Wild Flowers.......Orchids

The kids and I took a couple walks this past week and found some of the prettiest wildflowers.

Surprisingly, several were wild orchids!

Beautiful!!

Made me think of the bitter cold back home with all the plants and most trees bare and dormant while here in paradise things are just blooming!

God is good!



Bon Fire & Popcorn

We had a great time last weekend as we went to the farm late and had a bon fire and popcorn.

I wish some of the other pictures would have turned out but they didn't.



Holidays are flying by!

This holiday season is flying by and I'm so out of touch with true time! I thought it had only been a week since I updated my blog but try like 2 1/2 weeks?!!

Where does the time go?

Well, we are doing well and still kind of floating on euphoria since our residency was granted on November 6th.

The kids are doing great in school, in fact the girls will be completing 2 grade levels this year!

Mat is really picking up the pace too with his high school classes. Finally, it seems like the old Mat is back since his bad concussion.

We are getting ready to do the christmas program tonight which I will post pictures and maybe some video.

We are also gearing up for a great holiday outreach with the youth and friends next weekend. More on that later.......

Chris has been really busy teaching, in fact he was gone 5 days and 4 nights this last week. I think he prefers being on the ambulance to teaching!

I have been extremely busy with my job which I am so thankful for. God has been so good to me and my family. I am learning lots of new computer skills and enjoying doing the work that they have so graciously trained me to do! I had to travel to belize city a couple times and that was an experience trying to find my way around that place. But all went well as I constantly called on the Lord for help and direction.

The kid's school christmas program is in a couple weeks and I will post pics from that too.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

From all of us in Belize!

Church Work Bee

We held a church work bee yesterday to get some much needed DEEP cleaning accomplished!

 

All the benches came out and were totally cleaned top and underside, all the fans & lights were relieved of lots of dust and cobwebs, and the pulpit received a generous scrubbing and polishing. We worked hard 4 hours but it felt like 8.

 

Kent mowed the lawn

 

The hymnals were wiped down

 

Cleaning the lights & fans

 

Mat taking a break

 



Horsing Around

My girls are horse nuts!!

 

Anytime they can get on Ranger they are happy.

 



Farm Fresh

We have such a great time out at the farm.

We got to enjoy sour oranges, avocados, lemons, sugar cane, and coconuts!

 



Sorrel

I bought Sorrel fruits and made juice. I love it but the kids aren't too sure!

 

It goes great in smoothies.

 



YIPPEE!!

RESIDENCY GRANTED!!

We are now official residents of Belize!

No more monthly visa extensions and going to the grumpy immigration officers!

We have been so excited that I forgot to post about it but it became final on November 6.

Chris says we need to post a picture of us holding our passports open to the residency stamp?

We may just do that after he gets back from work.

Praise the Lord for His hand is in everything and He worked this out for us in such a miraculous and fast manner. Only 2 1/2 months from start to finish!

A Glimpse of Fall

A BIG thank you to my dad who sent me these gorgeous pictures of fall colors!

 

I do miss the fall change as that was a favorite time of year for me.

 



A Little Neglectful!

I am unintentionally neglecting this blog!!

 

I have been doing a new job which involves lots of new learning for me and it gives me nice hours for work.

 

So I will have to get more creative with keeping this blog up to date and interesting.

 

Yes, here in Belize it is necessary to work being that we are not sponsored to be here. So I do praise God for the job!

 

Please pray for me that I will continue to learn fast and do a good job!

Praises to the Lord

I am so thankful to God that He is faithful to us!

God has watched over us every step of this Belize journey and we could not be here without His ever attentive care.

We have certainly had our share of disappointments over the past year followed with discouragements. We have faced adversity and God has brought us through! I can't say that we ever went hungry but there were times when we didn't know where our next groceries were coming from.

There was a period where we ate beans and rice two times a day just about everyday and the other meal was oatmeal. My kids didn't remember what cold cereal was until about 2 months ago.

We have the same clothing we came with which is now very worn and faded and many pairs of worn out shoes, but we do have something to wear.

We have lost many things since we came here due to the unstable electrical service and the humidity. So many things have been ruined from mold or rusted. At times I would find myself actually shedding a few tears over the loss of another belonging knowing we can't replace it.

I know that God has a spiritual lesson for us every step of the way and so we have leaned on God in way we have never experienced in our lives before. There have been so many days, weeks, and months that we feel like we are hanging in limbo because of all requirements we must meet here. Our faith has attained levels I've never experienced before in my life.  

