Hello from our last night in Belize,
Today was an incredible last day here in Belize. After a long and tiring six days of clinics, we were finally able to do some sight seeing around San Ignacio. This morning, we were blessed enough to hike to the sight of one of Belize's Mayan ruins. What an amazing sight it was. We were able to climb up and around the ruins that had been unearthed. The views from the top were unbelievable. We were also able to watch as some archeology teams continued their work on the ruins that are still currently buried.
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He showed us pictures of what the ruins would have looked around us. It was incredible to look at the hills around us and know that stone structures are still hidden in their depths. He said that each team spends about two months on site and will unearth only 5 centimeters of depth during their time. There is so much work left to be done, and it will take another 100 years before the ruins become more recognizable. We were truly blessed to be able to interact with such a great piece of Belizean history.
Well, our time here has finally come to an end. I will make this part short and sweet... since I hate goodbyes. Belize truly has been amazing to us. The people, the culture, the weather, and God has been so good to us the past eight days. We have served God and the people of Belize here during our time, but in a strange way I feel as though they have served us. Belize has shown us such kindness and passion and love during our adventures here. I feel as though we are forever changed.
So, yes, it is time to say goodbye. I sincerely hope that we will cross paths again one day with the people we met here in Belize. I know that when we say goodbye today at the airport that a small part of our hearts will forever stay here in Belize... but what a blessing that is. What a blessing it is to feel such heartache at leaving Belize and the people here. Because only when someone or someplace has gotten into your heart do you truly feel loss when you have to leave them behind.
So, we will embrace the heartache. We will embrace the tears. And we will surely embrace one another when it's time to say goodbye. But we will always carry the people we served here in our hearts. And, if we don't meet again in this lifetime, we surely will see each other in the next. I wish them all well and I look forward to the day we will meet again.
But until then.... bye for now.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Embracing The Beginning of The End...
Hello again from a bitter sweet night in Belize,
Today we hosted our 6th and final clinic; this time in Santa Elena. We were able to serve an additional 99 people today. We were also able to tally up our final numbers. So... after hosting clinics in six separate locations on six different days, we were able to serve a total of 664 people and we dispensed 875 pairs of glasses. Our God truly is so good.
What an incredible service we were able to provide. If you break it down... 664 people visited our registration table, 664 pairs of eyes were checked at our nurses station, 664 people were tested for nearsightedness and farsightedness, 875 pairs of glasses were fitted and adjusted properly, and an estimated upwards of 2,000 pairs of glasses were tried on at the dispensing table. (Each person tried on anywhere from 2 to 8 pairs of glasses.) What amazing statistics. What an abundance of opportunities to spread God's love. What an incredible feeling to know we have helped so many people. What an incredible journey to be a part of.
So, tonight as I sit on the rooftop with the rain and street noise as my music, I feel very proud of what we have accomplished. But more so, I feel very humble and blessed to have been given this opportunity and a chance to be on this team. What an amazing group of individuals.... not just from back home in the U.S., but the teammates we were blessed with here in Belize.
Eliu, Sonia, Jessica, Jonathon, Jenny, Denia, and Fidelio became like family this week. God knows we spent enough time with them. It seems like Eliu and Fidelio spent more time with us than with their own families... so I guess we are correct in feeling like they are a part of ours. There were many tears after clinic today and also tonight at devotions. It is very difficult to say goodbye to such great friends and such a wonderful country.
Eliu told us from the moment we touched down in San Ignacio that we needed to embrace Belize... but what he didn't tell us was how heartbroken we would be when it's time to say goodbye. We sill have another full day in Belize tomorrow... so we won't say goodbye quite yet. Tomorrow we will embrace even more of Belize as we sight see and dive into the history of this great country.
Tonight we can all go to sleep knowing that we made a real difference here this week. That was evident with each smile we saw on the faces of the people we served. Our hearts should not be heavy as we lay our heads down tonight, but joyous at the thought of all the people we have helped. What a wonderful testimony of our love for one another and our love of Jesus Christ.
