Hello from the rainy season of Belize,
Today we concluded our Health and Hygiene project in the Mayan community of San Antonio. Throughout our time here we were blessed to have administered 42 water filters to some very deserving families. We wish them good health and full hearts going forward and we can be assured that we made a lasting impression on them. But let's talk about the impression they've had on us...
Sometimes it can be very obvious that you've made an impression on someone's life. Perhaps they tell you how happy you've made them, sometimes they bring you words or gifts of thankfulness. This was the case many times throughout our week in San Antonio. But what about the impressions you didn't know you were making?
It completely blows my mind how we can make an impression so deeply on someone without even meaning to, and how they in turn can make an impression on us. I was very blessed this week to have spent a majority of my time with the children of San Antonio. I was in charge of a few of their health and hygiene lessons, and other times worked as a second hand for a fellow team member. No matter what the plan for the day, I always found myself back with the children... and I'd like to share one lasting impression that was made on me this week.
During the first few days I taught my lessons to both the adults and children, but as mentioned before, I always found myself drawn to the children. Sometimes God was gently pushing me along, and other times the message was loud and clear, sent in the form of a child's hand gently leading me where I was meant to go. Or in this case, children... specifically, Kristani and Mali.
Each day, Kristani would show up with her little sister, Mali, in tow and listen diligently to the lessons we had for them. The sisters would play games with the other kids and color with crayons, but neither ever said a word... and neither ever let go of the other's hand.
At the end of the first day I was shocked when Kristani came up to me and hugged my legs briefly before walking away with her sister. She never said a word, never let go of her sister's hand... she never even looked up. I was a little confused by the gesture, but some of the other kids were hugging us all before leaving, so I shrugged it off and thought nothing more about it.
The next day, Kristani and Mali showed up well before everyone else. We had just begun setting up when the girls walked in. As soon as they spotted me, they walked right up to me and Kristani took my hand in hers. I smiled down and her and she smiled up at me, but still no words passed between us. We stood like that for a long while, only letting go when I needed to move something here or there. But as soon as my hand was free again, there was Kristani reaching out and securing it once more.
As the week passed Kristani and Mali were never far from me. Each morning they arrived earlier and earlier. Kristani would take one hand and Mali would take the other. If I was in the another room they were waiting just outside, if I was sitting outside they were pressed up against me on either side... always their little hands seeking mine. Wherever I went they followed and whenever I strayed they gently led me back. Always they hugged me goodbye when it was time to part for the day. Still, they never spoke a word. Even if I asked questions, they either nodded, shook their heads, or smiled shyly.
Then today, everything changed. Kristani and Mali were waiting for us hand-in-hand before the van even pulled into the school. I smiled as I saw their little faces peering in the windows looking for me. The second I stepped off the van Kristani threw herself at me and Mali wrapped her little arms around my legs. I said good morning to them both and reached my hands out for them as I had every morning. Finally, Kristani spoke. "We waited for you," she told me.
Ah. So they did speak English... or at least Kristani did. I smiled at her as I knelt down and told them that I was very happy they had. This time when I asked their names, she gave them to me. This time when I talked they responded. Kristani in English and Mali in Spanish. And once those gates opened today, man they could just not be stopped.... much like the rain.
Suddenly they told me everything. Suddenly the shy girls were gone, replaced with two chatter boxes I didn't quite know how to handle. Kristani fired off questions left and right at my side, while Mali hummed or spoke softly to me in Spanish from atop my shoulders. I couldn't believe this sudden change. My heart could hardly contain its joy as these two shy girls transformed before my eyes. I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I am to have been so profoundly impacted by these two little girls. I will forever remember the impact they've had on me during our short time together, and I will cherish and store these memories in my heart.
So, I will say again... we never truly know the impression we are making on others just by being ourselves. I didn't set off trying to win Kristani and Mali's affection. They saw something in me that they gravitated towards. They decided that I was worthy of their time and affection, and that astounds me. Not because I am not worthy of their affection, but because I did not know I was affecting them so. I did not know I was making such a huge impression on them.
Think for a moment how many people you run across throughout your day. Think how many times you actually have the opportunity to make a lasting impression without even meaning to. Why not spend those moments spreading positivity and love for God? Think about that the next time you're having a rough day. Remember that you are making an impression on those around you, even if you are unaware of doing so. God places people in our paths for a reason. He gives us an abundance of opportunities to positively influence someone else's life.
