Time to tie up some loose ends. First, to let you know we made it home safely. It was sad to say farewell to so many good friends, but life does go on. However, we probably won't ever be the same. There is something life-changing about a trip like this. Perhaps it is the intensity of the friendships, or maybe the drastic cultural and economic differences, but whatever it is God seems to be at work within us. That's pretty cool and pretty scary.
We also wanted to give a final update on Michael. He was admitted into the hospital in Mexico and he is receiving excellent care. He does have cancer in his blood. The current plan for treatment will have him in Mexico for 6 weeks of therapy. Following this treatment he can return home but will continue to receive treatment once a week for two and a half years. The doctors are hopeful that each weekly treatment can be done at home, but once a month Michael will have to be taken back to Mexico to monitor his condition.
Some good news in all of this is that Michael's condition is highly treatable. Also good news is that so far most of the expense of his treatment will be covered by various agencies. Still there will be a substantial cost to Mateo and Rebecca as they travel to Mexico so much. If you would like to make a donation, PathLight has set up an account to assist the family. The simplest thing would be to go to www.PathLight.org There you can click on "Make a Gift" and under "designation" simply type in "medical treatment." Or you can mail them a check with "medical treatment" in the memo.
Once again, thank you all for your prayers for Michael and his family, as well as your prayers for us. We are already thinking of our next trip to Belize, and who knows, maybe YOU'LL be with us!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Last Day
Today we concluded our week in Belize with a trip to Xunantunich (pronounced: "shoe-non-two-nitch"). Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan ruin of a city in existence from 650 to 1000 A.D. We learned about the Mayan culture from our wonderful guide--Dino. Most notably they had highly developed astronomy, mathematics, and calendars--just imagine these people with computers!
Another Mayan custom was to play a sport, very similar to basketball. One difference: the winning team was sacrificed to the gods. We suspect this reduced the amount of "doping" that took place.
After our tour we had lunch at a place called "Hode's" (pronounced Cody's). It was an outdoor restaurant with wonderful food.
We came back to Jaguar Creek and took a short hike, and now we are getting ready for dinner. Tonight we will pack and clean up the camp before we leave. If all goes well we might say farewell to our friend, Belikin.
Once again, thanks all for your comments, prayers, and support. We have all felt encouraged by your support.
Another Mayan custom was to play a sport, very similar to basketball. One difference: the winning team was sacrificed to the gods. We suspect this reduced the amount of "doping" that took place.
After our tour we had lunch at a place called "Hode's" (pronounced Cody's). It was an outdoor restaurant with wonderful food.
We came back to Jaguar Creek and took a short hike, and now we are getting ready for dinner. Tonight we will pack and clean up the camp before we leave. If all goes well we might say farewell to our friend, Belikin.
Once again, thanks all for your comments, prayers, and support. We have all felt encouraged by your support.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday in Belize
Today we concluded the Teacher Training Conference. It was a wonderful closing.
For the last day we gave homework to our participants. We asked them to bring a favorite Belizean recipe as well as Belizean music to share. They came through with flying colors! The recipes look delicious. And the music ended up being a great treat. One teacher brought a worship song, which he had written out on newsprint. Another teacher brought a CD of recorded music filled with various Belizean artists. We can't wait to share these discoveries with everyone.
Following our workshop we gathered with everyone else for a closing. The participants sang their beautiful national anthem. They offered moving prayers, and then they presented us each with gifts. The Belizean people are so generous.
After giving us gifts they shared songs from all the different languages and cultures present in Belize. There was a songs in Spanish, Garifuna, Creole, and Mayan. It was all great fun, and it was a great representation of the treasure here in Belize of how each culture honors and celebrates the other.
In the afternoon we got a tortilla lesson from the master chef here at Jaguar Creek, Judy (Israel's wife). If our tortillas turn out half as good as hers, they will knock your socks off!
All for now. Grace and peace to you all.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday Is Almost Complete
We've said it before, but we'll say it again--Belize is AMAZING! We had another great and insightful day in our workshop. The participants are so kind and generous, not to mention very committed to their students. We learned today about the political issues surrounding the education system. Their problems are comparable to the issues in the U.S. It was a lively conversation.
