Cristo Rey

We turned right from Santa Elena and headed south toward Cristo Rey. We had just driven a loop over the low steel plate bridge on the Macal River, into San Ignacio, and then back across the Macal on the Hawkesworth Bridge, a high and picturesque single lane suspension bridge built by the British in 1949. We climbed a hill and left the village. The road quickly turned to dirt, or actually a kind of familiar East Tennessee sort of wet and sticky red clay. I was glad to be driving a 4-wheel SUV, just in case. Chuck was riding shotgun, with Lynn, Jessica and Peggy in the back. The short trip to Cristo Rey – just a couple miles – was punctuated by real estate signs advertising your own piece of jungle paradise on the banks of the Macal.

My brief phone conversation with Jamie the night before had provided our directions. We were to look for a park on the right side of the road after entering Cristo Rey, and then ask the first person we saw where Atiliano Jones lived. I spotted the park, and pulled the SUV in front of a small tienda a few hundred yards down the road. Peggy and I got out and asked after Atiliano, as instructed. The shopkeeper pointed to a small blue house across the street. We’d found our destination with 20 minutes to spare. As we walked up to the blue house, we saw Atiliano stride out from the porch of a house two doors down. He was a striking figure, large and athletic. His button-down shirt and slacks made me self-conscious in my t-shirt and shorts.

Atiliano invited us to share the porch of his bother’s house while we made small talk and waited for the chairman of the water board to arrive. He was obviously uncomfortable with these strange Americans who not only arrived on time, but even came EARLY.

After several uneasy glances at Atiliano’s watch, the water board chair, Jesus Guerra, came roaring down the trail behind the house in a beat-up pickup truck. We reconvened at the community center with his nephew, the chair of the village council and settled in to talk water. Jesus’ two main concerns were that it would cost too much in electricity (very expensive in Belize) to generate purified water, and that people would think it was inferior to bottled Crystal water. While Lynn and I took and measured water samples, we assured him and his nephew Joe that a Living Waters system could produce water as good as Crystal for way less than the $2.50 - $4.00 Bz that many in the village were currently paying. After treating us to a round of papaya smoothies (made with Crystal water!), Jesus told me he wanted to take me to his house while the others regrouped on Atiliano’s brother’s porch.

Thinking that I was in for a wild ride, I was surprised when we pulled into a homestead not much more than a stone’s throw from the porch where the others now sat, but back in the woods on the bank of the river. Two boys were cutting palm fronds to rethatch the palapa next to the house. Jesus invited me in. It was small – three rooms – and shabbier than Atiliano’s brother's. Half a dozen dogs kept me preoccupied while Jesus found his daughter and had her give me her hotmail address for future email communications. I asked her how often she checked it, and in a worldy tone she answered “Oh, at least once a week, sometimes more!”

Jesus delivered me back to Atiliano, and we walked to the house between his blue house and his brother’s house. His mother greeted us at the back door and ushered us into the kitchen. A bowl full of tamales wrapped in plantain leaves was served up, along with water that we were assured came straight from the cistern.

It was a morning of hospitality. Shared food, shared conversations and a shared sense of community permeated our visit. Although poor, Cristo Rey did not feel impoverished. In fact in many ways it seemed to provide a richer lifestyle than the ones we aspire to in suburban America

- dan terpstra

Blocks

Thinking back...

Monday Morning Construction

Task one for the week is to build a concrete block platform for the fourth water tank; the one currently perched haphazardly near the laundry building. Three years ago it sat on a wooden platform next to the Development Center and provided water for the two flush toilets inside the building. Soon it will have a new concrete home and fill that role (and the toilets) again.

The two guys from Jaguar Creek (I wish I knew their names) are busy measuring and staking out the footings for the platform, a job that requires skills and knowledge we don’t have. We cut a few stakes for them, using Dave and Charica’s window shutter lumber, but soon run out of work. I see a stack of concrete blocks in front of the building. Sooner or later they’ll be needed for the platform. I decide to move them. It’s make-work, but necessary.

“Sarah, Matt – let’s move these blocks” “OK, How do you carry them?” I instruct the college kids to hold one block in each hand, careful to keep them away from your legs. Watch out, they’re rough. Walk slowly, you don’t want to trip.

I hoist a block in each hand and turn to make the trip to the back of the building. Directly in front of me is a little guy, all bright eyes, big smile and bare feet. He looks up at me with a toothy grin. “Sir! Sir! I can help?” It isn’t a question as much as a request. I have my doubts. The blocks are nearly half his height. But he is so eager. I try to work out how he’s going to carry such a large and heavy object; one hand on each end? He shakes his head vigorously and turns his back to me. He lifts his hands back behind his head and waits. I finally catch on and place the block between his hands, the weight resting on his back. He scampers off across the construction site, a trip he’ll repeat more times than I will as I try to keep him busy and happy.

I find out later from Sarah that his name is Miguel and he’s 5 years old. He spends the day with us, eagerly helping in any way he can (and cajoling a push on the swings from Sarah whenever he can). There’s a lesson in Miguel’s eager participation that I still haven’t quite put my finger on. I wonder about the metaphor of the concrete block. What blocks in our lives prevent us from living as fully and joyfully as I saw Miguel live on Monday? What tasks do we decide are too tough or too big to tackle, instead of saying “Sir! Sir! I can help!” Here I am Lord. Send me.

- dan terpstra

The trip home - from Nancy

We may have been delayed, but we got home safely and that's what counts. There were 7 of us who arrived at the airport in Belize City on Saturday in plenty of time for our flights back to the United States. Anne, Catherine, Emily, and Lauren were flying American Airlines and they were departing before Joanie, Erin, and I. The employee came over the intercom to announce it was time for them to board and we gave hugs and they were on their way. We watched their plane take off and everything seemed in order...

