American Soil

At the Miami airport. On the plane and at Phila. 

Heading Home

On the big bus leaving the hotel. 

At the airport in Belize   

Communion

Our last morning here at The Orchid Econolodge we had our own church service. 

The Barrier Reef

Today we had the pleasure to go snorkeling at the 2nd largest barrier reef. It stretches 184 miles. We saw some amazing fish, eel, swam with nurse sharks and sting rays, and even saw a manatee. God was so good to us today. We did have a few sick people from the boat ride and one who could not make the trip because of stomach issues. Met some fun guides. Javier really enjoys his job. Marvin has worked with his father for 5 years he is 20 and very good at his job. 

Caye Caulker

After dinner we headed over to the church for the puppet ministry. Where we sang songs, puppets, talked about salvation.  Kevin and Deb did a great idea explaining the message to the kids. 

Caye Caulker

Such a beautiful place. We made our way to the Water Taxi with all out bags. We had to split the party up between two boats. Some of us had an enclosure some did not. It was about a 45 minute ride. Checked in to the hotel, changed into swimsuits, walked the streets canvassing for kids to Joni's for the soccer camp. It was so great to be with the team kids and having them reach out to the local kids and invite them. The team met back up at the soccer field nod went off to the split. A local place to swim. 

Hattieville Day 2

Thursday morning was spent with the kids from Hattieville again.  It was great to greet the children by name they were very excited to see that.  We were doing more of the same soccer, strings, nails, bracelets, puppets, and basketball.  As is typical the second day always brings more kids out.  We also handed out some soccer uniforms today too.  Deb did a great job in between the skits to keep the kids occupied while they were organizing the puppets for next song and such.  I really liked that she brought up some kids to do hand motions to the Pharaoh, Pharaoh song. 
(Some of the team has been struggling with stomach issues.  It was great to see others step into the roles that were left open since he could not be there.)  God has really been knitting the team together and we are so thankful for your prayers for us. 
((Pictures will be coming))

Hattieville Wednesday Day 1

Wednesday morning.  We had breakfast and devotionals.  At our devos we celebrated Josh's 11th birthday.  The girls surprised him by decorating the room.  We had the morning off at we were unable to have the kids until around 1:30p.  We spent the morning in quiet time and relaxing after our two days "roughing" it.  It was a welcomed morning.
So off to Hattieville Baptist Church were we used the Hurricane shelter (church was not available to us due to a group from The Pelican Group using it).  It was better since we were right by the soccer field and basketball courts.  We ministered through crafts, nails, indoor games, soccer, and puppets.  The children are such a delight.  It was a great time connecting with them and seeing them excited about crafts and playing games.  (A shout out to the Becky and Ryan for the game suggestions). 
Kevin spoke with the older group about eggs and how fragile they are.  He had them decorate the egg and take it with them to take care of and bring it back the next morning.  It was amazing to see them very excited about this activity.  At first, they were against it as Kevin went into "their space" to grab their attention.  They resisited at first and then slowly opened up to the idea.  It was neat to witness the intensity which they applied to the activity.  All-in-all a very productive afternoon.  God has been so good to us eventhough our itinerary has changed multiple times.  Our team has handled it beautifully. 
(Pictures to be updated later  Having internet problems.)

Armenian Village Day 2

Tuesday morning bright and early we awoke.  It was a tough night for some of us, roughing is not necessarily something we are accustomed too.  The air mattresses were a great blessing (Pastor Mark from Hatteville Baptist Church supplied them for us)  everyone had a bed.  There were even some hammocks that got slept in too.

After our morning devotional/quiet time, we ate breakfast.  We then headed over to St. Herman's Cave.  Here Kevin had a trust walk.  Each person was paired with another and then one was blindfolded.  We walked the trail to the cave with the blindfold on.  Very interesting to see the different types of leaders and instructions being given.

St Herman's Cave was just amazing.  When we got all the way in, Kevin had us distinguish our flashlights so we could be in complete darkness.  Here he wanted to illustrate how just a little light can make a big difference in the dark.  Just stressing how important The Light of the World really is.

We drove to the Blue Hole.  This is a swimming hole.  The overall concensus of the place was that it was amazing and wonderful and so refreshing.