blackpurl's knitpickings... an expat journal

counting the gifts...

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Gratitude.

That is what is on my mind and in my heart right now. Yesterday was a bittersweet day. More sweet than bitter I should say. You see on February 19, 1985 I went in for a routine pregnancy check up and the doctor could not find the heartbeat of the baby I was carrying. I was sent for an ultrasound to check on the baby's well being. The technician said not a word about the results... I was told to come back for the doctor to interpret them for me. Tom and I went to the movies, ate some lunch, and went back to the doctor's office. When we finally sat down with the doctor we were given the news that our baby was no longer alive.

We were devastated.

It was truly one of the worst days of my life. I thought I would never be happy again. Never. The doctor went on to explain that he wanted me to go into labor on my own if possible. And he also shared that not only had my baby died that day...but his best friend died as well. He left to attend the funeral and be with his friend's family in a neighboring state for a few days. I waited from the 19th to the 22nd to see if I would go into labor on my own. When he returned, on the 22nd, I went back in to his office and he scheduled an appointment at the hospital to induce labor.

Our first child and only daughter was stillborn that night.

It amazes me that we have two sons. I have been pregnant five times. Two stillbirths just ten months apart in 1985...then Nathan was born in 1987. Two years later I had a miscarriage...and nine months after that miscarriage Spencer was born in 1990. So here we are twenty-seven years after Patricia Kaye was stillborn. I am so grateful to be able to say that I am the mother of two living children.

Two incredible young men, Nathan, 24, and Spencer, 21, are alive and well.

2006 Family photo in Krasnodar, Russia

2008 Spencer and Nathan in Dana Point, California,USA

2010 Spencer and I in Istanbul, Turkey

2011 Nathan's visit to Belize

Nathan and Spencer are two of the greatest gifts in my life. I am so fortunate, so blessed, and so grateful to God for bringing them into being. My heart is glad. I am overwhelmed with joy as I realize how far we have come as a family. Nathan's birth brought us hope and restored our faith. Spencer's birth was cause for rejoicing and celebration...as our family was now made complete.

So this week I may have times of sadness as I remember and reflect on the days spent waiting for Patricia's stillbirth to occur. But, I also know that I will spend these next few days rejoicing and giving thanks for the sons that filled our hearts and our home with love and laughter.

521. the gift of Nathan.
522. the gift of Spencer.
523. the precious gift of life.
524. the beautiful gift of family.
525. the restoration of joy.

joining in with the gratitude community:

I surrender what is convenient for me...

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

The most important thing that we surrender is our own self-- our desire to control our lives. Of course, we don't surrender and go into a vacuum. We surrender something in order to cling to God only. Surrender is the means to enjoying more fully the most beautiful thing in our lives--our joyous love relationship with God.

~Ajith Fernando from his book The Call to Joy & Pain

I would love to be able to say to the world that I am fully surrendered to His will and that I cling only to Him. That sounds like the true heart attitude that a missionary should possess. But, honestly, I don't fit that ideal. I still nurse a childish desire to control my own life. I cherish comfort. What I really want is a surrender that doesn't require sacrifice. If I could just rest assured that all things will turn out according to what I think is best it would be easier to give Him control. Do you ever feel that way?

I have a deep desire to be able to say (like Paul in Galatians 2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." I love singing the words to the old hymn I Surrender All. However, I know my head is saying "I surrender what is convenient for me".

As each day of 2012 ticks by I understand more about why my word for the year is Surrender. There is still so much more for me to relinquish. There are still so many areas of my mind and heart that need to be transformed into His image. Tom teaches that authentic forgiveness is not an event but a process. I am convinced that true surrender is also a process and not an event. As I mature spiritually I realize how much more of my self there is to let go of before I can claim to have been crucified with Christ.

God stays the same as we grow up spiritually...but we change.

Stage one of my surrender began when I was ten years old. I went forward to the altar a few weeks after Easter back in 1973 and gave my life to Him. At 16, I renewed that childhood vow. At 21, I learned about Christ being Lord of my life and not just my Savior. By the age of 35, I came to realize just how much I don't know or understand about His mercy and grace. Today, a few months shy of 49, I acknowledge that I still have far to go. God is not finished teaching me and molding me into the person that He has called me to be.

