Casey & Dr. Meg's post
Sixteen servants on a mission trip.
Sixteen individuals given an opportunity to serve God in a tiny country across the sea.
Sixteen servants learning lessons about servanthood from the children of Belize.
As one student wrote: ...one thought has been at the forefront of my mind during this trip - the power of putting someone else before yourself. As Christians, we are continuously taught the importance of service. This trip has opened my eyes to the fact that when you put others before yourself, you are giving of yourself. This is how Jesus lived, and how we are called to live. The children at St Mary's and St Luke's exhibited this true love.
Snapshots that will forever remain in our hearts:
A child's words when first seeing the newly created resource center at St Mary's Primary school. The room now had a cozy reading nook, a dress-up center, a variety of school-home packs, and shelves stocked with resources and supplies. We had painted the walls of the room a sky blue and sponged white, fluffy clouds on them. The little girl peered into the room and whispered, "It looks like heaven."
Children snuggled onto laps and nestled into comforting arms as T.J. read aloud. For perhaps the first time in their lives, these children felt the power of completely loosing themselves in a story. As more and more children gathered in the tiny library, we took them in our arms and sat listening to the words from Beauty and the Beast.
Cory reached for the ceiling as he tried to paint the moon and the stars in the new resource room at St Mary's. The ceiling fan intervened, neccesitating a trip to the hospital for stitches. Holding his bloody hand in the emergency room, while the rest of the team prayed.
Helping each other complete the painting of a mural for the school in a driving rain. Some painting, others shielding the painters from the rain, we shared the work, shared the ponchos, and shared the laughter as everyone got soaked.
Stopping the van on the wet, muddy road out to St Luke's to get out and walk the final way to the school. Sunset, the sky tinged with pink after a rainy day. As we passed by the houses, small shacks with no water, no electricity, the children saw us and came running to greet us. They remembered. They put their little arms around us and did not let go. Once again, reminding us of the power of coming back, of simply coming back to love them.
Kneeling on the cement floor of the classroom with the shoes we had brought for the children. We cradled those little feet, gently cleaning them before putting on new socks and shoes that fit. The pure joy on the children's faces as they looked first down at their feet and then up to give thanks to God.
A warped basketball rim with a new net tacked onto a crooked tree out in the field. It was late afternoon and several of the students played basketball with the older boys at St Luke's. The ground was uneven, there really wasn't a court, but they played passionately as if it were the NBA finals. Teammates now, friends from different countries.
Leaving Lemonal, with the children running as fast as they could to keep up with our van, not wanting to let us go. We couldn't break eye contact with them; they were not crying, just holding us with their eyes. We drove slowly, not wanting to leave them, but knowing we must. The children just kept running on that sandy road for as long as they could. Next time, we'll run to them.
Sixteen servants on a mission trip.
Sixteen servants, one God.
We pray that we served as you wanted us to, Father.
We pray, as another student wrote, that our hearts were broken for what breaks yours, Father.
We pray that we never forget.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Youn Better Belize It AMERICA!
Our last day in Belize, and for once we were all on time! Gettin the day started off right people! whooo! We rendezvoused around 6:30 and headed towards our first authentic Belizean church service at St Mary's Anglican Church. Throughout the service we had the opportunity to partake in the weekly communion service. Following Pastor Flower's inspirational message, our group scurried back to the Chateau to get a quick bite to eat and change into our beach wear!!! We met back as a group and departed for Caye Caulker. During our speedy 45 minute water taxi ride we had the opportunity to gaze into the clear Carribean resembling a wintermint mouthwash ocean. Upon arrival we jumped off the rocking boat and plunged straight into a wild snorkling adventure through the tropical reefs while others went on some serious shopping extravaganza. During the snorkling, we were greeted by all kinds of fish and even got chased by a frantic green eel. We also had the amazing opportunity to swim with nurse sharks, sting rays, and one fierce barracuda. After our fantastic adventure at the Caye, we hopped back onto the water taxi and headed back to Belize City. Our wonderful hotel cooks prepared a complementary Caribbean feast for our group as a good-bye gift. Sadly our trip must come to an end tonight while we all pack our bags and get ready to say God Bless to our new Belizean friends. Some of our things and blood, in Corey's case will stay here in Belize and soon fade away, but our memories of coming to this great country and effecting as many people as we did never will. God blessed this trip and we pray one day he will send us back to this beloved city to do his work again.
