Monday, November 6, 2017 - Day 10

We woke up extra early this morning for our free day in Placencia. We drove for almost 2 hours to Mango Creek and then took a boat from there to Placencia. Placencia is a resort peninsula north of Punta Gorda. Placencia is one of the more touristy spots in Belize.

When we arrived in Mango Creek the dive shop that was hosting our activities for the day had sent a boat to ferry us over to Placencia.

Boarding the boat

The team on the boat

Me sneaking a picture of everyone below

Natalie, Rachael, Me, and Jeff 

At the dive shop in Placencia everyone got fitted for snorkle gear for our day of exploring the reefs off the coast of Belize. If you are ever in Placencia I highly recommend Splash Dive Center.

Peter on the bow of the boat

Nicole and Dustin, ready for adventure always!

Natalie, Rachael, Me, Jeff, and Amber

While taking turns getting fitted for fins and masks everyone started spraying on sunscreen in preparation for a day on the boat and in the sun. We left from Splash Dive Center and boated about 45 minutes out to the island where we would be diving.

Joy

Kyle

Dan

Amber

Pastor Dan Cooper

I had a great time sitting on the bow of the boat with Dan, Dustin, and Jeff. At first I was terrified that I was going to fall off the boat but once I got comfortable I really enjoyed the unobstructed view. About 20 minutes out we discovered dolphins playing in the boats wake. The captain took the boat in a huge circle so we could watch the dolphins. One of the dolphins came to the bow and swam just under my feet. Everyone was laughing and cheering for the dolphins.

Hanging out on the bow

Watching the ocean and talking

My feet and a dolphin below

Playful dolphins

Our boat ride took us to the Silk Caye's, for snorkling around the small islands there. Our first dive was around this island. It was about 30 minutes to circumnavigate the island. I really enjoyed the dive but was fighting with my mask for parts of it as it kept fogging up.

The island that we snorkled around and had lunch on

Following our first dive was lunch on the island. While waiting for everyone to arrive back on the island for lunch we played with the hermit crabs that live on the island. I found a tiny baby one under one of the palm trees. It was interesting seeing how the island had changed shaped from the previous year due to the wind and waves moving the sand.

Splash brings local cooks out to the island to make lunch for their patrons. Last year I distinctly remember that the meal was so good and I ate so much that I was forced to skip the coffee that we got later on. This year I was intentional not to make that same mistake. When I had finished lunch I decided to play with the sandpipers on the island herding them about, watching how they would react to me. I also got to spend a few minutes visiting with Dustin.

Following lunch was our second dive for the day. We were given the option of either taking a long dive at the reef followed by a 15 minute dive with sharks and sea turtles, OR skipping the reef and spending the whole time diving with the sharks and sea turtles. Our group opted to spend the extra time with the sharks and sea turtles. The boat took us a few minutes away from the island to an area where fishermen clean their nets, tossing fish bits into the ocean.

There we were able to dive near the boats, watching nurse sharks and sea turtles catching a free meal from what the fishermen threw overboard. Sea turtles are my absolute favorite and I stayed in the water watching them as long as possible. I also got to see a beautiful queen parrot fish, which is another favorite of mine. I was probably the last person to get back in the boat from diving, I was enjoying myself so much!

Amber enjoying the boat ride

Having fun with Rachael

Shortly after I got back on the boat our time was over and we headed back to the dive center to return our gear. I found myself a spot on the top deck of the boat where I could look over the ocean for the ride back. I sat there in awe of all that God had created, just the thought of how vast the ocean is, and how many magnificent creatures live in the ocean astounds me. I was able to take the 45 minute boat ride back to Placencia to spend a large amount of that time with God. That time was incredibly refreshing and special.

As the boat was pulling into Placencia the thought occurred to me that this was all most people see of Belize when they come here. Most only see the tourist version of the country, the diving, the shopping, the restaurants; they miss out on truly seeing the country, its people, and the true beauty of Belize. They see a shallow, hallow, version, manufactured by people. They miss out on looking into the faces of the people, experiencing the depth of the cultures of Belize, and most of all, they miss out on truly seeing Belize as a whole. This realization made me truly sad for those people, it also made me realize that I don't want to see any of this amazing world through those same filters. I want to see the fullness of this world in all of it's entirety.

Photo Credit: Dustin

Back at the dive center we returned our gear, and took turns getting changed and ready for exploring Placencia. Splash ferried us by boat to a nearby dock so that we could explore the city by foot. As we started out on this portion of our day many on the team remarked that walking a city was the best way to see it and as American's we miss out on this due to the convenience of cars and buses.

Our first stop was a local coffee shop to get seaweed frappachinos. YUM! After that we walked to another local coffee shop to pick up coffee beans to bring home.

Me on the balcony of Above Grounds Coffee shop after buying coffee beans

After getting our souvenir coffee we walked to an ice cream shop for gelato. I got a scoop of mint and a scoop of dark chocolate.