What stage of surrender are you at in your walk with Him?

Belize or California?

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Can you tell the difference?

thought for today...

2012-02-15T00:17:00.000-06:00

Take a good look at God's wonders---they'll take your breath away.
Psalm 66:5
The Message

How often do you look at the ground?

Are you so focused on the path ahead that you miss what is right at your feet?

Each time we go for a hike in Guanacaste National Park I have no idea where to look. Whether I look up or down, side to side, or straight ahead, there is so much to see. God's wonders are everywhere. Each detail of His creation is worth taking note of...His handiwork is amazing. Sometimes, I forget that I am also a wonder of His. Having lost two children I know firsthand that each child born alive is a miracle.

You are a wonder of His.

You are His handiwork.

You are amazing!

May you take the time to take a good look at God's wonders...

including yourself and those around you.

May you surrender your gaze to Him.

And may He truly take your breath away.

linking up with:

Love Mapping...

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Where has your love map taken you and your Valentine?

These maps show a snapshot of our journey over the past 30 years...

Wichita, Kansas

Where we met, married and began our family.

Costa Mesa, California

Where we bought our first home and raised our sons.

Krasnodar, Russia

Where we all learned to work as a team.

Belmopan, Belize

Where we are now...still serving but as a team of two.

I hope that wherever you are today.. that you will get to enjoy some time with your Valentine!

And whether you have a special someone or not always remember that:

Happy Valentine's Day!!

PS. Yesterday I had a guest post of mine featured over at The Watered Soul. I wrote about some of the lessons we have learned during our marriage. Please head over to Wanda's blog and check it out.

counting the gifts...

2012-02-13T13:18:00.000-06:00

I am so tired from this weekend I feel as if I can barely put a sentence together.

I have already re-started this post four times!

The conference was definitely a success and there are plans in the works to do it again next year. We are so grateful for the emotional and spiritual healing we saw take place, for the ah-ha moments some of the women experienced and for each woman who had the courage to come and speak the truth about her life.

Friday night Diana Shaw opened with the story of Gomer. A different sort of love story. Not one of a prince and princess but one of a harlot who became the wife of a prophet. A story of redemption and of unconditional love. One of the statements that seemed to resonate among the women was "if you don't address the issues of your past they will eventually lead you into sin". There is a danger in living with unresolved issues. It will affect not only you but those around you, especially your children and your walk with God. Gomer could not handle her life as Hosea's wife. She went back to her ways of adultery seeking gifts and care from lovers instead of from her husband. But God instructed Hosea to take his wife back and to show her love once again. What a blessing to know that there is always an opportunity for renewal with the Lord. Hosea redeemed Gomer, gave her dignity, restored her position and gave her status. And God can do each of those things for us as He lavishes His grace on us.

Saturday morning we had a talk from a woman who lived for 43 years with the secret of domestic violence in her home. Her testimony of suffering at the hands of her husband truly hit a cord with some of the women. And many were inspired by her honesty, courage and what God has done through her life.

Tom's first talk was about how abuse and trauma in our lives affects our choices. After Tom spoke we had lunch and then we separated into small groups for a time of discussion and of processing what we had been hearing. There were 9 of us who were designated as small group leaders. The small group time was truly eye opening. Women were ready to talk about what they identified with, what they were learning and what they needed to change in their own lives to truly live the full life that God wants them to live.

In the evening, following Tom's talk on forgiveness, those who were ready to begin the process of forgiving someone in their life were able to write that name down on a piece of paper and nail it to the cross.

This was followed by communion. And then we were dismissed for the night. We heard stories the next day about women who went back to their dorm rooms and shared their testimonies with one another, and some of them stayed up until about 2am praying and singing together!

There were so many gifts from this weekend...

our hearts are truly filled to overflowing with joy over how God worked through this conference.

498. Times of praise and worship with the ladies...

499. gathering for meals together.
500. whoopie pies for dessert
501. homemade rolls
502. fresh ice cream from Spanish Lookout
503. times of prayer with a few of the women that were even sweeter than the ice cream we shared.

