Ever Thatched a House?

Saturday Clifford and his brother William (William and his wife and two sweet boys are living next to me) were going to help their dad in San Jose thatch a house, so I tagged along. We left Friday evening, arriving in time for Clifford and William to help cut up the meat from the pig that had just been butchered to feed everyone the next day.

The next morning, invited friends and family started arriving to help: the men to thatch, and the women to cook. Thatching, although undoubtedly hard work, is a fun social time as well. With men on both sides of the roof at once, it goes pretty quickly, and a steady stream of banter and laughter fills the air along with the "swishing" of cohune leaves being handed up and positioned, and the stomping down of the leaves into place. Inside, the women gather around a low table deftly forming corn tortillas and placing them on the comal (round iron griddle over an open fire) to bake. Less banter and laughter occur inside, instead more of a subdued discussion of the latest happenings, current illnesses, etc.

Unfortunately, I had to leave to run some errands before all was said and done, but I did snap a few pictures before I left.

Two things I love about a thatch house: it is sooooo much cooler than a house with a metal or cement roof, and rain sounds lovely falling on the thatch! Mmmmmm nice sleeping! :)

Adventures in Poite

Bible studies in Poite continue to go well. God is so faithful! At the most recent one, we noticed more participation by the attendees, so that was an answer to prayer! We still have much more progress to make in that area, but little by little I trust that more will feel free to participate in the discussions.

Making the trip to Poite each week is always an adventure. It isn't a short trip... We leave around four in the evening, and return around 11:30 p.m. We usually have a crowd that goes along, which provides good fellowship in our travels. One night we saw an ocelot on the way home!

No, we didn't get a picture of it, but I found this picture to give you an idea.

A couple of Fridays ago, we came across some not so interesting creatures... Fleas! Roaming "local" pigs that are kept by villagers tend to spread fleas in dusty areas. Evidently Clifford walked through an area with a bunch of them, and he spent the ending of the Bible study trying to get rid of them. After Bible study ended a group of children joined his efforts, while the rest of us watched. These fleas quickly dig into the skin, where they will eventually lay eggs. And I mean quickly! Within minutes of walking through them, there were already digging into Clifford's toes and ankles. A few days later, both Magdalena's little daughter and Clifford had "treasures" to dig out of their feet - fleas that had been missed in the initial search. Ah well, the "joys" of ministering to others. We have to be willing to sacrifice and be uncomfortable in order to reach out to those who need it the most.

The next Sunday, Big Falls Church of the Nazarene planned a trip to Poite. We all decided to jump on the bus they chartered and go along, since it IS the closest to me! Wow... I realized again how blessed we are to be able to travel with the pickup. The bus was loaded, and the trip was slooooooowww!!! I know it takes us a long time to get there, but the bus went slower, and had to make more stops for "rest breaks."

Nonetheless, we finally made it and had a wonderful service! I should have snapped some pictures for you. The children sitting on a bench along the wall were adorable, and I wish you could have seen them. Pastor Andres gave Bro. Martin (the lay pastor in Poite) a local minister's license, there was much singing, testimonies, and a good sermon. What wonderful fellowship! To top it all off, the members at Poite had prepared a meal for all of us. Delicious chicken, turkey, and pork caldo (all separate, of course) was served along with poch (a sort of meatless tamale, kind of :) or fresh corn tortillas. In true Poite fashion, the food contained plenty of spicy pepper! It was a blessed day!

I have several more stories I want to share, but I will space them out over the next few days... I think I will even try to include a video in a post coming up soon. So stay tuned! Most of all, we covet your continued prayers for the work.

"New" year, but the same faithful God

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." (Isaiah 54:10)

How good it is to know, that although the years may come and go, times may seem more uncertain, people may fail us, and even mountains may be crushed, God's faithfulness never fails, His kindness, mercy, and peace are always there there, never changing. None of us here on this earth know what this year holds - whether it will be full of joy, or filled with difficulties and sorrow. However, one thing we can know and be confident of, that God's mercy will still endure, He will always be faithful.

After spending three weeks with my wonderful family in the States, I arrived back in Belize a week ago. We have jumped right back into Bible studies, starting with Poite on Friday night. We were treated to a delicious meal upon our arrival, and had a good time of study. It seems that slowly the people are becoming more willing to participate in the discussion, instead of just listening. It is a challenge for them, especially for the women, to get over the custom of just sitting and listening, rather than actively participating. Many still struggle with reading, so we are using a combined method of oral teaching/discussion as well as reading with the goal of immediate learning in the oral teaching, but preparing for the long term by enabling them to read God's word for themselves.

Please pray for God's continued wisdom in conducting the Bible studies, as well as provision for travel as gas prices are up to 10.50 Bze per gallon.

Praising God for His faithfulness!