We have never solicited money from anyone while here but God has steadily provided money for us even from practical strangers or maybe someone we met just once. They would email and say God impressed them to send us money.

Praise the Lord!! This has not been easy but we never expected it to be just maybe didn't expect it to be this hard either.

Recently, due to some friends I've made here, I was considered for a job and I was so nervous at first because I knew they could hire anyone they wanted but they chose me. I know God provided this and I am learning very fast and trying my best to do a good job. I am very fortunate for the time being, that I can work from my home which means I am home and supervising my kids and I can cook.

Down the road I will have more hours than now but anything is truly a blessing!

We want to say a special thank you to Rob & Kelli for being the thoughtful, kind, and gracious people that you are and your love for others is very evident!! We thank you for the wonderful gifts you gave the kids and may God continue to bless you!

Give Praise Unto God

To praise God in fullness and sincerity of heart

is as much a duty as is prayer.

 

We are to show to the world and to all the

heavenly intelligences that we appreciate the wonderful love of God for fallen humanity and

that we are expecting larger and yet larger

blessings from His infinite fullness.

 

Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience.

 

After a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit,

our joy in the Lord and our efficiency in His

service would be greatly increased by recounting

His goodness and His wonderful works in behalf

of His children.  {COL 299.3}  

Granny

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO

GRANDMA & GREAT GRANDMA!

 

We love  you & hope you have a nice day!

 

We miss all your yummy goodies!!!!

Hannah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!

 



What is That? & Jumbo Orange

This huge bug was outside my bathroom window!

 

 

The picture doesn't do it justice as it was about 5 inches long just in the body.

 

I have no idea what it is and have never seen anything like it.

 

 

 

Our friend that has the farm gave us some oranges from their trees.

The orange on the left is a really big orange anyway, but the one on the right is the biggest orange I've ever seen or eaten!

Encouragement

Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sin, even as we at the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error.

 

Their lives, with all their faults and follies, are open before us, both for our encouragement and warning.

 

If they had been represented as without fault, we, with our sinful nature, might despair at our own mistakes and failures.

 

But seeing where others struggled through discouragements like our own, where they fell under temptation as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness.

 

As they, though sometimes beaten back, recovered their ground, and were blessed of God, so we too may be overcomers in the strength of Jesus. 

{AG 255.5} 

Longing

I woke up this morning with a feeling of longing and thought I would share what was passing through my mind.  

I was longing for a place to hike freely for miles, a real store to shop in (if I had the $), a hot water tank, a clothes dryer, a dishwasher, the air conditioners to be in faster, a truck that has no problems, a real health food store, vegetarian food options, and a trip to the Cayes!!

 

Ok that being said it sounds like complaining but it's not.......I lived with all those conveniences for years before coming to Belize.

 

There are many things that I love about being here and don't mind the harder lifestyle but for some reason I was thinking on how much easier it would be to have those things again.

 

Maybe God doesn't want easy for us?

God has done wonderful spiritual things for our family and we all pitch in and work together everyday just to accomplish simple daily tasks that back home were done with a push of a button.

 

Praise the Lord for His watchful care and the numerous and continual blessings He bestows upon us!

Baby Sitter

My friend and neighbor Martha asked me to watch over her little baby girl for a while the other day. Of course I said I would love to and the girls were all happy about it too!

 

Jaelli

 

 

She is almost 3 months old and a really good baby. As you can see she went to sleep for us.

 

Cute!



Emma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

EMMA JEAN!!

 

Hope that you have a great day and get to eat lots of cake.

 

We love you!

Church Addition Update

We have been working on a Sabbath school room addition to our church for the past 4 months! We have made good progress but still have much more to go.....

 

God has blessed through our local church offerings and such but we really need outside assistance to finish this project so the much needed youth classroom can be used.

 

As of now the youth class are still meeting under a couple trees and each sabbath we are attacked by red ants. I have to say that I personally end up with about 5-15 red ant stings just during sabbath school. We are really enjoying leading out for this class and studying with the youth. This is new for them too and I get excited when very thoughtful questions are asked about what they are learning.

 

The project needs about $3000us to finish the classroom. We still need to put on the roof, pour the entrance patio,and buy and install the windows, buy and install a door, plaster the walls inside and out. If the funds stretch we would look at painting inside and putting down tiles to completely finish the room. We may need more finances for the tiles so when we get to that point I will have better info and the need for money if any.

