On Friday, our awesome Math Camp teaching team wrapped up their week with pride as kids and teachers alike told them how they now loved math. Short-term mission accomplished, and many seeds were planted to improve the future of their math education.
Our talented Construction Team finished up two great projects -- the shelving units in the boys rooms were received with great joy, and the girls were thrilled with their freshly painted bedrooms and new upstairs "great room", complete with pink walls, motivational posters and comfy cushions. The great room is a welcome addition, so all 70+ children don't have to cram into one room downstairs during their free time.
The Teen and VBS teams had the pleasure of accompanying the kids to Belmopan (capital city) for Sports Day, where kids from all of the orphanages around the country competed in everything from dance contests to sack races, relay races and soccer. I'm proud to report that our kids won almost all of the contests! However it was sad to see the "class system" alive and well. DMCCC is the only government-run institution in the country, and was very clear that the children (and adults) from the private centers looked down on them. It made us all the more focused on helping to create a positive physical and emotional environment there, where no one is ashamed to say they live at DMCCC. Laura had the honor of meeting the CEO of the Ministry of Human Services, who already knew what our team has done and plans to do in support of DMCCC. She expressed her gratitude, and plans were made for a Skype conversation in the near future.
Saturday was a much needed R&R and team building day on Caye Caulker. Together our team debriefed, relaxed and prepared our minds to return to the States. Our veterans helped prepare our rookies for the culture shock of returning to our wonderful land of plenty here in the States.
We are now all home safe and sound. It was fun to watch all of the family reunions at the airport. I am honored and humbled to have served as part of this amazing team, and in awe of their amazing gifts that they shared with the children and adults in Belize this week. Thanks to the families for sharing your loved ones with us this past week!
And to all our friends and extended families.....we are all so grateful for your prayers and your support, and we can't wait to see you and thank you in person!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Wed & Thurs
Tonight we had a party for the kids at the Center. The Rotary Club of Belize was invited, and several of them came as special guests. The children put on quite a show for everyone. The younger children sang songs from VBS and talked about the core values they have learned this week - kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility. The teens showed off their dance moves! Afterwards the kids all got T-shirts and we all signed them with sharpies. We then had an ice cream party and the kids all played happily together. Several Rotarians commented that they had never seen the kids happier. Saying goodbye was incredibly emotional, because about 1/2 of our team will not see them again. The other 1/2 of our team has been invited to go to Belmopan (the capital city) tomorrow to share in Sports Day with the children, as they compete against other institutions across the country. However our math camp teachers and construction team will stay behind. So there were many tears and painful goodbyes. I think now the kids know and believe that we will be back.
At Math Camp, the students put on a really nice Cultural Presentation for our teaching team. They talked about it being the 4th of July, and they also shared things about their country. Our team was honored and impressed.
The construction team is wrapping up their projects. They have painted the whole upstairs of the center (where the girls stay) a beautiful shade of pink and coral. Tomorrow we will hang posters and motivational quotes in the girls rooms, just like we did in the boys rooms earlier this week.
In VBS, the kids made "no-sew" pillows and blankets. It was a quite a hit. They got to choose from a wide array of beautiful fleece fabrics, and they really enjoyed making them and then putting them on their beds.
The teen program has been amazing. Barb, Kim, Katy and Juan have done a great job of building rapport and relationships with these young adults.
Kim, Natalie and Laura taught two days of staff training, where we rolled out the Token Economy program for the Center. Many of the staff received the information with hope, and a willingness to make the needed changes. The kids have already taken well to the program, which we started using with them on Monday. We are so optimistic that this will be the start of what they need to create a culture of love and kindness at the Center.
We are so grateful for your continued prayers, and we look forward to telling you about our trip in p
At Math Camp, the students put on a really nice Cultural Presentation for our teaching team. They talked about it being the 4th of July, and they also shared things about their country. Our team was honored and impressed.
The construction team is wrapping up their projects. They have painted the whole upstairs of the center (where the girls stay) a beautiful shade of pink and coral. Tomorrow we will hang posters and motivational quotes in the girls rooms, just like we did in the boys rooms earlier this week.