So, smile at that woman walking past you, hold that door for the person behind you, have a conversation with the stranger next to you...
You never know what plans God has for you... or what spark you'll set off along the way...
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Community And Companionship
Hello from a very hot night in Belize,
Today was an extremely hot and tiring day for both us and the community of San Antonio. We started off the day by breaking into three teams and doing a "community trash walk" throughout the neighborhood. Yes, it's exactly what you think. We took trash bags and picked up all the trash we could find along our routes.
What started off as a daunting task, suddenly seemed much more doable as more and more members of the community joined us. As we passed by houses, many called out to us to ask what we were doing... and suddenly we had a few more helpers on our teams. Some even sent their children out to help us, and those little ones were eager to help out.
The trash walk did exactly what it was meant to. It brought the community together to achieve a common goal. It even enticed two of the more ambitious women in the group to throw out the idea that they should do this as a community once a month. Knowing these two women, the next time we are blessed enough to visit San Antonio they will have a schedule and procedure in place.
I've come to believe that Belize only makes strong willed women. There is no doubt in my mind that they will pick up wherever we leave off, and probably improve the process along the way. What a blessing these women have been to us so far.
Tomorrow we plan to conduct another community trash walk and hopefully we will gain more and more followers along the way. Though the work is tiring and the weather is hot, the reward is so worth while. God gave us this beautiful world and it's our job to protect it any way we can.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Today was an extremely hot and tiring day for both us and the community of San Antonio. We started off the day by breaking into three teams and doing a "community trash walk" throughout the neighborhood. Yes, it's exactly what you think. We took trash bags and picked up all the trash we could find along our routes.
What started off as a daunting task, suddenly seemed much more doable as more and more members of the community joined us. As we passed by houses, many called out to us to ask what we were doing... and suddenly we had a few more helpers on our teams. Some even sent their children out to help us, and those little ones were eager to help out.
The trash walk did exactly what it was meant to. It brought the community together to achieve a common goal. It even enticed two of the more ambitious women in the group to throw out the idea that they should do this as a community once a month. Knowing these two women, the next time we are blessed enough to visit San Antonio they will have a schedule and procedure in place.
I've come to believe that Belize only makes strong willed women. There is no doubt in my mind that they will pick up wherever we leave off, and probably improve the process along the way. What a blessing these women have been to us so far.
Tomorrow we plan to conduct another community trash walk and hopefully we will gain more and more followers along the way. Though the work is tiring and the weather is hot, the reward is so worth while. God gave us this beautiful world and it's our job to protect it any way we can.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
All God's Creatures Have A Place In The Choir....
Hello from another beautiful night in Belize,
Throughout our journey so far, I have noticed many, many differences between the culture here and the culture back home. Some differences are more obvious like the infrastructure of the country, the water sources, or the general climate. Other differences are little harder to detect.
One example is the way the people of Belize express their faith and love for God with one another and with us. They generally tend to be more open and vocal with their love for God. For example, if you were to pray with them they will not simply bow their heads and listen, they will rejoice and exclaim their love while someone prays aloud. What a joyous express of their faith, that they feel so strongly about God that they must exclaim it to the world.
The differences in the way we praise God brings to mind an old children's song I once knew. Perhaps you know it as well?
"All God's creatures have a place in the choir,
Some sing low, some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire,
And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now."
This silly little song has been stuck in my head for days now, and it only just occurred to me that God was trying to send me a message. Better late than never, right God? Though the message may have taken me a while to hear, the interpretation is clear.
The point of this song is that not all of God's children are the same or worships in the same way. There are many different creatures in the world, just as there are many different cultures in the world and many different people within those cultures. It makes sense that we all don't worship or exclaim our faith in the same way.
Some of us may be very open and upfront about our faith. We may speak confidently about Jesus to a great crowd of people, much like those creatures singing on the telephone wire for all to hear. However, there are also many of us who have the patience and determination to sit back and witness to those who are not at the forefront. We are drawn to actions more than verbal witnessing. We show the love of Jesus through our physical actions, much like those creatures who sit back and clap with whatever they have.