I hope you all rest easy.... I know we will tonight...
I'll check in soon.
Bye for now.
Today we hosted our 6th and final clinic; this time in Santa Elena. We were able to serve an additional 99 people today. We were also able to tally up our final numbers. So... after hosting clinics in six separate locations on six different days, we were able to serve a total of 664 people and we dispensed 875 pairs of glasses. Our God truly is so good.
What an incredible service we were able to provide. If you break it down... 664 people visited our registration table, 664 pairs of eyes were checked at our nurses station, 664 people were tested for nearsightedness and farsightedness, 875 pairs of glasses were fitted and adjusted properly, and an estimated upwards of 2,000 pairs of glasses were tried on at the dispensing table. (Each person tried on anywhere from 2 to 8 pairs of glasses.) What amazing statistics. What an abundance of opportunities to spread God's love. What an incredible feeling to know we have helped so many people. What an incredible journey to be a part of.
So, tonight as I sit on the rooftop with the rain and street noise as my music, I feel very proud of what we have accomplished. But more so, I feel very humble and blessed to have been given this opportunity and a chance to be on this team. What an amazing group of individuals.... not just from back home in the U.S., but the teammates we were blessed with here in Belize.
Eliu, Sonia, Jessica, Jonathon, Jenny, Denia, and Fidelio became like family this week. God knows we spent enough time with them. It seems like Eliu and Fidelio spent more time with us than with their own families... so I guess we are correct in feeling like they are a part of ours. There were many tears after clinic today and also tonight at devotions. It is very difficult to say goodbye to such great friends and such a wonderful country.
Eliu told us from the moment we touched down in San Ignacio that we needed to embrace Belize... but what he didn't tell us was how heartbroken we would be when it's time to say goodbye. We sill have another full day in Belize tomorrow... so we won't say goodbye quite yet. Tomorrow we will embrace even more of Belize as we sight see and dive into the history of this great country.
Tonight we can all go to sleep knowing that we made a real difference here this week. That was evident with each smile we saw on the faces of the people we served. Our hearts should not be heavy as we lay our heads down tonight, but joyous at the thought of all the people we have helped. What a wonderful testimony of our love for one another and our love of Jesus Christ.
I hope you all rest easy.... I know we will tonight...
I'll check in soon.
Bye for now.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Embracing The Rain...
Hello again from the rainy season of Belize,
When we first arrived, Eliu told us that we had just entered into the rainy season of Belize. He explained that the week before we arrived there had been flooding because of all the rain. Throughout the past six days we saw rain... but nothing extraordinary. Well... that changed this morning.
Right after breakfast at 7:30am the rain set in. Now, I would describe this morning's rain as a torrential downpour... but I'm sure for the people of Belize it was nothing out of the ordinary. Let me put it this way... this morning the roads had waves, the uphill roads became waterfalls, and the low lying areas became streams. The city of San Ignacio had turned into a waterpark in the blink of an eye.
However, the rain was not all fun and games. When we arrived at our destination, we had to contend with some water damage. However, the mess was cleaned up in no time and did not hinder our clinic. We had an amazing set up in Eliu's church on the third floor of a nearly glass building. What an amazing view and spacious area for our clinic today.
Despite the rain we had a wonderful turnout. As always, God will provide. We were able to serve 117 people today... many of which went through or clinic and returned with more people in tow. What an incredible feeling to know that someone is so happy to have been seen in our clinic that they would go out and bring more people to us. What did I tell you? God will provide...
After clinic today, we all were blessed to celebrate two team members birthdays; Sandy (today) and Kara (tomorrow). One of the pastors made a beautiful and delicious cake for us to enjoy this afternoon. With satisfied souls and stomachs we finally had some time for ourselves. With the rain subsiding slightly, those of us with a little more energy to spare went and played basketball in town while the rest of us relaxed or took well deserved naps.