After our workshop finished for the day we went on a hike to St. Herman's Cave--which is just a few miles from Jaguar Creek. We hiked about a half mile to the mouth of the cave, and then went with our guide, Israel, inside the cave and THROUGH the mountain! How awesome is that? The cave we took was about a mile long. The first few hundred yards were "civilized" with steps and railings--although they were built by the Mayans about 2000 years ago!!! After that the cave was completely natural--OSHA was no where to be found. At one point we were hanging onto a rope that was loosely tied to two rocks--below us was a long, long drop. One of our group said, "gosh, if we fell that would be bad." Israel responded, "yes, if you fell you would definitely die." (He had a very dry sense of humor, but he didn't seem to be joking.) Farther into the cave there were Mayan pots and even the remains of fire circles. And perhaps just as exciting--there were no mosquitoes.
And now we are at the neighboring resort enjoying some Belikin beers.
It has been another great day. Thank you again for your prayers, thoughts, and "comments." We actually have more work to get finished before our workshop tomorrow. Peace!
After our workshop finished for the day we went on a hike to St. Herman's Cave--which is just a few miles from Jaguar Creek. We hiked about a half mile to the mouth of the cave, and then went with our guide, Israel, inside the cave and THROUGH the mountain! How awesome is that? The cave we took was about a mile long. The first few hundred yards were "civilized" with steps and railings--although they were built by the Mayans about 2000 years ago!!! After that the cave was completely natural--OSHA was no where to be found. At one point we were hanging onto a rope that was loosely tied to two rocks--below us was a long, long drop. One of our group said, "gosh, if we fell that would be bad." Israel responded, "yes, if you fell you would definitely die." (He had a very dry sense of humor, but he didn't seem to be joking.) Farther into the cave there were Mayan pots and even the remains of fire circles. And perhaps just as exciting--there were no mosquitoes.
And now we are at the neighboring resort enjoying some Belikin beers.
It has been another great day. Thank you again for your prayers, thoughts, and "comments." We actually have more work to get finished before our workshop tomorrow. Peace!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday in Belize
Today was another great day. We'll try to limit ourselves to two highlights.
The first came during the morning session of our workshop. Spontaneously at the end of a snack break we asked our participants to tell us about the Belizean health care system. As you can probably imagine there are tremendous issues. The most amazing part came as the participants opened up and began to share stories of how they have lost loved ones to cancer. Within our group there had been two sisters and a mother lost. Because the hospitals are not equipped to deal with cancer it becomes a long and painful death. The length of suffering leaves deep wounds in the family, so the time of conversation seemed to bring some healing.
The second highlight came when we went to visit a village called Armenia. We met a young man named Alex who is on a scholarship through PathLight. He is a bright young man who wants to specialize in tourism when he completes High School. Before we left we prayed for Alex to continue on his difficult journey of education.
Thanks again for your prayers--and your "comments." We enjoy reading them each night.
The first came during the morning session of our workshop. Spontaneously at the end of a snack break we asked our participants to tell us about the Belizean health care system. As you can probably imagine there are tremendous issues. The most amazing part came as the participants opened up and began to share stories of how they have lost loved ones to cancer. Within our group there had been two sisters and a mother lost. Because the hospitals are not equipped to deal with cancer it becomes a long and painful death. The length of suffering leaves deep wounds in the family, so the time of conversation seemed to bring some healing.
The second highlight came when we went to visit a village called Armenia. We met a young man named Alex who is on a scholarship through PathLight. He is a bright young man who wants to specialize in tourism when he completes High School. Before we left we prayed for Alex to continue on his difficult journey of education.
Thanks again for your prayers--and your "comments." We enjoy reading them each night.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday in Belize
Good news! We've just found out that Michael has been accepted into a hospital in Mexico City. He and his father, Mateo, will fly out TOMORROW!! We are all breathing a deep sigh of relief and hope. Thank you for your prayers last night and your continued prayers for the family.
Now an update on other good things...
Yesterday (Monday) we went to a village named St. Margaret. It is a beautiful village nestled into mountains. We stopped at the school first and got to visit a pre-school class. The conditions of the classroom were certainly rough, but the teacher and students were joyful and energetic none-the-less. We did a walking tour of the rest of the village. We were able to visit with several children and a few adults. The highlights included soccer with a few of the kids, eating Star-Fruit fresh from the tree, and trying to re-direct a roaming cow.