We then divided into groups to do some souvenir shopping in the hour we had before dinner. I was able to pick up a few gifts to bring home for my parents. I also spent my birthday money buying myself some new earrings, my favorite souvenir when I go anywhere. Jeff got himself a djembe at a local shop. We caught up with the rest of the team at a local wood carving shop that was on everyone's list of places to visit.

Selfie with the beach off the boardwalk

From there we went to Tipsy's Tuna for dinner on the beach. Dinner was wonderful but I was so full from gelato and frappachinos to eat it all.

Selfie at Tipsy Tuna

The team at dinner, talking and visiting: 

Following dinner we walked together back to the dock in town to catch a ferry back to Mango Creek. While walking to the boat I had a great talk with Dan about his and Sarah's dreams for their future. On the boat ride back to Mango Creek I had fun looking for alligators in the water with Dustin.

In Mango Creek we got back on the bus for the long drive home. Surprisingly the bus was full of deep conversations, despite the long day.

This was our last night in Belize, we leave in the morning for a full day of traveling home. My bags are packed, and everything is organized, but my brain is still processing everything, and will probably continue to do so for quite a while.

Sunday, November 5, 2017 - Day 9

Photo Credit: Dan Wheeler

This morning marked our last church service at Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center. I find it funny and familiar at the same time, watching the change in comfort levels in my team mates. Our first service there was new and unfamiliar to many on the team and we stayed close together. Now that we've been to service before and are familiar with some of the people around us the team is spread out and talking to those around us.

Silly team picture before chruch

I sat in church between Dan and Dustin. As I was sitting there I began to reflect on the fact that, despite us being family, we have never spent this much time together before. There is a familiar sort of comfort level between us. I realized in that moment that I had people in my life that care about me, even if we don't see each other all the time. Caring for others doesn't have to be confined to time spent together or apart. Caring has more to do with your heart towards that person, and a real relationship with each other. In that moment I realized how grateful I was to have my cousins with me and for the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Photo Credit: Pastor Bruce

Pastor Bruce taught this morning on being obedient to God when He tells you to do something. Bruce might as well have been talking to me. I have had clear direction from God since last year or so, but I have allowed myself to be held back by self doubt, insecurity, fear, and hurt. I know what I am called to do. I know my purpose and calling with amazing clarity. Yet I have allowed myself to be made to feel unimportant, insignificant, and purposeless, and therefore, have ignored what I know God has told me to do. Pastor Bruce's message helped me to realize that a large measure of what and who God has called me to is not about me, it's about Him. He has spoken and Him will fulfill what He speaks in the right timing and way. Anything past my obedience is not dependent upon me. All I have to do is hold tight to what God has spoken and God called me to, obeying Him. In that is my identity, and I must learn to be true to that.

Coconut that sprouted while we were there

Following church we had lunch at LOL. While we were eating lunch Pastor Bruce and Natalie were able to take "family" photos of all the new foster families that LOL is setting up. The foster families are probably one of my favorite new developments at LOL. Adoption from Belize is seemingly next to impossible, meaning that some of these kids will never officially have a family. Yet LOL has found a way to give these kids family in a very special way. They have restructured in a way that creates a sense of love, belonging, and family for the kids. And the kids are thriving because of it.

During church Amber wasn't feeling well so during lunch Rachael hooked her up to an IV to help hydrate her. The entire team ended up moving our lunch table so that we could all sit together and eat lunch as a group. That simple act alone spoke to me of just how well this team integrated together and became a family. That they would shift everything to make sure that everyone was included wasn't surprising for this team and it was wonderful to be a part of.

The first thing that we did after lunch was give out the medals for the Olympic games from the day before. We had planned to host more of the Olympic's today, but opted to just have fun with the kids instead.

A view from the 3rd floor of the field where we put the slip-n-slides

For fun day today we set up 2 slip-n-slides for the kids. The first one was 25 feet long and for the smaller kids. The second on was 50 feet long and for the older kids. We also had boogie boards for them to ride down the slip-n-slides on. At first they went through the motions of doing it, especially the older kids, but it didn't take long before everyone was having a blast.

I had the chance to spend this time helping one of the kids take pictures with Natalie's camera. We walked around LOL together while he took as many pictures as possible. He amazed me with his natural eye for photography and I can't wait to get copies of his pictures from Natalie.

Around 3pm we started packing and cleaning up. Leaving LOL is always the most difficult part of this trip. This would be our final day at LOL and it quickly became our home away from home. We poured ourselves into it and left a part of each of our hearts there. The bus ride home was bittersweet and quiet.

At home Natalie and Dan Cooper were both dehydrated, so I helped Rachael as best as I could to get IV's for them. We set up a spot in the screened patio where we were staying. Peter helped to hook up rope and carabiners to the rafters to hang the IV bags from. Rachael got Natalie set up just fine and Natalie was Face-timing her mom and munching on snacks while we set Dan up.