Our plane (U.S. Airways) was supposed to board at 11:45 a.m. so that we could depart at 12:15. People started standing up about that time and were crowding around the counter, so we figured it was time to board and followed suit. It wasn't long until we heard the word "delay." Apparently the airport was low on fuel and we would only have enough fuel to fly to Cancun where we would refuel for the rest of the trip. This is not the weekend to fly into Cancun - spring break, anyone? We would not be leaving Belize City until 2:00 and would hopefully get into Charlotte at 7:55. That would work - maybe - our flight to Knoxville was scheduled to leave Charlotte at 8:20 p.m. Could we clear customs in record time? Not to worry... the plane trip to Cancun took a long time because of the lack of fuel (we flew slowly) and it took quite a while to refuel once we got there. The Cancun airport also uses the same runway for arrivals and departures, so taking off took another 45 minutes as we sat on the runway and waited. We landed in Charlotte at approximately 8:45 p.m. The airlines gave us hotel and meal vouchers and told us we would be spending the night in Charlotte. We didn't make it to the Easter worship service as we had planned - our flight the next morning landed at 11:15 a.m. We were glad to be home after a wonderful week - and we were so glad that we made it safely!

Fom Anne, Friday

Orphanage Update - Sorry I haven't posted all week, but you know I hate technology.

Tuesday Joanie and I headed back to the orphanage. I did more laundry and she worked in the kitchen and a dentist was there. Dora did say that she appreciated the help. We had more time with the kids. At one point I had Lequesha and Leah (Dora's daughter) each on a knee. It reminded me of when the twins were little. After about an hour, Lequesha asked me if she could tell me a secret in my ear. I said yes, and she whispered in my ear "I'm afraid of the dentist". I told her I used to be also and we went and watched the dentist for about 30 minutes. Then she told me to follow her and she went and put her name on the list for the dentist! I told her she was a brave girl. Joanie had a lot of time with the kids since lunch was so late.

Wednesday morning I took a walk with the teens and went back to the orphanage to take the older kids to swim at blue hole. Of course they weren't ready when we got there, but we stayed cool and waited until they were. Chio (the bus driver) started honking the horn and they all started climbing on the bus. They asked Joanie and I if we wanted to ride with them and we agreed. Chio makes the trip in a lot less time than any of our drivers! I think our children were scared for our lives, but Joanie & I stayed cool. When we got there we had kids everywhere and it was chaos. Kids jumping where they shouldn't, swimming past where they should, and wandering off. I manned the water and Peggy used her teacher voice from above to keep everyone in line. We even took Eleona, a blind girl. Joanie spent the entire time with her, but we were a little amazed they sent her with us. She did beautifully and she sang several to Joanie in Spanish. Together they sang This is the Day the Lord hath Made in English and then she sang it in English Creole. When it was time to go, Chio started honking the horn, we did a count and thought we were missing 3 kids, they told us there was an extra kid we were missing also. They kept saying they would catch the bus home, but eventually the bus pulled out and the other 4 showed up and got on. I don't think we were following Girl Scout Safety Wise, but were doing it the Belezian way.

Thursday was back to the orphanage for teens, medical and us. We were going to take the kids to the park and play games, but it was raining. So we stayed flexible and ended up playing with the kids and helping them brave the medical team. I apparently have several new daughters since my girls have new sisters. When we got in the van, the teens and us were crying because they wouldn't see their new friends again. I know Kings Children Home is going to be in our monthly budget.

Thanks for all your support. We are flying home tomorrow and if we don't have any problems will spend Easter morning with you.

From Erin, Friday

Today was a "play day", so 15 of us traveled to Xunantunich (we had a lot of trouble pronouncing and spelling this word!) to visit Mayan ruins. The ruins were absolutely astounding. There were several very large, stone temples. The largest pyramid temple was around 150 feet, but we're not sure the exact height. We just know that it was EXTREMELY tall, and very scary when we climbed all the way to the top. The weather wasn't exactly nice - it misted pretty much the entire day. Which made it interesting for us to climb the many, many stairs of the temples since they were slippery and wet. Some of us went on all 4 fours and did a "spider crawl" down the temple.

Our guide, Dino, was great - he informed us in great detail of how Mayans sacrificed people to the gods, which was a little gut-wrenching (quite literally). But we learned alot about the culture and history of the Mayan people.
After visiting the ruins we did a little shopping in San Ignacio. We ate lunch at a small cafe and had barbeque chicken, which is a very common Belizean dish. After lunch we headed back to Jaguar Creek...however we encountered many bumps, potholes, and a speed bump on a gravel road along the way. Mike was a great driver, but we had 16 people packed in a 15 passenger van, and the back row hit the ceiling many times from the extreme turbulance. We have had a great time in Belize! Seven of us are flying back tomorrow, and we appreciate your prayers!

Completion!

The construction projects were completed on Thursday. In a flurry of activity gutters were hung, PVC was cut and glued, valves were installed and the water tanks attached. All this occurred in unusual and less than ideal conditions. It started to rain just before we woke up and continued steadily throughout the day. We climbed on slippery ladders and slogged through mud while finishing the work. In addition we decided to make up t-shirts that say "I went to Belize and almost got hypothermia!" The steady rain combined with a steady breeze left us all chilled.

The one reward from the soggy conditions was that after everything was hooked-up, the rain began to fill the water tanks. By late afternoon when the Living Waters team passed by, there was water available out of the spigots.

There are still some loose ends to tie-up but this morning the conditions are a lot like yesterday's. Shoving our American "completion" complexes aside, we concluded that safety outweighed further progress and decided to take the morning figuring out how to pack our wet and dirty clothes.

My "rain forest" experience is now complete.

See you soon.

Peace,
Dave

From Sumner

AH!!! I wish I were there with you all! I can completely recall everything you describe - the incredibly green everything, the howler monkeys at night, the creek with its wooden stairs, the glass coke bottles (although that's the norm over here), the cicadas chirping like there's no tomorrow! I miss Jaguar Creek so much! Get elizabeth to show you where the eel lives...have you climbed up the waterfall yet? If you go farther back, there's a deep blue hole where the water comes out. Its so cool (and a tad scary). Anyway, say hi to LaQuisha and Ezekiel and Crystal for me, if they are still there (although they would probably have no idea who you were talking about) Do they still have a dog? When I was there he was just a puppy, and Ezekiel and I (I think) decided to name it Little Basil (no idea why). I bet he's huge now... :) Right now, even in Provence, there is no place I'd rather be than with you all in Belize. And I do mean that!