 

Please pray for this much needed project as the adversary doesn't want us to have a proper place to study with the youth. If you or anyone you know would be willing to help financially we would greatly appreciate it.

To donate you can go to www.faithfmbelize.com and click the donation icon and please specifically identify your gift for the Hillview Sabbath school room.

 

 

 

 

Addy's Cake

 Addy just celebrated her 37th birthday and Jr. asked me to make her a cake. I came across a new recipe called Hummingbird cake that had fresh mashed banana, fresh blended up pineapple, & fresh grated coconut.

The cake was really nice and I used nuts, coconut, and strawberries to decorate it for her.

Butterfly Collection

The kids ended up having over 50 species of butterflies and had plans to collect many more.

Unfortunately, a certain type of ant found the butterfly board in our home and destroyed them. So no more collecting for now until we figure out something better.

Kids Going to School

I have been meaning to post a picture of the kids dressed in their school uniforms.



Made It

We had our police interview this morning as the next step toward being granted residency. The interview was short and simple.....they just wanted proof of where we have been living and what we are doing here.

So thankful that part is over!

Now back to police HQ in Belmopan and then on back to immigration. Thats when we should receive a call for one last interview and approval.

Praying the Lord will see this through quickly.

I have at the moment a cruddy headcold and I'm not feeling good at all. So much pressure in my head. This started with Bella who had a runny nose and plugged ear for 2 days and moved on and I'm going on my 5th day and not seeing an end. Seems like us parents always feel worse than the kids!

Mathew Update

So glad to report that Mat is doing really good!!

He has regained most of his memory, however still cannot remember that afternoon, playing soccer, going to any of the hospitals, or the road trip to belize city.

He was able to successfully get school work done yesterday as it was a holiday here so he was home trying to do a little catch up from missing Friday.

So glad he is feeling better and so thankful for the many prayers prayed for Mathew!

God is good and even Mat's gash and scrapes seem to have healed faster this time!

Soccer & Concussion!

Poor Mathew!!!

He was playing soccer with dad and the girls and he and dad both went for the ball and collided in a manner that basically sat Chris down on his bottom and all the force went into Mat's body.

He was literally slammed face down onto the very hard white mal dirt here!! Not good. He is sooooo scraped and cut up and I had to steri strip one gash that was marginal for stitches. The worst was that about 12 minutes after it happened things began to change real quick! I knew right away that he had a concussion.

He didn't know anything nor could remember anything which then brought on 8-10 questions on a reel for the next 6 hours. We raced him to La Loma Luz sda hospital but they really are not set up at the moment for this type of trauma and the doctor referred him immediately to Belize City for a ct scan.  The doctor wanted ambulance transport but Chris being a medic and having his jump bag we drove him instead monitoring him as we went.

We knew at any point we could call for the ambulance but they really wouldn't do any more for him than what Chris could so thankfully we made it all the way into the city in the dark. Thats another story in itself; driving in the dark here in Belize. Guardian angels were all around.

Poor Mat didn't know where we were going or what for. He kept saying his head hurt but didn't know why. I can imagine that he hurt pretty bad.

Needless to say once again God intervened using Chris once we reached the hospital. Even though its ER.....you wait forever and would probably die first. Chris barged right in and went directly to the doctors since he's in there a lot with the ambulance and they know him. Sure enough we got right in which I was super relieved for but did feel bad as we marched past all the people still sitting there waiting!

He got his scan and praise the Lord NO brain swelling or bleeding. Just some pressure and trauma which will take time to recover of course. I was thanking God all the way home especially considering how he fell and with that amount of force. He could have easily shattered his nose and cheek bones not to mention his beautiful teeth!

I know he did get hurt but I believe his angel protected him from the full force which would have been very very serious.

Today Mat is feeling better and his head pain is minimal. He's remembering little bits as the day progresses but still missing lots. I pray that after a few days of low key living and lots of rest he will recover his memory. He has however stopped with the incessant repetitive questions which is a good sign too.

So much to be thankful for and know that the devil is going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour! Especially God's children........seeing how in the blink of an eye it could alter or change someone's mental or physical status for possibly life.

Praise the Lord for His watchful care of Mathew and His healing power he is placing over Mat now.

Happy Sabbath.

Where does it go?

Time??????

I can't believe how time is flying past lately!

This past week was the first week of school so we were busy getting the schedule organized and all the homework accomplished!

