PICTURES!!!

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1605 miles from Belize, 60 miles from home.

We are 60 miles from home and 1605 miles from Belize. Our last entry is a group effort written en route to Lexington.

The most meaningful part for me was making a lasting difference.
-Emma

The part of the trip that struck me the most was realizing how privileged we are and how grateful the Belizian children were for things that would seem minuscule to us.
-Connor

A spiritual journey that has changed my perspective on many things dramatically.
-Lucy

The most moving part of the trip for me was knowing we changed the lives of many.
-Erilyn

I saw God in the simplicity of living and happiness showed by all the people that we met. I learned so much and I will apply this trip to my life in the future.
-Quentin

I saw God in the willingness of the residents of Belize to keep working and finish what they start. I learned how to be independent and be open to other people and hear what they're saying.
-Diane

The part of the trip that stuck with me the most was seeing the smile on all of the faces of the people we helped. For example the children at the learning center and the family we built the bathroom for.
-Davis

The part of the trip that I thought was the most amazing was the new relationships that were formed as well as the old relationships that were made stronger.
- Will

I was most moved by the reliance on faith that almost every person we met had.
-Charlie

I was most moved by the people of "In His Will."  They had a vision and put it into action, and have changed parts of Belize forever.
-William

As a wise man once said "it may have been in pieces, but I gave you the best of me." The most inspirational part of this trip was how loving and giving these people were, no matter the amount of things they seemed to own. They opened their hearts to our group and they truly changed my life forever
- Brennan

The people in Belize are the most positive, loving, and friendly people I have ever met! My life has changed tremendously simply by interacting and helping the people in Belize! I will never be the same again!
- Chanel

I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this trip. The relationships we built, with the people there, have filled me with joy. You could see God in everyone we came across.
- Margaret

Thanks for listening to us, following us on our journey, and praying with us. We look forward to seeing you on July 21st at 10:00 am, as we present to the Summer forum at Christ Church Cathedral and on August 25th at 12:30 pm for our Belize experience lunch. Donations for In His Will Ministries will continue to be excepted through August 25th. 


Peace out,
2013 J2A Pilgrims

Final Hello from Humble and United Town

A final hello from the humble and united town of Unitedville! Yesterday we were blessed with a beautiful fun filled day with our new friends in Belize. We had the amazing opportunity to go zip lining through the Belizean rainforest. The lush greenery in the forest was a great reminder of how God works through nature. We then returned to In His Will to pack up and wash the vans we have been using on the trip. After some free time we all dressed up and headed into town for a nice group dinner with our team and our hosts. Sitting at dinner, it was crazy to think how close we have become to these people we didn't know existed a week ago. We all pray that our friendships will continue for years to come. After dinner we returned to In His Will and had a discussion session in which we reviewed our week and how we grew as a group in relationship with Christ. We all prayed over one another in what was a very moving spiritual service. At the conclusion of the prayers Amanda allowed us to stay up late for some fellowship and final group time. I went and watched the stars at the top of the hill and thought about how thankful I am to have been given the opportunity to go on this trip. As we send this final blog we would love to send all of our supporters grateful thanks for your alls' constant prayers and devotion to allowing us to go on this pilgrimage. We all have grown tremendously and found God not only in the people of Belize, but also in one another. This once in a lifetime opportunity truly has allowed us to view  ourselves, the world around us, and our walk with God in a completely different way and we pray that these changes will urge us to return to the States and serve our brothers and sisters in Christ in all we do.

Stewart Cook

Pleasure of Teaching

Today we had the pleasure of teaching children for the last time on the trip. We are still surprised by the enthusiasm showed by the children during reading and math sessions. We learned a tremendous amount from these children and we were very sad to leave them. After we left the school we went to dedicate the bathroom that we built to the glory of god to the Vasquez family. We then went to tour the dairy plant of Unitedville where we learned that hard work and diligence is a virtue here and we learned how much it means here. The last thing we experienced today was an unusual Eucharist given by Reverend Barbara. We saw God today in the joy and love of the children, in the hard work shown by the dairy workers and in the peace of the Eucharist that closed our day.

Written by Davis, Will and mostly Quentin

The Learning Center

Today we went to the Learning Center to teach and play with around twenty seven kids. When we first arrived we pumped up the kids with energizers and a prayer! Then we divided the kids. Downstairs there were what they call the "infant" grade which is kindergarten age kids. A few of us helped them color and dance. On the second floor was standard (grade) three and four doing math drills. In the preschool building there was standard one and two working on reading.  We all helped the kids for about an hour we closed with a prayer and the kids went home. We the drove to the the Vasquez home to check out on the progress on the bathroom. They had finished most of the pluming and it looked great! After visiting we went home and had afternoon prayer. We had lunch which was fried Jacks with salsa and pre fried beans. After lunch we went to the orange gallery gift shop and shopped around a bit. Behind the gift shop was a creek with a fast flowing current, it was waist high! We all got in and cooled off...it was a workout trying to swim against the  current. After leaving the creek we went home and we had free time. Tonight's dinner consisted of hot dogs, pasta salad and cookies.