God Bless,
Britta and Zach
God Bless,
Britta and Zach
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Joelle & Kathryn's blog- Saturday
After a long, hard week of working in the schools, today our group had a chance to see the Savannah and Jungle of Belize. We took an hour and a half ride down the Belize river to the Mayan ruins site. Along the way we enjoyed the wildlife of Belize. Immediately we came across the bird known as the 'Jesus walks' bird. The bird hops from lily pad to lily pad, as if he is walking on water. We continued up the river until we spotted two Howler monkeys. They began to run towards the boat and as we got closer and they actually jumped onto the side of our boat!! The monkeys started to walk around the boat inches away from us and one sat on the open seat next to Casey! Kelly Bell offered the monkey a cracker and it walked up and took it straight out of her hand. It was such an amazing sight! Between all of us we got a coupe hundred pictures of them and caught the whole sight on video! Continuing down the river we saw many large and small herons, a few crocodiles, and some spider monkeys. When we got to the site of the Mayan ruins we first enjoyed a home cooked Belizean meal that was brought with us by our tour guide and then started hiking through the jungle. We explored an old sugar mill, an old ball court, and a couple temple ruins. Many of us decided to climb the high temple which was 33 meters in height- practically straight up! It was very steep and very scary coming down but definitely worth the view at the top. We saw a tarantula, leaf-cutting ants, tayra (a member of the weasel family), and termites. Many of our group ATE some termites!! We concluded that they tasted like Pine. We came across glue fruit and a rubber tree. We also saw 'give and take trees' which have spikes on them and hurt to touch and are slightly poisonous, but when the bark is peeled back, the tree can be used as an antidote for medicinal purposes. Allspice and cashew trees were other spectacular sights of Belize that we encountered. After a fun-filled day, we are back at the Chateau Caribbean to get some rest before we enjoy the sunrise in the morning and church at 7 o'clock.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Cor dogg's and C Brew's post
Hello friends,
Day five has been awesome here in Belize. We started the day early by eating family breakfast together. Soon afterwards a group went to the store and purchased more supplies and shoes for the students at St. Luke's. Every child received a new pair of shoes! Meanwhile, the group who did not go to the store, got to experience some awesome wildlife; including a dozen wild iguanas, several lizards that run upright on two feet, hummingbirds, five howler monkeys and a red headed woodpecker.
Cory learned all about photography from Zach today. While observing several huge iguanas roam around on private property, Zach informed Cory that he would crawl over the fence to get a closer look. Cory naturally advised against this but Zach replied, "you never miss a photo op!" Five minutes later Zach came yelling like a girl as a dog came running out of the house. Fortunately Zach made it over the fence before the poodle bit him.
When the group reunited mid-morning, we made a plan and headed out to St. Luke's. The thirty minute drive was a fun one as kids greeted us along the way and ran along side the van. As we pulled up to the school, approximately 25 students were waiting for us on a day in which school was not in session. We immediately began to paint the exterior of the school while some of the team members played with the children. The school looked fresh with its new "skin light" color on the outside. (that's what it said on the can!)
After an hour of playing and working in the intense heat, we fed the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit loops and ice cream for lunch. Dr. Meg is all about nutrition! After lunch, we revisited all the games we had invented during the last two days...slam ball, cricket soccer, tree hoops and other mixtures of american sports. There is something about competition that brings people together in a magical way. For the majority of the day, while the team worked, the children were out in the yard playing their little hearts. My favorite part of the day was when we tied an old basketball rim to the trunk of a tree in the school yard and played 6 on 6 with the kids (with the upward basketball and soccer balls we brought:) The look in their eyes was priceless after they made a goal, they would scream and run around giving high fives to their friends.