I had helped Rachael demonstrate how to give an IV last year, with Dan Cooper as our volunteer. Since it was so easy last year we expected the same again. Boy were we wrong! Shortly after Rachael got the needle in Dan's arm he said that he was feeling woozy, and then passed out. Luckily Peter was there to hold Dan's head up. I was holding Dan's shoulders and Rachael was holding the needle in his arm, getting ready to tape it in place. A moment later Dan started seizing. All I remember of that was Rachael telling Dan "you're not doing this to me now." The seizure only lasted about a moment but it felt like much longer, then Dan started to wake up. Once he woke up he had no idea that any time had passed.

Once Rachael got the IV taped in place on Dan's arm we moved him to the floor to lay down. He ended up draining 2 IV bags rapidly. After the IV Dan said that he was feeling better, and even joined us for dinner. While we were eating dinner Dan's chair collapsed under him, mid-sentence, and he thought that he had passed out again. Lucky for him his years of playing hockey paid off and he managed to fall without hitting his head on the cement floor. Needless to say, Dan had a rough end to the day.

Bear, our very stinky guard dog

After dinner, Melissa and Jervis, and their children joined us for our final debriefing. We were able to spend the time talking about everything that we had seen and experienced this past week. Those on the team who had been here before all agreed that we could see a positive change in the kids due to the changes made at LOL in the way that they do things and structure things. The love that everyone at LOL has for these kids has changed their lives!

We have an early day tomorrow for our fun day to wrap up our time here. The rest of our evening was filled with packing to go home and organizing.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 - Day 8

Today was a full day hosting activities with the kids at LOL. I started out the morning with this entry in my journal, not knowing at the time how appropriate it would be:

Father God,
Please bless our time with the kids today.
Grant us all patience and endurance for this day.
You know what this day holds, please equip us with all that we need.
Amen

Our morning started with breakfast and devotions at home. Pastor Bruce lead devotions this morning. He shared from Isaiah and spoke of how we are called and equipped. He pointed out that it does little good to have the right tools if we don't use them.

Devotions were followed by organizing and loading a TON of supplies for the day into the back of the bus. I think we ended up hauling at least 6 huge duffle bags of supplies to LOL this morning. I am so thankful to have so many strong guys on this trip, without them it would have been a real challenge.

Today we hosted an Olympic Games style field day for the kids. The morning was filled with summer Olympics, and the afternoon with winter Olympics (yes in tropical Belize). We divided the kids into 3 teams, red, blue, and yellow. Each team was lead by a member of our team.

The morning activities were track and field, bracelet making, and building "bobsleds". Dan taught Joy, Amber, and I how to make paracord bracelets. Each team made bracelets in their team color. I was amazed at how the kids responded to making the bracelets. Many of the kids simply wanted to sit as close as possible to us while working on the bracelets. I found myself at one point helping 3 kids make bracelets while one of the younger girls pulled apart my braid and was playing with my hair.

I realized in that moment that more than any activity we could do with the kids, love was what they needed. Just being close to someone else, being shown that they matter, and spending time with them was what they really wanted.

The kids proved to be extremely competitive in the track and field competition. Each one was pushing themselves to do their best and beat the other team. One of the boys even pushed himself to the point of heat exhaustion and ended up hanging out with Rachael getting medical attention for part of the day. When I say these kids are competitive, I'm not joking.

Bobsled trial runs

Down by the sidewalk (the only sidewalk at LOL actually) the kids created their own "bobsleds" out of skateboard wheels and boards. Each team made their own bobsled to race down the sidewalk.

Following lunch Joy and I helped Rachael to organize costumes for the costume party we were hosting at the end of the Olympic games. While we were organizing the rest of the team was helping the kids decorate their bobsleds and do practice runs down the sidewalk.

It was so much fun watching the bobsled races! Everyone got involved in the races and they were a huge hit! I don't know how next years team is going to top it.

We were forced to make the decision at this point that it was going to be too hot for our costume party. With many of the costumes being made for colder weather they just were too insulated for the heat in Belize. It was decided that we would have the kids get their costumes, go home for dinner, and everyone come back that evening for a party when it was cooler.

Pastor Bruce announcing that the party was being moved to the evening

Once the races were finished we called the kids in groups up to the 3rd floor to pick out their costumes for the party. The kids had so much fun picking out costumes for the party. Each kid had to pick a partner from either our team or the staff to go through the costumes with and pick out something that would fit them.

When the costumes had been picked out we pilled into the bus to go home for a quick rest and some dinner. I had been feeling slightly dehydrated all day so I used the time to try and drink as much water as I could in order to feel better.

Even the LOL Staff got in on the fun!

The sun went down around 5:30ish and so did the temperature. Following dinner we piled back into the bus and headed back to LOL for the costume party. Each of us picked out costumes from the leftover pieces to wear for the evening.

A Jedi Ninja

Someone at LOL had pulled out a speaker and one of the older boys was acting as DJ for the evening. We had part of the team hosting a photo booth in one room, some were overseeing the fun, and myself, Kyle, Amber, and Nicole were doing face painting. Some of the younger kids spent the evening changing from costume to costume, reminding me a lot of my own kids constantly changing dress-up clothes.

Jeff as Spider Bunny

All in all, it was a very long, very fun day!