One Final Post From Belize

The first gloriously sunny day we have experienced is on our full day in San Pedro! This is truly a gift. Our team has been relaxing, napping, and eating. Ahhhhhh.

Tonight we will hold our customary affirmation night and look for God in each other. We had a very engaging night of worship and sharing last night at the end of the pier as well. Many shared how the trip had impacted them individually, and then we wondered together where we entered the big story of God, Hopkins, and Open Door. Definitely why I do youth ministry!

A note of caution for parents. It's been a wonderful but gruelling trip. Your students are tired and homesick. They are excited to see you. Please make sure you are there to meet them tomorrow night. Late family can be a difficult experience for a student longing for that embrace from loved ones. Gather at baggage claim and we'll see you when we emerge for our bags.

We love and miss you all.

Scott

Scott's Update on Wednesday

We have arrived in San Pedro tired and filled up with love. Hopkins marked many on our team this past week and goodbyes were difficult. I am so very proud of this team! Their spirits have remained high through broken down busses, driving rain, and, for some, a day of sickness. The rain in Hopkins rivaled for many in the village any week in the last five or ten years. Slowly, the road outside our resort was covered with water and our opportunities to paint dwindled. The team stayed focussed on our motto : "Be where you are" and they played with children, visited families, painted the inside of a church, and stayed present to where God was.
I really posted this to give you a couple of pictures since the internet is better here. We look forward to sharing with you many of the stories that have marked us.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Scott

Written by Michael Tieszen on Monday Night


These last few days have been a real blessing to me and a real eye opener.
This last Friday I was sitting outside of our cabana with Josh, Kirsten, and a bunch of other members of our team. We were surrounded by little kids and this one little girl named Zanea decided that I was going to be her new friend. So I find myself sitting there while she decides to play “Comb Michael’s Hair.” Its was all going good, she was being super cute and I didn’t mind having my hair played with but then out of no where she sneezes all over my hair! Now if I were back in the States and this would have happened I think I would have totally flipped out but since I am supposed to “Be where you are” I was just like, “Zenea you want to see if u can get that out of Michael’s hair?” What does she do? She combs it into my hair. Haha.
When God created the people and the kids of Hopkins Village, Belize he must have been creating the most beautiful people in the world! The children here are sooo amazing. Just a few of the many come to my mind. It is Amazing when Cindy sees me and all she wants me to do is hold her hand for an hour; it’s Amazing when a little boy named Theodore lets me walk with him down the beach back to our cabanas. It is Amazing when everything that all the children have been through they are still able to show Love and Affection for Myself and the Team.
I will never ever forget all the things that God has shown me and reopened my eyes and my heart to on this trip. Hopkins Village, Belize holds a place ever so dear to my heart and I can’t wait to see what these last few days withhold!
God Bless,
Michael Tieszen

Written by Claudius (Teenaged Residentof Hopkins)on Saturday night

It would be rather unfair to say that there isn’t much to do while in Belize, when in fact each day is pregnant with tons of opportunities. Belize is filled with friendly people and beautiful sandy beaches; however one can only imagine the beauty of this country and its people where adventure knocks on every door. A great writer named Claudius once wrote that assumption is a weapon of ignorance, while certainty is a shield of knowledge. The team might have heard so much about Belize, but now that they're here experiencing mother natures best kept secret, and giving thanks for every aspect of it, they can now tell of its wondrous beauty. Each morning we can’t wait to wake up and get started on another day of adventure. Despite the rainy days, we were determined to go our separate ways, in helping those we are assigned to. Whatever it was that we did, we tried so much to find or even make it fun.
Life can be questionable at times, but when it comes to 11 yr old Raheem and his sisters, Destiny and Cindy, we can only hope that there is emancipation from such situation. Yet despite their situation, they’re full of joy. The team may not always be here to see them, but our tears in prayers, and the pain in every drop is a desperate cry for the mighty hand of God to restore their fragile bodies. Our hopes are high that some day, and soon enough Raheem and his family will be a testimony to the village of Hopkins, and even all of Belize, as they already are to us.
We can only help by doing so little, that every bit will be greatly appreciated. Whatever we might have helped with, we certainly don’t expect anything in return. However, Raheem insisted that the team come back home knowing a few words in Garifuna.