Love, Sumner

From Chuck

Thursday night

Today I went with Dan, Peggy, Lynn, and Jessica on a field trip to the San Ignacio area. On the way we stopped at the basketball court we had worked on last spring. It was finished and looked great. From there we went to visit Nadean Jones's husband in the village of Cristo Rey. Dan will likely write about that, so I'll let this be sufficient.

We then visited the Octavia Waight nursing home, where Lynn chatted briefly with a resident she had met last spring and gave him a stack of magazines she had brought. Next, a visit with Rafeal Ku, the general manager of Presbyterian schools in Belize. We discussed the potential water treatment system at the Orange Walk school, and I felt we came to an understanding that we should proceed toward a covenant to rebuild the existing non-functional system.

Tonight we had Maundy Thursday communion. I felt a strong connection with you back home taking communion in a far different place, but linked by the bond between us. I think it went well, by which I mean that I think I didn't prevent anyone's having a worshipful experience. It was my first experience as a celebrant, and a bit scary. I am thankful for the change in the Book of Order that allowed us to have communion and for the training that Pastor Kerra gave me to make it possible.

Back at the lodge after the service, Peggy, Sarah, Ben, Drew, Dale and I sang hymns and gospel songs for a while. It was wonderful to join our voices and our hearts to make such joyful music to praise God.

From Dale, Thursday

3/20/08 Dale Hadden
Today we worked at the orphanage. We worked in the kitchen because there was a dental team seeing the children where we had worked before. First, several impression - the orphanage is much improved. There is much less debris, the rooms are clean but still crowded. The kitchen is improved. Everything looks freshly painted. This is reflected in the children as well. Three years ago we treated 10 or 12 children with ringworm. This time I treated one. I identified one child with a minor heart murmur and one child (new to the orphanage and young) with badly bowed legs, probably rickets, who needs orthopedic intervention. A few children had ear infections. There were many cases of head lice. The children on the whole were healthy, and their skin looked good. In one long marathon session we completed the physicals on the children, several children of staff members and a few staff members. I was impressed with our teens’ relationship with the children.

From Syd, Thursday

3/20/2008 Syd Murray
The process to plaster the interior and perhaps the exterior walls is to first load the pointed trowel and toss the mud in evenly delivered blops. Raul tried with great patience to instruct me. The best I could do was to wear most of it on my head or his back. My Spanish is as nonexistent as my mud throwing skills but I thought I heard someone comment that I threw mud like a girl. The comment tasted like cement back home.

Praying for You

How hard it is to do God's work! God doesn't work on "American" time, or on our "to do lists." The Spirit moves where she will. The projects and programs we think are so important are sometimes God's little ruse to get us where we need to be. In my own ministry, I've seen this time and again. The things I think are important are far less than the events that come unexpected, unannounced and way, way off my schedule. The Spirit's work is seen in hindsight or from looking kind of sideways and unfocused. God called each of you to be in Belize - for reasons which may be yet unknown. It may have been to build relationships more so than to build a laundry house or put shutters on windows. Blessed are the poor and the meek. Perhaps we who are rich and strong have much to learn.

How easy it is to do God's work! Remember that the confessions of our church teach that the chief end of humankind is to glorify God and enjoy God forever. That little word - enjoy - is so valuable. Another spiritual teacher acknowledges that to align ourselves with God's purpose is to be filled with joy and enthusiasm, or when we cannot be thrilled about what we're doing to at least be present in the moment - because God is with us, right here, right now. The beauty you see all around you is God's spectacular show. The church's celebration of resurrection is Sunday, but it is with us every moment.

It's both difficult and easy to find ourselves in God's hands doing God's work. Trust in the Spirit. In Jeremiah God comforts all the families of Israel by saying, "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness. When Israel sought for rest; the Lord appeared from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." God loves you and God is faithful. God will not let you stumble or fall - unless of course you will recognize God more clearly in the face of the person who helps you back up!

We're praying for you!

Kerra

Wednesday

Today was the last day of medical clinic in Armenia, the clinic was fairly small we only saw 21 people. We saw several men today. The slower pace of clinic allowed me time to talk more with the mothers. One of the mothers was giving her year old child a bottle of sugared coffee! The additional time allowed me to ask her what she was giving her child. Over the period of time we have seen one very sick little girl, a child with malnutrition from worms, and several children with draining ear infections. I was grateful that we had the medications to treat them. We also saw an 89 year old woman with severe arthritis her hands, feet and knees were deformed and she complained of pain. We were able to give her Ibuprofen because the team contributed their own medications. I had given out all the Ibuprofen and Tylenol I had. It was cough and cold season and many of these people cannot even buy aspirin. It was a blessing to be able to give these medications. Odelia and Filberta the community nurses asked if I could give a public talk on asthma and scabies. It was an answer to my prayer, because I had wanted to do more health education. The people volunteers who staffed the clinic have done a fantastic job. They made the clinic successful. Tomorrow we will be working at the orphanage with the children there.

Dale

Who moved the goal posts?

Everyone seems to have a fantastic success story, so why don't I? The youth have been exceeding everyone's expectations. They completed twice as much painting and bonded with both the Belize kids and with each other. The medical team has seen almost a hundred patients and has had enough time to establish relationships to promote long term health education in addition to short term care.

The Living Waters group returns each day with another challenging opportunity and a call to return this summer to install a water system.

The "results" from the construction team have been mixed. The blocks are up and most of the concrete has been poured. The plumbing and gutters are going up and should be finished by Friday morning.

