God's Plan

While the flooded roads changed our plans, the rain didn't stop our fun! Today we enjoyed the beautiful views of the Spanish lookout, ventured through San Ignacio, shopped in the markets and enjoyed some time at the campsite. 

First, I'd like to share an experience that melted my heart today. Let me give you some background information. I am placed in a standard six classroom, the equivalent of 8th grade in the US. While this is a new experience for me as I've always been placed in the high school since my certification is 7-12th grade, I've thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of a primary school. Now, standard six is a little different as all students are preparing for the Belize National Test, a test they have to pass to continue into high school. Therefore, my cooperating teacher stays after school every day with the students working on material for an hour in addition to coming to school on Saturday from 9-12 to help the students prepare. Her passion for education is clearly evident, but that's not the part of the story I want to share.

So, on Thursday, one of my students, Victor, missed school. On Friday he brought me this a piece of notebook paper with something tucked inside. Wrapped inside was a beautiful slate with a turtle (a good luck turtle) carved into it. He carved it himself.

Today as we walked toward the market in Succotz, I heard a precious voice scream, "Miss Mit-zy!!" (Native Spanish-speakers really struggle with the way we pronounce things) I looked up to find the smiling face of Victor running toward me. He proceeded to show me his family's booth and introduce me to his uncle and cousins at the market. Then his face lit up, and his inquisitive eyes looked up at me when he asked, "Did you like the turtle?" I exclaimed, "I love the turtle! I showed all of my friends, and I am so excited to show my family at home! It's the most beautiful gift I've ever received." This was the honest truth. His smile extended from ear to ear, and his response brought tears to my eyes. He said, "I made this for you on Thursday; that's why I missed school."

While I know the teacher in me should have been disappointed in the fact that Victor missed class, my knowledge of the people here helped me understand a very important lesson. You see, Belize is a very relational country. The people here care more about others than they do about themselves. While Victor is responsible for learning a full year's worth of academics by March in order to pass the national test, Victor found it more important to make me - somebody he has known for just one week - a good luck charm for me to take back home with me. 

Victor may be a struggling student in the classroom, but Victor has skills far beyond his years. His love for others far exceeds his need for personal success. Victor understands far, far more than I - as a teacher - will ever be able to teach him. Victor embodies the selflessness of Christ in all of his actions. While Victor has many other responsibilities on his plate, he went out of his way for me. Victor thought he was giving me a turtle for good luck, but what Victor doesn't know is that I already consider myself lucky because God blessed me with the opportunity to see Him through Victor. 

While I was disappointed that our plans changed, and we didn't have the opportunity to go to the pools and see the waterfalls, I know I would not have received this blessing had our plans not changed. The warmth I felt it my heart far exceeded any warmth the sun could have provided, and the little slate turtle that I will be taking home is a gift I cherish for the rest of my life. 

Here's what Tiffany has to say about the day:

As Miss Mit-zy said above, today started of with a bit of disappointment when the group found out the roads to the excursion we had planned were not passable. It is amazing how God spoke to me throughout the day about the frustrated attitude I had in the morning purely due to the fact that I wasn't able to go see the waterfalls here. God began reminding me that my troubles are so little compared to what some people face here. Belize has been hit hard with rain this year, causing many tourist spots to be closed. The waterfalls are one of any spots affected by the rain. In an area that relies on tourism to make a living, the rain has made times really hard for many families. There have been many small markets selling their items at a low price to our group because they are so desperate to make some money. It breaks my heart to think that I was complaining because I couldn't see the waterfalls when there are families struggling to feed their families. This day has reminded me that it's okay to get to do fun things, but when plans change, I still need to remember that I'm blessed to be in Belize in the first place. With all that being said, please keep the families relying on tourism in your prayers. 

With the change of plans, we decided to drive into San Ignacio to eat lunch and see the town. We were able to walk to the markets to shop for some souvenirs, and for the ice cream lovers like me, we treated ourselves to some deicious gelato! Belize is AWESOME when it comes to ice cream :) It was so cool to see all the people roaming the town and crowding the stands to watch the local fútbol game. I wish I could put in words how amazing it is here,  but you all will just have to visit Belize to understand - lol. 

To end the day, the whole group walked down to the local Nazarene church for their youth group they put on every Saturday night. It was here that I truly felt blessed to be in Belize. The moment we walked in the church, a young girl ran into the arms of one of the girls in our group. She wore a huge smiling while saying, "hello, Miss Jenny." In these moments, I see the loving relationships being formed between us and our students here. I know that it will be just as hard for them to say bye to us as it will be for us to say bye to them. On our way back, I got to talk to one of my high school students. She is sixteen years old and lives very close to where we are staying. The walk was pretty long so I had a great time getting to know her more. She melted my heart when we got to where we parted ways and she turned to me and said, "I would love to introduce you to my familly tomorrow Miss Wright. Would you be willing to meet them?" I said, "I would love nothing more than to meet your brothers and parents. I can't wait!" Her face lit up. I only wish she realized how much it meant to me that she trusts me enough to introduce me to her whole family. I'm going to be working with her at lunch and after school on her math homework, so I look forward to continuing to get to know her even more. It's been a great day, but I must go now so I can do some grading - lol.

I just want to say I love you mom, dad, and Nick. I'm so thankful for you, Mom and Dad, for making this experience possible. Nick, I miss you very much and look forward to seeing you shortly after I get back to the states. Bye everyone!

Here are the devotions from Erin:

1 Peter 1:22 says, "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from the heart." 

One of the things that really caught me off guard about being in Belize is the love that has been shown to me. I had expected a lot of love and acceptance from the children just from the stories I've heard about past J-term trips, but I never thought that many of the adults would be the same way. I shared with the group the story of my first day of field at Victorious Nazarene Primary School. My group showed up early, and we were immediately welcomed to join the teachers in a special time of devotion. At the end of the devotion, the teachers sang a song for us and greeted each us with smiles. Just seeing how easily we, as strangers, were accepted and welcomed to come again really made an impact on me. In the following days, I began to notice some signs around the school that said, "Belize in you; Belize in me." Those words have really stuck with me. Even though I have only been here for ten days, the love and kindness that the people here have shown me will alway stay with me. Belize and this experience is now part of me. 

After my story, a few memebers of the group decided to share their stories about love. Some stories were similar to mine. Many of us have witnessed some kind of love either from our students, cooperating teachers, or perhaps from the stranger who helped us exchange our money. Others have had a harder time seeing this love, but realized that even if it's not reciprocated, we need to be loving and accepting. I ended the devotional by teaching the group the song that the teachers at Victorious sang to us. We stood up and we each greeted each other in Jesus' name. 

Love,

Erin 

Today has definitely been one of those days that God was able to direct our steps. Our plans may have fallen through, but God knew exactly what we needed today.