Whether we are the singers in the front or the clappers in the back, God loves all his creatures equally. He still hears our praise whether it's verbal or from our actions. The point is that we are worshiping and proclaiming our faith together. We do not need to all be the same or worship the same way. How boring would that be?
Instead we should accept one another, love one another, and build one another up in faith. A choir is made up of many unique voices, just like the kingdom of Heaven is made up of many unique souls. It's time we embrace those differences.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Throughout our journey so far, I have noticed many, many differences between the culture here and the culture back home. Some differences are more obvious like the infrastructure of the country, the water sources, or the general climate. Other differences are little harder to detect.
One example is the way the people of Belize express their faith and love for God with one another and with us. They generally tend to be more open and vocal with their love for God. For example, if you were to pray with them they will not simply bow their heads and listen, they will rejoice and exclaim their love while someone prays aloud. What a joyous express of their faith, that they feel so strongly about God that they must exclaim it to the world.
The differences in the way we praise God brings to mind an old children's song I once knew. Perhaps you know it as well?
"All God's creatures have a place in the choir,
Some sing low, some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire,
And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now."
This silly little song has been stuck in my head for days now, and it only just occurred to me that God was trying to send me a message. Better late than never, right God? Though the message may have taken me a while to hear, the interpretation is clear.
The point of this song is that not all of God's children are the same or worships in the same way. There are many different creatures in the world, just as there are many different cultures in the world and many different people within those cultures. It makes sense that we all don't worship or exclaim our faith in the same way.
Some of us may be very open and upfront about our faith. We may speak confidently about Jesus to a great crowd of people, much like those creatures singing on the telephone wire for all to hear. However, there are also many of us who have the patience and determination to sit back and witness to those who are not at the forefront. We are drawn to actions more than verbal witnessing. We show the love of Jesus through our physical actions, much like those creatures who sit back and clap with whatever they have.
Whether we are the singers in the front or the clappers in the back, God loves all his creatures equally. He still hears our praise whether it's verbal or from our actions. The point is that we are worshiping and proclaiming our faith together. We do not need to all be the same or worship the same way. How boring would that be?
Instead we should accept one another, love one another, and build one another up in faith. A choir is made up of many unique voices, just like the kingdom of Heaven is made up of many unique souls. It's time we embrace those differences.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Monday, July 2, 2018
A Wonderful Beginning
Buenas noches from Belize,
Today we were blessed to have hosted 42 adults and more than 60 kids from the surrounding community of San Antonio in our Health and Hygiene Clinic. Here the adults learned about the importance of reducing trash, reusing items, and recycling throughout the community. As well as the dangers of parasites and worms and how to control flies and mosquitos.
Meanwhile, the children learned how to avoid germ transmission, how to avoid contracting worms and parasites, and the importance of always washing your hands. They were also treated to the story Jesus Walks On Water and many, many games and activities centered around Christ and good old fashion fun.
It was so wonderful to see such a gathering of young people wanting to learn and hear more about Jesus. We centered our lessons and games around keeping them entertained and tiring them out, but by the end of the day it was us adults that needed the well-deserved break.
While some of us stayed back and entertained and taught our lessons to the children, others went out into the community to install water filters in their homes. Today we were able to break into two groups and demonstrate and/or install nine filters. With Saturday's nine filters demonstrated or installed, that brings our total count up to 18 filters so far. With 42 families involved in our clinc, that leaves a lot of work for us to complete over the next three days, but I think we're up to the task.
For now we will rest and regain our strength for the adventures of tomorrow. We sure have a lot of work left to do here in Belize.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Today we were blessed to have hosted 42 adults and more than 60 kids from the surrounding community of San Antonio in our Health and Hygiene Clinic. Here the adults learned about the importance of reducing trash, reusing items, and recycling throughout the community. As well as the dangers of parasites and worms and how to control flies and mosquitos.
Meanwhile, the children learned how to avoid germ transmission, how to avoid contracting worms and parasites, and the importance of always washing your hands. They were also treated to the story Jesus Walks On Water and many, many games and activities centered around Christ and good old fashion fun.
It was so wonderful to see such a gathering of young people wanting to learn and hear more about Jesus. We centered our lessons and games around keeping them entertained and tiring them out, but by the end of the day it was us adults that needed the well-deserved break.
