Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Yes, you can puke into a regulator

Well, two classes down, one more to go to being a future scuba-steve. Yesterday was awesome...we dove down only 20 ft however, and practiced a bunch of drills. Today, we were diving to 40ft in the Caye Chapel canyons. Mucho waves, and I was having problems with my regulator before desending down into the dark waters. The instructor told me to switch over to the alternate regulator which I did. However, when I was underwater, I noticed that the regulator was sort-of leaking a little bit. Needless to say, I probably swallowed a gallon of sea water, and the combination of the waves and the seawater made me a little queezy. I would go into more elaborate descriptions, but I rather not relive it myself. Don't worry Mom and Mom-mcgrail...I'm OK, and will live to see another day. Nothing too bad, but nothing like feeling sick to ruin your scuba experience.

OK, for public interest, here's a map with all the places circled where we have done mission work some way or another:



Oh yes, we've been to Belize City as well, but no missionary work there. The "Lloyd" resideth there, pastoring Queen Street Baptist. (He's a Belizean contact that is a big-wig in the Baptist circles.) For a fun game, replace any verse with "Lord" or "the Lord" with Lloyd...he thinks it's funny everytime, and so do I. (ie. "The Lloyd giveth and taketh away.") We'll be sure to put up a picture of him before we leave.

And now a message from Meg:

I can't believe Mike, and Matt for that matter, all that stuff about Lloyd sounds sacreligious. Though oddly appropriate most of the time. Pastor Lloyd has been instrumental in ministering to the Belizean people all over the country for years. He and his fabulous wife Nancy are godly, loving, amazing people who will be friends for as long as they choose to claim to know us. Lloyd even paid me a huge compliment, once giving just a short sermon to us at lunch, talking about the burning bush and how it directed Moses to God and God's will. Lloyd talked about how "any bush will do," he looked right at me and said, "that one's burning right there." He's a great guy, great heart for the Lord, with a great sense of humor.

Mike and I are winding up our little "vacation" so don't expect to get daily updates all the time now... Especially with the Houston trip next week. Oiy, 126 people, seven of us staff. I'm actually not that worried; can't be worried when we don't know what to expect. I'm sure it will be fine, but a few extra prayers wouldn't hurt.

Crazy to think we've only got three weeks left. Was just writing in my journal how easy it is to live here, not that Mike and I demand that much. But I think this is the closest thing to the US, outside of the US I've encountered thus far in my limited travels. Sometimes I forget that I am out of the country. The hardest thing is not having easy access to all of you.

We love you and miss you; thanks again and again for all the prayers!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Harsh reality...

I have just received news that a dear friend of mine has lost her grandfather. Grandpa Wayne, who we have prayed for so many times, passed away on June 21st. Manda L., I'm so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you with this new request. I know this is not a terribly profound thought, but sometimes, wrapped up in Belize, so far from everything, I forget that life continues for so many. So many happy things, so many sad things... I can't believe I am not closer to comfort my friend and her family. I feel like I'm getting updates on a TV show I've been missing, not my life. I think this is one of the major reasons I would have a major issue being this far away for any longer. I am removed from my own life. I know things are continuing as they should for now, but you all are my life too. God has ingrained in us the inherent desire and gift to be in relationship with each other. And I am missing that. New relationships have been started or reacquired, but I am missing all of you, my friends and family...

As many of you know, Mike and I are "off" most of this week. One of my bosses, in his infinite wisdom, decided that three trips in a row is plenty, we should take some time before finishing with our final three. I have been very grateful for this time. Time to start processing, both with Mike and on my own (as he did get into the scuba certification class, so he's been gone a lot). Processing my new thoughts on people and what makes them tick. Thoughts on God and how and when He works. Removed thoughts about all of you. Seeing different relationships here actually sometimes helps me to better understand others. Seeing how Belizeans are friends and family highlights things I love about all of you and points out areas of improvement for me.

