We made it safely to our next destination for our second month of the world race: in Valle De Angeles, Honduras! Everything is great so far, but before I move on to my next month, it’s important I give a shout out to Miss Mona from Belize Basecamp, our hosts in Belmopan, Belize. It was an honor to hear your story on how you settled in Belmopan 8 years ago and how you chose to give up your life in the states to serve the people of Belize through the guidance of God. I want to thank you for hosting us 19 women, for teaching us about the culture of Belize, for introducing us to the many leaders and ministries within the city, and for your patience and guidance as you drove us to our destinations or met with us so we can ask you so many questions on our first month! I admire your heart, your passion and your willingness to follow God even when it can get tough. You don’t give up, and it’s so inspiring! I value the scholarship program you and your son set up so that children from the neighborhood have a chance to go to school full time and have the opportunity to attend high school or college. Often times, people can look at a situation or a people group and think how hopeless it can be, but people like you prove that we need to focus on the good, and the hope and the potential of a situation, so thank you for simply following God’s will and being that hope for others. If anyone would like to support the children of Belize by providing funds for them to continue their education in a country where eduction is very expensive or if anyone is interested in doing a short terms missions trip, consider going to their website: https://www.belizebasecamp.net/
And thank you Shawn, her son, for working with the World Race and setting things up for us behind the scenes so we can partner with you and the ministries that already exist in Belmopan. We appreciate organizations like you guys.
To Belize, I’ll miss the feeling of waking up to the natural peace and calmness of Belmopan.
I’ll miss waking up to sounds of birds chirping, dragonflies scurrying, frogs and toads croaking while Belizean music nonchalantly plays next door and sounds of trucks or car engines come by every 2-5minutes. I’ll even miss the sounds of roosters crowing and chickens clucking and making the joke of: “why did the chicken cross the road?” because they legit just wanted to get to the other side and I never bought I’d actually see a chicken crossing the road. 
I’ll miss Hummingbird highway and how it connects it’s long road to the biggest cities of the small country. I’ll miss the hills and turns while mountains of green jungles on both sides of our vehicle enclose around us; palm trees, coconut trees, and varieties of bushes populate the scenery of green. I’ll miss the hints of pink, white Hibiscus flowers and black orchids that surprise you in the broad green fields. And the feeling of anticipation of hopes you’ll spot a jaguar or a monkey chillin in the jungles of the mountains.
I may not miss the mosquitos or sand flies biting us every chance they got, nor my itchy bites that make me want to scratch and scratch. But I will miss the butterflies and fireflies fluttering on through the grass and flowers. I’ll miss seeing lizards crawl up the inside of our walls while wandering stray dogs follow us trying to make a human friend. I may not miss the intense heat that make beads of sweat pour out and roll down out of every pore of my body, but I will miss the pouring rain and the breeze that give off a refresh sense of a cool break. 
The taste of Belize features rice and red beans, stewed chicken, pupusas, fry jack, garnaches, sabultes, and lots of hot sauce. Foods you can’t easily get in the states but can easily get around the corner, down the street, home-made with a 25 minute wait because it takes awhile to make and there’s a line of hungry people out the door. Heaven in your mouth. Deliciousness! 
More than anything, I’ll miss the friendly people who say hello walking down the street, the politeness, and their smiles. I’ll miss the curious kids who whisper in each other’s ears because they are shy to meet us but are so excited to get to know us, and tremble with laughter after they engage with us. I’ll miss Carla, our dear friend who showed us around, and all the amazing open people who shared their story so freely and who want to be our friends. I’ll miss all the pastors, the churches, and people who believe in Belize and who don’t just see poverty, but sees potential, and uses their time, resources and gifts with God and makes an impact on the lives of others. Their life isn’t about them, but it’s about God and his people. Thank you, Belize
When I think of Belize, I think of peace. I am so thankful for my experience in Belize. I hope I was able to bring some senses into what it was like to BE there. Below are some pictures, but if you are still interested to know more about what we did, my team and I made a funny spin-off video based on the reality TV show called “The Bachelor” and we gave some details on what we did in each ministry we served in. Here it is! Go to this YOUTUBE link: https://youtu.be/Ul9yZ3OKwLo
Thank you!
XUNANTUNICH – Ancient Mayan Ruins
My Team Ahavah
Another ministry we served to help single women abandoned and pregnant. It’s a free service, but not a hand out. Before giving diapers, wipes, clothes and food, they make sure all women are equipped with parenting lessons, knowledge and resources in case they want to know more about God. They provide a safe place, community, love and prayer. It’s a beautiful place of hope. Below is a picture of Jadine, her and her husband Pastor a church nearby and opened up this center/ministry for the community.
