This morning will be the last half-day at Marla's before loading up and leaving the BTC. Our work phase of the mission trip is ending, and the R&R phase begins. During devotions we have talked that even though our work is ending, we are still on mission and represent Christ during the R&R time and the entire trip.
The water taxi will be a new experience for the youth. They will see densely-populated Belize City; quite a contrast to the rural areas we have seen. The boat will take 1 hour and 20 minutes to go from Belize City to San Pedro. Once there we check into Paradise Villas, go to dinner, and then have devotions. Tuesday and Wednesday will be snorkeling, pool time, and other activities.
Prayers for safe travel and safe adventures over the next few days. Blogging will be dependent on Internet availability over the next few days.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Day 7: Sunday - Worship and Xunantunich (part 2)
Our youth sang beautifully this morning at Belmopan Baptist Church. The video file is too large to upload, but it will be posted as soon as we are home.
We left for Xunantunich at 1:30 (after church) and had time to shop at the small market and then explore the ruins. The group photo shows El Castillio in the background, which I believe, everyone climbed. More pictures from the top will have to wait until later.
Tonight we are packing up and getting ready to spend the morning with the kids at Marla's and complete the mural. We then load up at the BTC and travel to Belize City to get a water taxi to San Pedro. We should be in San Pedro after 6:00 PM, check in and then eat dinner at a local restaurant. Tuesday and Wednesday will be R&R activities and pool time at our resort.
There is no guarantee that I will haveInternet service on San Pedro, so you may or may not see blog posts. Just keep checking, but don't be alarmed if there are no posts for a day or so.
Day 7: Sunday - Worship and Xunantunich
My computer is having some problems that prevent me from using it at all. It is working now, but it may not another time. Just to let you know that if there is not a blog update at the usual times, it is due to computer problems.
Today we get a later start, so an extra hour sleep. We leave for worship at Belmopan Baptist Church 9:45 tis morning. Pastor Norman Willacy is also the principal of the high school we painted yesterday. Our youth will be singing the hymn, "Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy" during the service. This was not in the plans, but they were asked/volunteered, and we know they can sing. They sounded great at rehearsal last night! Say a prayer fir them, they are a little nervous.
We have a full day after church. After a quick change at the BTC and a bag lunch in the vans, we head west to Xunantunich, a Mayan archaeological site near the border with Guatemala. There are several structures that have been excavated there, the central one is El Castillio. It is a pyramid-type structure that rises 130 feet. Climbing the steep stairs gives a great view of the surrounding forest. The site is one of many scattered across Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Often spider monkeys are seen in the trees, and where the ferry takes us across the Mopan River we should see iguanas. Along the highway at the entrance to the ferry many local people have market stalls where we can shop. Clarissa Falls for dinner is the last stop before returning to the BTC for devotions. The blog update for the day will be later because we won't return to the BTC until after dinner.
Thank you for your affirming comments and continuing to support the youth and adults in prayer and encouraging words. Pray for safe travel today. Our devotions over the next few nights will be in Philippians, so if you want to follow along, last night was chapter 1, chapter 2 tonight, and so on. Each family is leading the discussion and guiding questions for small groups.
Today we get a later start, so an extra hour sleep. We leave for worship at Belmopan Baptist Church 9:45 tis morning. Pastor Norman Willacy is also the principal of the high school we painted yesterday. Our youth will be singing the hymn, "Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy" during the service. This was not in the plans, but they were asked/volunteered, and we know they can sing. They sounded great at rehearsal last night! Say a prayer fir them, they are a little nervous.
We have a full day after church. After a quick change at the BTC and a bag lunch in the vans, we head west to Xunantunich, a Mayan archaeological site near the border with Guatemala. There are several structures that have been excavated there, the central one is El Castillio. It is a pyramid-type structure that rises 130 feet. Climbing the steep stairs gives a great view of the surrounding forest. The site is one of many scattered across Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Often spider monkeys are seen in the trees, and where the ferry takes us across the Mopan River we should see iguanas. Along the highway at the entrance to the ferry many local people have market stalls where we can shop. Clarissa Falls for dinner is the last stop before returning to the BTC for devotions. The blog update for the day will be later because we won't return to the BTC until after dinner.
