Just to update you all. Bill was only down for a day (last time I let him go for chicken.) I am also much better. There as with each year minor illness such as upset stomachs but no one has had anything serious enough to even call home to mother & father.
Thank you for sharing your students with us and for the spouses of our staff for for sharing them with us!!
Brian
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Monday
Monday
Monday was one of the most fun days I have ever had. We went to Caye Caulke!
When we first got there we split into two groups of if we were going snorkeling or if we were going to hang out on the beach and go shopping. the people that went snorkeling was me, Julie , Steven , Sarah , Ryan , Johnny , JR , Kim, Candice , Paul , Bill, Ralph , and Mandy. The rest of the group went to the island to walk around and go shopping.
The people in the boat got to the first stop we got into the water and could see it raining on the island. But that didn’t bother us because we were already wet. When you looked underwater it was beautiful! You could see all kinds of coral and fish. When we were turned around we saw an eel that was about to bite Ryan if he hadn’t moved. When we finished that stop we got into the boat and went to Shark-Ray Alley.
When we got there, we didn’t see any sharks’ only sting rays. At first I was really scared to go into the water but after a while I jumped in when I saw that no one was getting hurt or stung. When you looked underwater you could see A LOT of sting rays it was amazing! Most of us had underwater cameras and took some really cool pictures. The sting rays were really nice and some of them would come right up to you and swim ether under you or next to you. Sarah actually got to hold one and the weird thing is it was happy just sitting on her. Finally we got hungry and ate some fresh fruit on the boat.
The last stop was the most exciting to me. When we got there the guide said that we could explore on our own so all the kids went far off but me and Julie was a little slower so we go into the water last. Suddenly I had this weird feeling. So Julie and I looked around and we saw a needle point fish. We called Ralph over and he said nothing to worry about, but I still didn’t feel comfortable. So Julie and I looked around and saw a Barracuda. So Julie said “Amber go back to the boat now!” So we went back to the boat as fast as we could and told everyone else to get back to the boat. When we got back to the island we finished up all of our shopping. Well I guess I’ve told you enough.
See yah later! ~Amber
Monday was one of the most fun days I have ever had. We went to Caye Caulke!
When we first got there we split into two groups of if we were going snorkeling or if we were going to hang out on the beach and go shopping. the people that went snorkeling was me, Julie , Steven , Sarah , Ryan , Johnny , JR , Kim, Candice , Paul , Bill, Ralph , and Mandy. The rest of the group went to the island to walk around and go shopping.
The people in the boat got to the first stop we got into the water and could see it raining on the island. But that didn’t bother us because we were already wet. When you looked underwater it was beautiful! You could see all kinds of coral and fish. When we were turned around we saw an eel that was about to bite Ryan if he hadn’t moved. When we finished that stop we got into the boat and went to Shark-Ray Alley.
When we got there, we didn’t see any sharks’ only sting rays. At first I was really scared to go into the water but after a while I jumped in when I saw that no one was getting hurt or stung. When you looked underwater you could see A LOT of sting rays it was amazing! Most of us had underwater cameras and took some really cool pictures. The sting rays were really nice and some of them would come right up to you and swim ether under you or next to you. Sarah actually got to hold one and the weird thing is it was happy just sitting on her. Finally we got hungry and ate some fresh fruit on the boat.
The last stop was the most exciting to me. When we got there the guide said that we could explore on our own so all the kids went far off but me and Julie was a little slower so we go into the water last. Suddenly I had this weird feeling. So Julie and I looked around and we saw a needle point fish. We called Ralph over and he said nothing to worry about, but I still didn’t feel comfortable. So Julie and I looked around and saw a Barracuda. So Julie said “Amber go back to the boat now!” So we went back to the boat as fast as we could and told everyone else to get back to the boat. When we got back to the island we finished up all of our shopping. Well I guess I’ve told you enough.
See yah later! ~Amber
saturday 3-22-08
Saturday
This day was totally amazing! First of all we went to church. Pastor Willsey preached the sermon, and we sang lots of songs in Spanish (well the locals did we attempted to J) After church Cassie ,Vanessa , Steven , Andrea and I had a birthday party for the children that live right next to the Spencerville Bullet Tree church. They are such wonderful kids.
So now this part of the day I am very excited to tell about! We went back to Buena Vista and I got to play Santa J A project of mine that I have been working on for about a month now finally happened and came true. In that village most of the children do not have any form of foot wear. Saturday that ALL changed! I walked around the village with the rest of the group passing out lots and lots of flip flops. One little girl had never worn shoes before and thought that was very strange. I loved it…that was most definitely the best feeling I have had in a very long time.