After hours of playing with the kids, we eventually had to say goodbye. We all circled up to pray as Corey gave a little speech letting all the kids know how much God loves them and how much we love them. So we gave all our hugs and kisses to those kids and then hopped in the van to leave. As we rode down the dirt road it was a precious site to watch those children chase after the van as fast as their little legs would let them.
We decided to cook dinner ourselves tonight and eat in the villa as a team. We As we speak TJ is conquoring everyone's fear right now and climbing up into the attack to try and fix our iguana problem. Everynight we hear their claws running across the roof and i'm not going to lie, it is seriously freaky!! So hopefully we will have news tomorrow and results from TJ's adventure with the iguana. We are about to have some group bonding time and play a game of big booty with Dr Meg and Miss Kelly, and i promise you we will laugh really hard tonight::)
Day five has been awesome here in Belize. We started the day early by eating family breakfast together. Soon afterwards a group went to the store and purchased more supplies and shoes for the students at St. Luke's. Every child received a new pair of shoes! Meanwhile, the group who did not go to the store, got to experience some awesome wildlife; including a dozen wild iguanas, several lizards that run upright on two feet, hummingbirds, five howler monkeys and a red headed woodpecker.
Cory learned all about photography from Zach today. While observing several huge iguanas roam around on private property, Zach informed Cory that he would crawl over the fence to get a closer look. Cory naturally advised against this but Zach replied, "you never miss a photo op!" Five minutes later Zach came yelling like a girl as a dog came running out of the house. Fortunately Zach made it over the fence before the poodle bit him.
When the group reunited mid-morning, we made a plan and headed out to St. Luke's. The thirty minute drive was a fun one as kids greeted us along the way and ran along side the van. As we pulled up to the school, approximately 25 students were waiting for us on a day in which school was not in session. We immediately began to paint the exterior of the school while some of the team members played with the children. The school looked fresh with its new "skin light" color on the outside. (that's what it said on the can!)
After an hour of playing and working in the intense heat, we fed the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit loops and ice cream for lunch. Dr. Meg is all about nutrition! After lunch, we revisited all the games we had invented during the last two days...slam ball, cricket soccer, tree hoops and other mixtures of american sports. There is something about competition that brings people together in a magical way. For the majority of the day, while the team worked, the children were out in the yard playing their little hearts. My favorite part of the day was when we tied an old basketball rim to the trunk of a tree in the school yard and played 6 on 6 with the kids (with the upward basketball and soccer balls we brought:) The look in their eyes was priceless after they made a goal, they would scream and run around giving high fives to their friends.
After hours of playing with the kids, we eventually had to say goodbye. We all circled up to pray as Corey gave a little speech letting all the kids know how much God loves them and how much we love them. So we gave all our hugs and kisses to those kids and then hopped in the van to leave. As we rode down the dirt road it was a precious site to watch those children chase after the van as fast as their little legs would let them.
We decided to cook dinner ourselves tonight and eat in the villa as a team. We As we speak TJ is conquoring everyone's fear right now and climbing up into the attack to try and fix our iguana problem. Everynight we hear their claws running across the roof and i'm not going to lie, it is seriously freaky!! So hopefully we will have news tomorrow and results from TJ's adventure with the iguana. We are about to have some group bonding time and play a game of big booty with Dr Meg and Miss Kelly, and i promise you we will laugh really hard tonight::)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Savanna and Elizabeth's Blog
The last two days of our trip have been very emotional, tiring, but extremely rewarding. We finished placing everything in the brand new resource room today. The children were extremely excited to have a dress up station, chalkboards, and a reading corner complete with pillows and stuffed animals. It was then we realized that not all the animals were stuffed. As we were finishing up the last touches to the bookcase, a rat decided to scurry out from the box. The children found this incident very amussing, the "Americans" on the other hand, not so much. Then it became time to say our goodbyes. So many of the children asked when we would be back, and it was so hard to tell them that we might not. So many of the children could not believe that the room was for them. Several asked "Is this for me?" or "Do we get to keep this?" It brought a tear to your eye when you realized that not many of them had stuffed animals to love at their own house. We made our way back to the place where we were staying to grab a bite to eat, complete some last minute shopping, and pack our belongings. Off to St. Luke's we were! The drive through Belize city was quite different than a drive through Anderson. Traffic was ridiculous and no one stayed on their side of the road. We finally arrived safely to the Black Orchid. We checked in, unpacked, and a handful of us went out to alert the principal of our arrival. After a long and bumpy drive down a dirt road, we came to our stopping place. No, it was not the school, just a big ditch we didn't think the van could cross. So we walked. While walking several children came out to the road to greet us. All of them remembering Dr. Meg from her previous trips and greeted her with a hug and saying "You came back!" This showed us what an impact we could have on a small village with a population of around 100. We talked to the teacher and she said that some painting needed to be done and we decided to bring them lunch and dinner for the next day. We also found out that the older children were having their first ever baseball tournament! So gathered a few things at the store and after a long transition day, and some award winning driving by Kelly, we went back to the hotel for some rest.
