Such a sweet welcome to a beautiful country! There are so many reasons to love Belize!
What about our ministry hosts?
Our hosts are so thoughtful, generous and kind. Pastor Jerome is one busy man. He wears so many hats but you can tell that he genuinely loves the people and they love him back. He is a full time post office employee, full time pastor and goes to school at night!
His wife Dianna has been a gem! She surprised us with a Belizean breakfast of FryJack and refried beans. Y’all, it was the best breakfast! (We had the leftover for lunch even though it’s typically a breakfast or dinner meal) Dianna has been an anchor for me here. Her gentleness and heart to serve has been the best role model of the church. We have so much fun but we also get the work done.
We have been painting the preschool, and attending and serving in church services. There is something every night except for Thursdays. We even went to the local high school and each shared our testimonies! In one class 10 students raised their hand to accept Christ as their savior! How amazingly cool! But overall we have been building relationships with the Belizean people.
How amazing are the Belizeans?!?
They never hesitate to help. They acknowledge EVERYONE in the street. When you pass them, it is considered somewhat rude to NOT make eye contact and smile. Generally there is even a brief conversation. They have a true sense of community and what it means to see the life of the others.
Even their pledge of allegiance is community centered:
“My pledge to Belize. Belize is my country. I am Belize. Belize is my family, my school, my church, and my community. I am the hope of Belize. The hope of today and tomorrow. I live and learn not only for myself but for my sisters and brothers. I am the hope of Belize. I promise to serve Belize as faithfully as I can.”
They clean constantly. They make sure their country stays beautiful and they take ownership of their space in a gentle way. It is so beautiful to witness.
And their food!!!!
What can I say about Belizean food?!?
Dianna once again has come to the rescue teaching us patiently how to make FryJack, Beans and Rice (their national dish), journey cakes (the best biscuit you will ever eat), and so much else. I’m the cook of the group and let me tell you, the spices they use are amazing! Each meal is so filling and delicious and we are learning to cook as many local dishes as possible! (They have so many!!!)
There are things I am having trouble learning to like. They eat chicken neck, backbone, cartilage, feet, and gizzard. I’ve tried the neck and the gizzard and we will be trying feet later on this week or next but I couldn’t bring myself to eat the backbone or the cartilage (I know I should be more adventuresome, but y’all there is still 10 other countries…)
What about the countryside itself?
Belize is beautiful. We got to ride on all 4 of their main highways. I would definitely say the hummingbird highway is the most beautiful as it goes through the valley and you see all the mountainous beauty around you. So many gorgeous trees and nature around. The houses are painted bright and beautiful colors: pink, blue, teal, yellow, red, and more! They were built to stand out. The beaches here are shores of the Caribbean Sea and the water is so clear and blue. But the sun is hot hot! I was so careful to not get sunburned but it happened anyways…. but the beach was 100% worth it!
In all ways I look out at the country and see a reflection of the heart of the people: a rich and vibrant spirit, so strong and beautiful. I’m so blessed to be here!