As for me, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I elected to serve on the carpentry detail to install windows and doors. You need to understand that my idea of a window and what they wanted are two different things. Essentially what they wanted were shutters. That's fine. Once I figured that out I dug right in. Made good progress the first day but then ground to a halt when we didn't have any hinges. Not quite as simple as driving down to the Home Depot. Finally got the hinges Tuesday afternoon and installed them before we called it a day. This morning when it came time to hang the windows we discovered that my one accomplishment on Tuesday had been done wrong so we had to remove them and try again.

So in three days I've constructed a couple of windows and mixed a little concrete. Is this what it's all about? Don't get me wrong; it's been a marvelous experience. I've rejoiced in the accomplishments of others, marveled at the beauty of the country and felt tremendous pain viewing the poverty of the citizens. Somehow it all feels very selfish, however. I've been gaining a lot but it's not clear what I've been giving back.

Will I do it again? That remains to be seen. It is an experience that everyone should have. Perhaps I'm also learning things that will make future trips more fruitful. Or possibly I need to come to terms with my goal oriented mentality.

Stay tuned.

Peace,
Dave

At the Creek

Wednesday, ~6:30AM
It’s morning. The sun’s up and the birds are calling to each other. I find myself sitting at the edge of Jaguar Creek, a place and time of day I occupied almost exactly three years ago. Some things have changed. The deck now extends to the water’s edge. I could dangle my feet in the creek if I wasn’t wearing shoes. Some things are eternally the same. The crystal clear water burbles over the small waterfall upstream, surrounded by lush jungle growth. I’m reminded of the journal entry I wrote three years ago, and again of the contrasts between the natural beauty and the human degradation one sees in Belize. I’m not sure how the jungle view from where I sit could be much more beautiful. And I don’t understand the psychology and culture that permits the rampant trashing of this beauty with plastic bags and bottles and junk of all sorts. Not much different, I guess, from many of the ‘hollers’ I’ve seen in the hills of East Tennessee.
I spent yesterday in Orange Walk in the northern part of the country. Four and a half hours of driving punctuated by a four hour meeting with the principal of a Christian elementary school and her husband. Their dedication to and vision for their community and school was inspiring. The conditions in which they worked out that vision were appalling to these American eyes: unsafe wiring; open sewer lines; construction materials in hallways, classrooms and playgrounds.
But even in these conditions they immediately grasped the idea of providing clean water to their students and families as a way to powerfully minister to their community.
God is at work in us and through us amid the contrasts that define Belize.
- dan terpstra

From Lynn: Living Waters for the World - Orange Walk

On Sunday and Monday the LWW team was focused on Armenia with meetings with the Village Chairman and a member of the Water Board. We’re making progress and think that a system may be viable next year because of the plumbing work we’re doing on this trip. The political picture is quite complicated though so we continue to work through those issues and pray for guidance.

On Tuesday morning, parts of the LWW team (Lynn, Mike, Dan, and Matt) headed to the Presbyterian Pre and Primary school in Orange Walk. Lynn had made contact with the school last year so this was the next step and we were hoping for good progress. Orange Walk is a little more than 2 h north of Jaguar Creek (JC). Driving from JC north, the land changes from jungle to very dry coastal plain. As with everywhere we go, there are small villages along the road and then long expanses of absolutely nothing. After all, there are more people in Knox Co., then in the entire of Belize! When we got to Orange Walk I was relieved that my memory of the location was correct. Orange Walk is more city-like than other places we’ve been (although it is technically called a town). Narrower streets with shops on either side, lots of Chinese restaurants (honest), people walking back and forth, and kids hanging out since they’re on break. As everywhere, housing varied from shacks with cloth windows to block, wood, shingle places that were tucked behind cement walls. Matt saw some kids playing football (soccer) with an empty bottle and wished he had a soccer ball to give them.

We arrived at the school to meet the principal, Ruth Ku and her husband Mario. We spent the first hour learning about the history of the school, progress since last year, and plans for the future. It was immediately clear that Mrs Ku has a vision for the school and is working very hard with limited resources to improve the school. 170 kids attend the school – from Kindergarten through 8th grade (they call it preschool through standard 6). The school is still struggling with tuition as they have no external support. They are making it month to month with all of their expenses until next year. If they can get gov’t support next year, the gov’t will pay 70% of the teacher salaries. Mrs. Ku was very excited about the possibility of us fixing the water treatment system. The system would be a source of clean water instead of each class chipping in to purchase water. Mrs. Ku is also certain that families in the community would use the water – to the tune of 300-500 people between the school and community. We had a bit of a scare when Mrs Ku started talking about selling the water to help the school – which is not our purpose. Mike looked at me, I looked at Dan, I looked at Mike…and after an awkward pause we started talking about the mission of LWW and providing water only to recover your costs or free for those that couldn’t afford it. We were greatly relieved when Mrs. Ku got the picture of water as a method to reach out to the community and she got excited about how it would help them rebuild the trust of the community after the corruption that happened in the past.

After our discussions, we took a look at the defunct system and then headed for lunch. We went to a Chinese restaurant and I was brave enough (or stupid enough) to order ice tea because I am so tired of coke and water. (As of this writing – no ill effects ). We enjoyed getting to know the Ku’s – where they grew up, the ages of their children, etc.
We headed back to the school and Dan, Matt, and Mike went to figure out what was needed for water treatment and I sat down with Ruth to complete the water survey and talk about the covenant that we would need to complete/sign. We also talked about when she would like the installation – July or August to be ready for school in September – Yikes! I wasn’t surprised, really, and assuming we can find a team and the $$ it is absolutely doable. In addition, Mrs Ku talked about the teacher workshops she holds in August and we thought that would be the perfect time to teach the teachers the health, hygiene and spiritual training – perfect! I left my meeting with Mrs Ku convinced that an installation will happen. I can’t tell you how good that feels after working on this LWW effort for three years now. It is hard to stay enthusiastic over time but I guess I’ve learned that the work last year starting the relationship with this school, fed into this year, which will feed into an installation. And it will happen in God’s time, not mine.