This morning we woke up at about 3 or 4 in the morning to some kind of monsoon. It was pouring rain about as hard as it possilby could and Elizabeth and I were consistently praying that we could make it to the school and that rain would not hold us back. God is so good because not only did we make it, the dirt road was a little less bumpy this morning! We knew that today was going to be a long day, but it was well worth it. We started out the morning just getting to know some of the younger kids, because all the older ones were at their baseball game. We organized some of the supplies we bought and fed them hot dogs for lunch. After lunch, some of the team played soccer with the children, some read to the kids, and the others painted the chalk boards in the classrooms. The whole day really just revolved around getting to know the kids and showing them the love that we have for them. After the baseball team arrived back at school, we all ate PB&J, Watermelon, and ice cream together. Once all the bellies were full, we brought kids, two by two into a room where we set out a lot of the things that we brought for them. The kids came in and got a pair of flip flops, a pair of tennis shoes, some clothes, a bag, and a sports jersey. You could tell just by the look on their faces how much it meant to them to have some new things to call their own. This mission trip is all about touching lives and leaving eternal finger prints and our team is showing Jesus to these children through the love that we have for them. There is no way to describe their smiles and big brown eyes when they see you coming to their school. Every person on this team can see what keeps Dr. Meg and the others coming back to help these people.
After a long, but exciting, day we all headed back to the hotel to eat dinner and rest. We are all excited to head back to St. Luke's tomorrow and work for one more day so that we can show more love for these families and help make the school a little better!
And Zach played cricket...
This morning we woke up at about 3 or 4 in the morning to some kind of monsoon. It was pouring rain about as hard as it possilby could and Elizabeth and I were consistently praying that we could make it to the school and that rain would not hold us back. God is so good because not only did we make it, the dirt road was a little less bumpy this morning! We knew that today was going to be a long day, but it was well worth it. We started out the morning just getting to know some of the younger kids, because all the older ones were at their baseball game. We organized some of the supplies we bought and fed them hot dogs for lunch. After lunch, some of the team played soccer with the children, some read to the kids, and the others painted the chalk boards in the classrooms. The whole day really just revolved around getting to know the kids and showing them the love that we have for them. After the baseball team arrived back at school, we all ate PB&J, Watermelon, and ice cream together. Once all the bellies were full, we brought kids, two by two into a room where we set out a lot of the things that we brought for them. The kids came in and got a pair of flip flops, a pair of tennis shoes, some clothes, a bag, and a sports jersey. You could tell just by the look on their faces how much it meant to them to have some new things to call their own. This mission trip is all about touching lives and leaving eternal finger prints and our team is showing Jesus to these children through the love that we have for them. There is no way to describe their smiles and big brown eyes when they see you coming to their school. Every person on this team can see what keeps Dr. Meg and the others coming back to help these people.
After a long, but exciting, day we all headed back to the hotel to eat dinner and rest. We are all excited to head back to St. Luke's tomorrow and work for one more day so that we can show more love for these families and help make the school a little better!
And Zach played cricket...
Busy Day
Yesterday was a blast and was so much so we never got a chance to post anything. Tonight we will be catching everyone up on yesterday and today. God is working in big ways here and blessing our team daily. We thank all of you for your prayers and will be posting again soon.