People here have to be intentional. About family, about friends, about God. They cannot afford, in any aspect of that word, to be lukewarm. They are compassionate and warm, they are honest and seek the truth. They are guarded and yet open and receiving at the same time. We walk right up to peoples' homes here without hesitation, yell a greeting, and start a conversation with complete strangers. And they receive us warmly. Maybe because we are foreign, but I think because that's the way they are with everyone. They always cautiously give you the benefit of the doubt; they're not stupid or careless, just open. Though I probably come in with my preconceived notions, prejudices, American arrogance, and whatever else I haven't identified in myself, they wait and see, allowing me the opportunity to prove myself wrong.

In what US neighborhood would anyone welcome stangers into their yards, let alone their houses, for a casual chat? What American church would welcome a group at a moments notice to come and take over a church service with open arms and appreciative smiles. Though most of our pastors and ministry staff could really use a day off, we would rarely if ever relinquish that control. Don't get me wrong, I love the US, I miss it daily; we just have a lot to learn about people. My major concern is whether I can bring this home...

I do know that here, when there is loss, the community grieves because loss effects the entire community. Manda, I'm thinking and praying for you.

Monday, June 26, 2006

A few updates from Caye Caulker...

Well, some official sad news: I cannot dive this week. Ended up going to see Dr. Johan Perez here on the island and have been officially diagnosed with accute sinusitis and bronchitis, which means it's too risky for me to dive. We've missed our window for the private classes, so now Mike's only hope is that another guy didn't show this morning for the existing class. If he doesn't show again this afternoon, Mike's in. Pray that he gets it; I feel so bad that I might be the reason he doesn't get to get in on this dream sooner rather than later.

While we've been at the dive shop, Belize Diving Services, we've been getting to know Dawn and Kathy, the owners. Dawn is a retired widow who became friends with Kathy during a dive, and they always talked about opening a shop when the retired, so now they have. They've also become the islands Humane Society, saving and sponsoring many dogs and cats, including Tom Tom... (picture to right; he's held by Dawn... and he's teething) Dawn and Kathy are great people with great hearts; if anyone is ever interested in this kind of thing and are looking for a place to go, come see these two.

Janell and I decided to take advantage of the partly cloudy day yesterday and headed back towards the Anchorage Resort, where we stay with the trips, to make use of their hammocks and beach chairs. Elvira, Raphael's wife, the great Christian man who helps to run the Anchorage, graciously waived the $5 (Belize dollars, $2.50 US) that non-guests usually have to pay to utilize their facilities. We grabbed some chairs, she in the sun, me avoiding the sun at all costs, and napped, read, and enjoyed the sounds of the distant waves hitting the reef. Here's (to the left) my hammock nap, finally!

And my views from the hammock... Ah, yes, this is what it's like to decompress. And we even had some company from some local wild life...












So Mike and I are doing pretty well on this little break, aside from the diving disappointment. We're preparing as much as we can for the mammoth trip to start this Saturday, 126 people from Houston. That's like 3 of our typical trips in one. We'll be needing lots of prayer for that one...

Thanks again and again for all your prayers, thoughts, and support. Amy, I'm thinking about you this summer and your many visitors; hang in there, I love ya! Manda L., still thinking of you every day at one o'clock; can't wait to hear if there's anything new! Mom and Dad, really appreciated you last night as we devoured almost an entire bag of M&M's. Larry and Steph, still eternally grateful as I wear and get so many compliments on my green Keens. Larry, remember: P=Park (from your son). Kyle and Scooter, happy belated birthdays, and Sarah, hope everything's going great with the new house. Mandy C., keep up the great work with all those cute Fiji kids; I'm so proud of you. Heather, nice work on another successful missions trip; I'm so proud of you too, and I'm sorry I was crabby while I was sick! Kate and James, the house is looking great (nice work Mark), and can't wait to see you in August. Gaye and Mego and crew, hope GA's nice, I miss you already; sorry it was only a phone call before we left. Knuths, can't wait to spend some QT with some fellow ice cream fiends. Jansons, still can't thank you enough for all you guys did for us before we left. Kristin, happy early birthday, hope the grad party goes great!! Kayla and Derek, still praying for you all and Connor; can't wait to hear the news! Trags, still can't believe this blog reaches you and Sara in Italy; hope all is well there. I know I've missed people, sorry about that; I'm starting to think you all might start skimming. Love you all...