Mark and Dan’s conclusion with the old system was that it would have to be replaced entirely and scavenged for pieces. The holding tanks are in good shape though and it wouldn’t be hard to fix up a bottling station. On the “bummer” side, Mike and Dan also learned that the electrical system at the school is a real hazard and raw sewage from one of the bathrooms empties onto the ground outside the exterior wall. There was also rebar sticking out of walls that looked hazardous. Our feeling is that the water system would only be the beginning – that to accomplish Mrs Ku’s vision and ours, we will need to help the school with some of their other problems. I’m also thinking that maybe we could hook them up with other mission groups as well – none have visited the school since July. The problems with the school are not for lack of desire to fix things up, it’s a matter of resources. God blessed us with a successful trip and relationships begun. Speaking of relationships, I’ve noticed when we talk at night about what we accomplished during the day, it is the stories of relationships that puts a spark in people’s eyes and voices. It might be pushing a child in a swing during a break, painting next to a new friend, sitting with a child to convince them that it was ok to visit the dentist, or trying to figure out what to do with a tarantula (really!). The construction, painting, clothes washing, water systems (the things) are important, but it is the relationships that everyone is experiencing is making this trip a blessing to us all.

Lynn Kszos

From Jessica - Painting in Armenia day 2

Yesterday was a productive day. The teens painted more of the schools and we even painted inside of one school building. After all of the schools were done we headed to a town council building to paint it grey. It was smaller than a school building so it took us about two hours to do the inside and outside of it. We had a lot of help.

During the day some teens spotted a tarantula. A boy named Kevin apparently was thrilled to see it and I think he stepped on it. I was not there to see it but it was definitely memorable. Kevin helped us paint and we all came to the conclusion that he stayed for one of our paint buckets. He ended up receiving 2. These were for water. It’s hard to believe that kids would stand around the whole day waiting for a bucket. But that’s what really happened.

I took some pictures in the morning of a bunch of kids jammed on the slide. They really wanted their pictures taken. One of the little boys had a big bump on his forehead. One little girl’s teeth were in pretty bad shape.


At the beginning of the trip I was expecting Armenia to be in terrible conditions. I thought the water was going to be horrible. When I got there it really wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. People bought water, and some people got it from the pipes.

Most of the kids I interacted with were the happiest you’d ever see them. They were so happy and they all wanted to help. Some kids even helped with construction. All of the kids were very nice and none of them judgmental. Everyone here does not care what you look like. It’s so easy and laid back.

One of the kids I met named Suli had never been to the ocean. I’m going to the ocean on Friday and some of the kids here have never even seen an ocean.

I love all the experiences I am having here and I hope to remember them all.

-jessica kszos

Mixed Feelings

Tuesday AM, March 19, 2008
Most of us were working in Armenia yesterday. I was among them. I found myself nurturing very mixed feelings as I walked through the community center and onto the porch where we mixed so much concrete three years ago. It was gratifying to see the laundry building we’d put so much effort into – now much more complete with a roof and cyclone fencing on the windows. But as I entered, it was disconcerting to realize that it had never been used for laundry. The six cast concrete wash tubs formed two rows down the center of the building, exactly as designed. But they were filled with discarded snack food bags, not laundry. The PVC pipe came up from the floor and fed the laundry tubs. Except for the broken fittings where kids had climbed or jumped on them. The building had been secured at one point, but only hinges on the frame suggested where a door had once hung. Dead vines climbing the back of the building reinforced the feeling of disuse. Putting aside feelings of disappointment, I walked out into the bright blue Belizean day. Hope re-emerged as I became engaged in the process of planning for the water tanks that will resurrect the promise of the laundry building from three years ago and promote the dream of clean water for the people of Armenia.
- dan terpstra

Clinic Notes

I won’t hurt you. “No voy a causarle dolor.” This is what I was trying to communicate with my eyes and my smile without much success. Two year olds are supposed to be scared of strangers especially ones that want to touch them with “things”. How scary it is not to understand what is happening or why it is happening; especially when we are children. Keep in mind I was doing fairly non-evasive procedures such as taking blood pressures, pulse rates, and respiration rates in the medical clinic but I was overcome with the desire to make sure the children knew I wasn’t going to hurt them. Smiling helps!!! Often I was rewarded with a huge grin in response to my smiles and if I was lucky may be even a giggle. I really had to stop and pray several times, “Lord, I want to help not hurt.” Finding the English to Spanish Medical Dictionary and translating “I won’t hurt you” increased my confidence and hopefully eased the fears of several toddlers and young children. I have no idea what the children who speak Mayan and not Spanish thought I was saying. My goal tomorrow is to learn how to say I won’t hurt you in Mayan. Keep me in your prayers, who knows how Mayan sounds with a slight southern drawl.

Having the opportunity to return to Belize and work on the mission projects gives me the incredible sense that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, serving God. When my heart serves I feel all is right with the world. I know in my head that I don’t have to travel to another country to serve Him but stepping out of the daily routine and INTENTIONALLY serving is freeing to my soul. So today I learned to take blood pressures on a squirming, squalling toddler as well as learned how to communicate several different ways – “No voy a causarle dolor” and felt my soul soar with service and love for my Lord.

The clinic was able to serve approximately 27 people today. Dale (our Nurse Practioner) was also able to spend quite a bit of time with the village’s health care workers answering their questions, offering solutions as well as assessing the needs of the village as a whole. Tomorrow should bring more people in need of medical care and we will do our best to treat the issues present.

In peace,

elizabeth

School in Armenia

Monday, March 17
Today we loaded up the vans and headed into Armenia, where our American teenagers met up with their Belizean counterparts. After some shy and giggly introductions, we all grabbed buckets of paint and began to slap paint, Tom Sawyer-style, on the weathered boards of three school classrooms. Painting is a nice way to get to know somebody, since conversation is not forced to be continuous, but just happens as a natural part of the process. By noon, our enthusiastic crew looked to be about half done with our task for the week, and I was thinking uh-oh, what about the rest of the week! But Mark has figured out a few more things for us to do, not to worry.