With Much Love
The Mission Team
With Much Love
The Mission Team
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day Four: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Amber & TJ's Blog Post
After meeting for breakfast and sharing our daily journal entry, we walked to St. Mary's to embark on another full day of work. Many of us started painting - the mural, walls, chalkboards, floor...while others of us stayed at the Chateau and worked on sewing pillows, creating teacher bags, and making take-home packs. TJ went straight into his classroom to start working with the children- of course, ten minutes later everyone was looking for him- he is in high demand here in Belize. During the break, Joelle, Kathryn, and Caroline taught the kids cheers! They absolutely loved it. Also during their break, we had a whole crew of "helpers" who jumped right in to help us paint. Korver especially loves to paint, I told him he would be an expert by the end of the day!
When the kids went back to class, and we went back to work, Corey, Amber, Joelle and Kathryn, and a few others of us helped with a dance class learning to shake our hips! It was hilarious. We also met some very dedicated ladies who peel 200 oranges every single day for the kids during their healthy snack time. They use green oranges, and they are very sweet and delicious. They top the orange halves with a spice seasoning of cayenne & salt...yummy but spicy! While we were meeting the ladies, TJ was hard at work back in the classroom teaching the children how to convert fractions to decimals. Many kids are now starting to improve in math and really like it with him as their teacher. All over the school you hear either: "Meestah Jeff, Shaggy, or Meestah TJ" all of which refer to TJ of course. He is definitely a help to the teachers who didn't quite know how to teach these harder concepts to their Standard 2 classroom, which is preparing for a national test. He says he is impressed with how smart they are, and how much they know about the Bible. Everyday they have a Bible lesson, and they know even more than us sometimes. It is so awesome that they are learning this. One poster we have seen in both St. Mary's church and in St. Mary's Primary School says "The World Is Changing, But The Need For Jesus Remains". We love it. It is so true, and I love that the kids are learning this.
During our lunch break, we met some of the vendors who all begged to braid our hair. We also had yet another dance party - all caught on video of course. Later, we went back to St. Mary's and went straight up to the library. TJ & Amber were "escorted" to the library by our good friend, Jessica. She is so sweet. Then, when we got up to the library, all the children wanted to read. They especially love to hear TJ read- today it was Beauty and the Beast - not a short version, either! D'Anza was TJ's most faithful listener : ). It was a very sweet moment in the library, and it touched all our hearts how much they love to hug, be held, and just to read. These children do not leave when the bell rings- they stay as long as they possibly can, just to be with you.
Meanwhile downstairs, the center room was getting finished up. There are now clouds in the sky on the walls, and green "grass" floor. The room looks great, as does the mural of Jesus feeds the 5000. The principal says that Jesus has dreads though. We also worked on a poster painting of the food pyramid, as the school is trying to take steps to bring healthy choices to the children. The food pyramid has not been easy, but we had a team of at least 5 or more people working on it, using a lot of improvisation when necessary.
While about 5 of us finished up the food pyramid, it started to POUR!!! Everything was getting wet, and we had to work fast. I think everyone got at least a little bit of paint on them today, that's for sure. Luckily TJ had some ponchos, and Dr. Meg & Amber shared one poncho- because we are both so short! Korver stayed the whole time and helped us until we locked up the school.
Tonight, we had dinner, laughed and shared stories at the dinner table- it was so nice. Some of the girls are getting their hair braided by the orange ladies from the school- it looks fabulous! Dawn is visiting us around the hotel, a young girl who loves to "sneak" around and play with us. Even with the rain, it has been a great day filled with hard labor, and tender moments of love. We have made so many friends that will not be forgotten. There are not many other places that you will feel this loved and this at home, than in St. Mary's school and at the Chateau. Tomorrow will be our last day at St. Mary's, and we will be sad leaving them, but know we are going on to another group of kids who need us as well.
After meeting for breakfast and sharing our daily journal entry, we walked to St. Mary's to embark on another full day of work. Many of us started painting - the mural, walls, chalkboards, floor...while others of us stayed at the Chateau and worked on sewing pillows, creating teacher bags, and making take-home packs. TJ went straight into his classroom to start working with the children- of course, ten minutes later everyone was looking for him- he is in high demand here in Belize. During the break, Joelle, Kathryn, and Caroline taught the kids cheers! They absolutely loved it. Also during their break, we had a whole crew of "helpers" who jumped right in to help us paint. Korver especially loves to paint, I told him he would be an expert by the end of the day!