The rain was very much a part of our day today, but we didn't let it slow us down. Instead, we accepted its presence and worked around or through it. We'll pray that tomorrow brings the sun, but if not that's okay. We're starting to get the hang of this whole embracing thing...
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
When we first arrived, Eliu told us that we had just entered into the rainy season of Belize. He explained that the week before we arrived there had been flooding because of all the rain. Throughout the past six days we saw rain... but nothing extraordinary. Well... that changed this morning.
Right after breakfast at 7:30am the rain set in. Now, I would describe this morning's rain as a torrential downpour... but I'm sure for the people of Belize it was nothing out of the ordinary. Let me put it this way... this morning the roads had waves, the uphill roads became waterfalls, and the low lying areas became streams. The city of San Ignacio had turned into a waterpark in the blink of an eye.
However, the rain was not all fun and games. When we arrived at our destination, we had to contend with some water damage. However, the mess was cleaned up in no time and did not hinder our clinic. We had an amazing set up in Eliu's church on the third floor of a nearly glass building. What an amazing view and spacious area for our clinic today.
Despite the rain we had a wonderful turnout. As always, God will provide. We were able to serve 117 people today... many of which went through or clinic and returned with more people in tow. What an incredible feeling to know that someone is so happy to have been seen in our clinic that they would go out and bring more people to us. What did I tell you? God will provide...
After clinic today, we all were blessed to celebrate two team members birthdays; Sandy (today) and Kara (tomorrow). One of the pastors made a beautiful and delicious cake for us to enjoy this afternoon. With satisfied souls and stomachs we finally had some time for ourselves. With the rain subsiding slightly, those of us with a little more energy to spare went and played basketball in town while the rest of us relaxed or took well deserved naps.
The rain was very much a part of our day today, but we didn't let it slow us down. Instead, we accepted its presence and worked around or through it. We'll pray that tomorrow brings the sun, but if not that's okay. We're starting to get the hang of this whole embracing thing...
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
It's The Little Things....
Hello again from the comfort of Belize,
Today our adventures took us to Bullet Tree, where we were happy to serve 76 people. The church was very small, but that led to a more intimate set up with the people we were serving. This also led to a slower day... which believe me, was okay with us. Because today was a slower day, I was able to pay closer attention to the details around me... and I began to notice a pattern.
Although our presence made a large impact on the community today, it was the little things that meant the most to the people around us. The little Spanish I was able to speak made a big difference. I could see that even this small effort meant a lot to those people who couldn't speak my language. I had made an effort to communicate and they appreciated that.
More so, the glasses are a little thing. On average it takes about two minutes to test a person's eyes. It's such a small amount of time... but it makes a huge impact. There's nothing quite like the feeling of witnessing a person's face light up with joy when they can see the letters clearly before them. I was brought to tears twice this morning when one woman exclaimed aloud and clutched my hand tightly when I brought the lens to her eyes. She was so excited to go home and read her Bible now that the letters would be bigger and clearer for her. We both had to wipe our eyes when she left my station. What a small effort on my part that led to such a huge impact on her life.
More so, the glasses are a little thing. On average it takes about two minutes to test a person's eyes. It's such a small amount of time... but it makes a huge impact. There's nothing quite like the feeling of witnessing a person's face light up with joy when they can see the letters clearly before them. I was brought to tears twice this morning when one woman exclaimed aloud and clutched my hand tightly when I brought the lens to her eyes. She was so excited to go home and read her Bible now that the letters would be bigger and clearer for her. We both had to wipe our eyes when she left my station. What a small effort on my part that led to such a huge impact on her life.
Speaking of small efforts that made huge impacts.... today we were the recipients once again of Belize's giving nature... or more specifically... Eliu and Sonia's thoughtfulness. As you all are aware, today is July 4th... Independence Day. While many of you were off celebrating with your family and loved ones... we were away from ours and hard at work today. Upon returning to the hotel after clinics... after another extremely hot and tiring day... Eliu, Sonia, Jessica, and Jonathon gathered us into a meeting and wished us all a happy 4th of July. They brought us delicious red, white, and blue cupcakes with glitter stars on them. What an incredible surprise. This little act of kindness meant the world to us, as we were away from our country and loved ones for this holiday... at least I know it did for me.
