Friday afternoon in the classroom was the hardest for me so far. My heart was totally broken. I got back to our cabin, ate a quick dinner, and walked to the nearby high school's basketball court, sat down, looked up at the stars, and cried me eyes out. I felt completely empty and broken, but God used the opportunity to allow me to be filled completely with Him. I felt so blessed and renewed by the end of the night. I know that this coming week in the classroom is going to be a good one. I am excited to teach my lessons and focus on loving on my kids.
Last night we experienced our first Belizean rain fall. The pros: We were already in our cabin getting ready for bed. The cons: my towel was out on the clothes line, everythings stinks now, we have a tim roof which is extremely noisy with the heavy heavy rain, and the intense amount of rain filled all the snake and tarantula holes leading them into our cabins (luckily only the boys have found them in their cabin).
On a normal Saturday during jterm I would sleep in until 9:30, take my time getting ready, chicken patties for lunch, and homework for the remainder of the day. Today puts every past Saturday to shame!! We arose at 7 and soon departed for our 2 hour ride to the cave and waterfall that we were hiking too. Luckily, we rented 3 vans and drivers to drive us around today because the 2 hour ride was on an extremely muddy dirt road that was full of pot holes. After almost getting stuck multiple times, fishtailing down the road, and getting pretty motion sick in the process we arrived at the Pine Ridge Waterfall. Words can describe and even the pictures can't do justice to how majestic God's creation is. The steep hike to get down to the falls was totally worth it! The hike back up was made extremely difficult when it started pouring rain. We all made it up alive with only a few wipe outs, bruises, scraped hands, and one sprained ankle (quickly healed by ice). From the waterfalls we ate our packed lunch and headed to the cave. We picked up two military escorts along the way (they have had troubles with tourists being mugged before) and soon arrived at the cave. The cave was indescribable, such a testament to God's power. After the caves we went back to the waterfalls (this time from a different angle and much closer). We took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a swim in the pools of water. It was so refreshing to soak up the rays and wade through the cool water! Two hours later we arrived back at our campgrounds (motion sick again) ate a quick dinner and are now preparing for bed. Today was so exhausting and exhilarating. We will sleep well tonight.
Hi Marjorie! Oh my...you are getting a real up close and personal experience of the goods and bads of living in an undeveloped country. It's rough, isn't it. Prickly at times! Our USA standards make us extremely spoiled with creature comforts. I LOVE HOT SHOWERS! It's not your fault to miss those. Honestly, they make me very very happy. And I NEVER take water for granted. I know some people do not even venture out of the country because...THEY ARE TOO COMFORTABLE! They don't want to take cold showers and drink from water bottles or deviate from anything other than what they know. They don't want to suffer... Is that bad? Maybe, maybe not; it shows the level of depth of how far they will go to challenge themselves and how global minded they want to make their world. I have tried to not be a small minded person and get caught up in petty issues. These types of experiences will definitely alter your reality paradigm. Perhaps the small petty problems of the future really won't really be a problem when you have a global perspective. People know about poverty because they see it on TV, and they do not want to feel poverty. No person does or should. That's why Christians are called to serve the poor; help with social injustice and that's not comfortable by any means. It's okay to complain about your stinky towel and your damp bed...you aren't used to that. I am so impressed that you girls are reaching down deep inside yourselves to transcend all the negatives by calling on the love to our Lord and Savior. I can't tell you how mature that is. I'm very proud of you. On the lighter side; if you find any dead tarantulas, can you dry one and put it in a book? :) lol Kidding..well..only if it's dry! lol Keep extending yourself one step at a time Marjorie and friends! Remember your time is limited there and embrace any side adventures as you can! Which you are! Love the caves! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHey Marjorie,
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have Bonine to take for motion sickness. Bonine is good because it doesn't make you drowsy! Or ginger tablets?