gifted us with oranges and coconuts. I tried the fresh coconut water straight from the coconut...never again!
There are so many children here! It is heart breaking to see them wearing shoes that are worn out, if any shoes at all. Most of the children we have seen have been cleaner than I expected. In the poorer village we visited yesterday there were some exceptions. I've been warned that the children in the squatter villages will probably not be so clean.
Jesus is at work here. At the Sunday evening service I heard the sweetest music ever! The blend of the accents singing their heart out to Christ was amazing! He is working in me too! I can't begin to describe how blessed I have already been by this trip, even before we left!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Misty's Moments
So, we've been here for a couple of days now and things are surprisingly better than I thought! Hailey and I are sleeping in a cabana with two other ladies who are wonderful. It reminds me of camping when I was younger. There's no bathroom in our cabana, so we have to go to the bathhouse for restroom and showers. Last night I showered while standing in a couple of inches of water because the drains weren't draining. My apologies to the husband, but I wasn't alone in the shower. I was joined by a cricket and a moth (both sadly had drowned...did I do that?!). At least we have showers, right?! The days are really hot, and air conditioners are few and far between in these villages. We do have one in our cabana, but we only turn it on after dinner so we can sleep better.
Today we really began our work. We left early and headed to a small community center in Blackman's Eddy (I think that's how you spell it). Our puppet team performed for the first part of the program. I've watched these teens perform at home, and I knew they did a great job there (in the comfort of our air-conditioned church). It amazes me how well they do here with less than ideal conditions. I had no idea how much work goes into these productions!! These teens work hard and never complain! Anyway, as I was figuring out what my role was at this place, my sweet daughter had found 5 new friends who she was getting to know! Then, when the puppets started, she lead them to the front and sat with them during the whole show! She even had one of the littlest girls in her lap!! For those who don't know Hailey, she tends to be on the bashful side. How proud was I to see her take such interest in these kids who are so different from her. I was still figuring out my role when the puppets were done, then I met Jenny. She said she was 10, but she looked to me about 7 or 8. She wanted someone to help her, and it was my pleasure to take her from Play-doh to coloring bags to bracelets to necklaces. I got to share the salvation necklace beads to her, which was cute. She smiled and nodded as I explained it to her. At the end of the VBS time, she didn't want to leave. Hailey took our picture, so I will remember her long after we come back. Hailey also took a picture with her friend from Blackman Eddy.
After some walking in the villages around the community center, we were all very hot and feeling quite drained (not to mention starving!) How excited were we when we gotto the air-conditioned ice cream parlor!!! You could see the place we went on facebook (I think...they did have a sign that says to follow them on facebook) and it was called Western Dairy. Yumm-o!! I actually got a slice of pizza here, too. Surprisingly, Hailey turned down the pizza for her Nutella sandwich and 2 bologna sandwiches!! I didn't even know she liked bologna (did you CB?) We got a little more ice cream to go. That was exactly what I needed to get me ready for the next village.
Buena Vista was different from the morning VBS community. As soon as they saw our bus come through, they were literally running after us. We set up quickly with the same crafts as this morning, but the kids kept asking for more. It was another proud moment to watch Hailey take the inititative to help with face painting the kids! I was on supply patrol (watching the extra supplies so they didnt walk away). I was surprised at how many were there, and they just kept coming out of the woodwork!! What beautiful children they are down here, too. As supplies began disappearing...literally being taken, we changed gears to begin giving out the beans and rice, hygiene packs and school packs. We sent many families back to their home to get their packs, while others stayed to get theirs. I had the privilege of handing the moms their packs first. They had to line up single file, so we could monitor the giving (some would go through the line twice if allowed). Then, I got to give the kids their school packs and the not school-aged kids a beanie baby toy. They were so grateful for the little bit that we gave them. As we left, we got tot visit Rhonda's sponsor family. We gave them supplies and other goodies and asked to pray for them. The only thing she wanted us to pray for is peace for their family. Not more money or a better place to live or even better floors (than dirt)...but for peace. Amazing.
Overall, I'm enjoying the experience of sharing God's love with so many people who don't know Him. Interesting to me how much easier it is to share with those who I don't know rather than those I do know at home. As Hailey said, after I asked her why she was not as shy down here, "it's because they don't know me here!" I hope some of the ease of sharing here will follow us home.
Thanks to everyone who supported us before this trip and during our time here now. Love to ya'll at home! Goodnight Chris and Tyler!! Love and miss you both!
Misty
Today we really began our work. We left early and headed to a small community center in Blackman's Eddy (I think that's how you spell it). Our puppet team performed for the first part of the program. I've watched these teens perform at home, and I knew they did a great job there (in the comfort of our air-conditioned church). It amazes me how well they do here with less than ideal conditions. I had no idea how much work goes into these productions!! These teens work hard and never complain! Anyway, as I was figuring out what my role was at this place, my sweet daughter had found 5 new friends who she was getting to know! Then, when the puppets started, she lead them to the front and sat with them during the whole show! She even had one of the littlest girls in her lap!! For those who don't know Hailey, she tends to be on the bashful side. How proud was I to see her take such interest in these kids who are so different from her. I was still figuring out my role when the puppets were done, then I met Jenny. She said she was 10, but she looked to me about 7 or 8. She wanted someone to help her, and it was my pleasure to take her from Play-doh to coloring bags to bracelets to necklaces. I got to share the salvation necklace beads to her, which was cute. She smiled and nodded as I explained it to her. At the end of the VBS time, she didn't want to leave. Hailey took our picture, so I will remember her long after we come back. Hailey also took a picture with her friend from Blackman Eddy.