When we got back to Jaguar Creek we were delightfully welcomed by Howler Monkeys. These monkeys have acquired their name by producing an outrageously loud--howling (almost yelling) sound. One might say it sounds like a ravenous lion tearing apart flesh. It is an alarming sound to say the least. Anyway, once again Janet led the charge into the wilderness to track-down the beast! No worries--we all went together. Amazingly they were roosting just off the trail in a tree we could see. It was unbelievably cool.
To celebrate we went to a nearby resort and enjoyed some Belikin beer--a delicious Belizean beer.
So, you might be wondering, "are these people ever going to teach?" Actually, that all started today (Tuesday).
At 8:30 this morning local teachers and administrators began arriving. By 9:30 a.m. we had 55 gathered together for the opening general session. Our workshop began at 11:00 with two hours of name-learning, relationship building, and instruction. The Belizean teachers are fun and insightful. They engaged quickly in the instruction and are obviously wanting to get as much out of this conference as possible.
Lunch was at 1:00 with another hour of our workshop after lunch. By 3:00 we were all pretty wiped out, but it was a great beginning.
Well, dinner will be ready soon. Better close for now--maybe some pictures will follow. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Now an update on other good things...
Yesterday (Monday) we went to a village named St. Margaret. It is a beautiful village nestled into mountains. We stopped at the school first and got to visit a pre-school class. The conditions of the classroom were certainly rough, but the teacher and students were joyful and energetic none-the-less. We did a walking tour of the rest of the village. We were able to visit with several children and a few adults. The highlights included soccer with a few of the kids, eating Star-Fruit fresh from the tree, and trying to re-direct a roaming cow.
When we got back to Jaguar Creek we were delightfully welcomed by Howler Monkeys. These monkeys have acquired their name by producing an outrageously loud--howling (almost yelling) sound. One might say it sounds like a ravenous lion tearing apart flesh. It is an alarming sound to say the least. Anyway, once again Janet led the charge into the wilderness to track-down the beast! No worries--we all went together. Amazingly they were roosting just off the trail in a tree we could see. It was unbelievably cool.
To celebrate we went to a nearby resort and enjoyed some Belikin beer--a delicious Belizean beer.
So, you might be wondering, "are these people ever going to teach?" Actually, that all started today (Tuesday).
At 8:30 this morning local teachers and administrators began arriving. By 9:30 a.m. we had 55 gathered together for the opening general session. Our workshop began at 11:00 with two hours of name-learning, relationship building, and instruction. The Belizean teachers are fun and insightful. They engaged quickly in the instruction and are obviously wanting to get as much out of this conference as possible.
Lunch was at 1:00 with another hour of our workshop after lunch. By 3:00 we were all pretty wiped out, but it was a great beginning.
Well, dinner will be ready soon. Better close for now--maybe some pictures will follow. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday in Belize
What a day! We did a lot today--and lots and lots of it was wonderful and great.
HOWEVER, everything was overshadowed today by our time with Mateo and his son Michael. Mateo works at Jaguar Creek where we are staying. He and his wife have two children--the younger is their son Michael. Michael is three and has been diagnosed with leukemia which is in his bloodstream and his lymphnodes. He is in a lot of pain. The family (and many friends) have sought treatment at the nearest hospital, but they can't treat the cancer, so they send them home--without even treating his pain. They are trying to find other places outside of the country where he could receive treatment, but so far nothing has opened up.
Tonight, the family arrived at the camp with Michael in tears from the pain. They came because they didn't know what else to do, so they came seeking prayers. We gathered around them and prayed for them.
It was brutal to witness. In our country we have God and doctors to address our every need, but here they only have God.
Please be in prayer for Michael and his family.
Thank you.
HOWEVER, everything was overshadowed today by our time with Mateo and his son Michael. Mateo works at Jaguar Creek where we are staying. He and his wife have two children--the younger is their son Michael. Michael is three and has been diagnosed with leukemia which is in his bloodstream and his lymphnodes. He is in a lot of pain. The family (and many friends) have sought treatment at the nearest hospital, but they can't treat the cancer, so they send them home--without even treating his pain. They are trying to find other places outside of the country where he could receive treatment, but so far nothing has opened up.
Tonight, the family arrived at the camp with Michael in tears from the pain. They came because they didn't know what else to do, so they came seeking prayers. We gathered around them and prayed for them.
It was brutal to witness. In our country we have God and doctors to address our every need, but here they only have God.