While some of us stayed back and entertained and taught our lessons to the children, others went out into the community to install water filters in their homes. Today we were able to break into two groups and demonstrate and/or install nine filters. With Saturday's nine filters demonstrated or installed, that brings our total count up to 18 filters so far. With 42 families involved in our clinc, that leaves a lot of work for us to complete over the next three days, but I think we're up to the task.
For now we will rest and regain our strength for the adventures of tomorrow. We sure have a lot of work left to do here in Belize.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
We Have Arrived!
Good Morning From Belize,
You'll be relieved to hear that the remaining eight of us arrived safely to San Ignacio, Belize yesterday afternoon. After a comfortable, if not a little bumpy, flight we once again found ourselves in Belize City. Here we were able to meet up with ALL of our baggage. We can thank God for that one, because a few of us had our doubts that we'd ever see those bags again. Never the less, He provided... once again.
After regaining all of our belongings we made a quick trip through customs and then reunited with our beloved host, Eliu (pronounced like the letter "L" followed by the letter "U"). What a blessing it was to see him once again, in nearly the same place we all shared a teary "goodbye" with him and his family a year ago. He quickly greeted us with hugs and well wishes and ushered us toward our waiting van.
Relieved to have finally made it and eager to join up with the rest of our team, we all packed in and Albert, our driver for the week, started us on another leg of our journey. He made sure that we made in to San Ignacio quickly and safely. Perhaps he sensed how badly we were ready to meet our final destination.
Finally... finally... we made it to our hotel in San Ignacio, where we were greeted by many familiar faces. Shamira and George the owners of our hotel were as welcoming as always and quickly made accommodations for us. We were grateful for their warm welcome. We also, finally, met up with Laura, Penny, and Cindy, who had been diligently working all day in the community while we made our best efforts to join them at last.
With thankful hearts and relieved souls, we all sat down to dinner together as a team. What a joyous meal that was. We ended our night with a rather long Team Meeting and Devotional. Here we finally came together on a more personal level. We all shared a little piece of ourselves with the group, and for the first time really began to weave together as a team.
Our bonds and relationships with each other and with God will only grow from here as we learn more about one another and truly work as a team over the next five days. I for one am looking forward to it.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
You'll be relieved to hear that the remaining eight of us arrived safely to San Ignacio, Belize yesterday afternoon. After a comfortable, if not a little bumpy, flight we once again found ourselves in Belize City. Here we were able to meet up with ALL of our baggage. We can thank God for that one, because a few of us had our doubts that we'd ever see those bags again. Never the less, He provided... once again.
After regaining all of our belongings we made a quick trip through customs and then reunited with our beloved host, Eliu (pronounced like the letter "L" followed by the letter "U"). What a blessing it was to see him once again, in nearly the same place we all shared a teary "goodbye" with him and his family a year ago. He quickly greeted us with hugs and well wishes and ushered us toward our waiting van.
Relieved to have finally made it and eager to join up with the rest of our team, we all packed in and Albert, our driver for the week, started us on another leg of our journey. He made sure that we made in to San Ignacio quickly and safely. Perhaps he sensed how badly we were ready to meet our final destination.
Finally... finally... we made it to our hotel in San Ignacio, where we were greeted by many familiar faces. Shamira and George the owners of our hotel were as welcoming as always and quickly made accommodations for us. We were grateful for their warm welcome. We also, finally, met up with Laura, Penny, and Cindy, who had been diligently working all day in the community while we made our best efforts to join them at last.
With thankful hearts and relieved souls, we all sat down to dinner together as a team. What a joyous meal that was. We ended our night with a rather long Team Meeting and Devotional. Here we finally came together on a more personal level. We all shared a little piece of ourselves with the group, and for the first time really began to weave together as a team.
Our bonds and relationships with each other and with God will only grow from here as we learn more about one another and truly work as a team over the next five days. I for one am looking forward to it.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Your Ruined Plans Are Still HIS Plans
Hello from Atlanta... (yes, Atlanta)
Well, things did not exactly go as planned today. Two of our travelers from Wisconsin had a cancelled flight and were going to be delayed until tomorrow. However, Delta was kind enough to pull through and shuttle them to a nearby airport where they made it to Atlanta on time to meet up with Laura... and only Laura.