We ended the night by attending a church service at Eliu's father's church (where he had clinic on Sunday). Eliu was kind enough to translate most of the service and include us when able. He made an extra effort to have us sing certain verses in English so that we could feel more connected. He even ended the service with the song "This Is The Day", which we sing every day before clinics. What a wonderful way to include us and makes us feel closer to God as we worshiped this evening.
How amazing it was to see how the people of Belize worship. Their faith is so loud and passionate and open... they do not hide how they feel about God... they exclaim it. What a wonderful thing to witness and be a part of. Watching and being a part of the service tonight made me reflect on how I worship daily. I found myself wishing that I could be a part of such passion and devotion back home. I pray that God will grant me the strength and courage to worship and witness as the people of Belize do.
Today truly was a tiring day... with the heat and excitement today we are definitely ready to call it a night. Tomorrow we will wake refreshed and travel to Eliu's church to serve the people of San Ignacio.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Today truly was a tiring day... with the heat and excitement today we are definitely ready to call it a night. Tomorrow we will wake refreshed and travel to Eliu's church to serve the people of San Ignacio.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Overcoming Challenges...
Buenos Noches from Belize,
Sometimes, the greatest opportunities arise from overcoming challenges. Lord guide me... I had many challenges placed in my path today. But, He saw me through them and made me a stronger person for overcoming them. Truly, what a loving Father he can be.
Arguably, the smallest challenge of the past 24 hours came from the paperclip-size gecko I found in my room last night. This little creature gave me such a hard time as I tried for fifteen minutes to get him out of my room. Thankfully, Cheryl was fast asleep. I dread to think how ridiculous I looked dancing around our room with a clipboard in one hand and my flashlight in the other. After an extremely frustrating fifteen minutes, I heard a little voice in my head say, "Eliu told you to embrace Belize". I looked up to the ceiling and thought, "Really?" When I looked back down, the little monster had disappeared. Yes, really. Okay, God, I read you loud and clear... the gecko gets to stay.
My biggest challenge of the day came in the form of switching stations at the clinic. Today, for the first time, I was in charge of the "reading station". The tasks, themselves, were simple and easy for me to do. The challenge came with my interactions with the people who only spoke Spanish. Now, I know enough Spanish to understand most of what people say to me... or at least I can figure it out from context... however, I am very nervous to respond in Spanish. Laura, God bless her, was very patient with me. At first she would speak to the person if they knew Spanish and I would speak if they knew English. However, as time went on she continually gave me gentle nudges to speak in Spanish. I became more comfortable speaking the more I engaged the person being tested. Before long, those gentle nudges stopped and she told me specifically "speak to them in Spanish". I didn't say it aloud but I wanted to look at her and say, "Really?" When I looked over a moment later, she had disappeared. Yes, really. This time, I had to smile... hadn't I just been through this with the little gecko?
As it turns out, God had plan... as He always does. Laura continued to guide me as I communicated... mostly successfully... in Spanish. However, when she left my station to help another, I was no longer nervous. I was more confident in my ability to speak Spanish.... and for those times that we didn't understand each other 100%... we still understood one another. I know I've said this before... but I am truly amazed at how two people can understand one another on a deeper level even if we cannot communicated verbally.
Today, I overcame challenges... and I'm sure I was not alone. We served 126 people today in an extremely hot environment. And you know it's truly a hot day when the people of Belize are commenting on the heat. So, I'm sure my fellow team members faced their own challenges as well. But just like He did with me... God puts challenges in their lives to help them grow in faith and trust that He will see them through. What a wonderful God we serve.
So, for tonight, my challenges are done... unless I run into that gecko again...
But this time if I see him...
Perhaps I'll leave him be...
For God has a plan for him as well...
And I am ready to embrace Belize...
