Lessons Belize Has Taught Me

#1.

Always check the expiration date, just because it’s in the store doesn’t mean its still 

     good. 

#2.

Hot and shower don’t belong in the same sentence.

#3.

 There are bugs. Lots of them. Stop screaming and get over it. 

#4.

 Breastfeeding without covering up is common. It will happen. Give it time. And yes 

     that does apply to the first pew of the church during service.  

#5.

 Belize is ugly, regardless of the tourist pictures you see. *Note: This does not apply   

     to the resort areas on the nearby islands or Punta Gorda down south.  

#6.

 No, we don’t eat Mexican food here, this isn’t Mexico folks!

#7.

 Yes we speak English, just because we are in Central America doesn’t mean it’s full 

      of Mexican’s. 

#8.

 Living with the Joiner family means you are ready to travel at a moments notice. Always 

     pack a bag too, you might be staying over night. 

#9.

It’s hot and muggy and most places don’t have proper air conditioning. That’s just 

     the way of life, you will adjust. 

#10.

“When in Rome” is the best attitude to have. If you are always complaining and    

       comparing you will miss out on the amazing experience that is happening around 

       you. 

It's Been a Week Already?

Well today I cooked my first meal in another country.  To some that may not seem like a big deal but trust me there are little things you take for granted when you have everything at your fingertips.  I've received my emails regarding my stay here with lots of questions about what it's like to live here.  In one world --
 it's different.  But unlike what most may think it's not hard, just different.

School is now underway and we are halfway through our first week.  Since your reading this, you know I've survived. You can laugh but for a few hours on the first day I was worried. :) We have 35 kids enrolled ranging in age from 4 years old to 17 years old. The younger children are in class downstairs with two of the ladies from the church here.  Here is the picture of the main school room when I arrived on Wednesday....thankfully it's nice a clean now.

Here is a typical street corner in a Belize town.  While many of the streets are paved, it's by no  mean smooth.  The nearest town to us is Orange Walk Town which is about a 30 min. drive from the village and on unpaved roads for most of the journey.

This is the police station here in Orange Walk Town. The truck seen in the picture is the police truck, there is no standard car/truck for the police here. I think they simply use their own car/truck and put the red lights on the top. Here in the village I've been told that you are lucky if they show up when you call. While the country of Belize has it's own government, it's still connected to the United Kingdom and it's very much a "fend for yourself" kind of life here.  The church has just recently purchased an ambulance and has begun training for first aid and emergency response.  This is the only ambulance in the village and there are currently no other group here willing or equipped to help with emergency situations. 

I will try and update this weekend with some more pictures of the area and other activities.  For all those that have sent emails and asked to send stuff, please know I am so very touched.  Everything helps here since things are either expensive or hard to get here in Belize.  Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers. Watching God move here has been a wonderful experience and an honor to be apart of.

So Why Are You Doing This Again?

During my last few weeks in the States, I was often asked why I was leaving to go live in Belize.  My answer was basically, "I have no clue -- I'll figure that out later when I get there".  Well I've been here five days now and I still don't have that answer.  What I do know is that I wouldn't trade all the money in the world to go back home now.  In my few days here I've already traveled the length of Belize and fallen madly in love with the people, food and culture here.  From the plains of my home here in Guinea Grass to the lush rain forests of Punta Gorda in the south, this country is full of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  The work of God here is flourishing under the guidance of Rev. Tim Joiner and his beautiful family and it's an honor to be working with these wonderful people. 

The country of Belize is extremely poor for the most part with a smattering of rich people here and there. For the most part homes are shacks with the basic of accommodations although the living conditions have improved over the years.  Most villages are a far cry from the beautiful, resort looking pictures most see in magazines and brochures they show tourists.  

While it seems like my new adventure has already started, the real test comes tomorrow with the start of school.  Let's hope I can put all my education to use and actually remember what I was taught. :)