It's Time to Go...

For some reason, all sorts of song lyrics are running through my head: "My bags are packed; I'm ready to go....leaving on a jet plane...." and "Thanks for the Memories of things I can't forget..." and "I'm so glad we had this time together...."


My bags are packed -- packed and stuffed and probably overweight. I thought I'd be taking home less than I brought here but apparently not. I've just got a few goodies that I have grown accustomed to here.

Today was a very emotional day. I knew it would not be easy to say goodbye to all my new friends at Holy Cross, and I was right. Things were pretty quiet in the office, and I finished all the things on my "to do" list by mid-morning. The plan was that we were having the Teacher Appreciation luncheon that the volunteer group from Texas has planned two weeks ago. All their food and teacher gifts finally arrived on Saturday. We set the porch up with one long table, and in spite of the blistering heat, we had a fun and festive lunch. Mrs. Rosalia and her kitchen crew prepared delicious marinated chicken, mashed potatoes and green salad. We had Ms. Jamira's and Ms. Alexia's birthday cake for dessert. That was the easy part.


Then it got hard..... once we had about finished eating, the teachers came to me one by one with cards they and their children had made for me. Each one of them said something very sweet and gave me a big hug. Needless to say, I teared up with the first one. I have beautiful cards with sweet sentiments and a gorgeous carved tucan that are now treasures. I have them tucked in my carry-on bag for safe ,and so I can read each one of them tomorrow as I fly toward home.


After lunch, they moved the tables in the cafeteria, and the dancing began!!! It was so hot that I could only fan myself and watch! After awhile, I gathered my things and slipped away. I just couldn't say goodbyes again.


I have some great pictures of the event and will post them later, but for now the cable for my camera is packed.


I have so much to think about and process as I reflect on these 5 months. It's been amazing, but now it's time to go home. I thank God for calling me to this ministry. I thank every one of you who have supported me with emails, cards, comments on the blog, financial support, prayers and encouragement. I have loved having you walk with me on this journey. When I can put my thoughts into coherent language, I will share it with you. I look forward to thanking you in person. And...anytime you want to look at my 600+ photos, I'll be happy to show you. One more request -- when you've heard too much of "when I was in Belize...", tell me to hush. I'll try to honor that.


Tomorrow will be a long day with 3 flights, long layovers and a late night arrival. I think it will feel good to be home. Peace and blessings.

Graduation 2010

What a grand and glorious day it was!!! Thirty-five boys and girls graduated from Holy Cross Anglican School today. The graduates, who wore their school uniforms, looked so pretty and handsome. The auditorium at the high school was beautifully decorated by Ms. Zulma and her committee. There was an arch of black and gold balloons for the graduates to walk under as they processed into the auditorium. Ms. James served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and kept everything running smoothly. Mrs. Carol Babb, former General Manager of the Anglican Schools and now Deputy Chief of the Ministry of Education, was the guest speaker. Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Francis also gave brief remarks. Rosa Lopez gave the traditional Valedictorian's speech. I was asked to give the invocation and the benediction -- a very special honor for me. There were songs, dances and poems by the children in the other grades. Prizes -- backpacks full of school supplies -- were given to the children with the first and second highest grades in each class.

Every school has its graduation traditions and at Holy Cross the Standard V students sing "There is a Candle". The Valedictorian brings in the torch. The members of the graduating class pass it from one to the next and finally to a representative from Standard V who carries it out of the auditorium. Very symbolic and moving.

Of the 35 graduates, 27 have scholarships for high school. If any of the others decide to go on to high school later, funds will be available for them as well. Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Kingwood, Texas, raised the money for 25 of those scholarships and had representatives there today to present them. Amazing opportunities for education and success are being provided to children who otherwise would not be able to go on in school. Imagine in the United States if kids were told at the end of 8th grade that, because their families couldn't pay $500 a year, they would not be allowed to go to high school. We have so many opportunities that we take for granted.

As a special treat for all the children and their families, the group from Texas had ordered 500 cupcakes. They were devoured at the close of the ceremony.

I will try to include a representative sample of pictures from this fantastic day.

Adios St. Luke's and Lobster Fest

The St. Luke's youth pilgrims left this morning on the water taxi for Belize City. I went to see them off. They have some more stops on their pilgrimage before going home Sunday. It has been wonderful having them here. They did good work at Holy Cross and made a difference to many children.

Today I tried to start packing to go home. I've pulled everything out and put it in piles. Most of the clothes are in the suitcases. I still have a few non-clothing items to wrap carefully and squeeze in between the layers of clothes. I think I've done about all I can until closer to departure time. It will be a tight fit to get everything stuffed in.

Tonight was the big final night of Lobster Fest 2010 in San Pedro.