After some walking in the villages around the community center, we were all very hot and feeling quite drained (not to mention starving!) How excited were we when we gotto the air-conditioned ice cream parlor!!! You could see the place we went on facebook (I think...they did have a sign that says to follow them on facebook) and it was called Western Dairy. Yumm-o!! I actually got a slice of pizza here, too. Surprisingly, Hailey turned down the pizza for her Nutella sandwich and 2 bologna sandwiches!! I didn't even know she liked bologna (did you CB?) We got a little more ice cream to go. That was exactly what I needed to get me ready for the next village.
Buena Vista was different from the morning VBS community. As soon as they saw our bus come through, they were literally running after us. We set up quickly with the same crafts as this morning, but the kids kept asking for more. It was another proud moment to watch Hailey take the inititative to help with face painting the kids! I was on supply patrol (watching the extra supplies so they didnt walk away). I was surprised at how many were there, and they just kept coming out of the woodwork!! What beautiful children they are down here, too. As supplies began disappearing...literally being taken, we changed gears to begin giving out the beans and rice, hygiene packs and school packs. We sent many families back to their home to get their packs, while others stayed to get theirs. I had the privilege of handing the moms their packs first. They had to line up single file, so we could monitor the giving (some would go through the line twice if allowed). Then, I got to give the kids their school packs and the not school-aged kids a beanie baby toy. They were so grateful for the little bit that we gave them. As we left, we got tot visit Rhonda's sponsor family. We gave them supplies and other goodies and asked to pray for them. The only thing she wanted us to pray for is peace for their family. Not more money or a better place to live or even better floors (than dirt)...but for peace. Amazing.
Overall, I'm enjoying the experience of sharing God's love with so many people who don't know Him. Interesting to me how much easier it is to share with those who I don't know rather than those I do know at home. As Hailey said, after I asked her why she was not as shy down here, "it's because they don't know me here!" I hope some of the ease of sharing here will follow us home.
Thanks to everyone who supported us before this trip and during our time here now. Love to ya'll at home! Goodnight Chris and Tyler!! Love and miss you both!
Misty
Sunday, April 1, 2012
our first time out!
Today was our first time out of the compound. We visited a church that looked like Crosroads ( at least thats that what Mr. clay said.) The people at church were so nice and i found that when we do puppets,sing,or even a smile to people that have nothing they'll rejoyce! I found a very nice family that had a mother and two little girls that were sooooo cute.the mother gave me her prize position it was gift to her and it was suppost to be givin to her daughtres but she gave it to me. Can you believe it. Well know we're back at the compound and we're having a blast! We're getting ready for Sunday night service and V.B.S. We just had a soccer ball juggling match and Tracy beat Aaron.(ha ha Aaron and you said you can beat anyone!) Well thats all for know. BYE
-Hannah
-Hannah
April fools day from Belize
It's a beautiful morning with real scorpions and fakr spiders. It's hard to know what to believe with this group on April fools day. We had so much fun last night sortin rice and beans and lots of other supplies.slept really well as a matter of fact I didn't hear people screaming and chasing a scorpion in the shower I had just used, thanks God. We are headed off to a church service where the puppets will perform and we help the children make sock puppets. This afternoon we,re walking the village ,sorting supplies then church tonite.
Hi to Cory! Love Gerri
Hi to Cory! Love Gerri
Saturday / Day 1
We made it to Belize without any major problems....we got a little worried when one team member was told her passport was invalid - she needed to sign it. We didn't exactly make friends at the Atlanta airport or Belize City airport with our 100+ pieces of luggage (includes our carry-on). However, we made it safely (all team members) and all pieces of luggage. Praise God!
Great lunch at Cheers on the way to the compound in Roaring Creek. We met another team that had just arrived in Belize. They are going to be spending a week in LaGracia. We had hoped to visit LaGracia, but since this team will be loving on them and sharing the Word with them...we will be going to another village. They were super nice and my hope is that they plant many seeds in the village.
When we arrived at Roaring Creek, we immediately unloaded all of our luggage and unpacked/sorted supplies. WOW - there are a lot of supplies. THANK YOU to all of you who have donated!!!!
It is now Sunday moring and we are excited for our first full day in Belize. We will be going to church in Belmopan.
Great lunch at Cheers on the way to the compound in Roaring Creek. We met another team that had just arrived in Belize. They are going to be spending a week in LaGracia. We had hoped to visit LaGracia, but since this team will be loving on them and sharing the Word with them...we will be going to another village. They were super nice and my hope is that they plant many seeds in the village.
When we arrived at Roaring Creek, we immediately unloaded all of our luggage and unpacked/sorted supplies. WOW - there are a lot of supplies. THANK YOU to all of you who have donated!!!!
It is now Sunday moring and we are excited for our first full day in Belize. We will be going to church in Belmopan.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
One more day!
We are on countdown! Only one day until we lift off for Belize. Lifting each of you and your families in prayer! Are ya ready for Jesus to blow your mind and melt your heart? Be prepared! :)
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