Thank you for your affirming comments and continuing to support the youth and adults in prayer and encouraging words. Pray for safe travel today. Our devotions over the next few nights will be in Philippians, so if you want to follow along, last night was chapter 1, chapter 2 tonight, and so on. Each family is leading the discussion and guiding questions for small groups.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Day 6: Saturday - Workday (part 2)
We rolled into the Belmopan Baptist High School around 8:30 this morning. Melanie and Lydia went to Marla's to finish the mural; the rest of the group was ready to tackle painting the school. Hannah and Matt worked out a plan to to divide the job into rollers and trim painters. Half started on the second floor, the other half on the bottom floor. In a couple hours the ceiling of the porch had been rolled and most of the trim around the windows was done. After a water break, the rollers got the walls done and the trim painters finished the high areas. After lunch, the lower part of the walls was painted brown and the brown trim around the doors was completed. We were helped by Jose, Manuel and Enrique - students at the high school - as well as Pastor Norman Willacy, principal of the school and the school caretaker. With all that help we not only got all the front exterior done, but also the two ends of the building too. All that by 2:00 this afternoon. Prayers for good weather were answered; we had sunny skies, a breeze ,and were shaded by the porches we were under.
After a group shot in front of the school, we decided we could all go to Spanish Lookout for ice cream. Western Dairy is sort of the Jack Frost of Belize (don't worry Jim, yours is still the best!) Spanish Lookout is a Mennonite community in this district of Belize, with large farms and pastures. It is very un-Belizean because the Mennonites have preserved their culture and traditions. We were back at the BTC by 4:00 ready for showers and down time until dinner.
A few photos:
After a group shot in front of the school, we decided we could all go to Spanish Lookout for ice cream. Western Dairy is sort of the Jack Frost of Belize (don't worry Jim, yours is still the best!) Spanish Lookout is a Mennonite community in this district of Belize, with large farms and pastures. It is very un-Belizean because the Mennonites have preserved their culture and traditions. We were back at the BTC by 4:00 ready for showers and down time until dinner.
A few photos:
Belmopan High School before
Aaron painting the ceiling
Finished!
Group photo - can you tell what color we painted?
We will be worshipping tomorrow with our brothers and sisters at Belmopan Baptist Church, as you will be at home as well. We will worship together in spirit and truth. Tell our church family that we are well, putting our all into the mission, and growing spiritually. We do miss our families and covet your prayers of support.
After church we are eating a bag lunch on the road on the way to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. It will be another adventure for the youth - they can explore the ancient temples and buildings at the site. We will end the day with a traditional Belizean dinner at Clarissa Falls Resort and Restaurant and devotions when we return.
Day 6: Saturday - Workday
I think everyone was ready for a good night's sleep after our adventure yesterday. We will be up and going this morning to Belmopan Baptist High School. Our plan is to paint the front of the two-story main building. Each floor has a balcony, so only step ladders will be needed. Since we have painted so much, specialties have emerged. Some are good with rollers, others doing trim painting; some are can easily work from a ladder, others like to keep their feet on the ground. The mural that will be finished today is a testament to the artistic abilities that some have. Our devotions have touched on this theme as well. We all have gifts. Time and experience teaches us what these gifts are, and a mission trip such as this one gives us an opportunity to use those gifts. Our gifts are not limited to jobs like painting. Our youth have shown the gift of love and compassion through interaction with the children at the two homes. Several have played here at the camp with Jane's daughter Hannah.
Another area where giftedness shows is how the youth relate to one another. On the work site they help one another; holding a ladder, a can of paint, handing a brush or roller, any number of ways. At the camp, they spend down time talking in a large group or exploring the grounds. The gift of unity has been evident all week.
Finally, there is the gift of leadership. A successful mission trip comes from advance planning. Matt has planned an excellent mission trip. Untold details have been worked out and taken care of. He prepared a wonderful devotion booklet and keeps the youth informed on what is coming next and what they need for that event. Scott knows so many people here that any question is usually answered with a phone call to the right person. Steve Little has taken care of logistics and keeping us fed. He picks up Jane and Laticia in the mornings between 5:30 and 6:00, takes them shopping (in Belize shopping is an hours-long process), gets them back to the BTC in the afternoon to cook dinner, and takes them home between 7:30 and 8:00 at night. Melanie Orange has been our official doctor (only minor things so far) and is directing the work on the mural at Marla's. Hanna Hagaman and Dan Smith have organized the painting at Marla's; and Patrick Ellis and Steve Pierce organized the work at the King's home. The chaperones also have their families who are responsible for leading nightly devotions and kitchen duty after each meal.
