Some interesting things about Belize...
One thing that we still haven't got used to is how early and quickly it gets dark here. By 6-6:30pm it is pitch black. There are lots of street lights to bike or walk home by. But you lose track of time, you feel so tired, but look at the clock and it's only 7:30!
Many of the brothers and sisters here are very industrious, making different foods to support themselves. One family gets up at 2am to make 'Johnny cakes' - a meat or bean filled biscuit - that they then sell at the bus stop. They also make Ideals, fruity homemade freezies. Another brother makes a drink from seaweed, peanuts and spices. It's actually really good and high in protein. He also said some claim it is a male 'enhancement' drink - but I'm not commenting on that one! He bottles and sells the drink and coconut water from a cooler mounted on his bicycle. Another sister makes and sells tamales - and yes some of them come filled with a chicken foot!
We are still trying to get our ears tuned to Belizean Kriol. But some words and expressions filter through into their english as well. For example, kids are pikni, wi (we) for us - 'do you want to come with wi?' - and carry for take or bring - 'carry your car to the garage'. Just a few examples.
Oh and it's still really hot. With all the rain, it's actually been more comfortable. But some Belizeans find it chilly. I caught one of the pioneers putting on a jacket after the meeting Thursday night before riding home - it was still at least 25C!
Almost all the grocery stores are run by Chinese immigrants. The stores carry a wide variety of stuff - from food to school supplies to washing machines. There is no air conditioning so it's pretty stifling hot in the aisles. They kind of feel like a dollar store at home.
It's really weird to not see any familiar stores or businesses. Apparently Belize has no copyright laws so no franchises set up here, everything is locally owned.
Remember in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the cure-all for anything that ails you was a spritz of Windex? Well in Belize, if you have a itchy bug bite, an achy muscle or anything else put on some Vick's Vapo-Rub. The Vix Fix! It actually has helped take the itchiness and redness out of my bug bites!
Just a few odd and interesting things we have noticed about Belize.
Love,
Carlee
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Rain, rain, go away...
Rain, rain, go away...
It's been raining pretty steady here since the weekend. Saturday night and Sunday morning were the worst, we thought the meeting might even be cancelled because of the weather - that was really just Dana's wishful thinking because he had the public talk! Ha! But the rain let up and the meeting was on for 3pm. After, the Patterson's had us and the Parks' over for supper - escabeche, a hot and sour chicken onion soup with homemade ginger-lime drink and more cake for dessert. Lupé is an excellent cook and she has been spoiling us rotten, sending us home with more food. We had a really enjoyable evening together, but of course it started to rain so we stowed our bikes and the Parks' drove us home.
Monday brought more rain in the morning - I can't imagine how Noah and his family endured 40 days and nights of it! We had two invitations for meals today. The first at lunch with the Vellairs. Another excellent cook - fried snapper fish, coconut rice, fried plantains, split pea soup (yes Mom I ate it and it was good), and iced tea. She gave me some pointers on how to cook with green bananas - boiled to make a potato salad except banana, and grated green banana dumplings cooked in coconut cream called Mathilda's Feet. They have a little boy named Angelo, he is about 1 1/2 years old. He was cracking us up because he kept calling Dana, Grampa! Not so great for Dana's self esteem! Next we stopped by the Parks', Dana fixed the door on their van and we used their internet. Then home for a quick rest and change for evening witnessing at 4:30. We were out about an hour before heading over to the Longsworth's for supper - BBQ chicken, green salad, beans and homemade tortillas - so good! We dashed home on our bikes in between rain showers.
We were planning on going to Punta Gorda (PG) with the Patterson's, but because of all the rain it's really flooded down there. We were going to go to the Maya market and see some Mayan ruins. Anyway, we are still having fun but are missing home.
Love,
Carlee
It's been raining pretty steady here since the weekend. Saturday night and Sunday morning were the worst, we thought the meeting might even be cancelled because of the weather - that was really just Dana's wishful thinking because he had the public talk! Ha! But the rain let up and the meeting was on for 3pm. After, the Patterson's had us and the Parks' over for supper - escabeche, a hot and sour chicken onion soup with homemade ginger-lime drink and more cake for dessert. Lupé is an excellent cook and she has been spoiling us rotten, sending us home with more food. We had a really enjoyable evening together, but of course it started to rain so we stowed our bikes and the Parks' drove us home.
Monday brought more rain in the morning - I can't imagine how Noah and his family endured 40 days and nights of it! We had two invitations for meals today. The first at lunch with the Vellairs. Another excellent cook - fried snapper fish, coconut rice, fried plantains, split pea soup (yes Mom I ate it and it was good), and iced tea. She gave me some pointers on how to cook with green bananas - boiled to make a potato salad except banana, and grated green banana dumplings cooked in coconut cream called Mathilda's Feet. They have a little boy named Angelo, he is about 1 1/2 years old. He was cracking us up because he kept calling Dana, Grampa! Not so great for Dana's self esteem! Next we stopped by the Parks', Dana fixed the door on their van and we used their internet. Then home for a quick rest and change for evening witnessing at 4:30. We were out about an hour before heading over to the Longsworth's for supper - BBQ chicken, green salad, beans and homemade tortillas - so good! We dashed home on our bikes in between rain showers.
We were planning on going to Punta Gorda (PG) with the Patterson's, but because of all the rain it's really flooded down there. We were going to go to the Maya market and see some Mayan ruins. Anyway, we are still having fun but are missing home.
Love,
Carlee
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Oct 25 2013
Dana's perspective
Everyday has been an adventure, some more than others. Tuesday was awesome! Brother Patterson and his son Jeremy took us fishing for barracuda and snapper. Fun to be out on the water, such different wildlife then we are used to seeing. Brother Patterson was very disappointed, he considered it one of the slowest fishing experiences to date. We were not let down, a little thirsty but not let down. We caught only one barra but several grunt, silk snapper and red snapper. MacKay was a little concerned when then motor malfunctioned for a few minutes in the middle of the caribbean. He started quoting lines from the movie cast away, I could tell by the look in his eyes if anyone was gonna be eaten, I was the first to go. Thankfully, technical problems solved we were on our way, no mutiny!
Funny how in many ways the friends here are just like our loved ones back home, cruel. They play mind games! I'll explain, we mentioned how were not even freaked out about cock roaches, they are a possible source of protein in an emergency. The friends here say, "the scorpions love to eat cockroaches too". Now were spraying for roaches again. They say "shake your clothes out before you put them on in case a scorpion is in them". We do, they say" you gotta shake them out good they really Hang on". Now every time I put on clothes I look like I'm beating out an old rug! They say,"the water is beautiful here". I say "what about the sharks and barra?" "They have people who watch for sharks and just don't wear anything shiny in the water, barracuda love shiny things". Now I gotta make sure my short don't have a shiny zipper! The friends are great my kind of people, amazing sense of humour. Unless they're not joking!?