We've got out camera back!

The view from our new "home" on Caye Caulker off our balcony. The water from the fawcets smell a little funk, but really, with a view like this, who can complain...
Our breakfasts are included in the very small cost of our hotel this week; this morning it was eggs, bacon, beans, and fry jacks!! Mmmm...

Our breakfast companion. It's hard to stay away from the animals here, they're all so skinny and sad, but you never know what they're going to do/what they are carrying; I eventually shared my eggs with him...

And by popular demand, my other breakfast buddy: Nick Nolte. Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? Very happy with his morning coffee...

And though few other things are well-cared for or well-groomed, these amazing flowers and many other types, cover Belize; eat your hearts out, Dunbar Floral!!


Saturday, June 24, 2006

Life in Paradise...?

So we've made it to our week off, we've sent the Lakeview team and Heather home :( , and now Mike and I are on Caye Caulker for the week with the forecast for rain and scattered thundershowers for the entire time we're here. And I've acquired one of the worst headcold/sinus infections I've had, maybe since Kate's wedding. Oh well, lots of sleep, AC, reading, and maybe some TV. I guess this is God's way of saying "take it easy." Because of the headcold, we most likely will not be scuba certified this week, much sadness from Mike, and much guilt from Meg... I just can't imagine what any more pressure might do to my already exploding sinuses. I feel really bad though, for those of you who don't know, this is Mike's dream, next to owning his own brewery, he wants to swim with the manitees. Maybe I'll use this as leverage to get him to come back next year... Good thing he's reading over my shoulder; there's no surprises.

We finished pretty strong with Lakeview. This year was amazing in the village. The group reached depths with conversations and relationships I didn't know that we would. This rough and tough little pocket of people has softened and begun to let people in. The mom's group, that's been going for the past two years, really allowed women who wouldn't normally talk to each other, let alone open up and be vulnerable, to share openly and honestly. There are men coming in and around the church; for those who are unfamiliar with this culture, it's pretty common all around Belize for men to think they are too strong, too big to come to church. For men and young men to be coming and listening and participating in the services is miraculous for anywhere in Belize, put just plain wholy from God in La Democracia.

And my relationship with Locette continues to go. I'm not sure where. She tells me these things about the people in the village, her sort of in-laws, her boyfriends parents, but then I see these people and I have such a hard time imaging the things she says. I know that most people probably put their pretty faces on for the foreigners, but how much can they hide? Or how much of what Locette says is true? Maybe she craves the attention? Maybe I'm too cynical; it's hard for me to discern. I guess we'll pray and see what happens with time. In Belize, that's all a lot of these people have, time.

My friend Janell is here with us for a couple of nights, trying to recoup and regroup in the midst of her seven-week stint. She's missing home. I try and be strong for her; she needs things I can't give, but I know she'll make it. She's a lot stronger than she thinks she is, but all the same, if you could add her to your prayers, I would greatly appreciate it.

I miss home too. Not our house, thank goodness, but all of you, and all the familiars of the US. I'm so lucky that Mike is here. God really does bless us in marriage; my home is him. I would never be able to do this if he wasn't here, and sometimes I wonder if Praying Pelicans wouldn't rather hire him this fall. He's a lot tougher than I am these days, doesn't cry as much, and can do construction. He really has been amazing this summer, I wish all of you could see him in action. Let alone with a beard and all tan. Pretty cute. But amazingly selfless and hard-working and way more outgoing and people-centered than he gives himself credit for. I think the Lakeview crew was a little surprised by this bearded wonder. Who was that hairy man who made so many jokes and carried so much water all over the countryside? That's my man, Superman, only with a beard. And minus the tights... ich.

