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.