Belize Mission

Medical Mission Trip

I must admit that I had worried about going on this trip. Don and I have no Medical background. I had concerns that we would not be of any value at all. I prayed about it for weeks. That God would give us a Ministry there. He is always faithful to answer prayer. I really wanted to go the villages but we were willing to do what was needed. We had never been a part of the Medical Team before.
When the team arrived they came to San Lazaro we feed them dinner the Spanish way .Don, Todd and myself decided to stay in San Lazato and start out with them the next day. It was clear to see that these would be people that would be a pleasure to be with and that proved true as the week advanced. We all went to Sand Hill to church and afterward started toward Punta Gorda It rained as usual in Belize.
We went to Sea Front Inn. It would be our home for the week. It is a beautiful place that overlooks the sea. Every room is different and the people that run it are very nice and helpful. The food was also good.
On Monday we started our adventure. We would go to three villages in the Southern Mountains of Belize to Minister to the Cauthea (sp) Indians. A place that time has hardly touched We went to Pueblo Viejo, Benito Poite, and Santa Teresa. They are very humble and proud people. It is truly a place forgotten by time. As we passed through the mountains, I could almost see the Indians standing on the bluffs. The women as we passed the rivers stood washing and bathing themselves and there children. Many were bare breasted and the children without clothes. It is a culture that has done it that way for generations and there was nothing to be ashamed of. It is only another way of life.. The women still carry there children on there backs there are no diapers only a large piece of cloth they are wrapped even some as old as two years old the mother carries them this way. The cloth is tied to a headband. And the child is carried on their backs. They make their crops by sticking a stick in the ground and planting corn, beans, or rice on the mountains. The men are hunters. The ladies all have large families many had as many as ten children. Their fathers give the young girls to the young men when they are about 12 years old.. They have no choice about it. . They all help raise the younger in the family. The clothes they wore were colorful, not many wore shoes but almost all had a gold earring that was a thing to be proud of. A crown of Glory for them. They are happy people they play and laugh as other children do. The women are very quite however. We talked to a lot of them. I met the midwife of the village. I couldn’t help but wish I could stay s few days there and listen to the stories they could share. Our job was a pleasure we tried to keep the people from getting restless. We sang, played music, listened to them sing, shared our testimonies and listened their testimonies. We gave out Bibles and shared the love of the Lord. God gave us our hearts desire. The time passed quickly and soon it was time to go. They had blessed our lives. The team was tireless. I never heard one complaint. They gave sacrificially of their talent and there time. A truly great bunch of people, As we left the mountain the most glorious rainbow I have ever seen shone all across the sky. It seemed so close and just for us. The jungle was everywhere in a few minutes a huge Iguana, the largest I have seen came and stopped in the road so the other van had to go around it. WOW it was marvelous it was truly like we were in another time. What a Blessed week .It was a pleasure to be with such wonderful caring people. I hope we get to go again sometime. And be a part of their ministry.

Back In Belize

We had a great vacation. I got to spend Mothers Day with my mother and my sisters and their families. It was a Blessed Day. We all went to church and spent the evening together. We had a family reunion with Dons’ family on the next Saturday there were about 40 people there. They had a fish fry it sure was good to see everyone. We spent the first two days home in Miss. At Bro Billy Franks and Mrs. Fays. We also had the chance to say good- by to Bro Carlos Dawson and a little time to talk to Mrs. Eva. He went home to be with the Lord the next day. We appreciate all the work they did on this field. They had a memorial service at Sand Hill for him. As they talk about him today and how there lives were affected by there sacrifices tears were shed in love for them.. They have been a Blessing to many. We got a chance to see most of our families. We spent time at Union the last Sunday. To be with our friends there, Don had a great privilege. To Baptize two of our dearest friends Susie Hicks and Her father Mouzon Vestal., In their sons pond. , What a blessing, the whole church attended. We sang praise songs on the riverbank. It was a special day for us all. Later at church we shared about Belize and what we are doing here. Everyone was nice to invite us to eat with them. It was so wonderful to see everyone. We spent time with part of our family some of them were out of the state and we didn’t get to see them but those things can’t be helped. Time came quickly for us to go. After tearful good – bys we were on our way again.
We drove back in a little green truck. The trip went without any problems. There were government police everywhere. There was no harassment at all, no bribes asked for. It was a pleasant trip. We enjoyed the country in all its beauty the places we stayed were safe and the people were very nice to us. The Lord was with us we felt your prayers. We arrived on the border and got out of Mexico very quickly. It took us about 6 hours to clear customs in Belize but when we got through. The duty was reasonable. We were tired of the border and proud to be back at the Mission House. Our friends were waiting for us. It was great to see them. . Everything was fine while we were gone. They cooked for us and made us welcome. Everyone came by to see us. We feel very much loved and appreciated here.
On Friday Charlie Joe came in. It was good to see him. He came to get ready for the Medical Team. The team will come in tomorrow. It think they have everything ready for them. We will leave on Sunday to go to Punta Gorder. Everyone will come to San Lazaro tomorrow and eat Spanish Food. We are looking forward to a good time. A college student from Wesley has also been here working with the school to practice teaching. Her name is Nina Fox she has been a real Blessing she will also work with the Medical Team as part of her schooling.
We are looking forward to the Medical team trip. We have never been on a Medical Mission before. It will be a new experience for us. We are excited about that.
Don and Ernesto have gone to tell the pastors at Guina Grass, Fire Bun and Progresso about a change in dates. The pastors meeting will be moved up a week and Church camp will be moved to the 2nd of July through the 7th of July. Charlie Joe has gone to get one of the Medical Team that has come in early. Galo is changing the oil in the truck.
Pray for us as we continue to do the Lords work. Pray for strength and we will have favor with all men as we seek to go about the Ministries here. As you remember us also remember our families they will be protected from the evil one.
If some of you would like to have a part in the youth camp. I know youth camp is impossible for some of the Spanish children at $50 s piece. If the Lord lays on your heart to help them. I know it would be appreciated and it would change their lives. If you decide you could do this. I could send a picture of the child or adult you have helped.
I will try to do better on writing. The computer room has been in use and we have not stopped since we have been back. We hope we didn’t worry anyone that we had disappeared in Mexico somewhere. Have a blessed day.