BELIZE
We all made it! I’m finally in Belize! The World Race is finally happening! GOD IS GOOD!! I wanted this blog to be a more informational blog about where my team and I are staying, what our ministry is going to look like for this month and just in general how I’m doing. So here we go..!
We got here Wednesday afternoon after about 30 something hours of travel, waiting in airports, midnight layovers and a 3 hour ride to our host site. Excited but also exhausted we were picked up by Pastor Jerome, his wife and several friends who are our ministry partner for the month. He pastor’s a church in the town we’re staying, Independence Church of the Nazarene. Their house is right next to the church and the church is attached to a schoolhouse and preschool that we’re staying in. So for this month, I know you’re wondering, we have working toilets (yes!), a fully stocked kitchen (yess!), and a shower (YESS!). Getting used to no air conditioning has been an adjustment but it’s been so nice to be outdoors and have windows open more than what I’m used to. I think I’m in the middle of an epic sweating detox.
So for ministry this month we’re helping with the church and community as much as possible. There are several evening events that we’ve been helping with and just enjoying. We’ve already begun some beautification of the preschool by painting and making it more colorful. Interacting with the preschoolers has definitely been a highlight. I think you can anticipate what 4 year olds are going to be like in just about every country. Lots of energy, curiosity and excitement. There are plans to partner with the high school religion class to share our stories and how God is working in our lives. I think it’s safe to say we’re all a bit out of our comfort zones, but in the best way. We’re living each day with a newfound excitement of what it’s going to hold. It’s so refreshing living moment to moment, not distracted with constant plan making, worrying about social media or even what we’re going to eat next. God has provided in big ways in just a few days. I shouldn’t be so surprised but it’s just so cool what He’s done so far. My team and I are placed in just the most perfect place. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not writing this blog saying and expecting everything this month to be happy and clappy. But I know there will be mass amounts of joy. In the high and low moments I know that He’s already been here and placed me in this exact moment for an exact reason.
I close this blog with the fullest and most thankful heart. I’m currently sitting in front of the church after a rain shower. Everything is cool and smells like rain and grass. There’s enough of a rainbow showing through some clouds to put the biggest smile on my face and deep in my heart. There is evening band practice happening at the church right now. Kids are gathered around talking and laughing and riding their bikes down the dirt road that leads into town. My feet are dirt covered and bug bitten but I’m so thankful this is my life right now. Thankful that you have helped me get this far, whether it was financial support, prayer or a combination of both. THANK YOU! I’m so grateful to live out this life God has so beautifully and graciously planned. There is so much more to share, so stay tuned to future blogs! Praying for you and looking forward to hearing how God is working in those around me!