504. different nationalities and ethnic groups coming together

505. women from the Mennonite community joining us on Saturday.

506. Tom being able to teach and use his gifts.

507. learning to accept interruptions no matter what form they take.

508. the sound of forgiveness being nailed to the cross

509. hurts being transformed by Christ's work on the cross

510. being blessed by the serving team with great meals and hospitality

511. bonding in small groups

512. hearing testimonies

513. Powerful dramas showcasing how Christ intervenes in our lives.

514. a beautiful love letter from God for each one of the ladies in attendance.
515. unexpected gifts as thanks for being a small group leader.
516. seeing women exchange numbers before leaving.
517. churches who financially sponsored women from their congregations.
518. a local woman who took in several children so their mothers could attend.
519. the youth group clapping in support of each woman as her name was called to receive a gift for attending. Their encouragement was spontaneous and so beautiful!
520. knowing that we are in the right place and at just the right time.

joining in with the gratitude community:

The Healthy Woman

2012-02-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

If you are in the area there is still time to come and join us!

The Healthy Woman Conference

February 10-12, 2012

YWAM Base, Roaring Creek

Hosted By

The Child Development Foundation

Registration begins at 4:00 pm Friday, February 10.

The conference will end at noon on Sunday, February 12.

Saturday’s sessions are from 8:30 am - 9:00 pm

Theme:

The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength

Topics include:

Gomer: A Story of Hope and Redemption (Friday evening)

Hope for the Battered Woman (Saturday)

How Abuse and Trauma Shape Our Choices (Saturday)

Pursuing Purity and Holiness in Singleness (Saturday)

The Path to Healing from a Past Abortion (Saturday)

The Power of Forgiveness (Saturday evening)

My Identity in Christ (Sunday morning)

Our Speakers:

Ms. Diana Shaw, founder/director of CDF and child advocate

Mr. Tom Sharp, Christian counselor and therapist

Mrs. Dana Richards and Ms. Connie Oslund, post-abortion counselors

Mrs. Jadine Fritzler, CDF board member and conference coordinator

We are excited to see what God will do in the lives of the women who will be there this weekend.

Please pray for those who will be attending...that it will be a safe and loving environment for each woman. Pray also for all of the volunteers who are working hard to make this weekend a success. Pray for good weather and for health for all of the speakers.

Thank you!

Which step have you reached today?

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

source

To quote my brother, Stephen, "if you're gonna talk about it...be about it!"

I have talked about getting healthy. So obviously my next step was to be about it. Since I wrote the post Determination today...better health tomorrow I've been walking consistently each week. When we have an errand to run, if it is within walking distance, we choose to walk instead of taking the car. I have finally made the shift in my head to telling myself I can do it instead of making an excuse as to why I can't do it.

And my reward for being about it?

The weight gain has stopped! At first nothing changed. But this week I stepped on the scale and was down a pound. But, the best part is how I feel. Mentally and physically I feel so much better when I am able to get a walk in...even if it's a short one. The week is not over yet and my goal is to get two more days of walking in this week. Can you guess what I am telling myself about that goal? I can do it!

Which step have you reached today?

thought for today...

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

In my wildest dreams I never thought that I would ever stand in Red Square.
I never expected to see St Basil's Cathedral.

2005 was the year we sold our house, packed up our belongings, and moved our family to Russia. We invested five years of our lives among the Russian people. Learning the language, studying the culture, ministering where needed along the way. We worked hard to understand life around us. We worked hard to fit in with how our neighbors lived their lives. We made friends that came to feel like family. All the while knowing we were foreigners...each and every day of those five years.

The reality is that our journey as foreigners began long ago.

Tom came to Christ at 13. I came to Him at 10.

And I am reminded of the words of an old song from my church growing up.

"I am just a stranger down here.

This old world is not my home.

One of these morns you're gonna look for me,

but praise God, I'll be gone on home".

For each of us, those who follow Christ, we live abroad. This earth is not our home. We don't fit in here. We don't belong here. And much of the stress of daily life could be attributed to culture shock or culture stress.

I have learned a great deal from our seven years of living outside of the US.