I met the principal of the school, and found out that classes are typically over thirty kids, which is pretty amazing considering what the inside of the classrooms looked like. The classroom I first entered shocked me. The one blackboard was about 3’ x 6’ and was badly scratched and marred. There were two huge holes in the blackboard, and I wondered how I would use it! The classroom had a stained concrete floor, desks in various stages of disrepair, shuttered windows with no glass or screens, and posters that looked like the same ones you’d see in a US elementary classroom. My eye found the mandatory list of classroom rules. One of the class rules was “no stealing”; not something I’d think to put on my list! I couldn’t imagine thirty lively kids in that little room. What we cast off would be absolute heaven to whatever teacher God calls to teach there.

Peggy

Hello Everyone from Joanie

Today a small group of us spent the day at the Kings Home for Children where approximately 45-50 children live. These children, through no fault of their own and for various reasons, have no family able to care for them and so, have been taken in by the Home. They range in age from infants to young adults. Leoni, the founder and director, was not there for much of the day, but her sister, Fay, oversaw the activities and goings-on in her absence. Anne and Ashley provided much needed help with the laundry. The children are on Spring Break this week and are at the Home all day since school is out. And yes, as Anne learned, Belizian teens change their clothes up to 4 times/day just like American teens! Jane and I helped in the kitchen; cleaning tables, sweeping, mopping, drying dishes, and helping make banana bread. But of course, in addition to knowing that we were helping with the chores and daily needs of the Home, most enriching was meeting and talking with the people. We were fortunate to be able to listen to Fay as she spoke about the Home, it’s purpose, their hopes for the children, their needs, and frustrations. Her dedication to the children is amazing. We spent time with Clement, a 16 year (if I remember correctly) volunteer who helps prepare every meal – in addition to his regular job outside the Home. Anne and Ashley spent much time talking with the wonderful ladies doing the laundry. And these are just a few of the many people who help. And of course, the children – Nathan (who looked about 2), LaQuisha (5), Josiah (7), Zarah (maybe 7?), Ezekial (10), Gladys (14), and a 20 year old blind, schizophrenic girl (whose name I don’t remember right now) who was led around the Home as needed by the younger children. There are so many more I met, but only briefly for now. I was struck by the sense of community and family within the Home – a toddler would cry and a 6 year old would comfort him. They live together as a team – helping each other, playing with each other, fussing with each other. I enjoyed so much getting to know them even in the short time we had today – some shy, some very outgoing and engaging. They enjoyed talking with me about the Superman movie they were watching and others enjoyed sitting in our laps being read to. And I keep thinking how grateful I am that this Home exists and that these children of God are cared for, provided for, and are given love, structure, discipline, friendship, and attention. We’re looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow!!
Joanie Scheuer
(Oh – I’ve just been given word that Eric walked in with a cat-eyed snake wrapped around his arm!)

Hi Church Family from Barbara

Our first real work day! Monday started out as usual with a great devotional, singing and- pancakes! (It was noted that it is St. Patricks Day and the teens were painting withgreen and came back wearing green paint) But my task today was with Dale Hadden and those others participating in the medical deed-doing. We were a bit late so there were people waiting in line. Also waiting were the 3 Armenian helpers- Filberta, Odelia and Sarah. These 3 ladies were truly amazing, very helpful with translating and assisting. Sarah wants to become a nurse and is in her 2nd semester of nurse school in Belmopan, Belize. Sarah is being sponsored in her studies by Jaguar Creek.

Last night Dale taught us in Nurse-Aid 101 how to take blood pressure, TPR vitals, etc.

Today we just did it! All of the children today were sick. Lots of coughing and runny noses, lots of head lice and scabies, lots of staph skin infections. But Dale did see at least 3 children or infants who very much needed her services. Serious problems that she willfollow up with in the coming days. These kids benefited from our services today.

I got to be the pharmacist. Dale has pretty good writing so it wasn’t a challenge to read her scripts.

Tonight we had a lecture by Ed Boles an Aquatic Biologist from the Univ. of Belize speaking on watersheds and the problems with deforestation, dams, pollution, etc. Belize is truly ecologically diverse and unspoiled compared to the surrounding countries, but big business and international investors are coming. He said Belize needs to act now to protect itself.

Thanks for your letters and encouragement. Barbara Reeve

From Nancy - March 17th

You may have noticed that there are names you don't recognize who are blogging on here. We are cross-posting every blog that is written on the Oak Ridge and Farragut sites so that you don't miss anything!

Today was our first day of work. I am working with the teen-to-teen group this week and today and tomorrow we are painting in the village of Armenia, which is about 15 minutes away from Jaguar Creek, where we are staying. We got there this morning and met the Belizean teens and got our brushes and buckets. Throughout the day, we painted the majority of three classrooms (the exterior). We painted them light green with dark green trim. We'll finish the classrooms tomorrow and do some other painting, too.

I was amazed to just stand back and watch the activity in the village. People are coming and going all the time. Children are running around, checking to see what's going on in their community. It was so neat to work alongside the Belizean teens and learn about them, their schooling, etc.

Painting also provides a great opportunity for group bonding. I was not surprised to see that our group was much closer by the end of the day than we had been at the beginning. We had discovered new things about each other and about the new people we met.And I'm sure others have told you - but it's absolutely beautiful here - it can't even be described in a blog post. And the food is delicious. We had fried plantains for lunch - Mmmmmmmm. :)

From Charica-March 16 morning

The morning started out very peacefully. Waking up to the sound of birds in the jungle and the soft morning light sifting in through the trees was as close to sleeping outdoors as you can get with a roof over your head. The peace was short-lived, though. Within about ten minutes, the place was bustling with activity and very human noise. Not that it was a bad thing. It was a good noise – the sound of people sharing space, getting to know each other, getting along.