Thanks again for all the prayers, support, lovin' on the blog, and the treats that so many of you sent down. Can't tell you how much it means that so many of you want to keep up with us. We love you!!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Quick note from San Ignacio...

Just brought the Lakeview trip to Xunantunich, Mayan Ruins right near Guatamala boarder. And then we stopped back at Hanna's across from the Mallorca for massive quesadillas. Kinda fun to be back here again, really getting the feel of "living" in Belize. We can actually find our way around, we interact with Belizean traffic fairly effectively, though I must say I'm still a more aggressive and therefore safe driver here than Mike is :) Pretty fun tooling around in our little red pick-up, also known as Bubba.

We had an evening service last night in Democracia. I ended up outside the church with my friend Locette as her baby, Dolly, had started screaming. We talked for some time, and she opened up as she never had before. Her's is a life of abuse, unhealthy relationships, and trying to balance the safety of her three girls and any sense of happiness. She loves her daughters whole-heartedly, and I see that she is and tries to be the best mom that she can be. Her circumstances are not beneficial; I struggle with her a little, but more than anything, I ache for her situation. It's not fair, and it continues to be not fair. And there is nothing I can do but pray. I know that God is bigger than all that we might encounter on this earth, but man, I can see why people wonder if He is just too far away or is not listening. How do I bring light to this young woman's life? How do I as an upper-middle class white girl, who was blessed with the best family anyone could ask for, who has the best husband in the whole world who loves me and takes such great care of me, who has been handed everything to me on a platter, what do I have to offer these broken people? How blessed am I to simply have not experienced what they experience?

Pray for these people, pray for light and love. Pray that I might not be overwhelmed by the darkness in their lives. Pray that I might not be able to do anything, but that God might be able to do anything...

Monday, June 19, 2006

Life in Democracia with Nick Nolte...

Ah yes, we are coasting now. My home church, Lakeview Covenant is down now, along with a group from Spicer, MN, continuing a three year relationship with a little village called La Democracia. This is a tiny village, about 400 people. We've been able to see this little dark spot grow into the light over the past few years. The church building has started to look and feel more like a church with each year; this year we have finally put in electricity; two lights were put in shortly after we left last year, along with the rest of the windows and doors. Actual bathrooms were installed, that work most of the time, and already this week we've put in 6 ceiling fans, painted most of the outside of the church, and we've begun installing more lights. In the past we've had to hold any night services outside on the basketball court because of the lack of lights, but last night, we were able to hold our first evening service inside the church. And man, with those fans blowing, you don't even get mosquitoes in there; praise the Lord!!

This trip is happening a little earlier than it usually does for our church; Pastor Lloyd Stanford from Queen Street Baptist Church in Belize City, has been working on this church plant for years, and he asked if our group would come at this time to aid in preparing for and some participation in the official dedication of this church. What an amazing event, and what an honor to be there. The dedication service was Saturday afternoon. The afternoon officially started with a ribbon cutting (ladies from Dunbar's, you'd be very proud of the tule bow and ribbon I assisted in putting across the front doors of the church; I'll see if I can get a picture later). So neat: Pastor Lloyd's wife, and our fearless Praying Pelican Missions leader, Matt Pfingsten were asked to do the honor of the actual cutting of the ribbon. And then the service commenced with music, much thanks to all involved, including Lakeview, several speakers, much prayer, more music, and then followed by a great time of fellowship, and of course eating out on the basketball court behind the community center.

Of note to our group from '04, I noticed a teenage girl who looked very familiar up in the choir from Queen Street Baptist. I knew I was right in my identification, so after the service I went up and said hi to Kecia, Keith's not so little daughter and sister to Kedel. She was amazed that I remembered her name, said she was doing well, that her brother was well, and shyly disappeared. Funny, she wasn't nearly that shy the last time we saw her!