Wednesday was a fun day in service some nice calls, we can't wait to return! Most homes have gates and dogs and there has been not much concern on our part. You see some of the dogs can be very aggressive but most are quite small. We have been warned though that people keep a lot of Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Well now we understand, Wednesday afternoon brothers park and I were going on an amazing study he has with a man, steve, really getting what he is learning! About a hundred feet from Steve's house five dogs come rushing out and are really aggressive, I'm not too worried, I'm walking my bike they're on the other side. But they keep coming and coming, Mike(bro parks). Says "be careful brother". I push at the dogs with my bike, and perfect, they start to scatter. However that's when I hear mike yell look out. I didn't see the pit bull of the other neighbours yard behind me, but I sure felt it when he had hold of my leg! Now things break into a frenzy, as sweaty gringo chases after the neighbours pit bull carrying his bike. The dogs took off in every direction, the Pit Bull decided to head for high ground and that was the last we saw of him. Torn pants, and a little damage that peroxide and iodine can fix no big deal. The brothers deal with things like this fairly often, just inexperience on my part put me in harms way. The study that afternoon was fantastic, and soon the dog bite was forgotten.
That evening we had a feast at the Patterson's of barracuda panades, conch fritters( pronounced Konk), Mexican rice, ice cream and fanta pop. Stuffed to the gills we head home. To begin meeting and service prep for the next day.
Service in Georgetown is fun, we have a very nice return visit with a girl who has many questions, we'll keep you posted. It rained a lot though and between showers the bugs were ferocious! About halfway through our morning we saw a beautiful toucan, everyday you see something amazing!
Our last week and a half is going to be jam packed, the brothers asked if I could double up on some parts so they can do some necessary things. There are only two of them! So with our extra load, we will also be developing our RVs and seeing a maya ruin, cave tubing, zoo and hopefully swimming in a beautiful blue river.
Love you all, and please don't worry, we talk about bugs, dogs and scary things. We are quite safe. Love you all, see you soon the Brydons.
PS. O yeah if you buy chicken tomalleys, beware! Carlee got a little freaked out when she found a chicken neck in hers, I laughed! Today in my chicken tomalley I found an entire foot, she laughed, gagged a little too! Give me a piece of bread I'll eat anything, this however proved to be a challenge, ate a little couldn't finish. Now it's running right through me. Lol.
Everyday has been an adventure, some more than others. Tuesday was awesome! Brother Patterson and his son Jeremy took us fishing for barracuda and snapper. Fun to be out on the water, such different wildlife then we are used to seeing. Brother Patterson was very disappointed, he considered it one of the slowest fishing experiences to date. We were not let down, a little thirsty but not let down. We caught only one barra but several grunt, silk snapper and red snapper. MacKay was a little concerned when then motor malfunctioned for a few minutes in the middle of the caribbean. He started quoting lines from the movie cast away, I could tell by the look in his eyes if anyone was gonna be eaten, I was the first to go. Thankfully, technical problems solved we were on our way, no mutiny!
Funny how in many ways the friends here are just like our loved ones back home, cruel. They play mind games! I'll explain, we mentioned how were not even freaked out about cock roaches, they are a possible source of protein in an emergency. The friends here say, "the scorpions love to eat cockroaches too". Now were spraying for roaches again. They say "shake your clothes out before you put them on in case a scorpion is in them". We do, they say" you gotta shake them out good they really Hang on". Now every time I put on clothes I look like I'm beating out an old rug! They say,"the water is beautiful here". I say "what about the sharks and barra?" "They have people who watch for sharks and just don't wear anything shiny in the water, barracuda love shiny things". Now I gotta make sure my short don't have a shiny zipper! The friends are great my kind of people, amazing sense of humour. Unless they're not joking!?
Wednesday was a fun day in service some nice calls, we can't wait to return! Most homes have gates and dogs and there has been not much concern on our part. You see some of the dogs can be very aggressive but most are quite small. We have been warned though that people keep a lot of Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Well now we understand, Wednesday afternoon brothers park and I were going on an amazing study he has with a man, steve, really getting what he is learning! About a hundred feet from Steve's house five dogs come rushing out and are really aggressive, I'm not too worried, I'm walking my bike they're on the other side. But they keep coming and coming, Mike(bro parks). Says "be careful brother". I push at the dogs with my bike, and perfect, they start to scatter. However that's when I hear mike yell look out. I didn't see the pit bull of the other neighbours yard behind me, but I sure felt it when he had hold of my leg! Now things break into a frenzy, as sweaty gringo chases after the neighbours pit bull carrying his bike. The dogs took off in every direction, the Pit Bull decided to head for high ground and that was the last we saw of him. Torn pants, and a little damage that peroxide and iodine can fix no big deal. The brothers deal with things like this fairly often, just inexperience on my part put me in harms way. The study that afternoon was fantastic, and soon the dog bite was forgotten.
That evening we had a feast at the Patterson's of barracuda panades, conch fritters( pronounced Konk), Mexican rice, ice cream and fanta pop. Stuffed to the gills we head home. To begin meeting and service prep for the next day.
Service in Georgetown is fun, we have a very nice return visit with a girl who has many questions, we'll keep you posted. It rained a lot though and between showers the bugs were ferocious! About halfway through our morning we saw a beautiful toucan, everyday you see something amazing!
Our last week and a half is going to be jam packed, the brothers asked if I could double up on some parts so they can do some necessary things. There are only two of them! So with our extra load, we will also be developing our RVs and seeing a maya ruin, cave tubing, zoo and hopefully swimming in a beautiful blue river.
Love you all, and please don't worry, we talk about bugs, dogs and scary things. We are quite safe. Love you all, see you soon the Brydons.
PS. O yeah if you buy chicken tomalleys, beware! Carlee got a little freaked out when she found a chicken neck in hers, I laughed! Today in my chicken tomalley I found an entire foot, she laughed, gagged a little too! Give me a piece of bread I'll eat anything, this however proved to be a challenge, ate a little couldn't finish. Now it's running right through me. Lol.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Our weekend...
