Bats

There is a certain amount of tension felt when living in the third world – at least at first, and for some it never stops.
Among other things, the culture and people are different, requiring a constant effort to both fit in and try to avoid inadvertently offending someone.
Without A/C, the heat is inescapable, from morning through night – even for folks from Alabama :)
Furthermore, from 5 minutes after your shower until your next shower, an increasing reality of uncleanliness pervades.
There is also the fear of disease – this includes insect-related diseases found locally such as malaria, encephalitis, dengue fever, bott-fly infestation, etc. Also, several water-borne illnesses make even showering and brushing your teeth something done with apprehension.
Finally, there is at least a continual trepidation, if not fear, of the wildlife. In Belize, we have been told to be wary of small snakes, leaf-cutter ants, tarantulas, mongrels, etc. and bats – the last of which we had a close encounter times 4 last night. This doesn’t include boa’s and jaguars that are not supposed to come into our area!
Anyway, about the bats. Unlike the other houses in the area, our attic is apparently a preferred living quarters for the local bats. Yesterday, the maintenance guy blocked the outside entrances to the attic to keep the bats out. Unfortunately, the bats that were already there wanted out in the evening to feed - there only way out was through our house!
As you can see from the photos, our boys acted liked little school girls – hiding under the table. Bram, then true to form, fell asleep amongst all the commotion.
Hudson then reminded us that “God is always with us”. This was both a bold and searching statement but was also evidence of child-like faith – something Jesus told us is required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
All of the above-mentioned things may be small, either in part or collectively, but they all can`teach us to press towards Him.
So thanks be to God for sending us this and other trials.