There have been festivities at various resorts during the week, but tonight was the big block party at Central Park for everyone. There were zillions of people there, and every restaurant in town had a booth selling all kinds of things made with lobster. Sunset Grille even made lobster ice cream and lobster flan. No thanks. I had a wonderful broiled lobster tail with a tasty sauce, rice and beans and cole slaw. It was beginning to sprinkle so I brought my dinner home to eat. Yum. I watched the fire dancer, listened to some of the music and watched the judges begin to taste the dishes entered in the cooking contest. I'm sure the party is still going on. Not only was there every kind of lobster dish, there was every kind of beverage for sale as well.

Tomorrow is graduation at Holy Cross so it will be a busy day. The rented chairs are to be delivered at 9:00 am, and the decorating committee will be there then too. It should be a great day. Details and pictures to follow.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there.

I want you to meet Isolene

Let me introduce you to Isolene Bailey, one of the students who will graduate June 20 from Holy Cross Anglican School.

She has been a student at Holy Cross since shortly after the school opened and is an excellent, hard-working student. When I was here on previous mission trips, we spent some time together. This year when I helped in the Standard VI class preparing them for the math part of their PSE, we got reacquainted. Later she was in my Confirmation class and was one of the most dedicated, sincere members of the group. We really drew closer during that time. She would come and talk with me during break time or ask me questions or we would walk home together.

at her Confirmation

Isolene's mother left San Pedro two years ago to go live on the mainland. Isolene has lived with her older sister, then her cousin, and recently with her grandmother during that time. When the Standard VI students began making their applications to high school, she told us that she was moving to Belmopan where she would live with her mother and go to high school. At first she seemed happy with that plan, but about a week ago came to see me with a very sad face, wanting to talk. She wanted to go to high school with her friends; she didn't want to leave San Pedro; and most of all, she didn't want to go and live with her mother. The more she talked, the worse I learned the situation there is. To make a long story a little shorter, Mrs. Grace helped convince Isolene's mother that she would be giving her daughter the best opportunity for success if she allowed her to stay in San Pedro for high school. Isolene's father and step-mother were willing to have her come and live with them, but the mother was opposed to that idea. In Belize, biological mothers have rights that trump anyone else's whether that's really a good thing or not. Isolene's mother would consent to her staying here only if she could live with Mrs. Joy, the Standard VI teacher. Thanks be to God, Mrs. Joy is a generous lady who has taken in kids in the past, loves Isolene, and was agreeable to having her live with her family. The San Pedro High School principal accepted Isolene for next year's class on the spot because of her good grades and high recommendations from Mrs. Grace. Everything has fallen into place, and Isolene is smiling brightly again.

I am smiling too because I will have the joy of being Isolene's sponsor as she attends high school. My small contribution will pay her tuition, school fees and uniform costs. We will stay in touch through letters and email, and I will get updates on her grades each term. Last Friday was her 13th birthday and the day I could share with her our new relationship. We are both very happy. We've spent a good bit of time together, working through the tough situation. I have introduced her to the St. Luke's youth group, and they have fallen in love with her. ("Why can't she come to Durham and go to school there and come to St. Luke's?") They will join me in wishing her well in high school and encouraging her through school. Isolene loves to read, and Monday we are going to the San Pedro library to get her a library card so she can do lots of reading this summer.

God has brought this beautiful girl into my life. He was at work in all that had to be done and decided so that she could live in a safe and caring home. We ask God's loving help and guidance for Isolene as she begins a new phase of her life. It is such a blessing to know her, and I will be anxious to come back to San Pedro to see her the next time.

My last Friday...

This has been the week of "lasts" as my time here in San Pedro and at Holy Cross is coming to an end. Only 4 more days....

It's been a great week because the St.Luke's youth volunteers have brightened the school with their energy and exuberance. They have willingly taken on any task given them and somehow managed to turn even menial jobs like scrubbing mildew off of walls into something fun. I would invite you to their blog -- stlukesinbelize.blogspot.com - for details of their pilgrimage and some great pictures. I will send them off on the water taxi tomorrow morning.

Yesterday was my last chapel day. Thursday has become my favorite day because with the 3 chapel services, I get to see every child at Holy Cross on Thursday. Yesterday Joe, the priest and St. Luke's youth team leader, talked and reflected with the children on the goodness of God's creation and what we who have been charge over it can do to better care for it. With the oldest group, we even talked a little about the Gulf oil spill. The youth sang with the children some old favorites that everyone knew, and then taught the St. Luke's favorite "Pharoah, Pharoah". A huge hit even with the kitchen ladies! As the children were filing out going back to class, a little boy I haven't ever seen before hugged me and said, "I'm really going to miss you." Yep, it's going to be hard to go.

Francis has been back for the last few days with lists of things that must be done in order for school to function next year. That in addition to graduation preparations has made for some frantic times. It appears all is ready for Sunday's big event when 35 students will graduate.