That night was also very unusual and good all in one. As a group we went to the local fair. It was great! We laughed, we screamed, some of us didn’t feel so hot after, but all and all we had tons of great fun. We even got 6 people…including me into a 3 setter ride. That explains it enough I think J
Well so this post doesn’t turn into a novel I will end it here. Hope you had fun reading this. Love sent back to all of you at home from everyone.
~Tasha Allen
This day was totally amazing! First of all we went to church. Pastor Willsey preached the sermon, and we sang lots of songs in Spanish (well the locals did we attempted to J) After church Cassie ,Vanessa , Steven , Andrea and I had a birthday party for the children that live right next to the Spencerville Bullet Tree church. They are such wonderful kids.
So now this part of the day I am very excited to tell about! We went back to Buena Vista and I got to play Santa J A project of mine that I have been working on for about a month now finally happened and came true. In that village most of the children do not have any form of foot wear. Saturday that ALL changed! I walked around the village with the rest of the group passing out lots and lots of flip flops. One little girl had never worn shoes before and thought that was very strange. I loved it…that was most definitely the best feeling I have had in a very long time.
That night was also very unusual and good all in one. As a group we went to the local fair. It was great! We laughed, we screamed, some of us didn’t feel so hot after, but all and all we had tons of great fun. We even got 6 people…including me into a 3 setter ride. That explains it enough I think J
Well so this post doesn’t turn into a novel I will end it here. Hope you had fun reading this. Love sent back to all of you at home from everyone.
~Tasha Allen
3-31-08
Our first whole day in Belize this year. It was pretty awesome. The first thing we did, pretty much, was go over to Bullet Tree. We stopped at the Bullet Tree Falls Church and it looked really good! They redid the floors and just did a little bit of fix-ups, but it really made a difference. The highlight of my day was going over to Spencerville Church and seeing the de Vasquez family again (the family who lives next to the church). Vanessa, Cassie and I were literally hanging out the windows waving. I was SO excited to see them again, I rushed off the bus and then we all hugged. J They are my favorite people in the country. After lunch, we walked around the village inviting everyone to come to VBS and passing out care kits. I realized how God can sort of “hide” blessings. While we were walking, we came to this place called Iguana Junction. We walked over and could see a little bit, and it looked like a bar. We were sort of nervous when entering, but it was quite the opposite. In reality, it is a resort-ish thing run by a British couple. It was absolutely beautiful. The best part was that they told us that if we ever wanted, we could come over and chill, even if they weren’t there. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take advantage of this opportunity yet (I am writing this on Tuesday). We started our first VBS, and it was awesome. There were lots of kids we didn’t know and many kids returning, it made a cool mix. Afterwards, we had worship at the girl’s house and Pastor Willsey had us do Communion with each other. It was pretty cool. That was about it for the day. Hope everything is going well back home! ~Steven Blondo
3-31-08
Our first whole day in Belize this year. It was pretty awesome. The first thing we did, pretty much, was go over to Bullet Tree. We stopped at the Bullet Tree Falls Church and it looked really good! They redid the floors and just did a little bit of fix-ups, but it really made a difference. The highlight of my day was going over to Spencerville Church and seeing the de Vasquez family again (the family who lives next to the church). Vanessa, Cassie and I were literally hanging out the windows waving. I was SO excited to see them again, I rushed off the bus and then we all hugged. J They are my favorite people in the country. After lunch, we walked around the village inviting everyone to come to VBS and passing out care kits. I realized how God can sort of “hide” blessings. While we were walking, we came to this place called Iguana Junction. We walked over and could see a little bit, and it looked like a bar. We were sort of nervous when entering, but it was quite the opposite. In reality, it is a resort-ish thing run by a British couple. It was absolutely beautiful. The best part was that they told us that if we ever wanted, we could come over and chill, even if they weren’t there. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take advantage of this opportunity yet (I am writing this on Tuesday). We started our first VBS, and it was awesome. There were lots of kids we didn’t know and many kids returning, it made a cool mix. Afterwards, we had worship at the girl’s house and Pastor Willsey had us do Communion with each other. It was pretty cool. That was about it for the day. Hope everything is going well back home! ~Steven Blondo
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Update Entry 3
Dear Parents and Friends
We continue to press on as students and staff help cover for my reduced capacity. I guess it is the details that have suffered, one of which is this blog. I was unable to attend church but understand they had any excellent communion service. Sabbath afternoon they went to Buena Vista village handing out flip flops and first aid kits. Sunday was a busy day of work, the bathrooms are walled up and the roof trusses ready. We spent Monday discovering underwater wildlife at Caye Caulker island. Today, Tuesday we are working more on project but are short another leader as Bill Young is a bit under the weather now. We will be going to the village of Arenal this afternoon and evening to present a VBS for the children. There is a SDA church there but only one family. I will be getting students to write some soon as I am sure they will be more interesting and in depth. Please continue to pray for our trip and our health.