Here are five of the lessons I have learned that I think we as Believers can apply to our lives:

I Must Adjust My Expectations-

I should not expect the people from another culture to act, think, or conduct themselves exactly like me.

I Must Moderate My Behavior-

I must remember that my actions are seen as representative of my home country to everyone I interact with.

I Must Give Thought to My Words-

I teach others about my home country every time I open my mouth.

I Must Adjust My Attitude-

I must learn to live in this environment and not expect it to bow to my values or my way of seeing life.

I Must Remember My Position-

I must remember that I am not a citizen of the country I am living in...I am just a stranger down here.

How do you see yourself as a foreigner where you are?

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday...

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am thinking a trip to the bakery would be a good thing for today.

There are so many choices...breads, cakes, pastries...we still have not sampled everything!

counting the gifts...

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

My nose is stuffy. I feel achy and tired. I just want to breathe freely and think clearly again. I cannot tell if my allergies, sinuses, or just a common cold are to blame for how I feel. Either way...I just don't feel good.

And yet, I feel so blessed.

475. Thankful that Tom rearranged our schedule so that I could have an extra day to rest.

476. Our house guest made it back home to the states safely.

477. Super bowl commercials with Betty White in them.

478. Time with Spencer and some of the YWAM staff.

479. Seven of us watching the King's Speech together.

480. Tom being asked to speak on a panel for the Christian Club at Galen University.

481. learning a school chant at a pep rally before the panel started.

482. contagious smiles

483. watching the room fill with students

484. meeting the chairman of the university...who was such a gracious host.

485. watching the students take notes as the men on the panel spoke.

486. Listening to their insightful questions when the presentations ended.

487. getting out to walk three times last week despite the rain.

488. our monthly meeting with local missionaries here in the Cayo District.

489. fresh honey from a local farmer.

490. cups of hot tea on chilly rainy days.

491. vanilla flavored soy milk

492. two more weeks of classes left for this session at Belize Bible Center.

493. Pink hair bows, colorful beads, and the little girls at church.

494. shoulders for little ones to lean on.

495. learning that I am stronger than I thought I was...

496. embracing a life of simplicity.

and

497. finding joy in being thankful.

joining in with the gratitude community:

Girl, if only this chair could talk...

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Each week we have clients who sit in this chair.

Male, female, young and old...all with one thing in common...pain.

If this chair could talk you would hear it gossip about the intimate details of those who have suffered through various traumas. Thank goodness that chair keeps the confidence of those who sit for an hour or so seeking relief.

We cannot talk about the details either. However, to update you and to ask for prayer I can say that this was a tough week. We had a few new people in the chair. Word of the counseling center is spreading and we have gotten referrals from schools and other programs in the area. And we are grateful for that.

Please pray for the teens here in Belize.

Pray for the children.

Pray for those struggling underneath the weight of a secret that they feel could destroy them or their families.

Pray for more social workers to be appointed in our district.

Pray for the lone social worker here in Cayo and her staggering work load.

Pray for students that Tom is currently training in the Christian counseling class he is teaching on Saturdays.

Pray for the upcoming Healthy Woman Conference that CDF is putting on next weekend.

Pray for us to have wisdom, insight and compassion to relate with each individual who sits in that chair.

We truly appreciate your prayers...we are already seeing the payoffs of working here.

We give praise for the referrals we have received.

We give praise for school principals who see the needs of their students and take action.

We give praise for foster moms, youth workers and teachers who care enough to intervene.

We give praise for the breakthroughs a few of our clients have experienced.

We admire the courage of those who choose to sit and share their pain with us.

We are grateful for each one of you who are supporting us with prayer.

Those petitions are truly valuable...and we cherish them!

Negative Calorie foods?

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this list on Pinterest last night.

source

Since I had not heard of this concept before I turned to my trusty friend, Google, for insight.