How was your weekend? Ours was pretty eventful. Saturday morning we went in service out to the little village of Bladden. Dana was excited to return on the study he started last week, unfortunately most of the family had gone to Belmopan the night before. We'll try again next week. We worked in a different area of the village this time and I had to keep pinching myself because it felt like I was preaching in the yearbook! Picture a winding dirt path, palm trees, beautiful tropical flowers, crossing a rickety wooden bridge over a stream and rustic wooden houses with palm-frond roofs - very beautiful! The only drawbacks was the heat (again!) and the little bugs that loved chewing on my legs. But we had a really nice conversation with a young woman. She invited us in, we sat in hammocks (getting in and out of one was an adventure in itself) and talked about how the Bible can help us today. She was very quiet and humble, but when we mentioned how the Bible can help us to be happy she really perked up! We will be going back next week - can't wait! By the time we got home, MacKay had been waiting for us for about an hour. He had gone to a different village with another group. But a loving sister gave him a plate of lunch, a curried shrimp and rice with salad, to take home.
In the afternoon, the sister we are renting from asked if Dana and MacKay had any chicken coop building experience - do they? Ha, of course! So they started on a chicken coop. It was quite the redneck affair, using odd bits and scraps of wood, and old table and chicken wire. By Sunday afternoon they had it done. When they went to get the sheets of zinc roofing from a pile in the side yard they discovered a HUGE tarantula underneath - it was at least twice as big as the one we found under the sink. MacKay got a video of it, I didn't want to go near it.
Now that we have bicycles, getting around is much easier and faster. However, my butt is still sore! Also my first day on the bike, I very very narrowly missed some poor kid standing on the side of the road! Not a good start, but I am getting better. I still need to work on my dismount while wearing a skirt - not very graceful.
Sunday, sister Marillo had us over for lunch - a traditional Belizean meal. Rice and beans, chicken, potato salad and fried plantains with fresh squeezed orange and lime juice to drink and homemade coconut pie for dessert - soooooo good! We visited for awhile then went home to rest before the meeting a 3pm.
The public talk was given by a brother visiting Placencia from Northern California. Dana was chairman and watchtower reader.
Today is Monday and we were planning on taking the Hokey Pokey water taxi over to Placencia at 12:00 but around 11 am a man we met in the village of Bladden on Saturday stopped by the house for a study! Can you believe it, a study knocking on YOUR door! He stayed about two hours and says he will stop by again next Sunday or Monday. So we headed out to the beach late, around 2:30pm, had lunch at the barefoot bar right on the beach and used their free wifi.
We are at the halfway mark now and will se you all soon. Your comments and emails have been very encouraging - love you all, see you soon!
In the afternoon, the sister we are renting from asked if Dana and MacKay had any chicken coop building experience - do they? Ha, of course! So they started on a chicken coop. It was quite the redneck affair, using odd bits and scraps of wood, and old table and chicken wire. By Sunday afternoon they had it done. When they went to get the sheets of zinc roofing from a pile in the side yard they discovered a HUGE tarantula underneath - it was at least twice as big as the one we found under the sink. MacKay got a video of it, I didn't want to go near it.
Now that we have bicycles, getting around is much easier and faster. However, my butt is still sore! Also my first day on the bike, I very very narrowly missed some poor kid standing on the side of the road! Not a good start, but I am getting better. I still need to work on my dismount while wearing a skirt - not very graceful.
Sunday, sister Marillo had us over for lunch - a traditional Belizean meal. Rice and beans, chicken, potato salad and fried plantains with fresh squeezed orange and lime juice to drink and homemade coconut pie for dessert - soooooo good! We visited for awhile then went home to rest before the meeting a 3pm.
The public talk was given by a brother visiting Placencia from Northern California. Dana was chairman and watchtower reader.
Today is Monday and we were planning on taking the Hokey Pokey water taxi over to Placencia at 12:00 but around 11 am a man we met in the village of Bladden on Saturday stopped by the house for a study! Can you believe it, a study knocking on YOUR door! He stayed about two hours and says he will stop by again next Sunday or Monday. So we headed out to the beach late, around 2:30pm, had lunch at the barefoot bar right on the beach and used their free wifi.
We are at the halfway mark now and will se you all soon. Your comments and emails have been very encouraging - love you all, see you soon!
Saturday, 19 October 2013
George Town experience.
Dana's perspective
Well, we have come to terms that we're not gonna be able to get internet. Looks like we'll mooch off the friends here, most don't have the internet but those who do readily share. Brother Parks and his family have very good speed at their house which is also by a clinic, my ears are still messed up, I'm going to the clinic. Turns out, if you don't have a Belizian social insurance number it doesn't matter! Took about an hours wait, which we spent witnessing, the Doctor saw me, gave me drugs, no charge! What! Any way ears are clearing up a bit now.
Thursday for service we went to George Town (Jarge town). Before we went we started street witnessing. I was able to zone in on a young man Alberto, bad broken leg, pins sticking out of it. But he was a very positive man, said "I would never beg I'm doing ok". So we talked quite a bit, he studies on his own thinks that's enough. I asked him what is Gods name, sheepishly he said Jehovah, "do you really believe that" I asked? So I showed him, and explained when you see LORD in the bible that means Jehovah! Wow, he got it. I said "you got a broken leg, what else are you gonna do, why not study with me". He said "I'm ready", "what do you mean? I mean any time you name it. Tomorrow morning?" I said. "Ok, in the park", he said. I believe if you are a foreigner it is a little easier to start studies, so you don't want to think too much of your self.
When we got to George Town we were on a spiritual high, even after all the car trouble. Again no new cars, and every car has a broken windshield and a door that doesn't work. So what would we expect?! Honestly, we stopped guessing. But a very humble village, mix of people, very quiet. Awesome rv's started, if you say " I will come back next week" they say "thank you". On the way out an RV heard I liked avocados, so he picked 4 and gave them to us. The ministry is very different, the lifestyle is certainly a challenge for any 1st world dweller. But this experience is proving to change us. These brothers and sisters have relatively little, most no internet or computer, most no car, homes are very modest! These friends love Jehovah, I can't tell you enough, many of the ones here may have grown up in this area, but they choose to stay here to help! That is sacrifice, many grow up and move to a more prosperous area, wow.
Well I can tell by the barking of the dogs it is bed time. Every night at bed time, all the dogs make their presence known, and every morning around 4:30 every rooster makes his presence known. And no one stops it, other than the odd "SHUT UP MON" (mon=man). I may go on a rampage yet! Thank you all, and see you soon!