Posted by Tasha A 6/25


I arose early again today, in an eagerness to get started on my day early. A bunch of us went on a nice long walk to Hawaii to go crab hunting. Peter, Sarah and I turned back to attend Sunday school. Guadalupe came and expressed the sorrow she felt in the fact that the only people attending Sunday school were her grandchildren. My heart went out for her in her desire for more people to attend and learn of God’s great love for them. She also expressed a prayer request, that I urge all of you to pray for. She told of us of an ongoing pain in her chest and back that she had just shrugged off before. Because it hasn’t gone away in such a long time, she is concerned that it may be heart. We prayed over her for God to provide the economic resources to provide for her hospital visit, an EKG, and anything else that may be needed. We also prayed that if it was in God’s will that he would take care of her himself in order to continue doing his great work in touching the lives of so many (she is considered a grandmother by many in the town).
Guadalupe led us in children’s praise songs, and was ready to give the lesson. Then, thinking twice, she turned to the three of us and said, “You came here to help me, so go ahead and teach the lesson.” We were all baffled and shy to take her up on the offer. She told us that she was teaching on Joseph. I thought about it, and realized what a great story of grace that Joseph’s story is. I got really excited to teach the lesson. Peter and I ended up telling the story and acting out the part with Joseph and Potifer’s wife. It was so much fun.
Claude and Marva boiled the crabs, and several of us enjoyed eating our first crabs on the beach, being taught how to eat them by Claudine.
Many people have commented on how useless they feel here, not being able to work all day due to the rain. It may seem that way, but I know its all part of God’s plan. Instead of getting all of the painting done, we have been loving on the kids and the people of Hopkins. We are able to spend quality time with people that may be looked over: the least and the lost. Playing with a kid, building a table, painting girls nails, swimming with the little kids, it is all part of God’s plan, and I thoroughly enjoy every part of it.

Posted by Travis J. 6/24

Be where I am

On the way to Guadeloupe’s home it began to rain before we were even ½ way there. And that’s where the phrase our leader Scott has been repeating before and throughout the trip. Back home in the States, I concentrate on getting places and doing things faster for the buildup of the special times separated for enjoyment. But here people are more “primitive” in that they relax and enjoy each moment, each, day, live each breath as if it’s their last. Now I may be over generalizing things a bit (heck I know I am), but in general I live my life thinking about how to get something done or finished and not think about the journey.
When I was walking, breathing in the rain with the water making it very difficult if not impossible to see far ahead/. I would just look a few steps in front of me and stay close to my friends that I was with at the moment. Instead of rushing or thinking constantly about getting there, I lived and enjoyed each breath and step, each pothole filled with water and every chicken or dog and even the smelly mango trees.
Once we reached our “destination” our plans had changed from doing work for Guadeloupe to being and enjoying our time under her home. The home on stilts that seemed dreadfull to paint, became a blessing. I was thankful to spend those couple of hours playing pictionary with our Belizean friends (John and Franz sp?). Then John gave us a new taste of Sugar Cane fresh from the flood filled backyard behind her home. It taught me that directly when we plan to be doing something for others, God can change our plans. And that His plans may or may not even include ours, but that they are greater and more fulfilling than anything we would plan. We ended up being able to paint when we came back from a walk and getting drinks (including the rare Pineapple Fanta), and then were motivated to work even harder.
When we came back, I had this little child Clemy come up and play with me on our porch outside our cabana. It reminded me and recentered my focus, for as much as I love kids, it is kids that touch me the most to show Gods love that I am holding someone dearly loved.