In VBS, the kids made "no-sew" pillows and blankets. It was a quite a hit. They got to choose from a wide array of beautiful fleece fabrics, and they really enjoyed making them and then putting them on their beds.
The teen program has been amazing. Barb, Kim, Katy and Juan have done a great job of building rapport and relationships with these young adults.
Kim, Natalie and Laura taught two days of staff training, where we rolled out the Token Economy program for the Center. Many of the staff received the information with hope, and a willingness to make the needed changes. The kids have already taken well to the program, which we started using with them on Monday. We are so optimistic that this will be the start of what they need to create a culture of love and kindness at the Center.
We are so grateful for your continued prayers, and we look forward to telling you about our trip in p
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Monday and Tuesday
It has been such a busy two days, it has been tough to find time to blog! We are having an amazing time. The kids are really enjoying VBS, and welcome us with open arms each day. We had the privilege of handing out all the donations of shoes and clothing today....I wish you all could have seen the smiles on all the faces! We also decorated the kids rooms and common areas with posters and motivational quotes. They were thrilled!
At games and music we sang Noah's ark which was very appropriate given the rain. We made little paper boats and put them in a blow up pool. Using a straw we raced them across the pool. The kids loved listening to the music and dancing with Kelly V, Carol and Alexis. An extra bonus was that our group saved a kitten that fell off the steps and was injured. One of the local construction workers took the kitty home.
Construction thought the rain was going to cause a delay due to wet wood but the local contractors came to the rescue and had moved the wood so it could cut. They are working on building shelves/cubby holes for the children's rooms. They also got painting done in the bedrooms a common area and the hallway. Construction team was Paul, Chris, Charles, Dane, Alex and Colton with some help from 2 of the Dorothy Menzies boys.
Arts and crafts had the younger children make a rainbow cloud about God's promises and also made a Noah's ark with all the animals. The older kids made a boat and then drew animals on clothes pins and clipped them to the boat. Julia, Aaron, Natalie and Laura were the craft team.
A big thanks today for all the kids on our mission team who were playing soccer and basketball for hours today in the heat! Colton, Julia, Aaron, Alex, Dane, Juan.
During story time the kids listened to Noah's ark then re-told the story using felt characters. The kids responded well and enjoyed the interactive element. The kids also learned about honesty. Kelly K and Elizabeth.
The teen program was off site at the hotel. About 20 teens learned about friendship, made a list of characteristics of what makes a good friend and were taught that God is the ultimate friend. In the afternoon we went back to the child care center and decorated flip flops and painted nails. The teens who are not always kind were very polite helpful to one another and were a joy to be around. They shared personal struggles of depression and family conflict and are starting to share their hopes for the future.
Natalie, Bev, Jodie and Laura ended the afternoon by meeting first with the new on site counselor and finally a meeting with the Ministry of Human Development, the Board of Governors of the Center including Mrs Dorothy Menzies and representatives of the Rotary Club of Belize. Together we shared hopes, dreams and long range vision for the Center. It was an honor and a blessing to share that time with them.
We are so grateful for your prayers and for your generous donations that are already making a difference in the lives of these kids!
At games and music we sang Noah's ark which was very appropriate given the rain. We made little paper boats and put them in a blow up pool. Using a straw we raced them across the pool. The kids loved listening to the music and dancing with Kelly V, Carol and Alexis. An extra bonus was that our group saved a kitten that fell off the steps and was injured. One of the local construction workers took the kitty home.
Construction thought the rain was going to cause a delay due to wet wood but the local contractors came to the rescue and had moved the wood so it could cut. They are working on building shelves/cubby holes for the children's rooms. They also got painting done in the bedrooms a common area and the hallway. Construction team was Paul, Chris, Charles, Dane, Alex and Colton with some help from 2 of the Dorothy Menzies boys.
Arts and crafts had the younger children make a rainbow cloud about God's promises and also made a Noah's ark with all the animals. The older kids made a boat and then drew animals on clothes pins and clipped them to the boat. Julia, Aaron, Natalie and Laura were the craft team.
A big thanks today for all the kids on our mission team who were playing soccer and basketball for hours today in the heat! Colton, Julia, Aaron, Alex, Dane, Juan.