Well, we have come to terms that we're not gonna be able to get internet. Looks like we'll mooch off the friends here, most don't have the internet but those who do readily share. Brother Parks and his family have very good speed at their house which is also by a clinic, my ears are still messed up, I'm going to the clinic. Turns out, if you don't have a Belizian social insurance number it doesn't matter! Took about an hours wait, which we spent witnessing, the Doctor saw me, gave me drugs, no charge! What! Any way ears are clearing up a bit now.
Thursday for service we went to George Town (Jarge town). Before we went we started street witnessing. I was able to zone in on a young man Alberto, bad broken leg, pins sticking out of it. But he was a very positive man, said "I would never beg I'm doing ok". So we talked quite a bit, he studies on his own thinks that's enough. I asked him what is Gods name, sheepishly he said Jehovah, "do you really believe that" I asked? So I showed him, and explained when you see LORD in the bible that means Jehovah! Wow, he got it. I said "you got a broken leg, what else are you gonna do, why not study with me". He said "I'm ready", "what do you mean? I mean any time you name it. Tomorrow morning?" I said. "Ok, in the park", he said. I believe if you are a foreigner it is a little easier to start studies, so you don't want to think too much of your self.
When we got to George Town we were on a spiritual high, even after all the car trouble. Again no new cars, and every car has a broken windshield and a door that doesn't work. So what would we expect?! Honestly, we stopped guessing. But a very humble village, mix of people, very quiet. Awesome rv's started, if you say " I will come back next week" they say "thank you". On the way out an RV heard I liked avocados, so he picked 4 and gave them to us. The ministry is very different, the lifestyle is certainly a challenge for any 1st world dweller. But this experience is proving to change us. These brothers and sisters have relatively little, most no internet or computer, most no car, homes are very modest! These friends love Jehovah, I can't tell you enough, many of the ones here may have grown up in this area, but they choose to stay here to help! That is sacrifice, many grow up and move to a more prosperous area, wow.
Well I can tell by the barking of the dogs it is bed time. Every night at bed time, all the dogs make their presence known, and every morning around 4:30 every rooster makes his presence known. And no one stops it, other than the odd "SHUT UP MON" (mon=man). I may go on a rampage yet! Thank you all, and see you soon!
Bugs don't bother me!
Dana's perspective
Time is flying we've been here almost a week, it's funny how things change so quickly, the way we adapt. The first few nights we would carefully look everywhere before we stepped on it, grabbed it, put it on or walked under it. Now, we don't think twice, little geckos run all around us all the time watching with great anticipation. Bugs and so on just don't freak us out like they did, with the exception of tarantulas. Oh and scorpions, cause as they enter the dry season that's when they come out!
So we are trying hard to do it all while we're here, yesterday was going to be the day we went to do touristy stuff. It rained so hard until 12:30ish that plan got ruined. Instead MacKay and I went out between rain showers grabbed coconuts husked them and ate 'em, very cool. Oh yeah watched movies on the computer too!
The rain finally did stop and one of the wonderful elders (bro Parks) sent his son to invite us to use their internet, finally some good internet to talk with friends and email! We noticed the young brother had a backpack too, so we said are you coming with us? "I will meet you there I have to drop off these fish heads first to a sister." Yeah you heard right! The parks made us feel just like family, we really needed that.
Oh yeah, I can sympathize now with those who try and follow along in the simplified Watch Tower, when everyone else is using the standard. You see they use the simplified here because several languages make up the congregation, they're getting us some simplified. I was struggling last Sunday.
Well we are getting ready for service today so I gotta go, this week is setting up to be a fun week, we've got 2 supper invitations one for conch chowder, the other a traditional Belizian Sunday meal. We'll keep you all informed. Love you all, The Brydon's.
Time is flying we've been here almost a week, it's funny how things change so quickly, the way we adapt. The first few nights we would carefully look everywhere before we stepped on it, grabbed it, put it on or walked under it. Now, we don't think twice, little geckos run all around us all the time watching with great anticipation. Bugs and so on just don't freak us out like they did, with the exception of tarantulas. Oh and scorpions, cause as they enter the dry season that's when they come out!
So we are trying hard to do it all while we're here, yesterday was going to be the day we went to do touristy stuff. It rained so hard until 12:30ish that plan got ruined. Instead MacKay and I went out between rain showers grabbed coconuts husked them and ate 'em, very cool. Oh yeah watched movies on the computer too!
The rain finally did stop and one of the wonderful elders (bro Parks) sent his son to invite us to use their internet, finally some good internet to talk with friends and email! We noticed the young brother had a backpack too, so we said are you coming with us? "I will meet you there I have to drop off these fish heads first to a sister." Yeah you heard right! The parks made us feel just like family, we really needed that.
Oh yeah, I can sympathize now with those who try and follow along in the simplified Watch Tower, when everyone else is using the standard. You see they use the simplified here because several languages make up the congregation, they're getting us some simplified. I was struggling last Sunday.
Well we are getting ready for service today so I gotta go, this week is setting up to be a fun week, we've got 2 supper invitations one for conch chowder, the other a traditional Belizian Sunday meal. We'll keep you all informed. Love you all, The Brydon's.
Week 2
Well it's official. We've been here one whole week now! In many ways it seems like we've been here for a lifetime, so many new things in such a short period of time. I'm really glad we decided not to throw learning another language into the mix right away - although the little bit of Spanish we learned before coming has come in handy.
So what have we been up to? Monday was a holiday here so sister Olga was going to show us around Placencia - but we got rained out. So Monday was a lazy rain day. Tuesday we walked up to the Kingdom Hall for service, but no one came so we decided to hurry home (as much as you can hurry in this heat) and catch the 10:00 water taxi over to Placencia. Unfortunately, just as we got there it started to rain - good thing we brought our umbrellas! They come in handy for the rain, but mostly we use them to block some of the sun, it can get really intense. Dana looks so manly walking down the Main Street with his 'parasol'! Despite the rain, we got some info at the tourism department about some cool places to visit before we leave. Top on our list is zip-lining, cave tubing, the zoo and wildlife reserve. The rest of the day we hung out at the Tipsy Tuna, a restaurant right on the beach. So we ate, drank some Jamaican beer and used their free wi-fi! A very successful day despite the rain.