I know I haven't been updating like I should but that will improve soon.

I'm suffering with a terrible pinched nerve either in T1 or T2 and its sooooo excrutiatingly painful. I've been on my back for the past few days as much as possible.

The kids did great at school and are excited to get lots of work done!

I've been fortunate with the new schedule to still be able to walk 3-5 days each week depending on if I can find someone to go with me. It feels so good to get out and exercise!

Its been really hot here the past few weeks too but that will soon give way to cooler weather in the next 3-4 weeks and we are looking forward to it. The time of year when you don't sweat.

We found out that our residency file should be out here at the local police dept. this coming Wednesday and so we will be checking in and bugging them to schedule us for an interview as soon as possible. Praying that we don't have to renew our visas again next month......that would lift such a huge financial burden each month.

Well, I better get going as I have another post to do and more preparation for Sabbath.

God Bless.

School Has Begun

Today was the first day of school for the kids!!

They looked so nice all dressed in their uniforms and backbacks on their backs.

Mat really likes being the big brother and watches out for his sisters.

I will post a picture soon so you all can see them.

~Especially for Cindy~

A VERY SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, MOM & BIRDIE!!

WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY GREAT DAY!!



Afternoon Swimming

We were all ready for Sabbath so we got to spend the afternoon swimming at Cahal Peche. A resort that sits way up on the hill above San Ignacio with 3 pools.

We call it a resort but its far from fancy, however the kids sure do like to swim there!

You can get a lime juice or soda to drink by the pool and the kids really like that too.



Date Night

Chris decided that we needed to have a date night last night. So we mulled over our options here in this less than opportunistic place! We knew that we would like privacy for talking and spending time together but figured we wouldn't get that at most of the little eating places.

So I said we should just meet on our roof at sunset and the whole evening unfolded. Yes, Chris went and got us some dinner for a very special treat and the girls went to work decorating for us.

We were not allowed to see until they were all done. Of course Hannah headed up the decoration committee and put her eager little assistant, Bella, to work doing her bidding. I'm not sure how many trips they made up and down from the roof but in the end it was very sweet and special.

The girls had decorated a small table with nice linens (the best we have), a vase full of red hibiscus and a rose, crystal pitcher of ice water, and another of juice. They even provided beautiful background music by taking a cd player upstairs. They did try to put candles but the wind was too much.

I enjoyed grilled eggplant with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and Chris, well he enjoyed a veggie burger with a pile of fries!!

We had a nice time visiting and enjoying our supper together! Finally, we ended up getting too cold and had to come in, I believe it cooled down to the low 70's.

Such a nice evening and I enjoyed my time with Chris just as much as I enjoyed watching the girls work to surprise us!! Mat helped out too but I don't think he was into the decoration part other than accompanying the girls out to pick flowers and help carry chairs upstairs.

The girls want to know when they can do this again for us??

Who knows this might become a regular weekly thing just not the eating out part. 

Application Filed

We have filed our residency paperwork and this morning was our interview with immigration. Good thing we got there early because we found out that its first come first serve. Ha, we Americans actually thought we had a 9am appt., well I guess we did but so did everyone else. So arriving at 8:30am really helped!! We were first and they came out and announced that they don't start until 9:30am. Well, we are praying it goes smoothly and quickly as to alleviate our monthly visa extension.

The next step is an interview with the police dept. then back to immigration. Please pray that God will push our file through with record speed and surprise even the officials.

Alanna

HAPPY HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY!!

A Thought to Think On

Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ,

and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away. The servant of God must endure with fortitude the attackes of the enemy, his grievous taunts, and must overcome the obstacles which satan will place in our way.

Jesus is the light of the world, and you are to fashion your life after His. You will find help in Christ to form a strong, symmetrical, beautiful character. The Lord has a work for each of us to do. He means that every soul shall stand in the strength of the Lord.

Traditional Mayan Food

The girls and I along with Addy's kids went out to see sister Terry yesterday. She had asked us out to help and to learn how to make tomalitos (mayan food).

We all shucked the corn.......we've done that before except this corn has about 10 times the amount of husk as corn back home. Next, we all cut the corn off the cob which we've done that before too......just way out of practice.

On to the hand grinder where we took turns cranking the grinder handle. How hard is it to grind fresh, young corn? Well, apparently it isn't easy as we kept trading off (could it be that we are soft from easier living). The farm has no electricity so all the work is done by hand.