Written by Karina Brohman on 6\22\06

This morning I woke up to go fishing with Claudine, who was still tired from lack of sleep because of the hard storm that had wakened us from our sleep the night before. Today was the perfect day for fishing. We got our boat ready and caught some bait then I gave Claudine the gift that I had bought her in Minnesota as a thank you gift because she took me fishing last year. She didn’t really know how to use it but I enjoyed watching her try. We ended up fishing with line and hook waiting to feel a bite. While we sat and talked we enjoyed the beautiful calm ocean which was just breath taking. The fish started to bite and we caught 2 sharks, 2 cat fish and 6 red snappers. The sharks where a surprise to catch. We used cat fish for a bait and it worked we both caught one not very big just a baby white shark. After fishing we went and cooked the shark and the snapper fish it was really good. I wasn’t good at cleaning the fish since my dad does it every time I fish with him so some kids where laughing when I tried to get all the guts but I had fun trying we are planning to go fishing tomorrow and hope it is going to be a great fishing day.

Written by Peter Schumack on Wednesday Night

Today was the second full day that we are in Belize. It started off with waking up at about 6:30 and then headed out to the beach for some journaling time. The girls that were up that were up and at the beach decided to do some curl ups and take a little run down the beach. Journaling was somewhat interrupted by the calming ocean waves and conversation with part of our group. By this time we needed to head to Marva’s for breakfast so we proceeded to wake everyone else up so we could eat together. For breakfast we had eggs, beans, and pita bread. The food is excellent. During our talk at breakfast, we were told that our water was not working which meant no water for the bathrooms on the South end.

After breakfast we were given a little free time before we gathered for our daily morning group time. Today we talked about giving up burdens that we have taken with us on this trip that were holding us back. It really hit home with me and helped me to get rid of the distractions that had been holding me back. We then ended our time with prayer. Groups were set up with a few people going to visit the kids with brittle bone disease, another one that would wait for Pastor Herdie and travel up to Dangriga, and the third (which I was in) to go to Guadalupe’s to paint her house.

Our group consisted of Gary, Travis, Michael, Amy, and myself. We headed North to her house and about an 1/8th of a mile away saw Herdie in his car and he gave us a ride the rest of the way. When we arrived at Guadalupe’s she was happily surprised to see us. We got the paint and latter and started to paint her house. Her house is raised about seven feet of the ground which made it very difficult for us to reach, but we were able to improvise and found sticks to attach to the rollers and makeshift scaffolding. Half way through Guadalupe surprised us with lunch which had beans and rice, fried bananas, and fish. It was very delicious. After that we continued to paint. We had planned to meet back at about three to get together with everyone. We were almost finished by the time we left.

When we got back we were greeted by a few members of our group greeted us while the rest of the group was in Dangriga. We talked a little about our day so far and then Blake had a great idea to set up the volleyball net and start up a game with a few of our team, some neighbor kids, and Keith. After playing a game and my team losing, Josh, Emily, and I decided to go visit Victoria and his siblings while the rest of the group set up a craft station by the old school for all the kids to join. Victoria’s house is about half way North towards Guadalupe’s. Once we arrived there we met Claudius, is Vicky’s brother, and talked with him for a while, while Vicky got the kids ready for a walk. My first experience with Raheem, Destiny, and Cindy was them in their strollers. They looked so fragile, but had joyful smiles on their face. We also met Sarah and Jo-Jo who were their other siblings. We, all except for Vicky, went for a walk. It was somewhat scary pushing Destiny and Cindy at first, thinking that I might do something that would cause them pain, but the feeling was short lived when I put complete faith in God that they would get through the walk with them. We traveled to the ocean and then Josh to over pushing the girls. Then I hung out with both Jo-Jo and Sarah. On our walk we collected flowers, most of which were for her mom. We decided it was time to get back since dinner was supposed to start awhile ago. We said our goodbyes and headed back to meet up with the group for dinner.