On Wednesday we went out in service again, this time there was a good group. We worked some territory in Independence. I talked with a young woman named Elvera, we discussed the question on the back of the Watchtower and she said I can come back next Wednesday to discuss the second part! Cool! They don't blink an eye when you ask about returning and will gladly tell you when they will be home! We stopped at lunchtime and since we were right next to sister Melva's little restaurant - guess where we had lunch? It was yummy, rice and beans with stewed chicken or pork with some peppery coleslaw, some plantain and the most delicious orange and pineapple juices you've ever tasted! Big servings too - we had to doggy bag some of it. Since Dana's ears have still been bothering him after our three flights to get here, we decided to check out the clinic across the street. We sat in the waiting room (just like home!) to see the doctor. When Dana went in to be checked by the nurses one of them ask him if he is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he says yes, she says they are always asking her to study, he says well why don't you? She says well I work six days a week I only have Sundays off, he says well my wife and I could study on Sunday, she says OK! Simple as that folks! In the meantime, I've been chatting with a 14 year old boy named Brandon. He's got a cold, but is very talkative. We talk about Canada and some of the differences between the two places. He asks why we are here in Belize. I tell him we are Jehovah's Witnesses here to help the local congregation. He knows some kids at school that are Jehovah's Witnesses and his older brother is studying with a brother in our hall. But Brandon says he goes to the Adventist church. I ask him what he learns there, he says that he learned that we should only eat animals that went onto the ark in sevens, not the ones by twos, like pigs, and that some people say you shouldn't drink cola but they are wrong - you can drink it! I'm thinking to myself - THATS what they teach you at church ?!? So I get out my bible and show him Ps 83:18 - he didn't know God has a name! He also takes the magazines. Then he starts asking me about people who have the mark of the wild beast won't get into the kingdom of heaven - does that mean if he gets a tattoo of his mom's name he won't make it!! He's 14! I have honestly never had that question in service before! I explained the mark isn't a physical mark but something Jehovah can see in us - if we are really serving him or not. Then I showed him the scripture in Leviticus about tattoos, he was really surprised about that one. Unfortunately, right about then he got called into see the doctor and Dana was done. I'm going to ask about him with the brother who studies with his older brother at the meeting on Thursday. Oh, by the way everything at the clinic was FREE - the visit and the medication!
We pick up MacKay at the Parks' and head home to relax. As we're resting we hear 'helloooo!' in the yard. It is brother and sister Patterson bringing us two beautiful bikes to use. Lupe then proceeds to find us a third bike from our neighbours - so now we have wheels!! I picked Lupe's brain about how to prepare local beans, what's in season, etc. we are going to their house on Friday for lunch. Later that evening I went with sister Parks on a bible study. A very long day, but very rewarding. I went to bed tired that night!
Dana's going to tell you next about our trip in service to the village of Georgetown.
Love you all!
Carlee
So what have we been up to? Monday was a holiday here so sister Olga was going to show us around Placencia - but we got rained out. So Monday was a lazy rain day. Tuesday we walked up to the Kingdom Hall for service, but no one came so we decided to hurry home (as much as you can hurry in this heat) and catch the 10:00 water taxi over to Placencia. Unfortunately, just as we got there it started to rain - good thing we brought our umbrellas! They come in handy for the rain, but mostly we use them to block some of the sun, it can get really intense. Dana looks so manly walking down the Main Street with his 'parasol'! Despite the rain, we got some info at the tourism department about some cool places to visit before we leave. Top on our list is zip-lining, cave tubing, the zoo and wildlife reserve. The rest of the day we hung out at the Tipsy Tuna, a restaurant right on the beach. So we ate, drank some Jamaican beer and used their free wi-fi! A very successful day despite the rain.
On Wednesday we went out in service again, this time there was a good group. We worked some territory in Independence. I talked with a young woman named Elvera, we discussed the question on the back of the Watchtower and she said I can come back next Wednesday to discuss the second part! Cool! They don't blink an eye when you ask about returning and will gladly tell you when they will be home! We stopped at lunchtime and since we were right next to sister Melva's little restaurant - guess where we had lunch? It was yummy, rice and beans with stewed chicken or pork with some peppery coleslaw, some plantain and the most delicious orange and pineapple juices you've ever tasted! Big servings too - we had to doggy bag some of it. Since Dana's ears have still been bothering him after our three flights to get here, we decided to check out the clinic across the street. We sat in the waiting room (just like home!) to see the doctor. When Dana went in to be checked by the nurses one of them ask him if he is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he says yes, she says they are always asking her to study, he says well why don't you? She says well I work six days a week I only have Sundays off, he says well my wife and I could study on Sunday, she says OK! Simple as that folks! In the meantime, I've been chatting with a 14 year old boy named Brandon. He's got a cold, but is very talkative. We talk about Canada and some of the differences between the two places. He asks why we are here in Belize. I tell him we are Jehovah's Witnesses here to help the local congregation. He knows some kids at school that are Jehovah's Witnesses and his older brother is studying with a brother in our hall. But Brandon says he goes to the Adventist church. I ask him what he learns there, he says that he learned that we should only eat animals that went onto the ark in sevens, not the ones by twos, like pigs, and that some people say you shouldn't drink cola but they are wrong - you can drink it! I'm thinking to myself - THATS what they teach you at church ?!? So I get out my bible and show him Ps 83:18 - he didn't know God has a name! He also takes the magazines. Then he starts asking me about people who have the mark of the wild beast won't get into the kingdom of heaven - does that mean if he gets a tattoo of his mom's name he won't make it!! He's 14! I have honestly never had that question in service before! I explained the mark isn't a physical mark but something Jehovah can see in us - if we are really serving him or not. Then I showed him the scripture in Leviticus about tattoos, he was really surprised about that one. Unfortunately, right about then he got called into see the doctor and Dana was done. I'm going to ask about him with the brother who studies with his older brother at the meeting on Thursday. Oh, by the way everything at the clinic was FREE - the visit and the medication!
We pick up MacKay at the Parks' and head home to relax. As we're resting we hear 'helloooo!' in the yard. It is brother and sister Patterson bringing us two beautiful bikes to use. Lupe then proceeds to find us a third bike from our neighbours - so now we have wheels!! I picked Lupe's brain about how to prepare local beans, what's in season, etc. we are going to their house on Friday for lunch. Later that evening I went with sister Parks on a bible study. A very long day, but very rewarding. I went to bed tired that night!
Dana's going to tell you next about our trip in service to the village of Georgetown.
Love you all!
Carlee
Monday, 14 October 2013
To the village...
Dana's perspective
2nd day in the ministry, we are going to a Mayan village to preach. A long drive, our gas in Canada is the same price here, only the friends in Belize make only a Tiny fraction of our income. The cost associated with driving to these areas is huge, we see tremendous sacrifice after sacrifice, it is very humbling. No new cars here either, they have to leave the country to buy most cars, there are no new car dealers here. So the ride too isn't as comfortable as we would be used to back home, but being with our brothers and sisters you forget all that.