Breakfast is cooking, the youth are stirring, and we will be off to the worksite soon. Prayers for safety, good weather, and God's good grace today.
Maybe a couple pictures of earlier work will upload this morning.
Another area where giftedness shows is how the youth relate to one another. On the work site they help one another; holding a ladder, a can of paint, handing a brush or roller, any number of ways. At the camp, they spend down time talking in a large group or exploring the grounds. The gift of unity has been evident all week.
Finally, there is the gift of leadership. A successful mission trip comes from advance planning. Matt has planned an excellent mission trip. Untold details have been worked out and taken care of. He prepared a wonderful devotion booklet and keeps the youth informed on what is coming next and what they need for that event. Scott knows so many people here that any question is usually answered with a phone call to the right person. Steve Little has taken care of logistics and keeping us fed. He picks up Jane and Laticia in the mornings between 5:30 and 6:00, takes them shopping (in Belize shopping is an hours-long process), gets them back to the BTC in the afternoon to cook dinner, and takes them home between 7:30 and 8:00 at night. Melanie Orange has been our official doctor (only minor things so far) and is directing the work on the mural at Marla's. Hanna Hagaman and Dan Smith have organized the painting at Marla's; and Patrick Ellis and Steve Pierce organized the work at the King's home. The chaperones also have their families who are responsible for leading nightly devotions and kitchen duty after each meal.
Breakfast is cooking, the youth are stirring, and we will be off to the worksite soon. Prayers for safety, good weather, and God's good grace today.
Maybe a couple pictures of earlier work will upload this morning.
Taner is one of our steady hands for detail work
Filipe and Grace beginning the mural at Marla's
Erika doing trim work at Marla's
Friday, July 27, 2012
Day 5: Friday - ATM Cave
To answer your questions:
1. Yes, we went into the ATM Cave.
2. Yes, we came out of the ATM Cave.
3. Yes, the same number that went in came out!
The cave adventure was one that most will not forget. Here is a sampling of words heard after the trip:
Awesome!
Indescribable!
One of the greatest experiences in my life.
A once in a lifetime trip.
Epic!
We rode for almost an hour over a bumpy gravel road to the parking area. We were given helmets to carry along with our water and lunch. We hiked through the rain forest for 45 minutes to the area at the mouth of the cave. Along the way we had to wade across Roaring Creek 3 times. Once at the cave we were given lights to put on our helmets and left our lunches and water behind. The entrance to the cave has a deep pool of water formed by the stream that flows through the cave. After swimming 20 feet to a rock ledge we began to walk up the stream further into the cave. Our lamps on our helmets were the only light we had. The stream depth varied from ankle deep to chest high. Some places the cave was wide, others you had to squeeze between rocks. In several places the water was rushing over boulders in the stream bed. After 30 minutes of walking upstream we climbed above the stream and took off our water shoes to explore the Mayan artifacts.
The Mayans used the cave between AD 250 - 900, venturing farther in as time passed. It was a ceremonial cave used for religious rites that eventually included human sacrifice. Since everything taken into the cave was consecrated, nothing was removed; so the cave is littered with pottery of all sizes. All them were purposely broken or had a hole put in them as a part of ceremonial rites. At some points in the cave skulls and other bones are visible. At the end of the cave, in a niche that is reached by a ladder, is the complete skeletal remains of the "the Crystal Maiden" - probably a 14 year old girl.
In addition to the artifacts, the cave has stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other geologic formations. All together you have a cave trip, and archaeological site, and the adventure of climbing up a stream in the cave. It was a trip to remember.
Unfortunately, cameras have been prohibited from the cave, so no one was able to take any pictures. Matt and I have pictures from January, and we will include them on the CD that is compiled after the trip.
One last note. Some of the girls were in a quiet part of the cave with their guide when they began to sing "Amazing Grace." Their voices echoed through the cave as they sang. All those choir practices and performing has influenced our youth. They are a blessing!
Dinner is in an hour or so - stew beef with vegetables and rice, followed by devotions and a good night's rest after our adventures. Tomorrow is another workday; painting again at Belmopan Baptist High School. Pray for good weather.