When the kids went back to class, and we went back to work, Corey, Amber, Joelle and Kathryn, and a few others of us helped with a dance class learning to shake our hips! It was hilarious. We also met some very dedicated ladies who peel 200 oranges every single day for the kids during their healthy snack time. They use green oranges, and they are very sweet and delicious. They top the orange halves with a spice seasoning of cayenne & salt...yummy but spicy! While we were meeting the ladies, TJ was hard at work back in the classroom teaching the children how to convert fractions to decimals. Many kids are now starting to improve in math and really like it with him as their teacher. All over the school you hear either: "Meestah Jeff, Shaggy, or Meestah TJ" all of which refer to TJ of course. He is definitely a help to the teachers who didn't quite know how to teach these harder concepts to their Standard 2 classroom, which is preparing for a national test. He says he is impressed with how smart they are, and how much they know about the Bible. Everyday they have a Bible lesson, and they know even more than us sometimes. It is so awesome that they are learning this. One poster we have seen in both St. Mary's church and in St. Mary's Primary School says "The World Is Changing, But The Need For Jesus Remains". We love it. It is so true, and I love that the kids are learning this.
During our lunch break, we met some of the vendors who all begged to braid our hair. We also had yet another dance party - all caught on video of course. Later, we went back to St. Mary's and went straight up to the library. TJ & Amber were "escorted" to the library by our good friend, Jessica. She is so sweet. Then, when we got up to the library, all the children wanted to read. They especially love to hear TJ read- today it was Beauty and the Beast - not a short version, either! D'Anza was TJ's most faithful listener : ). It was a very sweet moment in the library, and it touched all our hearts how much they love to hug, be held, and just to read. These children do not leave when the bell rings- they stay as long as they possibly can, just to be with you.
Meanwhile downstairs, the center room was getting finished up. There are now clouds in the sky on the walls, and green "grass" floor. The room looks great, as does the mural of Jesus feeds the 5000. The principal says that Jesus has dreads though. We also worked on a poster painting of the food pyramid, as the school is trying to take steps to bring healthy choices to the children. The food pyramid has not been easy, but we had a team of at least 5 or more people working on it, using a lot of improvisation when necessary.
While about 5 of us finished up the food pyramid, it started to POUR!!! Everything was getting wet, and we had to work fast. I think everyone got at least a little bit of paint on them today, that's for sure. Luckily TJ had some ponchos, and Dr. Meg & Amber shared one poncho- because we are both so short! Korver stayed the whole time and helped us until we locked up the school.
Tonight, we had dinner, laughed and shared stories at the dinner table- it was so nice. Some of the girls are getting their hair braided by the orange ladies from the school- it looks fabulous! Dawn is visiting us around the hotel, a young girl who loves to "sneak" around and play with us. Even with the rain, it has been a great day filled with hard labor, and tender moments of love. We have made so many friends that will not be forgotten. There are not many other places that you will feel this loved and this at home, than in St. Mary's school and at the Chateau. Tomorrow will be our last day at St. Mary's, and we will be sad leaving them, but know we are going on to another group of kids who need us as well.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 3: 3/15/11
Kala and Elizabeth E's Post
This morning, we enjoyed breakfast together at the Chateau Caribbean and set out for a day at St. Mary's Primary School. When we arrived, we gathered in the principal's office to discuss what needed to be done. However, there were not enough chairs for all of us to sit in. Many of the little children happily brought us chairs with large smiles and bright eyes, eventhough the chairs were bigger than they where. While there, we divided up tasks. Some of us worked in classrooms beside the teachers, others started work in the center classroom by cleaning out the room, and while our artists began to draw a mural of Jesus feeding the 5,000. In the classrooms, we observed the teachers as well as helped the children with their schoolwork. T.J. was blessed with the chance to teach his very first math lesson! While some of us were working in the classrooms, another group made a trip to the hardware store to purchase supplies. The group of painters worked for hours stripping paint, cleaning walls, and painting.