When we arrived at the villages it began to sink in, while we were being challenged to adjust to these new living conditions, by comparison we were living in absolute luxury! Dirt floors, no screens, no water, most no power, thatch roofs, walls you can literally see through. But these people were so happy, and willing to share with us when we came to talk about Jehovah. They would bring buckets, rickety sticks barely fastened together for us to sit on and talk about the bible, and they really listened! So appreciative to have the literature, we also brought Spanish so they could read in their chosen language, most read english well.
So you are prepared when you go to the villages in Belize. If you see a path going to the river, be prepared, if it's not laundry day it could be bathing day! Yup I had to shield MacKay's eyes while I tried to look casual, like it was no big deal, cause it wasn't to them! " Hello, my that sun is bright!"
One of the calls we had MacKay, Brother Longsworth and myself, we started a study! I know! The daughter taught at their Mayan church even though she was only 13-14 very smart, we shared many scriptures and agreed it was important to learn about God. So next Saturday we are supposed to return and study with the whole family! Oh yeah she is going to share with her class that we need to preach, and only Jehovah's witnesses are doing that (Matt 24:14). Cool.
This should make you laugh, amongst all this third world setting, we could hear modern music in the background. Picture little Mayan kids 3-6 in age dancing to Gangnam style, really dancing! Funny too I guess not a lot of white people in the villages, the little one were daring each other to touch Carlee's skin. They didn't want to touch mine, I guess because of my profuse sweating it appeared I might keel over at any point. What's going on with Mackay, the boy hardly sweats, cool as a cucumber all the time.
We needed to see a Little bit of modern convenience so we took the Hokey Pokey ferry accross to Placencia, the brothers and sisters were worried we wouldn't come back. Now we know why, all the trimmings of home 15 minutes away. Seems most go to help the congregation there, much easier lifestyle. We will tell you all about it next time, love you all so much. See you soon.
2nd day in the ministry, we are going to a Mayan village to preach. A long drive, our gas in Canada is the same price here, only the friends in Belize make only a Tiny fraction of our income. The cost associated with driving to these areas is huge, we see tremendous sacrifice after sacrifice, it is very humbling. No new cars here either, they have to leave the country to buy most cars, there are no new car dealers here. So the ride too isn't as comfortable as we would be used to back home, but being with our brothers and sisters you forget all that.
When we arrived at the villages it began to sink in, while we were being challenged to adjust to these new living conditions, by comparison we were living in absolute luxury! Dirt floors, no screens, no water, most no power, thatch roofs, walls you can literally see through. But these people were so happy, and willing to share with us when we came to talk about Jehovah. They would bring buckets, rickety sticks barely fastened together for us to sit on and talk about the bible, and they really listened! So appreciative to have the literature, we also brought Spanish so they could read in their chosen language, most read english well.
So you are prepared when you go to the villages in Belize. If you see a path going to the river, be prepared, if it's not laundry day it could be bathing day! Yup I had to shield MacKay's eyes while I tried to look casual, like it was no big deal, cause it wasn't to them! " Hello, my that sun is bright!"
One of the calls we had MacKay, Brother Longsworth and myself, we started a study! I know! The daughter taught at their Mayan church even though she was only 13-14 very smart, we shared many scriptures and agreed it was important to learn about God. So next Saturday we are supposed to return and study with the whole family! Oh yeah she is going to share with her class that we need to preach, and only Jehovah's witnesses are doing that (Matt 24:14). Cool.
This should make you laugh, amongst all this third world setting, we could hear modern music in the background. Picture little Mayan kids 3-6 in age dancing to Gangnam style, really dancing! Funny too I guess not a lot of white people in the villages, the little one were daring each other to touch Carlee's skin. They didn't want to touch mine, I guess because of my profuse sweating it appeared I might keel over at any point. What's going on with Mackay, the boy hardly sweats, cool as a cucumber all the time.
We needed to see a Little bit of modern convenience so we took the Hokey Pokey ferry accross to Placencia, the brothers and sisters were worried we wouldn't come back. Now we know why, all the trimmings of home 15 minutes away. Seems most go to help the congregation there, much easier lifestyle. We will tell you all about it next time, love you all so much. See you soon.
More bugs and service...
Dana's perspective
Well, night two. Today has been a real eye opener, I now know why they have hot water taps in Belize, decoration. Yup, everyone looked at us like we had two heads when we asked about the hot water, "what do you need that for? It's already hot". Good point, man what a way to wake up.
We thought we would get a lay of the land find a map, some groceries, try and get past the ewww factor we've been feelin. While getting ready we discovered crabs in our back yard fair size ones too, they live in holes in the lawn. What? Any way lets go, we're outside start walking thump a snake falls out of the tree about 15 feet in front of us. It stands up like in the cartoons slithers away with its head about 10" in the air. We kept our cool, turns out it was poisonous, rare too. So I guess we were lucky to see one?
Well we went about the village it was fun, strange weather though. Sunny hot rain, all at the same time. While we were doing our best not to be touristy some one said spray for cockroaches before you leave for the day. Not more bugs please! So only hearing half the advice " spray for cockroaches ". We waste no time. So here is why you leave for a while, they don't like it when you try and kill them!! They get mad!! So picture the three of us back to back with a machete to defend ourselves while wave after wave of huge cockroaches come out of apparent thin air! There was a lot of weeping as many of you are thinking right now. Oh yeah nasty biting ants don't like it either. I'm not sure what demon liquid concoction that spray was but short of making them completely vaporize, I can think of nothing else that would be so effective. We're still finding dead roaches after our meeting, I haven't told Carlee and MacKay yet, there still reeling from the last assault.
The meeting was beautiful, the elders work so hard ( all 2 of them! ), the younger ones jumped right in after the meeting to clean. Oh yeah don't want to forget if you are here at the Kingdom Hall they leave the doors open, no screen for air flow. Well last night the largest flying beetle comes in to disrupt the meeting, no one paid it any mind. MacKay and I looked at each other with eyes as big as dinner plates, and I think B57 beetle knew it because you guessed it he flew right into me! You'd all be so proud no screaming or crying, I brushed if off, crushed it with a very loud crunch and the attendant, Joseph picked it up like it was nothing and threw if away, our hero.