We also added onion and green pepper which we also put through the grinder. Whew!!! By then its like 1pm and we started at 9am.

Sister Terry added seasonings to the mix and melted margerine and some canned milk (no refrigerator there) gave it a stir and announced it was ready to fill the husks back up.

So we gathered around the table and Terry showed us how to fold the corn husks and how to fill them and place them into a huge pot that had husks lying in the bottom and water.

I'm sure that we were way more messy than she would be but it was fun to do it. Very hard work and you might get it for supper most likely the next day. We filled two layers into the pot and covered the top with more corn husks to help keep the steam in. The pot was carried out to the firehearth as they call it here and it cooked for 90 minutes.

They were soooooo good and worth the hard work!

We finally were finished and had our prize tomalitos to take home and left the farm at 4:45pm. An all day affair and I hope to do it again sometime.

We have to pass through two cattle gates going in and out of the farm. For some reason going out the kids couldn't get one of them to shut. How many kids does it take to shut the gate?

Where does the time go?

Hard to believe that time sneaks by so fast! School starts in 2 weeks and summer break will be over, well its always summer here.

The family has been busy with taking walks, bike rides, butterfly collecting, working, household chores, market shopping, etc..... and the truck clutch has gone out so we are stranded today.

Yes, its the hottest time of the year down here but the rains will cool it off if we get some. Praise the Lord that no more hurricanes are looming on the horizon.

We are working on our residency paperwork and that will take some time and effort on our part and then its a waiting game......praying that God will expedite it through.

We have talked about going down south to the beach but thats all its been....talk. Maybe someday we will actually touch the sand with our toes for the first time since coming here 11 months ago!

Keep looking up because Jesus is coming so very soon!

No Hurricane Here!

All glory to God!!

We have managed to escape any of the hurricanes force......even the outer path!

All we've had is a little wind and some rain that I wouldn't call any different than normal here in the tropics.

So glad that it didn't hit us......and so sorry for all those in Mexico that it is affecting. Prayers for them.

Homemade Butterfly Nets

Chris and I made the kids butterfly nets and they have quite a good collection started. To date they have 23 specimens of butterflies and dragonflies.

So many butterflies here- all colors and so many awesome designs!



Storm!!

As tropical storm Ernesto gets closer and stronger we are preparing. According to the report it should gain strength and become a hurricane soon.

We aren't sure if we will be in the path or not as the projected path has changed sooooo many times.

Hoping it just goes away!!

Brother & Nephew

Happy 40th Birthday Eric!!

Happy 6th Birthday Eli!!

Hope you had a great day together and that you ate lots of cake!

Fun Outings

We have had some nice outings on bikes and for walks!!

Mama Mantis

Baby Mantis

Another Week Over

I can't believe another week has flown by!

We had some really nice days here in Belize over this past week and a little rain mixed in. I love the blue skies and sunshiny days!!! Have to admit that this time of year can be a bit warm without the rains to cool it down.

Dry days make for easier access to outside activities like walking and bike riding. The kids and I had several walks up a nearby valley with the dogs. I have to say that my dogs are soooooo HAPPY to finally get these roam free, run free walks again. My dogs are actually smiling and so are the rest of us.

We get to enjoy quiet peaceful walks on a pretty decent dirt road for Belize. There are butterflies of every color flitting around us the entire time. I especially love the great big blue ones. Tons of dragon flies, grasshoppers of all sizes, turtles, and lots of parrots flying over head. I love to watch the parrots and out there you can see them up close. Parrots fly really fast so its hard to see them from our home.

My kids ask for walks now everyday because this is something we did back home almost everyday too. They are happy and love getting out like this. There are a couple homes up that valley but its pretty quiet.

Chris joined us on the walks the last couple days but he ends up being gone a lot of the time when we go. He really likes it up there too.

We accomplished much today just like every Friday in preparation for the Sabbath. Looking forward to relaxing and resting with the family and in Christ!

Happy Sabbath!!

Sabbath Outing!!

We had a really nice Sabbath and in between the rains were able to get out for a walk with friends and go see a new born filly!

We all had a nice time walking together and my dogs thought they were in heaven!! They haven't got any of these run free walks since coming because most places are unsafe for them (all the mean stray dogs.)

We came across this pair of geese and I thought they might get a little grumpy with us but instead they just moved off.

This little filly is sooooo cute!!!

We also found this huge wasp nest.