Also at the service, we saw many friends from across the country. Pastor Manny, Yolanda, Cecelio, Desol, and Kenroy from Santa Elena were all there; so good to see all of them again. Sounds like we might get to swing by and see them tomorrow on our way back from the Mayan Ruins.

Brenda Hyde, who lost her daughter right before our trip last year, and her family continue to be pillars in this community and welcome us so graciously. Great to see so many old friends. Locette, a young mom I've spent some significant time with, and her three daughters are around as much as we are there; I think she is desparate for a friend. She's indicated to me on a few different occasions that she struggles fitting in with this tiny community. I've even picked up on some racial tenisions; she's mostly hispanic and seems to clash with some of the black families. And so many of our "little" friends continue to grow taller, all of a sudden, not so little any more. But great to be on familiar group.

You're probably wondering at this point why in the world I've titled this life with Nick Nolte. A few of you have asked for pictures of Mike, sorry about that, most of the time, he's sweaty and doing construction, not as cute for pictures as me with little kids, no offense Mike. Plus, you may or may not recognize my mission-esque husband. He lost his razor at some point the first or second week. We did eventually find it, but at that point he said it was past the "itchy" stage, and he has decided to keep it for the time being. Dad McGrail, you'd be so proud. So Mike is very tan, his hair is a little bushy and his beard is longer than I've ever seen it. He's started saying he looks a little like Nick Nolte in his mug shots... I just think he's pretty cute. But Terry, the youth pastor from Lakeview has started calling him "Nick." I'll see if I can get a picture for you...

Some exciting news from the homefront: Mandy arrived safely and has started work in Fiji; my boss from Gap had a beautiful baby girl named Mira; and I turned 26 today. Thanks to the many of you who responded to my not so subtle hints at M&M's (Stacy, Heather, Mom and Dad, and Sarah and Kim Knuth). You guys are awesome!! Kim, thanks for the sweet note, Larry and Steph, thanks for the much needed supplies and the card (wearing the Keens right now), and Mom and Dad, thanks for the beautiful cards. Dad, don't think I've ever seen so much of your writing in one place; you guys are the blessings. Lots of love from Belize...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Finally some pictures!

View from the dock in front of the Anchorage Resort on Caye Caulker during our leaders' meeting... Nice, huh?
Fellow PPM staffer and roommate, Janell, with a couple of her buddies from this past week.


Another tackle shot from last night (see following blog message for explanation...)

Happy Lobster...

Ah, another day on the Caye. This past trip went so fast; so busy, long days, and a shorter trip. And Lakeview starts tomorrow!! We had some good snorkling today, unlike last week. Though got burned even through my 48 spf sunblock... Grrrrr... But we had lunch at the Happy Lobster, and I'm thinking I'll have time for a hammock nap before our leaders' meeting, so really, life is good. So I'm a lobster, just ate some lobster, probably swam with some lobsters, and now I will go sleep... not like a lobster, but in a hammock.

In doing a little processing last night after our last night on ministry in Santa Elana, I realized how much I am loving this experience, though struggling through at times. I've realized that I sometimes get caught off-guard by the surprising differences in denominations within the church, and I feel so blessed to have grown up in the faith environment that I did. Thanks Mom and Dad. But there are those shining moments when I forget about those details, I am uninhibited by the boundaries of the church, and I am able to love fully those I come in contact with. I never thought of myself as a person good with kids, but down here, something happens to me. Maybe it's the fact that these kids need love and attention so much. Maybe it's because they respond so easily to the smallest extra notice. Maybe my biological clock is starting to tick. All I know is that their were a few kids at the church this week that latched on and didn't let go until we left.