I found this over at LiveStrong.com:

Theconcept of negative calorie foods, or the idea that you burn morecalories digesting and metabolizing certain foods than the foodsthemselves contain, is more of a diet myth than a reality. Eventhough some foods may give your metabolism more of a boost thanothers, and some contribute so few calories to begin with that theydo require a couple of extra calories for digestion, the extracalories burned won't be enough to affect your weight. click to read more

and this over at MayoClinic.com:

Thebottom line: Many of the foods touted as negative calorie foods arevegetables and fruits that can aid in losing weight as part of anoverall healthy diet plan. But they're probably not negative calorieand they're not a magic bullet for weight loss. In addition,following extreme diets that promote eating only a few foods cancause you to miss out on important nutrients. The key to successfulweight loss is adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanceddiet and regular exercise. click to read more

I think it bears repeating that there is no magic bullet for weight loss.

Say it with me!

"There is NO magic bullet for weight loss."

And that is okay by me because I was not and am not looking for a fad diet.

I am looking to be healthy.

And to do that the answer remains the same.

Eat right. Move more.

Both of which I can do.

I also found these words to live by:

This is my goal for the year...what's yours?

thought for today...

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

I love watching birds. Being in a country with over 580 types of birds is absolutely fascinating to me. I don't know the names of every single bird. I think this is a Kiskadee. We see them in our neighborhood and in our yard. They swoop in and peck at the seeds or fallen fruit in the yard. Listening to their call is such a joy.

It is as if they are announcing themselves to all within the sound of their voices...

kis- ka- dee, kis- ka- dee!

I enjoy starting my day in the word and in prayer. However, in the midst of a busy and stressful day there are times when you would not be able to tell my day started that way. There are times when I allow people, circumstances or my hormone induced attitude to erase the seeds planted during my quiet time. I wish I could say that in past tense. But, I can't. As a recovering perfectionist it is difficult to cop to that. I want to keep that to myself. Sometimes...I don't even acknowledge it before God. Obviously, during those times I am choosing to forget that He already knows all about me.

That which He plants in me deserves the opportunity to grow and mature...to make me complete in Him. It is up to me to obey the commands, meditate on the promises, and apply the words of instruction laid out in the Bible. I am to blame if I allow anyone or anything to negatively impact my walk with Him. God is faithful. His word can change our lives if we let it.

As I surrender...allowing Him to have His way in my life this year...I also accept full responsibility for the quality of my spiritual life. I surrender to the call to be watchful. I need to watch out for whatever may try to distract me or rob me of the seeds God has placed in my life.

Is there something eating His seeds in your life?

linking up with:

What is your brain made of?

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Source

Did you know all of this about water?

I sure didn't.

Tom and have always been water drinkers. We don't keep soda, or even juice in the house and we only buy them for special occasions. Depending on where you live and how active you are the amount of water you need to drink to avoid dehydration varies. Most days we each drink two liters of water. On really hot and humid days Tom might drink up to four liters of water and I drink three. When we first got here we bought bottled water to drink and to cook with.

After experimenting with a few different water filtration pitchers we settled on the Brita pitcher we have now. But, when the time came to buy a new replacement filter...they were no where to be found. Our friends saved the day for us and donated enough filters to last an entire year. Water filters may not be the most expensive gift we have ever received but they most certainly are valuable to the quality of our lives. Especially in light of how important water is to the proper functioning of our bodies.

So what do you drink the most?

What is your brain made of?!

counting the gifts...

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have surrendered to the fact that while I don't like exercise and sweating...my body seems to like it. I am feeling much better physically and mentally. Spiritually, I find myself reflecting on my surroundings and feeling more 'dialed in' when I am out walking. Last week I walked four out of seven days. This week the goal is to repeat that. I am grateful to have found something simple (and free) that I can do for myself that yields such great results.

553. working toward better health one day at a time.

554. knowing there are greater things ahead.

555. having our friend, Paul, visiting from the states.

556. taking photos against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

557. having a reliable vehicle that allows us to provide transport for others when needed.

558. knowing how to make our dollars stretch when there is more month than money.

559. learning what my food cravings mean.

560. fresh fruit and vegetables.

561. fresh smoothies for breakfast.

562. not believing everything I tell myself about myself.

563. sharing Tom's birthday with Belizean friends.

564. passing the mid-term in Tom's counseling class.

565. gifts from America.

566. enough Brita water filters to make it through the year.

