Belize Mission – Day 5

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Today, we celebrated the Feast of St. Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr, during the Eucharist in the courtyard of the hotel. Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) and Paul were companions on several missionary trips until a dispute ensued between the two of them as to whether John Mark should come with them. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul did not, as he had left them on the former journey (Acts 15:37-38). The result was that Paul took Silas as his companion to Syria and Cilicia, and Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).

Following breakfast, the team went to the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center and presented to the Director, Hortence Kelly-Augustin, a number of the items that were gifts from many persons. These items included a microwave, crock pots, electric fans, clocks, sheets, 100 pairs of shoes donated by Shoes for Soles, balls, games, clothes, hair accessories, diapers, and a lot of stuff, all donated by members of Holy Sacrament and Friends Reaching Friends, Belize Association of South Florida, St. Paul’s Church, Vero Beach, and many friends.  The items were requested by the Center some months ago when the Director sent us a list.  At the presentation, Mrs. Augustin was extremely appreciative of what she had received stating that the finances she would have used to purchased these items can now be used to send two children to school.

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One of the good things about this trip is that we have two incredible and reliable drivers and Sehon is one of them. He is always punctual and appears to have “a good head on his shoulders.” He is the one who normally takes me around and this morning he took Larry and me again to the Anglican Diocesan Center for my second seminar, which was a repeat of the first day but with a different set of educators. This group of nine persons comprised mostly of principals of the schools.

Then it was back to work. The medical Group treated 126 children during the day at the school. The construction crew at the Dorothy Menzies’ Center completed painting more of the rooms and continued building the storage units. The construction crew at the Queen’s Square Anglican School completed installing six (6) toilets, one of the sinks and some of the doors for each stall. The V.B.S. group examined the theme: “Commit to the Lord your body” – “Know ye not that your body is the temple of God” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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One of the wonderful observations I have made during the week is that our missionaries are working, sharing, and communicating very well together as a team. We are getting along remarkably well. Those members who are under 35 years old (Hashan Bhim, Keane Bhim, Joshua Fletcher, Chad Lariviere, Alim Rahman, Amanda Robbins, Rosemary Robbins, and Emiley Scott),  have been working phenomenally, going beyond the call of duty and not afraid to work together with the older members of the team. They are truly remarkable young people and we are delighted to have them with us and they have expressed their delight in being on this mission and in the team. These are wonderful indications of how God is working within this mission.

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In the evening, the team were invited to a reception at the home of Lynn and Althea Young, the son and daughter-in-law of Their Excellencies Sir. Colville Young, Governor General of Belize, and Lady Young, for a Belizean evening. Belizean food was served for dinner and Myrna Manzanares, a Belizean international story-teller and friend of the Young family did story-telling.

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It was a beautiful evening, ending with team meeting and Compline at the Youngs’ home.

Thomas drove us back to the hotel after which we received our palanca from our family, friends, and church family. I was very blessed to have received palanca from my wife and children, from members of Holy Sacrament including the Vestry, and from some of the missionaries. It was truly gratifying receiving these cards, notes, and gifts from such wonderful people who are thinking about us, praying for us, and love us. We then retired for the night with smiles on our faces.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]