There were Alisha and Ashley (see picture to right), two sisters who were a little hardened by their life in this bigger town. They were learning at a very young age that it's a dog eat dog world, but once they were in my lap, they wouldn't budge. There is Meliza who was our little helper all week; assisting us in locating kids belonging to missing craft projects, passing out materials, keeping kids out of the kitchen, occassionally tattling on an evil doer. She told me last night that I was her favorite and she would miss me when I was gone. There is Michelle and Demi and Erica, junior high aged girls who insisted on singing to us Tuesday night a couple of praise songs they had learned complete with actions. Michelle said she was coming to the states this summer and she wanted my address so that she could come and find me. I'm realizing more and more how small Belizeans think the US is. If they have a friend or a relative from Miami, they don't understand why I wouldn't know them; really, how far can Miami be from Duluth? Michelle also made a special trip to the church after the service last
night to show us her parrot, Minty, who she had colored his/her head with markers, because she wanted him/her to be more colorful. She also introduced me to her mom, who said that Michelle hadn't stopped talking about me since the evening before. How she was going to church with Megan.

Last night, the group did an evening service out under the lights of a football (soccer) field. I rotated between Meliza, Alisha, and Armin (cutest little guy, so shy, just wanted to be near me, have me close enough to touch or hold him) on my back. After the end of the service, we were giving and receiving hugs goodbye. Before I knew it I was mobbed with little bodies, some I knew and already loved, others I had not seen before. Seems like as soon as one thinks something is great, all the others do too. At first they were only trying to get close enough for a hug, then they were tackling, and before I knew it, I was on the ground, covered by these beautiful little souls. And I couldn't stop laughing. My heart is filled with the simple joy of those kids...

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Raising the roof...

Wow, twice in two days, I'm so excited to be talking to you all again so soon! I'm sitting in a nice cool (literally) little internet boutique around the corner from our hotel, the Mallorca (pronounced "my-yor-ka"). The group has been hard at work today, I think I mentioned in the last installment that they've been doing construction; they are actually putting a roof on part of the church. The cross beams and supports are starting to be put up. Doesn't look like this group will be able to finish it in the time that they have here, but Matt (Praying Pelican head dude and our team leader this week) was telling me that even getting the funds donated and having a group here to start the work gives great motivation to the Belizeans we are working with. Great big thanks to Cecelio, Bobby, and Kenroy (who just put a nail into his heel this AM and had to be taken to the clinic to get a shot, assuming tetnus?) our members from the church who have been instrumental in managing this project. They will be our continuation thru to the end of the project. In not completing the project, it actually helps to keep our Wisconsin team invested in the church and town as well; they will continue to ask about and keep up with the congregation in follow-up to "their" project.

Thank you all for your many prayers; we've been needing them and sensing them. God has been so good in keeping us healthy and motivated. I have to admit, this is pretty difficult work. Physically it's tough; for those of you who have never been to Belize, it's reasonably hot, but ridiculously humid all of the time. And when the sun comes out, your most recent shower seems pointless, and you count the moments until your next. Emotionally it's a little rough too; we try very hard to interact and bond with every individual of each group afresh, each week. And then they leave, and we have to start all over again. Not to mention the relationships with the Belizeans that we build and commit to, we just start to really know and love these individuals, and then we have to leave. And we as staff don't exactly know if we will see this place and these people again. And spiritually, I do feel like God has granted an over-abundance of grace and perserverance in my walk. I find that He fills me when I least expect it and with little effort on my part. I do have to admit, we do count the days until Caye time... But we're doing great, time flies. My buddy and roommate, Janell (sweet and sassy, beautiful soul, and character in spades), lifts and lightens my spirit with each note she sings; she is incredibly gifted and often leads worship at our evening meetings or while I'm in the shower and she sits on the bed. Our staff is stellar, last week this week, and I have the sneaking suspicion for the rest of the summer. Hmmm... thinking lunch might be on; chicken quesadillas today, on homemade tortillas I'll bet. Yeah, not going to be losing any weight on this trip. Love and miss you all!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Santa Elena...