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Sometimes, the greatest opportunities arise from overcoming challenges. Lord guide me... I had many challenges placed in my path today. But, He saw me through them and made me a stronger person for overcoming them. Truly, what a loving Father he can be.
Arguably, the smallest challenge of the past 24 hours came from the paperclip-size gecko I found in my room last night. This little creature gave me such a hard time as I tried for fifteen minutes to get him out of my room. Thankfully, Cheryl was fast asleep. I dread to think how ridiculous I looked dancing around our room with a clipboard in one hand and my flashlight in the other. After an extremely frustrating fifteen minutes, I heard a little voice in my head say, "Eliu told you to embrace Belize". I looked up to the ceiling and thought, "Really?" When I looked back down, the little monster had disappeared. Yes, really. Okay, God, I read you loud and clear... the gecko gets to stay.
My biggest challenge of the day came in the form of switching stations at the clinic. Today, for the first time, I was in charge of the "reading station". The tasks, themselves, were simple and easy for me to do. The challenge came with my interactions with the people who only spoke Spanish. Now, I know enough Spanish to understand most of what people say to me... or at least I can figure it out from context... however, I am very nervous to respond in Spanish. Laura, God bless her, was very patient with me. At first she would speak to the person if they knew Spanish and I would speak if they knew English. However, as time went on she continually gave me gentle nudges to speak in Spanish. I became more comfortable speaking the more I engaged the person being tested. Before long, those gentle nudges stopped and she told me specifically "speak to them in Spanish". I didn't say it aloud but I wanted to look at her and say, "Really?" When I looked over a moment later, she had disappeared. Yes, really. This time, I had to smile... hadn't I just been through this with the little gecko?
As it turns out, God had plan... as He always does. Laura continued to guide me as I communicated... mostly successfully... in Spanish. However, when she left my station to help another, I was no longer nervous. I was more confident in my ability to speak Spanish.... and for those times that we didn't understand each other 100%... we still understood one another. I know I've said this before... but I am truly amazed at how two people can understand one another on a deeper level even if we cannot communicated verbally.
Today, I overcame challenges... and I'm sure I was not alone. We served 126 people today in an extremely hot environment. And you know it's truly a hot day when the people of Belize are commenting on the heat. So, I'm sure my fellow team members faced their own challenges as well. But just like He did with me... God puts challenges in their lives to help them grow in faith and trust that He will see them through. What a wonderful God we serve.
So, for tonight, my challenges are done... unless I run into that gecko again...
But this time if I see him...
Perhaps I'll leave him be...
For God has a plan for him as well...
And I am ready to embrace Belize...
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Time Flies...
Hello again from a very rainy night in Belize,
From the very beginning of our journey, Eliu told us that Sunday was going to be a very important day. He expected a large crowd and let us know that the people of this village had been long anticipating our arrival. We were a little concerned that the rain storms would keep the people away... but a little rain doesn't bother the people of Belize. I am happy to report that today we were blessed to serve 122 people.
We were thrilled to have so many people show up to our clinic. What a wonderful problem it was to have to set up an outdoor waiting area. But, as you can imagine, serving 122 people made for an extremely busy day.
All I kept thinking as person after person stopped at my station was how fortunate I was to serve so many people today. How blessed I was to see more smiling faces than I had the day before. How many more times I had the chance to watch as someone's face light up because they could now see clearly. How many more times I could feel joy and the incredible feeling of accomplishment with each smiling face that came to my table. Man, how time flies when you're having fun...
Before we knew it, 122 people had passed through our stations, leaving only fond memories in their wake. Like the 90 year old man who loved his glasses so much that he didn't want to take them off and wore them to each remaining station. Or, the German woman who was so delighted to be able to speak German with our fellow team members and talk about her home country that she staid far after she had received her glasses. Or the family of four who were so delighted with our work and mannerisms that they couldn't help but show affection to us at every station. They were not simply happy to go through each station and move on... they wanted to get to know us on a person level. What a joy they were to us.