The Rick-tators,
Erilyn Jackson
William Woodward
Margaret Clifton

Prose & Pomp

In light of yesterday's prose and pomp, we offer you this mid-day blog; we played with the kids and then ate lunch.

More to come later today....

Erilyn, William, Margaret and Rick

Unitedville

(Comment from the editor: We hope you enjoy the following feature piece about our team's journey in Belize. The facts are completely true, the prose may be written with a small amount of pomp. Reader discretion advised.)

Salutations to our companions and counterparts who still reside within the continental United States of America. We have had an ever-so marvelous stretch of wanderlust journeys through the breath-taking, indigenous rain forests of Belize. On this fine rain-engulfed evening in the united and humble town of Unitedville, we have been overwhelmed with the undying and benevolent love that surrounds us in this very moment as we compose this piece of literature. Yet somehow, we are struck by the stark and unsettling contrast between our privileged and indulgent existence, and the rustic and subservient lifestyle displayed here by our Belizean brethren. In His Will Ministries has obliged us with such unconditional hospitality, that at times gravity seems to be working a thousand-fold on our eyes, as they well up with heavy tears of gratitude.

As we concluded our noonday refection, we were ferried to a wonderful Belizean center of youth pedagogy in the heart of the united and humble town of Unitedville. Once present in this ganglion of childhood education, we were fulfilled by the inextinguishable enthusiasm in their twinkling eyes. We upheld our covenant to bring praise to our heavenly father by singing with timbrel and dance. We then felt the shaking and startling urge to help these united Belizean cherubs on their journey to further develop their knowledge of Christ and the world that surrounds them. We engaged them in arithmetic sequences, along with practices of artistry and avant-garde dissertation from the literature greats, including the illustrious Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. We then regressed to our humble abode for a wee bit of gratifying, fine leisure time in the united and humble town of Unitedville. As we peered through our contemplative optical holes that common folk know and appreciate as eyes, we were astounded with the blessed lessons we come to be acquainted with, in the united and humble town of Unitedville.

We now approach upon the wondrous moment of the setting of the skin-altering Belizean sun over the valley in the united and humble town of Unitedville. As we come to the close of this 24-hour midsummer night’s dream, we hold each of you in the tenderness of our deepest prayers. We thank you for your continuing support that is still felt over the course of 1465 miles. Our love is sent from the unclaimed hollows of our hearts to Bibie, Robin, Ross, and Kenyon, as well as Lamar, Allen, and Virginia. Love also pours from our inner beings for Ross, Casie, Julia, and Jack.

With Kind Regards,
Stewart, Charlie, and Diane (in the united and humble town of Unitedville)

Hosts

Hello all. This is Connor and Emma. We just finished lunch at In His Will Ministries in Belize. So far, we have had a wonderful and eye-opening experience on this mission trip. We have done everything from build a bathroom to play with kids on a playground to swim in a
tropical lake. Last night was an especially touching moment on this trip because two of our hosts, Aryl and Leroy, opened up about their
life’s journey and their walk with God. Aryl is 19 and Leroy is 20 years young, as he likes to point out. One reason that this was so memorable was because the entire room of chatty teenagers was
completely silent and attentive to both of their stories. It was a
moment that we think none of us will soon forget. They also performed
two Christian rap songs that they had written for the occasion of
attending compline as special guests the previous night. The songs
were catchy and entertaining but also related back to their previously
mentioned stories. The songs also showed everyone that you can praise
God in many different ways.

While we have had a fun and work-filled morning, there has also been
a bit of sadness at the camp. Two of our younger hosts, Darryl and
Ezekiel, were picked up by Social Services and taken to another foster
home due to the fact that In His Will was only a temporary home. We
will miss all of the energy and happiness that they brought to the
camp and we ask that all of our friends and family back at home will
pray for Darryl and Ezekiel during their troubles.

We were also able to go put up the four walls we had built up for the
family we are building a bathroom for in town. While it was hot and
required a lot of manual labor, it was very fulfilling to see the
smiles from the family and neighbors and the looks of wonder from the
young children. We are now having a bit of free time before we head
over to the learning center to play and help teach the children there!

Connor & Emma

Real-life Rainforest

Today was the best day yet, and Connor Dellarosa's fifteenth birthday!  Although we woke up a lot earlier than usual, it was completely worth it. We all packed up in the two buses and headed down to Barbara`s church. She not only is a magnificent person but an extraordinary priest as well. Her sermon really moved the group and she made us feel at home. The biggest difference between our church and theirs is the peace. Everyone greeted one with a a warm smile and handshake that could make anyone's day. We walked around the church for about 5 minutes, meeting new and interesting cultural changes within people intertwining into a family. I've never felt more at home with these lovely folk. After the service we were given a hearty lunch by the clergy and juice that anyone would kill for as we battled the beating sun.