567. pumpkin pie flavored pop-tarts.

568. a new oven thermometer.

569. a new compass for the car.

570. sharing our favorite hot wing spot with our friend from the states.

571. the spirit of unity we feel here in our community.

572. a difficult book that challenges my thinking and brings me to my knees in prayer.

573. a phone call from my brother.

574. understanding why God is sometimes silent during difficulty.

joining in with the gratitude community:

Lolita's broken life...

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from Lolita,
by Vladimir Nabokov

"I'll die if you touch me," I said. "You are sure you are not coming with me? Is there no hope of your coming? Tell me only this."

"No," she said. "No, honey, no.

She had never called me honey before.

"No," she said, "it is quite out of the question. I would sooner go back to Cue. I mean-" She groped for words. I supplied them mentally ("He broke my heart. You merely broke my life").

It took me years to face this book. Other books by Nabokov are not so difficult to read. I knew that it was about a middle aged man and his relationship with a 12 year old girl. I didn't think I had the strength to make it through a book like this. I read it while we still lived in Russia. It was a difficult read. It broke my heart. It moved me to tears and it made me angry.

Vladimir Nabokov is quoted as saying:

Some people, and I am one of them, hate happy ends. We feel cheated. Harm is the norm.

I disagree. Harm should never be the norm.

But, sometimes it is. Each week there are children and teens whose lives, hearts and spirits have been broken. Some of them are brought to their knees by their life circumstances. Others were abused or mistreated by someone who was supposed to care for them. These dear ones often struggle to conceive of a power great enough to mend their lives, heal their hearts, replenish their spirits and redeem all of the suffering they have faced.

I still believe though...that healing can begin with a whispered prayer calling forth the Light of Healing.

Join with us in prayer for those who are still victims.

Please remember the Lolitas of the world.

Determination today...better health tomorrow!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

On Monday, I got to work and realized that I had forgotten the power cord for my computer. Our first client of the day was male so I knew that I had time to dash home to get it. Tom suggested that I walk instead of using the car. I was a bit put out...I mean it was only a five minute drive. Then I thought about it. The walk would be good for me. And we were getting low on gas and pay day was not until the end of the month.

So, I walked home.

When I got to the house 15 minutes later I realized that the walk was not horrible. It didn't kill me. I used the time to refocus and reflect. I was able to throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, drink a cup of tea, and write in my journal for a bit. I changed out of my cute shoes and put on my walking shoes and went back to work with the cord for my computer and a new attitude.

And I have been walking daily since then.

Tuesday, I walked to the post office and stopped by the market to pick up some fruit. Yesterday, we walked over to the counseling office to pick up some copies from the secretary. Belmopan is a small city. The first four months we got by without a car. We got around the city either by foot or on the bikes graciously donated to us by a couple in Nebraska. It takes longer to walk or bike but it is doable...especially since we are now into the dry season.

There are some health benefits to walking.

I have been feeling better physically, my mind is clearer, my mood is lighter.

I know it will take a while for me to make walking a habit but I know that if I put my mind to it I can do it. Tom has been walking five days a week for several weeks now. He is determined. I respect that. And his faithfulness is admirable and contagious.

Determination today will lead to better health tomorrow.

What are you determined to do for better health?

Thought for today...

2012-01-25T02:34:00.002-06:00

I took this photo on Hummingbird Highway on the way to Dangriga. We were out sightseeing that day. It was our first weekend with the new car. It is hard to believe that a year has passed so quickly. I had Tom stop the car so I could snag this photo. He is used to me making requests like this and he pulled over long enough for me to get the shot. We work together like that...after 30 years together it just seems natural.

How important is unity?

Unity at home. Unity in neighborhoods. Unity in a country.

Does it really make a difference to the quality of our lives?

I think so. When God's people live in unity it is good and it is pleasant. It is part of His intention for us. We are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Jesus prayed for all believers to be brought to complete unity. Disharmony in a home or church is an oppression that prevents growth. The harmony of lives in unity with one another allows each member to thrive.

I want to see everyone thrive.

The people we see in the counseling office. Those we meet as we move about the city.

Our loved ones back in the states. Our friends back in Russia.