We made an impact on each of the 122 that we helped today, but it is the ones who made an impact on us that we will carry in our hearts. I for one know that God has placed me here in Belize for a reason. Perhaps my purpose is something far greater than I can see in this moment. Perhaps my purpose is writing this blog every night so that the people back home can feel connected to us in some way. Perhaps my purpose is making the person across from me at my station smile. Personally, I hope it's that one... it's the one that gives me the greatest joy. Tonight as sit on the rooftop writing, I can still see those smiling faces in my mind and know for certain that we are doing good work here in Belize.
The hard work continues tomorrow, so for now I will say goodnight.
I'll check in soon.
Bye for now.
From the very beginning of our journey, Eliu told us that Sunday was going to be a very important day. He expected a large crowd and let us know that the people of this village had been long anticipating our arrival. We were a little concerned that the rain storms would keep the people away... but a little rain doesn't bother the people of Belize. I am happy to report that today we were blessed to serve 122 people.
We were thrilled to have so many people show up to our clinic. What a wonderful problem it was to have to set up an outdoor waiting area. But, as you can imagine, serving 122 people made for an extremely busy day.
All I kept thinking as person after person stopped at my station was how fortunate I was to serve so many people today. How blessed I was to see more smiling faces than I had the day before. How many more times I had the chance to watch as someone's face light up because they could now see clearly. How many more times I could feel joy and the incredible feeling of accomplishment with each smiling face that came to my table. Man, how time flies when you're having fun...
Before we knew it, 122 people had passed through our stations, leaving only fond memories in their wake. Like the 90 year old man who loved his glasses so much that he didn't want to take them off and wore them to each remaining station. Or, the German woman who was so delighted to be able to speak German with our fellow team members and talk about her home country that she staid far after she had received her glasses. Or the family of four who were so delighted with our work and mannerisms that they couldn't help but show affection to us at every station. They were not simply happy to go through each station and move on... they wanted to get to know us on a person level. What a joy they were to us.
We made an impact on each of the 122 that we helped today, but it is the ones who made an impact on us that we will carry in our hearts. I for one know that God has placed me here in Belize for a reason. Perhaps my purpose is something far greater than I can see in this moment. Perhaps my purpose is writing this blog every night so that the people back home can feel connected to us in some way. Perhaps my purpose is making the person across from me at my station smile. Personally, I hope it's that one... it's the one that gives me the greatest joy. Tonight as sit on the rooftop writing, I can still see those smiling faces in my mind and know for certain that we are doing good work here in Belize.
The hard work continues tomorrow, so for now I will say goodnight.
I'll check in soon.
Bye for now.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Embracing Belize...
Hello again from San Ignacio,
When we arrived at our hotel yesterday, Eliu gave us two tips for having a successful trip in Belize. He said "embrace the culture" and "embrace the heat". I chuckled to myself when he said it and thought "sure, I'll take in the sights around me and observe the people". How naive I was to believe that I could embrace Belize by observing the culture around me. Only when you've been to Belize can you understand that the people here will draw you in and include you in their culture any way they can.
It was clear from the moment we arrived at the church today that we were going to be submerged into the Belize's culture... whether we thought we were prepared or not. You see, the people of Belize walked into our lives today and treated us as if we were old friends. There was no separation of the American and Belizean people... today we were one people, with one purpose, one drive, and one heart. All around us there was laughter and smiles and conversations happening in English and Spanish. We didn't always understand what one another was saying, but we understood one another on a deeper... more resonating level. It's incredible how two people from entirely different backgrounds and ethnicities can come together and connect as only brothers in Christ can... with love for God and one another.
The clinic was a resounding success. Last night I told you that we were going to go out today and be helpers for the people of Belize. I am happy to share that we were able to serve 92 people today, by outfitting them with eyeglasses of all shapes and sizes. It was another long, hot day in Belize... but you wouldn't know it from all the smiling faces in the clinic. Everyone was so patient as they waited for us to see them, and when it was their turn they were delighted and grateful to be served. Despite the heat, our team was amazingly energized and very eager to assist. It's hard not to stay upbeat and positive in such a welcoming country.
