“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”— Lao Tzu

Monday, 21 March 2011

I have never had a child turn me down for a game of duck-duck-goose...

My new friends who told me that I could
come back everyday forever! 
A few weeks ago during our "mini-outreach" week in the San Pedro community, we spent time working in a local elementary school named New Horizon.  It is always humbling to be in a classroom here in Central America.  There are never enough books and materials or desks for that matter...the teachers do a great job with what they have to work with but with high numbers of children and lack of training it is not an easy job.

It just makes me thankful for the opportunities that I had as a child.  I promise to not complain about the blessing in my life.  Thank you Lord for giving me a beautiful family to grow up in and a great education and now a chance to bless others.  Through the hungry hugs and desire to laugh and play, these children reminded me that each day is a gift, and I want to run full speed around the circle of life and laugh as I slide into my place so that I don't become the next goose.  Stopping to catch my breath, because my passion has taken my breath away!

Monday, 14 March 2011

More than I can dream or imagine...

As a missionary (that is what I am, but sometimes I fight the title) I have gotten use to not having much in the way of "extras" if you know what I mean.  I have perfected the art of simplifying life to the point sometime of  not knowing what to do with more than just the basics.  I can pretty much fit everything I own into a backpack and a box, which makes traveling here in Central America as apart of my job easy.  Getting dressed is simple, it is the choice of this one, this one, or that one.  I pick that one, OK, done!  But, as I said I love the life that I live right now and would not change it for the world.   I think that living a simple life is beautiful and again I would not change it, but sometimes God wants to give me a surprise...something extra, something special, something more.

Over the last few months I have been deepening my friendship with a local Belizan named Florita.  She is a beautiful woman who is growing in her faith and encourages me to treasure each day.  Since I live in community with over 30 people, I jumped at the invitation to a sleep-over party with her and her two daughters in their home.  While I love where I live, to be in a smaller home environment, is a real treat.  One of my friends, a fellow co-worker and I planned to stay over on Saturday night.  Just before leaving we got word that Forita wanted to take us out to dinner and to dress nice before the slumber party.  Not only did she treat us to dinner, but she took us to the restaurant apart of the resort that she works at.  It was so grand, five star!  I felt so romanced by God, so special and spoiled...  I have often felt that as a missionary, one whose work is to serve the Lord, I cannot have the"extras", but why?  God has been challenging my mindset to....dare to dream big, to watch as He provides and even somethings gives me more than I could ever dream of imagine!  Living my passion!

Friday, 11 March 2011

Today is the beginning of the rest of my life...

I know my strengths and weaknesses...and communication is not as strong as I want it to be.  No matter how many times I tell myself to sit down and write about life so that the people who care about me in this world can read it, I don't.  Or, at least not well.  I am just being truthful.  Today marks a turning point...not only did I think about writing, I did!!

I want to use this blog to share about my life here in Belize with Destination Paradise YWAM, to share about my  passion for people and for God, to share about the life I live in community with other staff and students.  I love the way that God loves me and for now He has asked me to move away from many friends and family and say yes to an adventure here in Central America, adding new friends and family.  I don't always know what tomorrow holds, but no matter where we are on this earth or what plans we have made for tomorrow, trusting God is my choice, and I hope your choice too.  His plan is my plan, and well my plan is His plan!  Funny how that works!  Be blessed.  Life with passion is the only way.