Brian
We continue to press on as students and staff help cover for my reduced capacity. I guess it is the details that have suffered, one of which is this blog. I was unable to attend church but understand they had any excellent communion service. Sabbath afternoon they went to Buena Vista village handing out flip flops and first aid kits. Sunday was a busy day of work, the bathrooms are walled up and the roof trusses ready. We spent Monday discovering underwater wildlife at Caye Caulker island. Today, Tuesday we are working more on project but are short another leader as Bill Young is a bit under the weather now. We will be going to the village of Arenal this afternoon and evening to present a VBS for the children. There is a SDA church there but only one family. I will be getting students to write some soon as I am sure they will be more interesting and in depth. Please continue to pray for our trip and our health.
Brian
Update Entry 3
Dear Parents and Friends
We continue to press on as students and staff help cover for my reduced capacity. I guess it is the details that have suffered, one of which is this blog. I was unable to attend church but understand they had any excellent communion service. Sabbath afternoon they went to Buena Vista village handing out flip flops and first aid kits. Sunday was a busy day of work, the bathrooms are walled up and the roof trusses ready. We spent Monday discovering underwater wildlife at Caye Caulker island. Today, Tuesday we are working more on project but are short another leader as Bill Young is a bit under the weather now. We will be going to the village of Arenal this afternoon and evening to present a VBS for the children. There is a SDA church there but only one family. I will be getting students to write some soon as I am sure they will be more interesting and in depth. Please continue to pray for our trip and our health.
Brian
We continue to press on as students and staff help cover for my reduced capacity. I guess it is the details that have suffered, one of which is this blog. I was unable to attend church but understand they had any excellent communion service. Sabbath afternoon they went to Buena Vista village handing out flip flops and first aid kits. Sunday was a busy day of work, the bathrooms are walled up and the roof trusses ready. We spent Monday discovering underwater wildlife at Caye Caulker island. Today, Tuesday we are working more on project but are short another leader as Bill Young is a bit under the weather now. We will be going to the village of Arenal this afternoon and evening to present a VBS for the children. There is a SDA church there but only one family. I will be getting students to write some soon as I am sure they will be more interesting and in depth. Please continue to pray for our trip and our health.
Brian
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Entry #2
Hey what up home is Johnny and some other people with me also. We are having a great time so far and the people here I’ve seen are really nice. It’s been raining a couple of days but it’s ok I guess. My first time coming to Belize and I am the best time of my life. We miss you all at home we can’t wait to see you all again. Also a lot of dogs and chicken were running around. Thank you all for your appreciation .
Sorry for not a long note
Johnny Parker
Sorry for not a long note
Johnny Parker
Entry 1
Please accept my humble apolgize for not getting the blog up soon. I have been quite sick and just today am able to spend the posting what the student have written. So here is the students weblog Entry 1.
Brian
Blog Post 3/20/08 –Steven Blondo
WOW! What a day. I don’t think I have ever had a more eventful day in my entire life. Got up early and got to the airport (my bag was 51 lbs!! But the woman there told me it was ok, so I didn’t have to pay J), and then we took off for Miami. When we arrived a few hours later, Sarah Q met up with us (she had to go on a different flight from a different airport, ALONE. I would probably freak out if I had to do that…(especially since she wasn’t planning on doing that in the first place) Anyway, we got on the next flight and headed for Belize City, Belize! Unfortunately, it was cloudy and rainy all day long, so we haven’t experienced that summer weather we were all hoping for just yet, but I know it will come soon. I suppose the biggest thing of the day for the entire group was what happened next. We went to baggage claim and, after waiting there for probably an hour or so, discovered that at least 8 (myself included) were missing at least one bag. 2 people were missing both of their bags. Now, going on a mission trip and missing a variety of personal bags and mission bags is definitely NOT a good thing. However, we were able to take our minds off of it on the way down to the hospital by singing a few (and by that I mean about 30 or so) good praise songs. Our first destination was, as usual, the WD Dairy. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is Mr. Show’s favorite ice cream in the world (except for homemade, he says). It is owned by some Mennonite residents and they have amazing ice cream, along with pizza and drinks, etc. Of course, my favorite just so happens to be Cayo Twist, but we haven’t made any excursions there yet. After we all had our fill at the dairy, we went to Buena Vista with 10+ gallons of ice cream in tow. As soon as we stepped off the bus, Sarah shot off to all the kids that she knew. There had to be at least 12 kids that she knew quite well, and many more that remembered her. We served ice cream to all the people, and then headed off for Bullet Tree to take a quick glance about how our projects currently stand and what we need to do. In order to get there, we had to go over a steep hill. Now, as the roads in Belize are mainly dirt in that area, and with the rain falling all day, it was a mud pit. Unfortunately, when we were about halfway up the hill another car crested the hill, coming the other way. Ralph had to swerve over to the side in order to let them pass, but then we got stuck. After about 5 minutes and an AMAZING display of driving skill, we were able to get over the hill with the only side effect being mud covered tires. First, we stopped at the Spencerville SDA Church in Bullet Tree. Since we have left, grass has grown around the property and different things have been planted, so it looks fantastic. My highlight of the day was right after that. There is a family who lives right next to the church, the de Vasquez’s, with 5 kids who are some of the nicest people on the planet. Vanessa L, Cassie M, and I ran to meet them and many fond embraces were shared. It was indescribable to see them again after such a long time. Of course, we had to leave eventually, so we hopped back in the bus, swung by the school there, and then came here to the hospital for dinner. DINNER!!!! After eating the food here again, I was euphoric. It was a perfect day! Oh wait, what about our bags….ya.. Well, we had worship and then I went to Lin’s in order to buy some things so I could get through the next couple of days without my bag. When I came back to the hospital, guess what was waiting there? Yep, you guessed it! All of the bags that were missing were sitting there, eagerly awaiting their owners. Although we got off to a pretty bumpy start, I have no doubt that this trip is going to be UNBELIZEABLE! ~Steven Blondo
Brian
Blog Post 3/20/08 –Steven Blondo
WOW! What a day. I don’t think I have ever had a more eventful day in my entire life. Got up early and got to the airport (my bag was 51 lbs!! But the woman there told me it was ok, so I didn’t have to pay J), and then we took off for Miami. When we arrived a few hours later, Sarah Q met up with us (she had to go on a different flight from a different airport, ALONE. I would probably freak out if I had to do that…(especially since she wasn’t planning on doing that in the first place) Anyway, we got on the next flight and headed for Belize City, Belize! Unfortunately, it was cloudy and rainy all day long, so we haven’t experienced that summer weather we were all hoping for just yet, but I know it will come soon. I suppose the biggest thing of the day for the entire group was what happened next. We went to baggage claim and, after waiting there for probably an hour or so, discovered that at least 8 (myself included) were missing at least one bag. 2 people were missing both of their bags. Now, going on a mission trip and missing a variety of personal bags and mission bags is definitely NOT a good thing. However, we were able to take our minds off of it on the way down to the hospital by singing a few (and by that I mean about 30 or so) good praise songs. Our first destination was, as usual, the WD Dairy. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is Mr. Show’s favorite ice cream in the world (except for homemade, he says). It is owned by some Mennonite residents and they have amazing ice cream, along with pizza and drinks, etc. Of course, my favorite just so happens to be Cayo Twist, but we haven’t made any excursions there yet. After we all had our fill at the dairy, we went to Buena Vista with 10+ gallons of ice cream in tow. As soon as we stepped off the bus, Sarah shot off to all the kids that she knew. There had to be at least 12 kids that she knew quite well, and many more that remembered her. We served ice cream to all the people, and then headed off for Bullet Tree to take a quick glance about how our projects currently stand and what we need to do. In order to get there, we had to go over a steep hill. Now, as the roads in Belize are mainly dirt in that area, and with the rain falling all day, it was a mud pit. Unfortunately, when we were about halfway up the hill another car crested the hill, coming the other way. Ralph had to swerve over to the side in order to let them pass, but then we got stuck. After about 5 minutes and an AMAZING display of driving skill, we were able to get over the hill with the only side effect being mud covered tires. First, we stopped at the Spencerville SDA Church in Bullet Tree. Since we have left, grass has grown around the property and different things have been planted, so it looks fantastic. My highlight of the day was right after that. There is a family who lives right next to the church, the de Vasquez’s, with 5 kids who are some of the nicest people on the planet. Vanessa L, Cassie M, and I ran to meet them and many fond embraces were shared. It was indescribable to see them again after such a long time. Of course, we had to leave eventually, so we hopped back in the bus, swung by the school there, and then came here to the hospital for dinner. DINNER!!!! After eating the food here again, I was euphoric. It was a perfect day! Oh wait, what about our bags….ya.. Well, we had worship and then I went to Lin’s in order to buy some things so I could get through the next couple of days without my bag. When I came back to the hospital, guess what was waiting there? Yep, you guessed it! All of the bags that were missing were sitting there, eagerly awaiting their owners. Although we got off to a pretty bumpy start, I have no doubt that this trip is going to be UNBELIZEABLE! ~Steven Blondo
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