Hi from sunny / rainy / sunny / rainy Belize!
We arrived Saturday afternoon after an easy trip with no delays, but were immediately cloaked in heat and humidity. No more than an hour later, everyone was in the pool at our hotel. There we connected with Liz, Rog, and their friend Chris.
Sunday – Eucharist on the dock by the water – random dog asleep in the corner, pirate flag waving on the next pier – a very special hour close to God. Roger had posted fliers in town, so we were delighted to welcome a few non-Emmanuelites to worship with us. Afterwards we did some final planning for Monday, then went on a snorkel trip. Besides seeing a moray eel, green sea turtle, huge grouper, and rays, one highlight was being able to pet a shark. We ended the day with dinner on the dock brought in by a local woman, Bernadette, who cooks out of her own kitchen down the beach. Today we learned that she used the money that she earned from our dinner to buy a badly needed microwave for her business.
Today, Monday, we learned the meaning of “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not get bent out of shape.” A torrential rain delayed the children’s arrival at VBS, so we decided to go to Plan B; then the rain let up and we returned to Plan A. To make the morning even more challenging, we had to move two classrooms full of furniture before setting up our activity centers. We are ever grateful to Fr. Rich and his teens from St. Thomas, who arrived just in time to help us.
The morning was filled with chapel skits, games, stories and crafts. The kids loved making snakes out of all those neckties that you donated, Emmanuel. Many even wanted to make a second snake for their “sick siblings” at home. The men worked on electrical wiring projects and reported that it took them ten man hours to do a one hour job. It’s the Belize way!
Thank you all for your support and prayers. Lydia Brown, the volunteer coordinator here at Holy Cross, was shocked and extremely grateful for your generous monetary donation to the school. The money and donated supplies will be used to help the 425 currents students.
Wednesday: We haven’t been able to get this blog out until now due to technical problems. The VBS program is very popular with the children and is keeping us on our toes as we continue to adjust each day. From Julia’s cheerleader-style prayers, to Theresa’s snack service, Joan’s music, awesome crafts with Stephanie and Laurry, and Heather’s story time help in the library with me – each morning has been a gift.
This afternoon was especially hot, so the air-conditioned library became the project of the day. We transformed the slightly dated jungle decorations into a brighter jungle, filled with our extra necktie snakes, flowers and other critters. The men are still spending lots of man hours to accomplish simple construction projects.
Each of us has many personal inspiring stories to tell – challenges overcome and moments filled with God’s grace. We’ll see you all Sunday.
No comments:
Post a Comment