The remaining 8 of us were delayed in Flint due to a maintenance issue with our plane. One of our displays went down and the part needed to fix the problem had to be driven up from Detroit. So, we unloaded a completely full flight and proceeded to sprawl out around Bishop's Terminal 6 to begin our first long wait of the day.
As we waited, we were treated to complimentary drinks and Delta even catered in Flint's famous Donna's Donuts. Not a bad way to spend a flight delay. However, due to the length of the delay, we were unable to make our connecting flight from Atlanta to Belize and had to reschedule for tomorrow. Our extremely helpful Delta Representative, Keith, snagged us the last 8 seats on the flight to Belize tomorrow (otherwise we'd have been stuck in Atlanta until Sunday). Isn't God good that way? There were only 8 seats left on that flight, and there are 8 of us. God truly is good.
So around 9:30am we finally re-boarded the fully functional airplane (our original flight out was supposed to take off at 6:00am). We had a smooth and quick flight to Atlanta with no further complications. Also, because of the issue with Delta's plane, the company put us up in a hotel for the night and shuttled us around, free of charge. Here we were able to relax in comfort after a grueling 10 hours of attempting to sleep on hard airport floors.
It has definitely been a trying and tiring start of our journey, but we are safe in Atlanta and being well taken care of. We may not have our checked bags or the majority of our stuff, but God provides, as always. We have pieced together what we can for the night and look forward to joining the rest of our team and luggage in Belize tomorrow.
Though it may be a difficult task to keep a positive attitude when your well-thought-out plans derail before your eyes... we can be assured that we are in Atlanta for a reason tonight. Perhaps we had one last lesson to learn about patience and the art of flexibility before we serve the people of Belize.
For now, we'll call it a night and get some well deserved rest. God willing, the next time you here from me we'll all be safe and sound in Belize.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
You Are Here For A Reason...
As we finish making preparations for our upcoming journey to San Ignacio, Belize, I find myself once again wondering how a group of 11 drastically different people came to be on this journey together. We are, without a doubt, a sorted bunch this year. We are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers... we are dreamers, believers, worriers, healers, travelers, teachers...
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all heard the same message that brought us to this point. Though we all encountered different channels and forms of communication, one way or another we all heard the voice of the Lord ask "Whom shall I send?" And though perhaps we didn't all jump up and exclaim our answers immediately, eventually we all answered "Here am I. Send me."
We may not even know the exact reason we answered the call the way we did. Perhaps we were asked by a previous team member, perhaps we've been before and had a good experience, perhaps we've always wanted to go and just now was granted the courage. No matter the path that brought us to this point, we all heard God's call and answered for a reason.
So, as we make our final preparations these next few days, I'd urge my fellow teammates not to worry about what is to come. It can be so tempting to become stressed out and overwhelmed during the final days before a long trip. As with all things, God has our back. He knows exactly how the nine days of our journey will pan out and he has brought us all together for a reason. No matter the reason you answered the call, you can be sure that God has an amazing journey in store for us. Do not question the path he has put you on. Instead, have faith.
His path for each of us will become clear with time.
Rest up well. Soon we will be on our way.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all heard the same message that brought us to this point. Though we all encountered different channels and forms of communication, one way or another we all heard the voice of the Lord ask "Whom shall I send?" And though perhaps we didn't all jump up and exclaim our answers immediately, eventually we all answered "Here am I. Send me."
We may not even know the exact reason we answered the call the way we did. Perhaps we were asked by a previous team member, perhaps we've been before and had a good experience, perhaps we've always wanted to go and just now was granted the courage. No matter the path that brought us to this point, we all heard God's call and answered for a reason.
So, as we make our final preparations these next few days, I'd urge my fellow teammates not to worry about what is to come. It can be so tempting to become stressed out and overwhelmed during the final days before a long trip. As with all things, God has our back. He knows exactly how the nine days of our journey will pan out and he has brought us all together for a reason. No matter the reason you answered the call, you can be sure that God has an amazing journey in store for us. Do not question the path he has put you on. Instead, have faith.
His path for each of us will become clear with time.
Rest up well. Soon we will be on our way.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Bye for now.
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