Later in the morning, we were blessed with some truly joyous noisemaking. We joined the Church of the Nazarene for a powerful, music-centric worship service. The energy in the room was contagious and the volume loud enough that even I felt at ease joining in. The sermon itself was particularly moving to me. It was such an insightful look at Jesus’ triumphal entry – focusing in such detail on the unbroken, young colt that the Master needs. It spoke to me about willingness versus willfulness and about missed opportunities.

My afternoon was spent cave-tubing in Jaguar Paw. If you have never been there, then you are missing an amazing experience. That such vast beauty can be hidden in such dark places says a lot to me about the wondrous ways of God. Words cannot describe it and photos can’t capture it (despite Mike’s very determined efforts as designated photographer!). If you can, go see it for yourself someday...

Question:

From Belmopan, in what direction do you go to get to Jaguar Creek? And how far? South to Armenia first, perhaps, and then . . .
- Jim Tonne

From Chuck

Written by Chuck, Saturday March 15

Some of us drove to Atlanta Friday night and flew out Saturday morning, going through Miami. Well, that was an adventure. We came through downtown Atlanta shortly after the tornado hit, and had to work our way through traffic that was slowed way down by rescue workers helping with overturned vehicles and other damage. We had a very nice hail storm later in the evening. The parking lot below our window was nearly white with hail before it switched back to rain.

Saturday morning traffic was snarled on the taxiway by a plane with a mechanical malfunction as our plane was trying to get away from the terminal. It took us mare than an hour to get to the runway, and with only an hour and a half for our connection, we were really concerned that we wouldn’t get out of Miami. However, American airlines delayed the flight to Belize, and we made it after all. I guess God really intended for us to get here.

It was really nice to get to Jaguar Creek again. We arrived just at dusk, and the birds were singing their evening songs. The lushness of the jungle is amazing. And all around, it is warm and buggy and noisy.

We are sharing the camp with some of the directors of the organization that runs Jaguar Creek Ministries. They are here to energize old staff, orient new staff, recruit volunteers, and court potential donors. They are all from the San Francisco area, so the setting is even more different for them than it is for us.

Saturday night we met Jacinto, the head of the water board for Armenia and also for the Cayo district (the north central district). We didn’t have a long discussion, but we learned a few things that will change our approach to providing clean water. I have hopes that he will be a good resource and possibly an apolitical ally. Otherwise, we will have trouble, because no plan outlasts the term of office of the person with whom you make the plan. Sometimes I think no truth outlasts the term of office of the person who tells you that truth. Pray for good decisions as we try to find our way to beneficial service to God’s children in Armenia.

From Chuck, Sunday, March 16, 2008

It was chilly last night! We couldn’t believe that we actually needed a blanket. This morning dawned to the accompaniment of bird songs, and the bugs had shut up for the day.

We went to church at the Nazarene church in Roaring Creek. What a contrast from the Pentacostal church in Armenia! Lots of praise songs with drums, guitar, and electronic keyboard. Then the sermon, which was excellent. He spoke about the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, of course. On of his points was about spontaneity. The crowd just turned out to welcome Jesus without being recruited and organized. Similarly, we should be prepared to respond to God’s call without planning and organization. One had to do with lost opportunity. Jesus wept for Jerusalem’s lost opportunities. We should be attentive to opportunities as they arise so we don’t miss out as well.

The point that somehow resonated most with me was about the donkey. Here was an animal that was too young to be used yet, and not been broken for riding. Yet that was what Jesus asked for. And, he said, how many of us have gifts and talents as our own donkeys that are tied up somewhere, and when God calls, we say “It’s not time yet” or “Wait until I have this ability better trained.” We may do that over and over, and never get around to answering the call.

One thing that kind of pricked at us was the minister’s reference to the Pharisees as people who couldn’t stand disorder. The crowd was having a good time praising Jesus, and the Pharisees said tell them to shut up, they are unruly, it isn’t appropriate to be so disorderly. Maybe the frozen chosen need to think about that a bit more.

This afternoon Dale and Ashley and I went to Armenia to find Filberta and Odelia, the village nurses. Their houses were appalling. They had no windows in their windows, but you don’t really need windows in Belize. There were chickens walking around the yard picking among the bits of trash and litter, apparently unlimited numbers of dogs, most of which we so thin they must have been infested with parasites. It was a reminder how little we can identify with conditions of such poverty, and how little we can do about it. The best we can do, I guess, is to offer our friendship and knowledge.

Emily on Sunday

Nature here is absolutely, stunningly magnificent. Just looking out at the lush vegetation or floating through ginormous caves fills me with such a sense of wonder, I want to climb on the top of a mountain and sing to my creator from the top of my lungs: “How great thou art!”
The sounds are beautiful as well, a symphony of interweaving voices all rejoicing in the simple fact that they are filled with life. I’m genuinely happy to be here, experiencing the glories of this world in an entirely new life. I hope that as the week progresses we grow and spread God’s love throughout this gorgeous landscape.

~Emily~

It's in God’s hands

Saturday late, March 15
Well we’re finally here in Belize, and despite the day’s hijinx, We’re ALL here. As I sit and listen to the various jungle noises (think katydids on steroids) I can still hear Jaguar Creek flowing gently in the forest. Looking back, today was an incredibly long day, and it really is amazing that we all made it. After waking up at 4:30, there were a comical number of obstacles in our two leg flight. Interestingly enough, I saw Kirsten Brynestaad at the airport while checking in, but that was the high point. From there we had to wade through hours of cancellations (due mostly to fog), faulty ticket reservations, lost (and subsequently found) passports, the whole nine yards. And still, despite all these obstacles, I’m sitting in a screen porch in the middle of the rainforest, hearing true fish stories from Mike Skytta. I think God was reminding us it’s not our decision, but that He’s in control. I also remember being amazed by several things in my first few hours here. First was the oppressive humidity. It was like I stepped out of the plane and into a damp blanket. Another interesting detail was the fact that sodas are actually in glass bottles. I was struck also by the beauty of the forest. Descriptions weren’t enough to prepare me for the real thing; it’s truly beyond words. Also, I was struck by the sense of peace. It is truly in God’s hands, and I realized I didn’t have to worry, just go with the flow.
- ben terpstra

Stations of the Cross

From Pastor Kerra:

Pope John Paul II created a version in which all of the Stations were taken from Scripture. Those who wish to take on this discipline may want to pick one gospel in which to follow the story. Imagine the scene as you read and pray.