Please be in prayer for Michael and his family.
Thank you.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday's Adventures
Our first full day in Belize brought many adventures and great experiences.
Janet got an early start on the day and hiked several trails--alone!! She has been sufficiently scolded, and forbidden to explore alone. ;-)
After breakfast we attended worship at the Roaring Creek Nazarene Church, which is Creole. It is always such a blessing to worship with people from another part of the world--it is One God who brings us together. The service was in English and included a few songs that we knew. There was another mission team at the church from Waco, Texas. All the folks were very kind.
After lunch we did preparation work for our workshop...all systems are "go."
Then we hiked all the trails that Janet had hiked at 5:30 this morning. Our first hike started with a snake falling out of a tree onto the path right beside us--yikes! Although he looked as frightened as us. We hiked for about 2 hours and found the rainforest to be both breath-taking and mosquito infested. We discovered a magnificent cave--the opening was the size of a building and it dropped straight down about 40 feet with a stream at the bottom.
We concluded our hike with some important research on an item called "Belikin"...more tomorrow.
Janet got an early start on the day and hiked several trails--alone!! She has been sufficiently scolded, and forbidden to explore alone. ;-)
After breakfast we attended worship at the Roaring Creek Nazarene Church, which is Creole. It is always such a blessing to worship with people from another part of the world--it is One God who brings us together. The service was in English and included a few songs that we knew. There was another mission team at the church from Waco, Texas. All the folks were very kind.
After lunch we did preparation work for our workshop...all systems are "go."
Then we hiked all the trails that Janet had hiked at 5:30 this morning. Our first hike started with a snake falling out of a tree onto the path right beside us--yikes! Although he looked as frightened as us. We hiked for about 2 hours and found the rainforest to be both breath-taking and mosquito infested. We discovered a magnificent cave--the opening was the size of a building and it dropped straight down about 40 feet with a stream at the bottom.
We concluded our hike with some important research on an item called "Belikin"...more tomorrow.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
We're here!
Greetings from Belize!
We had a fun evening starting Friday night with some folks in Kansas City and then even more in Houston as we made the trip down. Everyone is great!
We arrived in Belize City around 3:00 and sweet-talked our way through customs. As we made the drive out to Jaguar Creek we saw houses on stilts, citrus orchards, schools, hand-pumped wells, and some amazing countryside. It is striking how beautiful this place is, and yet how much poverty there is here.
It is exciting to be part of Pathlight and the work they are doing to empower the Belizean people to address challenges as they see fit. Pathlight provides scholarships to students, service projects to improve schools, and teacher training to help the local teachers (why we are here).
Education is a tremendous need here. About 15% of all students complete high school--largely because of the cost for education and the fact that if they are in school then they aren't able to provide income to their family.
Dinner tonight was delicious. We had seafood gumbo (and vegetable gumbo for the vegetarians) with watermelon and homemade breadsticks. And chocolate cake for dessert.
Needless to say we are quite exhausted and ready for bed, but we are hoping to hear the howling monkeys during the night...from a distance.
We will try to post a picture of our cabana tomorrow.
We had a fun evening starting Friday night with some folks in Kansas City and then even more in Houston as we made the trip down. Everyone is great!
We arrived in Belize City around 3:00 and sweet-talked our way through customs. As we made the drive out to Jaguar Creek we saw houses on stilts, citrus orchards, schools, hand-pumped wells, and some amazing countryside. It is striking how beautiful this place is, and yet how much poverty there is here.
It is exciting to be part of Pathlight and the work they are doing to empower the Belizean people to address challenges as they see fit. Pathlight provides scholarships to students, service projects to improve schools, and teacher training to help the local teachers (why we are here).
Education is a tremendous need here. About 15% of all students complete high school--largely because of the cost for education and the fact that if they are in school then they aren't able to provide income to their family.
Dinner tonight was delicious. We had seafood gumbo (and vegetable gumbo for the vegetarians) with watermelon and homemade breadsticks. And chocolate cake for dessert.
Needless to say we are quite exhausted and ready for bed, but we are hoping to hear the howling monkeys during the night...from a distance.
We will try to post a picture of our cabana tomorrow.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Travel
Our flight leaves Saturday morning. We have a short layover in Houston where we'll meet up with others from across the country who will be working with us. Then, on to Belize...arriving mid afternoon. Can't wait!
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