Winding Down

We have 2 1/2 weeks to go here ... though it feels like we will be leaving tomorrow.

Please pray that we would finish our time here well. This would include both being faithful with the work we have been given to do and trusting God for the results of our work.

Please pray that short time of work here would bear fruit for years to come.

Please pray that we are remembered fondly by friends and staff and neighbors - but more importantly, that God is thought of and thought well of as a result of our influence.

Finally, pray that we are still open to be taught by God through people and events here. There is much for us to learn.

Thanks.

San Pedro

Just got back from a 3 day trip to San Pedro. It is the destination hot spot for those coming to Belize seeking the beach, world class diving or fishing.

It is also where we met up with my Mom and brother.

We had a good time - there was ... playing at the beach, souvenir bartering and buying, catching up, relaxing, barracuda fishing and eating, feats of strength and enjoying each other.

The best thing that can be said about the weather was that is was warmer ...

Busy Times

We are in the midst of a 2 1/2 week visit from our families.

Jean Lamb, Charity's Mom, came in last Tuesday. She left yesterday.

When she opened her suitcases, it was like Christmas and birthday's and a big party rolled into one.

Gum, DVD's, dinosaurs, soccer balls, raisenette's, art supplies, under-roos, clinic supplies, etc., etc., etc.

We have had the pleasure of having her join us at morning devotions, playing with the local kids and catching tarantula's. Last weekend we took a riverboat trip to Lamanai (another Mayan site here) and she joined us for a New Year's celebration with the folks in Caledonia.

Mary O'Flinn, my Mom, and my brother Tiernan get in today. We will head over to the island, Ambergris Caye, to snorkel and play at the beach.

Both sets of families are a welcome reminder of home and we are glad God is showing us His love by their presence.

Snow in Belize

Just like in North America, we too are experiencing the effects of global warming ... er, I mean climate change.

Men are going to work in jackets, hats and gloves ...

We are having to wear long sleeve t-shirts during the day ...

A single bedsheet at night is no longer sufficient to keep us warm ...

I can no longer run shirtless, or with just a tanktop ...

I think thermometers are registering down to the high 50's ...

But I am just kidding about the snow :D

Neighborhood kids

We have been able to develop a good relationship with some of the local kids. As you may recall, this has stemmed from an invitation to Hudson's birthday party.

Anyway, they have been a real pleasure to be around.

They have been good to our boys in numerous ways. They have given them marbles, fed them fruit and made sure they are well-included in games to name just three.

We have had the opportunity to have a few movie nights and have watched Bolt, Kung Fu Panda and the new VeggieTales - Saint Nicholas.

They have been by our house to play and make crafts.

Tattoos my mom have sent me have been a big hit.

They have taught Charity how to properly fry tortillas and plantains.

They truly have been a blessing to our family.

Happy New Year's

We had the pleasure of celebrating New Year's at Jose's home.

Of course, we had pinata's.

We also burned a stuffed person (doll), which represented 2009.

We were given 12 grapes to be eaten at midnight, for 12 wishes for the new year - though this gringo didn't know you save the grapes until midnight!

There was an impressive fireworks display at midnight, too.

Cartera's

My friend, Rebecca Vallejos, works as a cleaning lady in the clinic three days a week.

On the side, she makes small purses (cartera's) out of old chip bags.

If you would like, I can get her to make you one.

They would come in whatever color you would like (red, green, orange, silver, blue, etc.), provided she can find the right chip bag.

Let me know if you would like one - they would cost you 10$ U.S., c.o.d.