One of the highlights of their week for the youth group has been the time they have spent with the children. They have been in the classrooms reading, playing games and singing. They especially fell in love with the Infant division. Today they went with me to all 5 of the Infant classes to distribute books to the children. A retired children's author, Jane Moncure, who now lives in Burlington, NC, donated a huge stack of her books. She specifically asked that they be given to children to take home and keep, rather than being put on a shelf in a classroom. The children were thrilled to have their very own book to keep forever! The teenagers read the books with the children and encouraged the little ones to read their book over and over again during summer vacation. The pictures will speak for themselves.

Today we learned that on the national PSE exam, in the Belize district of the country which includes all the big, well-established Anglican schools in Belize City and surrounding areas, the Holy Cross Standard VI children had the second highest combined scores of all the Anglican schools!!! This is really fabulous for a school that is only 4 years old and has only had a Standard VI class for the last 3. We rejoice and celebrate!!

This has been a great week. I am excited about graduation and the bright future of these children. I ask your continued prayers and support for them.

Busy kid, happy kids

The St. Luke's youth pilgrims are now fully immersed in Holy Cross. They have scrubbed exterior walls and are putting a fresh coat on paint on those walls. They have administered exams individually to several Infant I students. They have read with and to other younger students. They have helped me with graduation preparations. They have played games and organized rope jumping. They have exchanged big smiles, high 5's and hugs with many children. They are making a difference at Holy Cross, and I'm pretty confident Holy Cross is making a difference in them. They are experiencing moments of grace and witnessing the Holy Spirit at work in many and various ways.

Last night I joined the group at their place, The Tides. They are staying in the house at The Tides -- the girls are upstairs where there are 3 bedrooms, a bath, a large living room and kitchen. The guys are downstairs with 2 bedrooms, a bath and a smaller living room and kitchen. We had made arrangements for the husband of one of the Holy Cross teachers to cook a Belizean dinner for them. Kenny is a professional chef. He took some of the group on quite a shopping expedition yesterday to get the freshest ingredients (including snapper that was caught the evening before) and the best prices. His dinner of fish baked with peppers, onions and tomatoes, coconut rice and mango/banana smoothies was delicious! We all enjoyed every taste of it.

Tonight the group came to my aparment for supper. I had done most of the cooking on Sunday afternoon so it would easy to have it ready when they came. I too tried to give them an authentic Belizean meal, so I made stewed chicken, rice and beans, fried plantains and fresh mango and papaya. It must have all turned out OK, because there were NO leftovers!! I have to admit that the big hit of the evening seemed to be the strawberry drink --- it's sort of like Kool-aid, comes in a packet and is mixed with water. We even had to send to the store for more. It was fun having them here.

It was also enriching to participate in their devotional time. They will be snorkeling tomorrow and were asked to open all their senses to the majesty of the sea and the reef. To do more than look -- to smell and hear and feel the new things they will encounter. As a friend of mine said recently, "Some of God's most beautiful handiwork is beneath the surface." I'm sure they will have a great time tomorrow.

No pictures from tonight's dinner -- we were just too busy enjoying each other's company. I am borrowing this picture from the youth blog. They were up to see the sun rise this morning, but I was not. I definitely missed something.

St. Luke's Youth Have Arrived

Right on time on the 3:00 water taxi, the St.Luke's youth mission team arrived in San Pedro. They had smooth travel and were very excited to be here. They were a wonderful and welcome sight as they stepped off that boat!

The kids were real troopers as we lugged and dragged suitcases up the beach to The Tides. They checked in, and then we went on to Holy Cross to drop off the suitcases of donations. MANY thanks to all of you who responded to our call for much needed shoes, school supplies, and other items (balloons and ribbon for graduation!). Without suitcases like those, the school could not continue to meet the needs of its students.

I joined the kids, Joe and Amy for a fun dinner at Carumba's. I caught up on some of the "news" and enjoyed once again the sound of their laughter. They were snapping pictures -- of the food, of each other, of the street -- left and right so their blog entries should be full of great visuals for their readers. We finished off the evening with the world's best ice cream at DandE's. They now know one of my favorite spots on the island!

Since they met at RDU at 5:00 a.m., most of the kids were weary and ready to try out their new beds. They had to be on the dock at 7:00 this morning for a day trip to Lamanai. I will join them this evening for worship. It's been a long time since I worshipped with St. Luker's -- since the adult team left in early February!

Today is cooking day for me. The group is coming here for dinner on Tuesday night, and I wanted to prepare some true Belizean fare. I am fixing stewed chicken, rice and beans (no meal is complete without it), and fresh fruit. This is the peak of mango and papaya season, so we can have some sweet treats. I decided to cook today for a couple of reasons: after a day at school, there wouldn't be time to prepare everthing for dinner by the time everyone arrived. More importantly, if this meal is a flop, I have time to try Plan B! Stay tuned.

Have a good week. This will be my last full week at Holy Cross. Having the group from St. Luke's here this week is turning out to be a great way to ease back into life in Durham.