Half way back Lisa met us on a bike. She offered for one of us to take the bike back, so Josh took the bike and gave me a ride on the handle bars. We arrived at Marva’s for dinner a little late, but the food wasn’t ready yet so we didn’t feel as bad. For dinner we had beef, beans and rice, fried bananas, coleslaw, and coconut type pie with mango juice. I sound repetitive but the meal was excellent. Then we went back to our cabanas to wait for the team that went to Dangriga to get back. During this time we were pleasantly told that the water was running again. The team arrived and they headed for dinner at Marva’s. During this time I talked with Gary and Blake. Once they got back we all got together for our daily night meeting and shared our day with the group. Then we ended with prayer and worship lead by Travis. Then I asked Scott if I would be able to write the blog for the night.

Written on Wednesday Night

~God really talked to me today after Scott had talked to us this morning. He told us to close our eyes and to imagine that we were meeting God on the beach here in Belize for the first time. Just to think about what we would say to him and what he would look like. After that I went down to the beach and wrote a letter to God. I wrote about how he has touched my life in so many ways even though that the road has been long and tough. I had realized that I have been carrying around a lot of baggage and it was time to give this entire struggle to God. So after finishing my letter I went over to the beach and decided to make something for him. I ended up collecting coconuts and made a cross in the sand then I continued to bury my letter under the cross in the sand. This was a real symbol to me that this was all gone from my life and that I had given this all to God.~
~Bre Fleagle~

Written by Sarah Pierce on Tuesday Night

Despite the lack of sleep, the rising sun called me out of bed this morning. I couldn’t resist beginning my first day in Belize. Tasha, Shireen and I quickly headed out to the beach to investigate. The sun was rising above the horizon, but ominous storm-clouds weren’t far off. The rain came in during our first Belizean breakfast, and, as I expected, was amazing. Fried jacks… what could be better? After some quality centering time, we headed out to meet the infamous Guadalupe. Lucky for me, she was far from shy and got me started when I couldn’t come up with anything to say. The journey back was long but worth it since we walked along the shore, and the sun finally began to shine again.
My real adventure today, however, occurred after lunch. Anna, Michael, Emily, Lisa and I headed to the Ariola’s home. Once the tutor was finished with their lesson for the day, we headed in and I was finally able to meet the brittle bone kids I had heard so much about. No stories could possibly do justice to these amazing kids, so I tell you this just to give you a taste of what one could never possibly fully experience without an actual encounter. Raheem, Cindy, and Destiny beamed as we entered their room. Vicky, their mom, put them in their strollers and, with Mike’s help, got them down the stairs. I loved them instantly, but couldn’t erase the fear that overwhelmed my heart. I wanted so badly to love on them as I did the rest of the kids, but they were different, so fragile. I was so afraid of causing them any pain that I resisted the initial temptation to get close to them.
We began our adventure with them, Anna with Raheem and Cindy’s stroller, and Lisa with Destiny’s. I walked alongside, occasionally asking simple questions to try to start some conversations. Raheem lead us on our journey, telling us which directions to turn and where he wanted to go. They were so incredibly happy, even though most others in their condition would find nothing to be joyful about. They were confined to a stroller, unable to ever walk and hardly allowed the use of their limbs, yet smiles spread across their faces the entire time. Raheem wanted to see the ocean, so we wheeled them across the sand and gazed at God’s masterpiece. As we were deciding to head back, Anna offered to let me push the stroller…
Anxiety consumed me again. Anna later admitted she could tell how terribly afraid I was, due to my pushing the stroller with such incredible caution. I knew that if the road got too bumpy at all, it could very easily injure them. I couldn’t stand the thought of causing these amazing kids any pain and I wasn’t sure what to do, but then I gazed down at Raheem and Cindy. Their huge grins were a gift from God to melt it all away, and I knew we’d be fine. We continued on and they continued to encourage me with their high spirits and goofy comments about “busted lights,” … but that’s another story. We arrived back at their home and shared some bubbles before saying goodbye for the day. Cindy grabbed my finger and I realized that God gives a gentle spirit, and He knows what He’s doing, even when I don’t. I can’t wait to see them again. Belize = love.

We made it!