Well tomorrow big day in service, we'll let you know how it goes, we've been told over and over everyone loves to talk about the bible, Exciting! I've gotta go pick up some dead bugs for now, and reassure MacKay that the geckos on his walls will not fall in his open mouth while he sleeps. Now that he has me thinking about it I'm worried, considering putting toilet paper in my ears so nothing else can get in. What if it likes toilet paper?
Well, night two. Today has been a real eye opener, I now know why they have hot water taps in Belize, decoration. Yup, everyone looked at us like we had two heads when we asked about the hot water, "what do you need that for? It's already hot". Good point, man what a way to wake up.
We thought we would get a lay of the land find a map, some groceries, try and get past the ewww factor we've been feelin. While getting ready we discovered crabs in our back yard fair size ones too, they live in holes in the lawn. What? Any way lets go, we're outside start walking thump a snake falls out of the tree about 15 feet in front of us. It stands up like in the cartoons slithers away with its head about 10" in the air. We kept our cool, turns out it was poisonous, rare too. So I guess we were lucky to see one?
Well we went about the village it was fun, strange weather though. Sunny hot rain, all at the same time. While we were doing our best not to be touristy some one said spray for cockroaches before you leave for the day. Not more bugs please! So only hearing half the advice " spray for cockroaches ". We waste no time. So here is why you leave for a while, they don't like it when you try and kill them!! They get mad!! So picture the three of us back to back with a machete to defend ourselves while wave after wave of huge cockroaches come out of apparent thin air! There was a lot of weeping as many of you are thinking right now. Oh yeah nasty biting ants don't like it either. I'm not sure what demon liquid concoction that spray was but short of making them completely vaporize, I can think of nothing else that would be so effective. We're still finding dead roaches after our meeting, I haven't told Carlee and MacKay yet, there still reeling from the last assault.
The meeting was beautiful, the elders work so hard ( all 2 of them! ), the younger ones jumped right in after the meeting to clean. Oh yeah don't want to forget if you are here at the Kingdom Hall they leave the doors open, no screen for air flow. Well last night the largest flying beetle comes in to disrupt the meeting, no one paid it any mind. MacKay and I looked at each other with eyes as big as dinner plates, and I think B57 beetle knew it because you guessed it he flew right into me! You'd all be so proud no screaming or crying, I brushed if off, crushed it with a very loud crunch and the attendant, Joseph picked it up like it was nothing and threw if away, our hero.
Well tomorrow big day in service, we'll let you know how it goes, we've been told over and over everyone loves to talk about the bible, Exciting! I've gotta go pick up some dead bugs for now, and reassure MacKay that the geckos on his walls will not fall in his open mouth while he sleeps. Now that he has me thinking about it I'm worried, considering putting toilet paper in my ears so nothing else can get in. What if it likes toilet paper?
Our House
Dana's been describing our activities every day, but I wanted to tell you all about the little house we are staying in. It is one of the nicer houses in this town...most are rickety wooden structures on stilts. Ours is a four room concrete house - kitchen/living room, bathroom and two bedrooms. All the floors are tiled. Only some of the windows have glass, most have metal louvers to keep out the rain and direct sun but let in the cool breezes (which is very nice). The kitchen is very basic with a couple of cupboards, open shelves, a sink and a fridge. In one corner is a wooden bench/table with the propane two burner stove (kinda like a camp stove). The sister we are renting from was very generous providing us with some pots, pans, cutlery, utensils, dishes, microwave and an electric kettle (very important as there is no hot water). So we don't have much - we each have our own glass, bowl and plate - but makes me realize we don't really need very much. And it certainly is great motivation to get the dishes done after every meal because if I don't then we have nothing to eat off next mealtime!
There is a small dining table that also serves as a desk for studying and as an entertainment unit for the laptop when we have movie night. Also a nice comfy couch and three plastic chairs to sit on.
Mackay's room just has a single bed, but he also has the only working ceiling fan in the house (we are so jealous!) In our room there is a double bed and a dresser. There isn't a place to hang our clothes so we have them hanging from the curtain rods, on the back of doors or anything that'll support a hanger. It makes for some interesting decorating choices when my bras are hanging in the windows to dry!
The bathroom has some open shelving where we keep our towels, toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorant...basically everything because the cabinet under the sink is where we found the tarantula the first night and now I'm kinda afraid to open it let alone keep anything in there! The toilet and sink placement is cozy to put it politely. I've got short legs and even I have to wedge myself in there to sit! Next to the toilet is a large tiled shower - remember only cold water! We are actually getting used to the temperature and actually it helps cool you down from all the heat.
There is also a little covered front porch and a small yard that is fenced and gated. This mostly to keep out the wandering neighbourhood dogs. We leave the gate open between our house and Claudette's (sister landlady) so her dog, Candy, can wander back and forth. Claudette's house is up on stilts. We use her washing machine - which is outside but under her house. All her laundry is hung on lines under the house! We also walk under her house to get out to the main road.
So there! You had the grand tour - hope you enjoyed it!
(We're still working on getting pictures posted - don't worry we've been taking lots)
There is a small dining table that also serves as a desk for studying and as an entertainment unit for the laptop when we have movie night. Also a nice comfy couch and three plastic chairs to sit on.
Mackay's room just has a single bed, but he also has the only working ceiling fan in the house (we are so jealous!) In our room there is a double bed and a dresser. There isn't a place to hang our clothes so we have them hanging from the curtain rods, on the back of doors or anything that'll support a hanger. It makes for some interesting decorating choices when my bras are hanging in the windows to dry!
The bathroom has some open shelving where we keep our towels, toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorant...basically everything because the cabinet under the sink is where we found the tarantula the first night and now I'm kinda afraid to open it let alone keep anything in there! The toilet and sink placement is cozy to put it politely. I've got short legs and even I have to wedge myself in there to sit! Next to the toilet is a large tiled shower - remember only cold water! We are actually getting used to the temperature and actually it helps cool you down from all the heat.
There is also a little covered front porch and a small yard that is fenced and gated. This mostly to keep out the wandering neighbourhood dogs. We leave the gate open between our house and Claudette's (sister landlady) so her dog, Candy, can wander back and forth. Claudette's house is up on stilts. We use her washing machine - which is outside but under her house. All her laundry is hung on lines under the house! We also walk under her house to get out to the main road.
So there! You had the grand tour - hope you enjoyed it!
(We're still working on getting pictures posted - don't worry we've been taking lots)
Friday, 11 October 2013
First meeting and service
Hello everybody at home! We miss you all! We are slowly getting adjusted to our new surroundings but I think we are still suffering from some jet lag. MacKay and I had a hard time staying awake at the meeting last night especially when we realized that the meeting was starting at 10pm our time. Oh, Dana got put to work right away. He was asked to handle the last part in the meeting interviewing two elders and since there are only two elders in the congregation it worked out well, otherwise they would've been interviewing each other - awkward!
