Mission Trip to Belize: Random notes up to Wed.

Random Notes From Belize

Monday: We had a great first day at Holy Cross Anglican School. Everyone was assigned to a specialized task, even Bill Orr, whose specialty is pushing a wheelbarrow along with Bill O'Connor. Mike&Mike rebelled and are now building a thatched palapa (like a pergola). (p.s. Mike, it's not a palanca). They are also repairing shutters.

Liz and Paloma worked with the sewing center ladies. Julia taught religion classes and explained deep mysteries of faith (Did Jesus own an Easter bunny?). Babette observed classes and consulted with classroom teachers about classroom management  strategies.. Linda and I worked in the library, and Mackenzie tutored.

Tuesday: Linda, Julia and I observed a library class and helped the students find info about Ghana. Our workshop on Thursday will help the teachers to make better use of the library. Today the construction guys were hauling sand. Bill Orr suggested an easier way, and Mr. Freddy (construction supervisor) said, "We do it the Mayan 2013 way."  Our other team members did everything from tutoring to sewing, counseling, and injecting knees (Dr. Dave from Christ and St. Luke).

Wednesday: We led 3 (lower, middle, and upper school) chapel services at the school today. Earlier this week Rev. Julia went to all the classrooms and taught a class on Lent. In chapel, Julia reinforced that Lent is a time to give up bad behavior or take on good behavior to improve your relationship with God and your neighbor. We used the Holy Cross Anglican School chapel program, which is similar to our Morning Prayer. Mike Emry and the mission team added a joyful noise.

We've all experienced challenges and rewards as we work with the teachers and children. We'll have many personal tales to tell when we return. The only challenge that we haven't been able to meet so far is finding the altar hanging. There are hardly any women selling their products on the beach. But we haven't given up yet! Liz and Paloma have some leads and aren't giving up.

Wednesday evening we held Holy Eucharist at our hotel. Damaris, our Cursillo group's scholarship girl, and her mom attended. Gail, a visiting Presbyterian pastor assisted Julia. It was a beautiful, simple service that really brought us together in community.

Diann and Julia