After clinics today we had another incredible meal, this time in a restaurant arranged by George and his staff. Truly what a blessing they have been for us. After a huge, delicious meal, Eliu escorted us downtown to watch an amazing performance by the Pantempters. The Pantempters are a steel orchestra band that is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary by traveling all over the country performing their unique and beautiful art. (I will attempt to upload a short video that I took of their performance.) It was amazing to stand in the middle of this great city and see everyone dancing and swaying to the music. It is nearly impossible to stand still while listening to the sound of a steel drum... especially when the performers are so passionate as they play. What another incredible experience we got to be a part of today.
The people of Belize have truly welcomed us into their cities and into their lives. In the short time that we have been here we have been shown such kindness and companionship. Here are people of God who embrace everyone they come in contact with, with open arms and open hearts.
We see you, Belize. We see the way you embrace us. We see the way you accept us. We see the way you value us. We want you to know that we embrace, accept, and value you as well.
Tomorrow we will embrace another location and another church the same way we did today. We can't wait to meet more people and impact more lives. We are humbled and honored to be of service, and we are grateful for your hospitality.
For now we say goodnight, but tomorrow is a new day full of new possibilities.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
When we arrived at our hotel yesterday, Eliu gave us two tips for having a successful trip in Belize. He said "embrace the culture" and "embrace the heat". I chuckled to myself when he said it and thought "sure, I'll take in the sights around me and observe the people". How naive I was to believe that I could embrace Belize by observing the culture around me. Only when you've been to Belize can you understand that the people here will draw you in and include you in their culture any way they can.
It was clear from the moment we arrived at the church today that we were going to be submerged into the Belize's culture... whether we thought we were prepared or not. You see, the people of Belize walked into our lives today and treated us as if we were old friends. There was no separation of the American and Belizean people... today we were one people, with one purpose, one drive, and one heart. All around us there was laughter and smiles and conversations happening in English and Spanish. We didn't always understand what one another was saying, but we understood one another on a deeper... more resonating level. It's incredible how two people from entirely different backgrounds and ethnicities can come together and connect as only brothers in Christ can... with love for God and one another.
The clinic was a resounding success. Last night I told you that we were going to go out today and be helpers for the people of Belize. I am happy to share that we were able to serve 92 people today, by outfitting them with eyeglasses of all shapes and sizes. It was another long, hot day in Belize... but you wouldn't know it from all the smiling faces in the clinic. Everyone was so patient as they waited for us to see them, and when it was their turn they were delighted and grateful to be served. Despite the heat, our team was amazingly energized and very eager to assist. It's hard not to stay upbeat and positive in such a welcoming country.
After clinics today we had another incredible meal, this time in a restaurant arranged by George and his staff. Truly what a blessing they have been for us. After a huge, delicious meal, Eliu escorted us downtown to watch an amazing performance by the Pantempters. The Pantempters are a steel orchestra band that is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary by traveling all over the country performing their unique and beautiful art. (I will attempt to upload a short video that I took of their performance.) It was amazing to stand in the middle of this great city and see everyone dancing and swaying to the music. It is nearly impossible to stand still while listening to the sound of a steel drum... especially when the performers are so passionate as they play. What another incredible experience we got to be a part of today.
The people of Belize have truly welcomed us into their cities and into their lives. In the short time that we have been here we have been shown such kindness and companionship. Here are people of God who embrace everyone they come in contact with, with open arms and open hearts.
We see you, Belize. We see the way you embrace us. We see the way you accept us. We see the way you value us. We want you to know that we embrace, accept, and value you as well.
Tomorrow we will embrace another location and another church the same way we did today. We can't wait to meet more people and impact more lives. We are humbled and honored to be of service, and we are grateful for your hospitality.
For now we say goodnight, but tomorrow is a new day full of new possibilities.
I'll check back soon.
Bye for now.
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