Thank You

You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.  ~Kahlil Gibran

 I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to those who recently gave of their time in order to raise money for the work here in Belize.  Sis. Marcella Thomas who offered her wonderful talents in the kitchen cooking what I know was a fabulous meal. To those who gave of their time and money I can not thank you enough. Because of  your burden, over $700 US dollars were raised.  Due to the exchange rate this means that $1,400 Belize dollars was given to the work here in Guinea Grass.  This offering could not have come at a better time as the work here just purchased a much needed, small 22 passenger bus.  

Over the years I have seen members of Inland Lighthouse give of themselves no only in money but in time as well.  However, I have never been more proud to say that I'm from Rialto, California then I was giving that offering. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Hurricane Richard Update

As many of you now know, Belize was hit with a hurricane last night. Thankfully our small village was spared and we passed through with mild wind and rain. I know this was due to all the prayers that were sent up on our behalf.  While I don't have any clear reports right now I have heard that most of the damage was suffered along the coast, Belize City being hit hard.

In caution we opened up the church, which is a designated shelter here in Guinea Grass.  This was my first hurricane and it was interesting to experience something of this nature. I will admit that I prefer earthquakes as they are over quicker and I can simply roll over and go back to sleep. But it was nice to at least know something was coming...that was a plus right?

Preparation for the incoming storm started early Sunday morning. Windows were boarded up, shutters nailed closed and roofs tied down.  In case of flooding all items needed to be off the floor yet under something in case the roof came off.

This was us girls for most of the night....on our laptops. It's a very strange feeling having to think about what little items you can take with you, knowing that the rest of your stuff may very well get destroyed. 

Oh and my shirt reads, "Sister of a United States Marine".. take that Hurricane Richard! 

  

One of the local scouts who worked as a runner during the storm. They checked homes and ran information from shelter to shelter.  Several of them came and hung out in the church or office to listen to the storm's progress on the radio and chat. 

A general picture of the shelter through out the night. Be careful you don't step on someone as you go to the bathroom! :) 

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Now I just need a shirt that reads, "I survived Hurricane Richard." 

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep..

A major thank you is due to the kind generosity of Bro. Ricky Moore and Sis. Joyce Pierce.   These wonderful people meet a need that while may seem small, has made a world of difference in our younger class.

While we all wish that someone would put us down for a nap, most of us remember the fight of our childhood when someone said we HAD to lay down.  Thankfully our kids are now very willing to go to sleep due to the sleeping mats that were paid for, made and sent to us recently.  I've been told the kids now BEG to have nap time. :)

Getting boxes from the States is like Christmas time for us. 

One of our young students getting her new sleeping mat. 

The teacher was so happy that the kids just stayed on their mats. Normally they roll all over the floor. 

This kids literally got his mat, laid down and crashed out. :)~

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THANK YOU SIS. PIERCE

&

BRO. RICKY MOORE!

Family Camp

Ever been camping?  Well I haven't. Not a big fan of the whole outdoor thing. My idea of camping is Motel 6.  I mean come on, who wants to go on vacation and actually have to make your own bed? That's the whole point of room service isn't it?  But like all good people I've been growing. Hotel's without room service that come fully equipped with your personnel selection of local bugs are nothing to me now.

Located just outside of the nation's capital I was blessed to spend several days on a beautiful campground.  The main church hosts a family camp each year held during the month of September. This is a time for all the churches here in Belize to gather, have church and spend time together. Camp speakers this year were Rev. Mark Copeland and Rev. Cardwell from the States. These amazing men of God spoke to our hearts each night.  Once again I was honored to be a part of the work of God here in Belize as I watched men and women, young teens and children worship God openly and with passion.  Our services often were simply just a time to worship, dance and allowing the presence of God to be entertained.   26 people were filled with the Holy Spirit during our three day conference.  Dios es Bueno!

The sanctuary at Family Camp. While we do have a covering, it's still out doors which means it gets VERY hot and the bugs are always present. 

Thankfully very clean and nice rooms located on the grounds. Each room did come with an A/C, while it cost extra it was completely worth it.  It was also the first time I had a hot shower since I had been in Belize. :)

Dinner time at family camp. Try feeding about 200 people breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a job trust me. 

My roommates organized a game of football (known as soccer in the States). 

God moving amongst the people of Belize. 

Rev. Cardwell preaching the evening service.

Our singing group Rev. Joiner has nicknamed The 5 Gringa's.