On to a new spot and a new village! Though this one is more of a town. Santa Elena is right across the river from San Ignacio, a bussling tourist town where all kinds of internationals come to base their jungle adventures. We are about 8 miles from the Guatemalan boarder (thinking of you Sarah and Kim Knuth!). And Santa Elena is basically a "suburb" of San Ignacio. San Ignacio is about 12-15,000, and Santa Elena is about 3,000. Little bit more up-scale comparatively, with the influx of tourism dollars. We are staying in San Ignacio, and we walk everyday across the bridge, over the river to Santa Elena Baptist Church. Our group is a Lutheran group, some interesting challenges, some differences in doctrine and the handling of our faiths, but we all love Jesus. They are working tremendously hard, putting a roof on a new part of the church that will house a few Sunday school classrooms, running VBS in the afternoons, and leading youth services every night. Needless to say, we're all really tired by the time we get to crawl into bed! Don't have too much time today, lots of prep needing to be done, will try to get on again when we return to Caye Caulker on Thursday. So looking forward to my home church's trip starting on Friday; Heather's on this one! Can't wait for you all to get down here and to return to La Democracia. Ate at Cheers on our way out on Sunday, Heidi and the gang served a fabulous burrito bar, as always! And our shirt's still up! Praying for you, Lakeview team!!! Starting to miss a few things, esp. chocolate... Maybe Heather will bring me some M&M's... And most of all, all of you. Be in prayer for Mandy now too, as she departs for Fiji tomorrow for aid work and teaching some medical training. We really are an international family this summer.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Ah, life on Caye Caulker...

So we've survived our first trip. It's Saturday, and our next trip doesn't start 'til tomorrow so we've got an extra night on the caye. The cayes (pronounced "keys") are the islands that run along the barrier reef along Belize. Caye Caulker is the smaller, more laid back, "go slow" caye where you go to sleep in a hammock under a palm tree, listening to the water gently lap the shore, as cute Belizean kids play in the sand a few feet away. At least when there is not a tropical storm brewing off the coast. Yesterday was rainy and dark, so no hammock naps for me. In fact, if any of you think about us towards the end of these weeks, say a quick prayer for nicer weather; a few individuals had to miss out on snorkeling due to the weather yesterday. They were pretty bummed. All in all, the trip was a great success. Norman, who Mike and I told you about earlier, said that this group was a "dream," an answer to prayer for their little church. Hilda and Hesse, our two fabulous cooks/hostesses/friends, were moved to song and tears at various points on the trip. I think my favorite part about this whole experience thus far is the opportunity to expand on these relationships; these are beautiful people that I will get to see again. They are not only people I will look for in heaven, but my sisters, my friends. I look forward to seeing them again in the near future. When we said goodbye on this trip, Hilda held me a little longer in our embrace, I said a few sappy, inadequate statements like "thank you so much, God bless you, I'll see you again" and she started to cry. I love Hilda and Hesse and Norman and I will miss them this week...

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Crooked Tree...

So it's a little hard to tell what's actually been published and when from that crazy computer owned and operated by our wonderful Taiwanese family who run our hotel. So I'll hope that you've been able to see a few of the items Mike and I have attempted to post. We are just at the end of our third day with our first trip, a group from Colorado working in a little village called Crooked Tree, which I think Mike told you a little bit about. We started VBS today after visiting a Children's Home in Belize City on Saturday, leading two church services yesterday, and a bit of a construction/service project painting the outside of the church and starting to lay some foundation work for tiling the floor of the church. We, in all actuality the group, have prepared for months for probably about 50-75 kids; we had 104 show up to the church today after a full day of school. This is a slightly bigger village, but this is amazing!! And we'll probably only get more as the week progresses! The group is already tired, but working so well; praise God for keeping us going when we really want to give up. I was pretty sick Saturday, and a little yesterday; might've eaten something bad, but fortunately, my leadership team is taking great care of me, esp. Mike, and I think God had bigger plans for me 'cuz it's already passed. I have never been so proud of my husband as I have been the past couple of days; he serves so selflessly and puts up with so much. I wish you all could see him down here; he's amazing. Gotta run though, getting a little late and still have another 6 1/2 weeks to go! Thanks for all your prayers and support! Will post pictures when we can. Love you!!

