Belize 2008
3/11 - Safe & sound... (Published: Tuesday, March 11 2008)
Everything yesterday fell into place perfectly!
We got to the airport, and were checked in, fed, and on the flight with absolutely no problem - and even relatively short lines. Everyone had their bag and one of our big boxes of shoes, books, and tools - supplies for our ministry here this week. And after a quick flight, we all got through customs and, with the exception of a few missing toiletry items from one bag, every bag and box made it! After customs, we boarded a bus for an hour-long ride to My Refuge, the ministry with whom we're staying. On the way, we stopped by Mayomopan, the impoverished village in which we're working: as soon as we got off the bus there, literally 50 kids came running up; a few folks inspected the playground plot (marked off by Dan - see yesterday's blog, who made it back to the states last night), while the rest of the crew got a taste of the upcoming kids ministry for this week, playing and talking with the children. After getting to My Refuge, we "set up camp," ate dinner (chicken and dumplings), and enjoyed a little "get to know you" time to begin building team unity, and then off to bed.
It rained a bit yesterday, and of course it's a bit warm, but nothing unbearable. Richard told us how the playground crossed customs (on Friday, in a mere hour-and-a-half when it usually takes a day or two, and having to pay only $275 USD duty on it, while its price puts the duty at $1500 USD!), and we saw God open doors financially as well, as we only had to pay $50 USD duty on the 12 boxes of items we brought - a huge savings over the normal cost. We've also seen God work through the generosity of our hosts, Richard & Rosa & their family & crew, through the beauty of a green country, through the smiles of children, and through the great connection our team is already experiencing. Please pray for our first day as we head to Mayomopan to scope out our ministries this morning, then jump in this afternoon - we've got a "dedication ceremony" to hand over the playground to the city council on Friday afternoon, so there is much to do there, while not neglecting our call to talk with people, build relationships, and "be the hands & feet of Christ" this week... Pics from yesterday coming soon...