After lunch, we all went back to St. Mary's to put a second coat of paint in the center classroom, paint chalkboards with chalkboard paint, begin painting the mural, and organize books to put in the center classroom. While all of us were working hard, Cory decides to lean a little too far over the side of the ladder. The ceiling fan hit him in the top of the head. We made him sit down immediately. The principal of the school called a taxi and Dr. Meg took him to the hospital. Cory ended up getting only three stitches and is now on antibiotics. For the exception of a headache, he is fine tonight. We are all very thankful that he was able to safetly climb down the ladder without passing out and ending up on the concrete floor!! Praise God!! While Cory was getting stitches, the rest of us got back to work. We were able to put two coats of paint on almost all the walls in the center classroom and organize all the books.
Around 5:30 we finally headed back to the Chateau Caribbean for some relaxation. Some of us brave souls decided to get in the ocean!! We all met back up later in the evening to discuss what we would be doing the next day at St. Mary's. During our meeting, there was a great sense of togetherness, gratefulness, and love among the whole team. We laughed, we cried, we grew as Christians. Kelly wrapped our meeting up a few poems and prayers. We then gathered all our school supplies into the hallway, organized which supplies we would take to St. Mary's in the morning and which supplies we would set aside to take to St. Luke's when we travel to Lemonal later in the week. Caroline pracited the cheers we will teach to the the children tomorrow while T.J. practiced his guitar.
We ended today with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts as we reflected on the glorious ways God is already changing our lives. We are so greatful for all the many blessings He has already given to us thus far. Keep praying that we can change lives in this short amount of time we have with these precious children.
This morning, we enjoyed breakfast together at the Chateau Caribbean and set out for a day at St. Mary's Primary School. When we arrived, we gathered in the principal's office to discuss what needed to be done. However, there were not enough chairs for all of us to sit in. Many of the little children happily brought us chairs with large smiles and bright eyes, eventhough the chairs were bigger than they where. While there, we divided up tasks. Some of us worked in classrooms beside the teachers, others started work in the center classroom by cleaning out the room, and while our artists began to draw a mural of Jesus feeding the 5,000. In the classrooms, we observed the teachers as well as helped the children with their schoolwork. T.J. was blessed with the chance to teach his very first math lesson! While some of us were working in the classrooms, another group made a trip to the hardware store to purchase supplies. The group of painters worked for hours stripping paint, cleaning walls, and painting.
After lunch, we all went back to St. Mary's to put a second coat of paint in the center classroom, paint chalkboards with chalkboard paint, begin painting the mural, and organize books to put in the center classroom. While all of us were working hard, Cory decides to lean a little too far over the side of the ladder. The ceiling fan hit him in the top of the head. We made him sit down immediately. The principal of the school called a taxi and Dr. Meg took him to the hospital. Cory ended up getting only three stitches and is now on antibiotics. For the exception of a headache, he is fine tonight. We are all very thankful that he was able to safetly climb down the ladder without passing out and ending up on the concrete floor!! Praise God!! While Cory was getting stitches, the rest of us got back to work. We were able to put two coats of paint on almost all the walls in the center classroom and organize all the books.
Around 5:30 we finally headed back to the Chateau Caribbean for some relaxation. Some of us brave souls decided to get in the ocean!! We all met back up later in the evening to discuss what we would be doing the next day at St. Mary's. During our meeting, there was a great sense of togetherness, gratefulness, and love among the whole team. We laughed, we cried, we grew as Christians. Kelly wrapped our meeting up a few poems and prayers. We then gathered all our school supplies into the hallway, organized which supplies we would take to St. Mary's in the morning and which supplies we would set aside to take to St. Luke's when we travel to Lemonal later in the week. Caroline pracited the cheers we will teach to the the children tomorrow while T.J. practiced his guitar.