The Stations are:

(1) Jesus prays in the Garden
Matthew 26:36-36; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 17:1-26

(2) Jesus' betrayal and arrest
Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-12

(3) He is condemned by the High Priest
Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-55, 63-71; John 18:13-24

(4) Denied by Peter
Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:56-62; John 18:25-27

(5) Jesus tried before Pilate
Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2-5; John 18:29-38

(6) The Soldiers mock Jesus
Matthew 27:27-31a; Mark 15:16-20a; John 19:2-3

(7) Jesus takes up his cross
Matthew 27:31b-32; Mark 15:20b-21; Luke 23:26-32; John 19:17a

(8) Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus
Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26

(9) Jesus meets with the women of Jerusalem
Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:49

(10) Jesus is crucified
Matthew 27:33-37; Mark 15:22-26; Luke 23:33-34; John 19:17b-27

(11) Jesus on the Cross
Matthew 27:38-44; Mark 15:27-32; Luke 23:35-43; John 19:18

(12) Jesus speaks to John and Mary his mother
John 19:25b-27

(13) The death of Jesus
Matthew 27:45-54; Mark 15:33-39; Luke 23:44-48; John 19:28-30

(14) Jesus' burial
Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

Deja Vu

Sunday, March 16, 5:15AM
It’s early. But I’m done sleeping. I’m not alone. Syd’s rattling around in the bathroom and Uncle Mike’s just rolled out of bed. Guess us old farts just don’t sleep like the young pups anymore. Besides, it’s already after 7 back home.
It’s interesting and somewhat unsettling to be back here after three years. See Belize filtered through my memories and expectations and projecting what it must look like to the eyes on the team seeing it for the first time.
The drive from Belize City was disappointing. We started with a wrong turn from the airport (I was navigator), and wound up driving through the edge of the city instead of taking the “shortcut” we’d intended. We turned it into a learning opportunity, observing what I imagine many bustling cities in the developing world must look like. As we left the city, we drove for what seemed a long time through brush and scrub. Occasional fires to clear the land for planting wafted thick smoke across the van. The landscape and housing was impoverished, ramshackle and unappealing.
Then we turned south at Belmopan and things changed. The road narrowed, lush growth encroaching on either side. Banana palms and large vine covered trees replaced the scrub. Sudden elevation changes replaced the flat. I was gratified that the jungle was still as awesomely different and beautiful as I remember.
We missed the turn from Hummingbird Highway to Jaguar Creek (I was the navigator). Dave Mullins spotted the small sign that marked my mistake. When we finally pulled into the parking area, I was feeling the strong pull of Déjà vu as Matteo met us at the van to help us unload.
I insisted to Ben and Drew that a visit to the namesake creek was a must. They complied and I was gratified by the teenaged exclamations of approval at the incredible beauty of this special place. We’re here. I’m back. And God is with us in this place.
- dan terpstra

Spectacular Arrival!

The Lord works in wondrous and mysterious ways. We’ve all made it. I’ll let someone else recount their adventures with tornados and hail storms in Atlanta. Those of us that left out of Knoxville had to endure the uncertainties of US Air. In short, after arriving at Tyson at 6:00 am, we expected to be delayed until Sunday due a delay getting to Charlotte. We canceled our flight to Belize on Saturday and re-booked for Sunday. After arriving two hours late in Charlotte, we discovered that our connection to Belize had also been delayed and so we had to then cancel Sunday’s reservation and re-book for today. When all was said in done, we arrived in Belize three hours late but just slightly before the Atlanta group.
The lesson: if we had simply trusted everything to work out we would have made it just fine. In fact, our efforts potentially would have only made matters worse. Maybe this is a lesson to keep in mind as we proceed into our projects this week.
Belize is hot and humid (big surprise there). The country is sparsely populated and has a remarkable contrast in its geography. The area near Belize City where we arrived is largely below sea level and we drove through mangrove swaps for about 30 minutes as we headed to Jaguar Creek. We slowly climbed to rolling country and then into the foothills near Jaguar Creek. Jaguar Creek can only be described as spectacular. The rain forest environment is something I’ve only seen in movies (or possibly at Disney World). Our hosts have warned us not to be alarmed when the howler monkeys let loose tonight.
I am truly blessed to be here and even feeling slightly embarrassed to have this opportunity. The beauty of the area seems far removed from the selflessness and sacrifice that I associated with “mission work”.
We look forward to sharing worship at a local church on Sunday and then diving into our projects on Monday.
Peace to you all,
Dave

Belize 2008

The time is almost upon us to depart for our 2008 mission trip to Belize. This year there are 30 of us from 3 different Presbyterian communities, First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge; Farragut Presbyterian Church; and Maryville College.
We'll be leaving next Saturday, March 15, on several different flights from two different cities (Knoxville and Atlanta) to convene in the Belizean jungle at Jaguar Creek on Saturday evening.
Please hold us in your prayers as we finish our preparations this week and find our way -- physically and spiritually -- to a new and different place in the jungles of Belize.

Here's the team:

First Presbyterian

Paul Akers Elizabeth Andrews Anne Backus Catherine Backus Emily Backus Chuck Hadden Dale Hadden

Ashley Hadden Jane Hayden Lauren Johnson Dave Mullins Drew Mullins Syd Murray Robin Parker

Barbara Reeve Mike Skytta Sue Skytta Dan Terpstra Peggy Terpstra Ben Terpstra Olivia Wood

Farragut Presbyterian

Charica Collins Lynn Kszos Jessica Kszos

Nancy Myer Mike Sale

Erin Scheuer Joanie Scheuer

Maryville College

Matt Murrill

Sarah Terpstra

- dan terpstra
for the Belize Team 2008