Today we went in service. We left the house a little after 8am and walked to the Kingdom Hall, almost a 20 minute walk. I don't want to gross anyone out, but you know it's hot here when it is socially acceptable to carry a cloth to wipe the sweat from your face. So hot! It's not too bad when you can sit in front of a fan, but as soon as you start moving around, getting dressed, walking, you start dripping. Anyway back to service, we walked a few minutes from the hall to start in our territory. I worked with Cordelia, one of three regular pioneers in the hall, and Dana and MacKay worked with Lionel Longsworth, one of two elders. Almost everybody we talked to accepted magazines and we had some really nice conversations with people - potential return visits for next week. When you approach a house here you don't walk up and knock on the door, instead you enter the yard and say "Good mornin!" And wait until someone comes out - one older lady came out with no top on just her bra! Mackay's glad he wasn't at THAT door! Anyway we finished the territory a little after 10am and we were done in - between the heat, the sweat, and the blisters on my feet we were ready to head home. Flaked out for a couple of hours and now we are going to check out the BEACH!! Turns out we are only a couple of minutes from the shore.
We hope to be able to post some pictures today - been having some difficulty finding a good spot to access the internet. So if there are pictures today we found some good internet....if not, well maybe next time!
Today we went in service. We left the house a little after 8am and walked to the Kingdom Hall, almost a 20 minute walk. I don't want to gross anyone out, but you know it's hot here when it is socially acceptable to carry a cloth to wipe the sweat from your face. So hot! It's not too bad when you can sit in front of a fan, but as soon as you start moving around, getting dressed, walking, you start dripping. Anyway back to service, we walked a few minutes from the hall to start in our territory. I worked with Cordelia, one of three regular pioneers in the hall, and Dana and MacKay worked with Lionel Longsworth, one of two elders. Almost everybody we talked to accepted magazines and we had some really nice conversations with people - potential return visits for next week. When you approach a house here you don't walk up and knock on the door, instead you enter the yard and say "Good mornin!" And wait until someone comes out - one older lady came out with no top on just her bra! Mackay's glad he wasn't at THAT door! Anyway we finished the territory a little after 10am and we were done in - between the heat, the sweat, and the blisters on my feet we were ready to head home. Flaked out for a couple of hours and now we are going to check out the BEACH!! Turns out we are only a couple of minutes from the shore.
We hope to be able to post some pictures today - been having some difficulty finding a good spot to access the internet. So if there are pictures today we found some good internet....if not, well maybe next time!
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Our First Day and Night...
Dana's perspective.
Well I now know why they say don't fly with a cold, I feel like my head is in a fish tank. To clear Belizian customs I had to stick my head into the kiosk and say "What, What?". The flight was good, had to switch three planes to get here, but we made it. I can still see MacKay's face as he got of the plane in Belize, eyes open wide jaw dropped. The jungle, the heat, even though it was raining. Clearly he was........worried, at least a little overwhelmed. To be honest I'm not sure if one can prepare themselves for such a culture difference, you have to see it to believe it. Or as Mackay says," see it to Belize it".
Well we met an amazing brother at the airport, a loving elder in a local congregation, Steve Bradley. Just to see our brother and the way he helped us made us feel so much better. We decided to take a three hour taxi to our final stop, boy did we see some amazing country, banana, orange, grapefruit, bamboo and mahogany just to name a few.
Finally we arrived at our new home.......Well let's just say it is truly one of the best places in the area. That being said though it is very modest. The brothers and sister worked so hard to prepare things for us I can't say enough, they gave out of their want. They really don't have much financialy. They invested much time too painting and cleaning, wow what love. Time for them to head home for the night and us to hunker down.
Our first house guest was a tarantula, I named him dead because that is what I made him. Later four lizards began running around the walls and I believe all the termites in Belize have come to say hi in single file in and out of our bedroom. We will keep you posted, to be honest it is overwhelming. We are resolved to get busy in the ministry and the congregation, thanks for your support back home I'll send you a tarantula soon.
Well I now know why they say don't fly with a cold, I feel like my head is in a fish tank. To clear Belizian customs I had to stick my head into the kiosk and say "What, What?". The flight was good, had to switch three planes to get here, but we made it. I can still see MacKay's face as he got of the plane in Belize, eyes open wide jaw dropped. The jungle, the heat, even though it was raining. Clearly he was........worried, at least a little overwhelmed. To be honest I'm not sure if one can prepare themselves for such a culture difference, you have to see it to believe it. Or as Mackay says," see it to Belize it".
Well we met an amazing brother at the airport, a loving elder in a local congregation, Steve Bradley. Just to see our brother and the way he helped us made us feel so much better. We decided to take a three hour taxi to our final stop, boy did we see some amazing country, banana, orange, grapefruit, bamboo and mahogany just to name a few.
Finally we arrived at our new home.......Well let's just say it is truly one of the best places in the area. That being said though it is very modest. The brothers and sister worked so hard to prepare things for us I can't say enough, they gave out of their want. They really don't have much financialy. They invested much time too painting and cleaning, wow what love. Time for them to head home for the night and us to hunker down.
Our first house guest was a tarantula, I named him dead because that is what I made him. Later four lizards began running around the walls and I believe all the termites in Belize have come to say hi in single file in and out of our bedroom. We will keep you posted, to be honest it is overwhelming. We are resolved to get busy in the ministry and the congregation, thanks for your support back home I'll send you a tarantula soon.
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
And we're off!
Welcome to the Brydon Family Blog!
Today starts our adventure to Belize. It has been a crazy hectic couple days trying to get everything in order for a month away from home. But this afternoon we boarded the first of three planes and we just landed at LaGuardia airport in New York! We are spending the night at a hotel and tomorrow we head out again, first to Atlanta and then to Belize City.
The hotel here in New York is literally across the highway from the airport - so a lot noisier than quiet little Berwick! When we pulled up to the hotel we all thought to ourselves 'uhh not sure' then we walked into the lobby and thought 'ahh pretty nice' THEN we went upstairs to our room - let's just say our first impression was correct! Oh well, we're too tired to lug our baggage anywhere else tonight. So instead we're ordering in some Chinese takeout and will spend some time researching a better place to stay on our return trip home in November.
Thanks to everyone for your emails today - some of you made me cry when I tried to read them aloud to Dana and MacKay!
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