We ended today with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts as we reflected on the glorious ways God is already changing our lives. We are so greatful for all the many blessings He has already given to us thus far. Keep praying that we can change lives in this short amount of time we have with these precious children.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Days One and Two: Saturday, March 12 & Sunday March 13, 2011
Heather and Kelly's Post:
Our Team gathered at AU at 4:30 pm on Saturday to load vehicles, pray together and begin our journey to Belize. After arriving safely in Atlanta, we gathered to talk, get to know one another better and share our hearts for this trip. We all realized that each person had varying reasons for wanting to be a part of this trip, but there was one common thread throughout...our expectations of what God would have for us to do for the children at St. Mary's and St. Luke's. Exhausted from a long day and losing an hour of sleep due to the time change, we once again would gather to travel at 4:15 am. (Yes, that's A.M.)
Sixteen people arrived at the Atlanta Airport with 33 checked bags and at least one carry on bag each. We looked like we were moving to Belize instead of a short stay of nine days. The airport was crowded but we were able to get checked in and make it to our gate with time to spare. We safely arrived in Miami, and, after a quick bite of breakfast, we boarded our second flight to Belize.
Sixteen people arrived at the Belize Airport with ALL 33 checked bags! We were both surprised and relieved to have our plethora of supplies with us. After a couple of van rides, we all successfully arrived to the Chateau. With empty stomachs and weary bodies, we ate a Belizean lunch and had time to rest and relax.
Some of us then went for a walk to familiarize ourselves with the area that will be working. When we approached St. Mary's Church, we heard beautiful music that drew us into the building. A couple of us went back to get the other members of the team. We all joined the service and enjoyed the beautiful songs the congregation sang together. Afterwards, we helped serve the congregation juice and tamales. The service was in celebration of Lent and to raise awareness of the plight of the children in Belize City. Our plans for the evening had been to begin unpacking supplies and making preparations for Monday; however, God had another plan for us. Being led by Him to this service, we were able to serve others and be spiritually fed as well. By seeking God's guidance in all that we do and giving this trip completely to Him, we are already seeing the importance of allowing God to lead us. What a way to begin our week in Belize. We have great expectations for this week, and we know that thorough His grace the impossible becomes possible.
Our Team gathered at AU at 4:30 pm on Saturday to load vehicles, pray together and begin our journey to Belize. After arriving safely in Atlanta, we gathered to talk, get to know one another better and share our hearts for this trip. We all realized that each person had varying reasons for wanting to be a part of this trip, but there was one common thread throughout...our expectations of what God would have for us to do for the children at St. Mary's and St. Luke's. Exhausted from a long day and losing an hour of sleep due to the time change, we once again would gather to travel at 4:15 am. (Yes, that's A.M.)
Sixteen people arrived at the Atlanta Airport with 33 checked bags and at least one carry on bag each. We looked like we were moving to Belize instead of a short stay of nine days. The airport was crowded but we were able to get checked in and make it to our gate with time to spare. We safely arrived in Miami, and, after a quick bite of breakfast, we boarded our second flight to Belize.
Sixteen people arrived at the Belize Airport with ALL 33 checked bags! We were both surprised and relieved to have our plethora of supplies with us. After a couple of van rides, we all successfully arrived to the Chateau. With empty stomachs and weary bodies, we ate a Belizean lunch and had time to rest and relax.
Some of us then went for a walk to familiarize ourselves with the area that will be working. When we approached St. Mary's Church, we heard beautiful music that drew us into the building. A couple of us went back to get the other members of the team. We all joined the service and enjoyed the beautiful songs the congregation sang together. Afterwards, we helped serve the congregation juice and tamales. The service was in celebration of Lent and to raise awareness of the plight of the children in Belize City. Our plans for the evening had been to begin unpacking supplies and making preparations for Monday; however, God had another plan for us. Being led by Him to this service, we were able to serve others and be spiritually fed as well. By seeking God's guidance in all that we do and giving this trip completely to Him, we are already seeing the importance of allowing God to lead us. What a way to begin our week in Belize. We have great expectations for this week, and we know that thorough His grace the impossible becomes possible.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Preparations
Sixteen servants on a mission trip. The trip begins Sunday, March 13, 2011.
Come join us please ...
... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Come join us please ...
... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40
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