Friday, June 02, 2006

"Vacationing" in Belize

Well, the past few days have been eventful on the family front...welcome Finn Michael Rohl! But down in Belize we have been getting used to the lay of the land, the people, and of course the temperature.

We have been staying at the global village hotel, which is owned by a nice Taiwanese family. How can a mission group stay at a luxurious hotel, you might ask? Well apparently, they made a slight business miscalculation. They built the hotel near the airport thinking people would come here for their first stay or last stay....unfortunately, the last flights in Belize are at 5:00pm giving travellers plenty of time to reach their holiday destinations, like the Cayes or beachfront resorts. So supposedly they gave Praying Pelican Missions (PPM) a good discount on the rooms since we will have 30+ people staying here for the first week. Supposely, Jason has said this is far and away the best hotel that we will be staying at while down here...so I guess we should enjoy it while we can. :) Anyway, anyone travelling to Belize in the near future should check this place out...they definately work hard to please their guests!

The plan is to work out at Crooked Tree Village, which is near Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary, home of some fairly exotic birds. I'm not much of a birder, but we may have some pics for you next time we blog. We met the pastor in that village yesterday, Pastor Norman. Remarkable man. The service project we will being doing is helping tile the church. He took the bus in on Fri morning at 6:45 am, did not get to Belize until mid morning, bought the tile, and bussed back only to arrive at around 3 pm. His love for his church family is amazing. We will also be doing a VBS for the children, playing soccer with the locals, and doing odd jobs around the village as well. We will be working with a church from Colorado, and an individual from TN. We will blog at the end of the week probably.

Anyway, we are safe and happy in Belize. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Too many huge things happening!!!

We are an auntie and uncle!!! Kate and James had Finn Michael Rohl at 9:41 last night!!! He is 8lbs 10oz, 21 inches long, and has a 14in head!! He's great, Kate's a little sore, but well, and James tells a great play-by-play story of the birthing process, if you can figure out which cell phone he's on at any given point between his, Grandma Kris's and Grandpa Tom's. (connect to their blog on the right side of the screen for more info and pics!!) And just as we were starting to realize the magnitude of this miracle, we left the country. As we mentioned when we first started this blogging experience, Mike and I will be leading short-term missions trips in Belize, Central America this summer for seven weeks. As I type this entry, I sit at a computer in the lobby of the Global Village Hotel in Ladyville. The interesting thing about this computer is that everything is in Taiwanese. No, I have not instantly become fluent, there are a few clicks and most of what I see is in English, but all of my menu options on my blog editing page are in Taiwanese. The nice gentleman who runs this surprisingly nice hotel is Taiwanese, as is most of his staff. My keyboard is in English, but there are all kinds of blue, green, and red characters all over it as well. So ironic, sitting in Belize, typing on a Taiwanese keyboard, sending this out to who knows where on the world wide web. I've posted a couple of pictures of our leadership team on this first day here together; you'll see Jason in the white shirt, Janell in the teal shirt, Brittney in the royal blue shirt, and Mike in the green shirt. Just kidding, this computer is a little "buggy" as Mike says; sorry no pics tonight. We don't have too much to tell at this point, as we've only been here a few hours, but wanted to send this out into the void to let anyone who cares know that we have arrived, we are safe, and though we are thousands of miles from all of you tonight, I'm loving on you right now. Kate, I'm so proud of you, and so grateful that you're the mom first; I look forward to learning great things from you. James, thanks for allowing me to be there in the delivery room with you, even when I wasn't. And Finn, I can't wait to meet you face to face; I'm already in love with you...