1. Yes, we went into the ATM Cave.
2. Yes, we came out of the ATM Cave.
3. Yes, the same number that went in came out!
The cave adventure was one that most will not forget. Here is a sampling of words heard after the trip:
Awesome!
Indescribable!
One of the greatest experiences in my life.
A once in a lifetime trip.
Epic!
We rode for almost an hour over a bumpy gravel road to the parking area. We were given helmets to carry along with our water and lunch. We hiked through the rain forest for 45 minutes to the area at the mouth of the cave. Along the way we had to wade across Roaring Creek 3 times. Once at the cave we were given lights to put on our helmets and left our lunches and water behind. The entrance to the cave has a deep pool of water formed by the stream that flows through the cave. After swimming 20 feet to a rock ledge we began to walk up the stream further into the cave. Our lamps on our helmets were the only light we had. The stream depth varied from ankle deep to chest high. Some places the cave was wide, others you had to squeeze between rocks. In several places the water was rushing over boulders in the stream bed. After 30 minutes of walking upstream we climbed above the stream and took off our water shoes to explore the Mayan artifacts.
The Mayans used the cave between AD 250 - 900, venturing farther in as time passed. It was a ceremonial cave used for religious rites that eventually included human sacrifice. Since everything taken into the cave was consecrated, nothing was removed; so the cave is littered with pottery of all sizes. All them were purposely broken or had a hole put in them as a part of ceremonial rites. At some points in the cave skulls and other bones are visible. At the end of the cave, in a niche that is reached by a ladder, is the complete skeletal remains of the "the Crystal Maiden" - probably a 14 year old girl.
In addition to the artifacts, the cave has stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other geologic formations. All together you have a cave trip, and archaeological site, and the adventure of climbing up a stream in the cave. It was a trip to remember.
Unfortunately, cameras have been prohibited from the cave, so no one was able to take any pictures. Matt and I have pictures from January, and we will include them on the CD that is compiled after the trip.
One last note. Some of the girls were in a quiet part of the cave with their guide when they began to sing "Amazing Grace." Their voices echoed through the cave as they sang. All those choir practices and performing has influenced our youth. They are a blessing!
Dinner is in an hour or so - stew beef with vegetables and rice, followed by devotions and a good night's rest after our adventures. Tomorrow is another workday; painting again at Belmopan Baptist High School. Pray for good weather.
Day 5: Friday - Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
After 3 days of hard work that has exceeded expectations, we are taking a break today to experience some ancient culture. The Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM Cave is a cave used by the Mayans for ceremonies between 600 and 900 AD. (These dates are based on my memory from January, so they may be off some.) The unique aspect of the cave is that one must wade and swim short distances through water in the cave to reach the relics at the upper end. This is the part of the cave that was used for ceremonial rites by the Mayans. Our guide will interpret the relics left behind and explain the Mayan culture. We will continue our look at ancient Mayan culture Sunday afternoon with a trip to Xunantunich, Mayan ruins near the Guatemala border.
Here are a couple pictures if I can upload them:
Sorry, but 15 minutes and the first picture didn't even halfway load. I guess they will have to wait.
Finally, one picture of Marla's House of Hope in its new tropical colors.
Our devotion theme last night was on unity, and our youth have certainly displayed unity throughout this mission trip. With working at two sites and inside/outside teams at each site, they maintained a sense of mission. Even though we work in different places and use our different gifts, it is all for the same purpose. Before and after dinner, the youth gather on the porch outside the rooms to talk and enjoy each other's company. It is a true fellowship.
Prayers for safety today as we travel, hike, and explore. Thank you for your comments; and a "shout out" to Cy and Ellen Miller for sending the individual cards to each team member. We are encouraged and humbled to be lifted up in thoughts and prayers.
We will let you know when we return form the ATM cave.
Here are a couple pictures if I can upload them:
Sorry, but 15 minutes and the first picture didn't even halfway load. I guess they will have to wait.
Finally, one picture of Marla's House of Hope in its new tropical colors.
And one more:
The Girls room at Marla's in pink and purple.
Painting at the Kings Children's Home
Prayers for safety today as we travel, hike, and explore. Thank you for your comments; and a "shout out" to Cy and Ellen Miller for sending the individual cards to each team member. We are encouraged and humbled to be lifted up in thoughts and prayers.
We will let you know when we return form the ATM cave.
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