I pray that the God who gives us endurance and encouragement will also give us a spirit of unity.

May every home be a place where unity flourishes

so that individuals are free to grow, thrive, and live as He intended.

And may it all be good and pleasant to Him.

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday...what your cravings mean

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I came across the handy chart on Pinterest. This is fascinating to me. Not long ago I blogged about my sugar cravings. And now I can clearly see what my body is missing when I have those cravings and what real foods can give me the nutrients that I am needing at the time.

How awesome is that?!

source

Not only do I love sweets but salty foods too. Popcorn and potato chips are my weaknesses. Tom and I are both looking to make better choices with food. As the one who does the cooking I feel a greater responsibility to make sure that I am doing my part to help us both eat better. And I have been inspired by his commitment to walking. He has been going out five days a week. We walked a lot before we got the car last year. We lived for five years in Russia without owning a vehicle. But here in Belize the public transportation system is not like it was in Russia. Since purchasing the car I have gained ten pounds. I was shocked when I got on the scale. Absolutely shocked.

Today is Tom's birthday and he asked for a cake. I will bake him a Texas Sheet Cake today but we will be sharing it with friends so we won't be tempted to eat the whole thing just the two of us.

We aren't going to be counting calories and weighing in each week.

The goal is to make better food choices,

eat treats in moderation and walk as often as we can.

What changes are you making for your health this year?

Celebrating Chinese New Year and counting the gifts...

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

There is a first time for everything. And yesterday we celebrated Chinese New Year for the first time!

We attend a multi ethnic church here in Belize and one of the ethnicities represented is Chinese. As part of his message Pastor Han told us about the beginning of Bethel Disciples Church. It began with a group of Chinese believers who came together to worship. And they called Pastor Han, a Korean, to be their pastor. He does not speak Mandarin so he preached in English and used a translator. Others heard about the church and began to attend. And now just about every ethnic group in Belize is represented at the church. It truly is a beautiful sight to see everyone worshiping together each Sunday.

After church yesterday we were treated to a buffet of Chinese food, made by several ladies from the congregation. It was all very tasty. I can't decide if the noodle dish or the dumplings were my favorite. I would be willing to taste it all again, you know, to be sure! There were also gifts for the kids, lots of laughter and great fellowship to be had. We were thrilled to be a part of it all. We have been attending Bethel Disciples Church for a few months now and it is beginning to feel like we have found a home. And that is truly a gift!

531. a place to worship and grow in Him.
532. wooden tables laden with more than enough food for everyone.
533. sermons that seem to have been written just for my ears.
534. worship songs that lift up an offering of praise.
535. text messages that let me know a friend is praying for me.
536. phone calls and texts from Nathan and Spencer.

537. being the mother of two incredible sons.

538. Tom taking a bullet for me during my week of no bread.

I ate the fish burger and he finished off the bun.

539. learning to ignore the wires and just focus on the sunset.

540. beautiful moments to end the day.

541. Creation speaking words that enchant the soul

542. Christmas gifts that bring tears to the eye and joy to the heart.

543. the thoughtfulness of on line friends.

544. Ornaments to replace items lost in Russia.

545. sweets from home filled with childhood memories.

546. papaya-orange smoothies

547. fresh fruit and veggies from the market

548. having a friend drop off a container filled with fresh baked goodness.

549. eating Johnny Cakes for the first time.

550. watching American Idol after the football game.

551. having people who trust me.

552. the serenity that abides in a grateful heart.

joining in with the gratitude community:

Chocolate and water and modern day slavery...

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

It was hard for me to imagine the connection.

However, according to Change.org there are five ways that lack of clean water leads to modern day slavery. In the opening lines of the article we read:

"The global water crisis contributes to poverty and disease, holds back gender equity advancement, and affects the use of enslaved and exploited labor in commercial agriculture. These problems and others make millions of men, women, and children vulnerable to modern-day slavery."

Here are the reasons cited in the article:
1. Lack of water access keeps people in poverty
2. Fetching water can put women and children at risk for trafficking
3. Lack of water keeps women from being equal
4. Unsafe water and unsanitary living conditions cause disease and death
5. Industrial agriculture enslaves people made poor by lack of water.