During story time the kids listened to Noah's ark then re-told the story using felt characters. The kids responded well and enjoyed the interactive element. The kids also learned about honesty. Kelly K and Elizabeth.
The teen program was off site at the hotel. About 20 teens learned about friendship, made a list of characteristics of what makes a good friend and were taught that God is the ultimate friend. In the afternoon we went back to the child care center and decorated flip flops and painted nails. The teens who are not always kind were very polite helpful to one another and were a joy to be around. They shared personal struggles of depression and family conflict and are starting to share their hopes for the future.
Natalie, Bev, Jodie and Laura ended the afternoon by meeting first with the new on site counselor and finally a meeting with the Ministry of Human Development, the Board of Governors of the Center including Mrs Dorothy Menzies and representatives of the Rotary Club of Belize. Together we shared hopes, dreams and long range vision for the Center. It was an honor and a blessing to share that time with them.
We are so grateful for your prayers and for your generous donations that are already making a difference in the lives of these kids!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Day 2
This morning we went and worshiped with Pastor Ernest of Unity Presbyterian. The service was beautiful. His sermon focused on leaning on God even in the toughest of circumstances. It resonated with all of us, especially as we held the hands of our precious orphans. He preached that even when it seems there is no hope ,God is the forever hope. As his words rang through the church , I looked down at the two little girls fast asleep on me and I felt Gods hope. These children may not have started off with a easy life but there is hope for them. This afternoon we took all the kids and a few caregivers to visit some Mayan ruins. It was extremely hot and but every one was in great spirits. We explored the ruins and enjoyed spending time with the children. During devotions all our team members had special moments about the day to share. It was so encouraging to hear that even though it was hot, stressful at times, and one person was even puked on ,everyone felt so honored and humbled to be sharing Gods love with these kids.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Arrival day
Our team arrived safely in Belize. Many of us got up as early as 2:45 am to catch our flight but as soon as we arrived at the Dorothy Menzies Center, we forgot about our exhaustion as the kids all ran out to hug us! We spent most of the afternoon with them and had to tear ourselves away. Our awesome math camp teaching team got to check out the school where they will be teaching, and they are excited about it. Bev and Jodie went to see their teaching facility too, where they will be teaching 30 teachers. The construction team met with Cisco and Giovanni and have an excellent project list for the week that will keep them very busy! Our travels were really smooth and as we talked about our day during our evening devotions, we realize the value of our "rookie year" last year! We learned so much that paved the way for this year's trip.....from travel logistics to building the foundation for a strong relationship with the children and staff at DMCCC. We are humbled as we think about all that God has in store for us this week, but we are ready to answer His call.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Commissioning Service
Our 29-person mission team was commissioned last night during a moving worship service at First Presbyterian Church, Dunedin. The congregation promised to pray for us and for the children and staff at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center.
We closed by singing our special song we sing with the kids, "This Little Light of Mine". Can't wait to get back down there with this awesome team, and hug those kids again!!!
We closed by singing our special song we sing with the kids, "This Little Light of Mine". Can't wait to get back down there with this awesome team, and hug those kids again!!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Overwhelmed and awed by donations!
We are overwhelmed and amazed by all of the donations this year! Thanks to everyone who so graciously donated clothing, school supplies and more. And many thanks to Boy Scout Troop 375 who sealed, labeled and loaded all 200 boxes into the trailer in just over one hour! Members of our team will deliver the boxes to Miami on Friday, where they will go by cargo ship to Belize City in just 4 days. Trinity Methodist School, Unity Presbyterian School, the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center, and the Ministry of Education are so grateful.
Preparations
The 2013 Belize Mission Team is preparing to depart for Belize City in 2 1/2 weeks! We invite you to follow us through this blog. This year we are a group of 30, and we are amazed at the many things God is calling us to do. We will be teaching a Math Camp to 84 children, offering teacher training for 75 teachers, conducting Vacation Bible School & a Teen Program and doing a construction project at the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center, and working with the staff at Dorothy Menzies on an alternative behavior (token economy) program! We are all so excited to see the Dorothy Menzies children again.
We are grateful for the many donations we've received for the children in Belize....in fact, we got so many things, we are shipping 200 boxes of items via cargo ship this week - wow! God is good!!!
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