Yes we are here in Belize enjoying our first day of getting accustomed to the climate and pace, meeting the friends of Open Door and recovering from our adventure in getting to Belize.

If you followed our flight info, you may know that we were delayed in Houston about 3 hours. We enjoyed the time the best we could telling stories, laughing and occasionally glancing at the lighted board looking for updates.

We arrived in Belize at about 6:00 pm Belize time(7:00 MN). The heavy Central American air met us on the runway and we were rushed through customs with a mere glance at one of our bags. Whew! Pastor Herdie met us at the airport and, after some hugs and hellos (and Scott getting taken by some luggae porters for a hefty fee) we jumped on the bus. It was too late to grab dinner anywhere on the way to Hopkins, so we grabbed some snacks from our bags and started the 3 hour bus ride.

About halfway through the ride, we encountered bus trouble and found ourselves stranded on a very dark and deserted stretch of Hummingbird Highway. The sights and sounds were overwhelming as our team stood on the side of the road. Stars shone brightly, animals and insects were chirping, singing, and howling all around. The rush of wind from a passing bus sent many of us out of breath as we realized how vulnerable we were. Our team showed great faith, however, immediately circling together and praying and thanking God for our safe arrival to the country, for bringin our team together, and for a miraculous "healing" of the bus. God's answer to the bus question was "No" and the next three hours were spent singing, talking and dosing in the broken down bus. When we arrived in Hopkins it was about 3:00 am and we were ready to crash!

Today is a new day, and as we spent time praying this morning, there was a collective excitement and wonder about what this week will bring.

Thanks for your prayers, we will have a team member post soon about their experiences today.

The Team

Our Open Door
History in Hopkins, Belize

In 1986 Steve Hanson, then Youth pastor, experienced his first cross-cultural mission in Haiti. Several months later Open Door entered the short term mission arena and has not looked back. Over 1,000 people from Open Door have experienced a short term mission since that first trip.
After five years of building a base in Haiti, Steve and Cossette Dussault began to talk about looking for another people group that the church could potentially work with. The criterion was as follows:
v English speaking
v One day, relatively inexpensive flight, with little jetlag
v A third world country
Shortly after that meeting Cossette traveled to Belize to investigate possibilities of future involvement. During that trip she was lead to Hopkins, an isolated small community of Garifuna people. The Garifuna are a people in Belize that is a minority even within the country. She liked this village, feeling it was one we could impact. On that trip she also met a pastor of a small church, Pastor Edwin Castillo (Herdie). During that first visit she came to know and love Herdie, his wife Victoria, and their family.
After further research the first short term team was assembled, trained, and sent under the leadership of Cossette and Pastor Tom Johnson.
One year later another trip occurred. This trip under the direction of Jill Peterson and Jim Skelly, both of whom had been on the inaugural trip. This trip, like the first team went to establish positive relationships. We wanted the name, Open Door, to be a positive one throughout this small isolated village of Garifuna people.
The fall of 1993, Cossette, Jim, Jill, Steve, Pastor Herdie and his wife Victoria, and YWAM representatives Trevor and Bonnie Middleton sat down to discuss common goals and dreams. What seemed to evolve from those four days of prayer, worship, community and discussion was two fold. First, there was a significant confirmation of our ministry style. Pastor Herdie reported that our teams were being well received. We were meeting the initial goal of a positive relationship. Second, was our need to recommit to the family and ministry of Pastor Herdie. Hence our future direction will continue to be very connected to his church, with teams continuing to look for ways to encourage him and his church body.

The days are disappearing fast as the teams waits for June 19, the day of our departure to Belize. With one training left and final details to sure up, We can be sure the time will pass quickly.

As we prepare to leave, we are excited to provide this site to keep our families and prayer warriors up to date on what is happening within and around our team.

Join us in prayer that God would prepare us for the humbling experience of being used in the work of the kingdom. Our prayer is that we could bring continued hope through our smiles, our words, and the light that shines from within us; the light of Christ's love.