 

We changed our clothes and all rode in the buses to a popular hiking and caving spot.  Even though it was hot, we all enjoyed the short but strenuous hike through the jungle. By the end, we were all beyond relieved to feel the cool air coming out of the cave. As we ventured into the cave, it felt like we'd been transported to a place where time didn't matter any more. Some of us were a little scared at first, but when we got to the end we were all laughing and playing in the creek that ran through the mouth of the cave.  After the hiking and cave exploring was over, we headed to a water hole. 

 

This is Michelle, I need to interject this lovely timelog of our day with what ELSE happened after the cave exploration.  Aryl, one of the young men that lives at In His Will (our host Ministry), asked the group if we'd like to hike to the top mountain, now this is real live rainforest for you folk back home relaxing in your air conditioning.  So Amanda, Rick, Leroy, Stewart, WIlliam, Davis, Margaret and Daryl and myself spent a grueling heart thumping 1/2 mile ascend STRAIGHT up this mountain in a rain forest   It was Hunger Games with mosquitoes substituting for the TrackerJackers!  We made it to the top, enjoyed the spectacular view, and spent an additional 45 minutes trying to get back down the mountain, out of water, very hot, and hungry as a lumber jacks...but we were better people for the trek!

 

The hole had a beautiful canopy of trees covering the sun.  It was a much needed and refreshing break from the heat.  We swam in the water hole for a at least an hour.  After we finished swimming we came back to the cabins for some free time. Faye prepared a great meal of barbecue chicken, mash potatoes and corn and Birthday cake!  We having compline then off to bed! Love you all! Good nite!

The Lumberjills

Brennan, Channel, Lucy and Michelle

Mayan Ruins

Today we went to the Mayan ruins. We hiked to the top of the highest ruin and looked down on the rest of the ancient city. While on top we discovered a tree full of monkeys snacking on avocados. We saw God as we looked into the beautiful landscape of Belize and the border of Guatemala. We came together to cook an authentic Mexican dinner with fresh salsa by Erilyn and delicious cake by Davis and Will and eat as a group along with our hosts.

S/O to Robert, Mitzi, Caywood, Beth, Marc, and Gwen


Quentin Will and Davis

Photos!

Lunch!

This afternoon we had a wonderful lunch it was ham sandwiches with vegetables and fruits on the side. Then at about 2:00 pm we went to a minanits  community and had ice cream at western dairies and did some shopping in one of the big supermarkets it was good looking inside. Then we all went to In His Will library and did some cleaning. We had a fun time with the kids that came around, and played some games. When we came home we ate a wonderful Shepard's pie and fresh Mango!

Much love,
William, Quentin, and Margaret
"The Rick-taters"

The Early Learning Center

At the early learning center setting up for Monday. 1/2 our group will tutor and 1/2 will finish the bath. Kids in Belize love to learn. The last day of school was today, and they are sad that it is over. Thy are also super excited that the learning center will be open next week. Several have already showed up as we are setting up. They were running from all directions when they saw the doors open.

Amanda Musterman-Kiser

The Rick-tators

We left Cincinnati and arrived to Belize safe and sound, right on time. There is a two hour time difference here. We are staying at "In His Will", which is camp run by the Mcbride family. The family has lived here for 7 years and do ministry for those in the surrounding villages.  Our hosts are Carmen and Fay, there son Troy and his wife Barbara and there four adopted boys live here as well and run the camp. For our first dinner, We had rice and beans with stewed chicken.  The girls and guys each have their own cabins which are very nice and very clean. The setup of the cabins is similar to those from the movie " The Parent Trap."

This morning we woke to a pancake breakfast with scramble eggs and fruit. We then set off to tour Unitedville, which is a small town located near the camp.  We met George, Rita, and their 4 children. We were there to begin a project to build the family a new bathroom, which will be attached to their current home.  Today one group built the walls for the bathroom, while some of us cleared out brush and dead wood, and some cleaned up a playground on camp grounds. The last group poured a concret sidewalk leading away from the cabin where the boys who live here stay.  And we accomplished all this before lunch!  Stay tuned for a late blog which we will send out later today!

William Woodward, Margaret Clifton, Erilyn Jackson and our group leader Rick Anderson...the Rick-tators
 

Drink Time

 

We have landed, are through customs and met our In His Will and Wonder Voyage hosts! It is a little hot, but we thought we would refresh with some drinks. We haven't figured out what our drink choice says about our personality, but some of us are clearly more adventurous than others.

Amanda Musterman-Kiser 

And we are off!

Belize pilgrims leave CVG! We are headed to DFW and plan to be in Belize at 230!

Everyone was awake and excited. Although we left early, the bus to the airport included lively discussion and no sleep. Our Dean sent us off with words of blessing, reminding us that we go on behalf of Christ. Belize here we come!

Amanda Musterman-Kiser