We have been in Belize a little over a week now; it is time to start winding down and reflecting. We will spend the day having some personal time with the leadership of Toledo Christian Academy – Emerson and Juliana Mangar. We will enjoy a time of cultural exchange with them, which has not been possible earlier as we have all been held to such a busy schedule. It will be a great day.
Looking back, we can SEE our building project. With it, we have a sense of accomplishment and completion in providing a safer play area for the younger school children by keeping out the various animals that like to come dig and lay in the sand around the playground equipment.
We have participated in the education of the school children through chapel times and in participating in their graduations: first those from Pre-K and then those from the 8th grade. We have had lots of fun with them in the play day activities and see that they are children like any others we know.
We have attended a local church service and enjoyed the worship experience and seeing how the churches work in this part of the world.
It has been a very busy time with much hard work – but so many things have been enjoyable: the flood flies invasion after the rain, the tight-rope walking stinging ants on the clothesline, the lizards on the window screens; the occasional bird in the house, and – of course – always feeling like you have on clothes that came straight out of the washing machine! At 90% + humidity, even the page I write my notes on goes limp with moisture and feels more like a piece of cloth than a piece of paper!
We really can’t complain about the weather, though. It has been absolutely glorious here – blessed with some rain, but not rained out – and by gentle breezes that have come at just the right time, like answered prayers bringing sweet relief from the heat and humidity. And our skin is looking really good – even the guys’!
When the sun sets on the day, we will be on the downside of our trip – beginning the preparation for heading home. In 8 short days, God has given us an experience that has positioned a place and its people on our hearts forever. Like a watermelon seed planted in fertile soil, this small Christian school has the potential to produce much fruit in its field. It is our mission to keep it watered and nurtured so that it may yield according to God’s provision and plan.
We love you all at home and continue to ask for your prayers for our safety throughout the rest of our time here and all the way back to you.
Patricia and the Team
Hello Ben and Shari!
ReplyDeleteIt's been great reading the blog and lifting you and your team up in prayer this past week. What a blessing I'm sure you've been to everyone there. The countryside and food remind me of Uganda...just around the corner! I pray your last couple of days are full of opportunities to continue showing the love of Christ to the people there, and for appointments He still has for you there. May He richly bless you as you "finish well."
Love in Him! Deborah