If you click on the link and read the article you will see each reason expounded upon. click here

Learning about water got me to thinking about what other industries contribute to modern day slavery. And then I found this story about chocolate's child slaves.

Thechocolate bar you snack on likely starts at a plant in a West Africancocoa plantation, and often the people who harvest it are children.Many are slaves to a system that produces something almost all of usconsume and enjoy.

We have learned from our work with the Child Development Foundation that poverty is a major factor in child trafficking. There are unscrupulous people who prey on poor families whose only assets are their adolescent sons or daughters. We have learned more than we ever wanted to know about the depravity of mankind. And as we conclude a productive week of working in the counseling office and look forward to another class this weekend of Tom training counseling students...we are praying.

Praying for those around the world who are still victims.

Praying for those here in Belize who are suffering.

Praying for the abused, misused and neglected children.

And praying for the perpetrators to WAKE up and repent of their deeds.

Won't you pray with us?

If you are looking for a cause to support please consider making donations to the following organizations:

The Child Development Foundation works to bring awareness of the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children and eradicate this situation here in Belize.
Water Missions Belize works to provide whole villages with access to clean water, does education on hygiene and helps to set up micro businesses to abate poverty.
Hearts of Christ works against illiteracy by providing children with sponsors who will pay for their education. Education in Belize is not free. And poor families often keep children home to help earn a living.

Do you ever feel this way?

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Some days I just want to run to the store or do my errands and not run into anyone who knows me.

I don't want to be rude I just want to be invisible. Maybe it's the introvert in me. Maybe it is a holdover from the five years of being the only black woman in the region we lived in back in Russia. There are days when it is obvious that the feeling of always being on stage hasn't fully left me yet.

But then there are days like yesterday.

I went to the post office to pick up a package from a blogging friend

who was sweet enough to bless us with some treats and Christmas ornaments.

As soon as I walk in one of the workers in the back looks up at me and smiles. She walks toward me with a piece of mail that had our first address on it here in Belmopan. The man at the counter is waiting on someone else when I enter. He goes to get that person's package and mine at the same time. I have not even given my name or shown him my paperwork yet. When my turn comes he gets me out of there in record time. Thanking him, I turn to leave, smile, and God reminds me of the benefits of being recognized.

It is not about being on display.

It is about being a part of a community.

And we are truly blessed indeed to be able to live and serve here.

thought for today...

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart;

a wise person draws from the well within.

Proverbs 20:5

The Message

This week, in the U.S., the birthday of Martin Luther King was celebrated. There were many quotes of his posted on Facebook and Twitter. One of them stood out for me above the others...

The time is always right to do what is right.

The older I get the more empowered I feel. I remember when I turned forty my Auntie Martha told me that I was now old enough to do what I want to do. As I get closer to fifty I realize how much more courageous I am becoming. Meaning that I feel more at ease speaking my mind, having an opinion, and acting on what I believe.

The verse from Proverbs reminds me that knowing what is right is important. Quite often I know that right thing deep within my heart. It is usually my head that needs convincing. Drawing from the well of wisdom in the heart challenges me to do more and to not just think about it. So, for me, whether that means speaking up about injustice, confessing the pain in my heart or even talking about my issues with food...I know that this year I will be more inclined to surrender to the call to do the right thing.

And like Dr. King said the time is always right to do it.

Is there a right thing you need to be doing?

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday- Cream of Something...

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

There are many times when we cannot find exactly what we want here in the markets. Times when we can find it...but it is outrageously expensive because it is imported. And times when it was available a month ago but not now. Those are the times when I turn to my cookbooks or get online to find a substitute. As I was looking through recipes that I have saved on Pinterest I found one that will come in handy for sure.

Cream of "Something" Soup Mix

photo from One Orange Giraffe

recipe

1 cup non-fat dried milk

3/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup bouillon, your choice of flavor (if you have cubes you have to smash them up)

4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

1 teaspoon pepper

For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup,

mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water.

Cook until thick.

I have most of these ingredients on hand so all I need to do is run to the store for some bouillon and I can make a batch today. If it works it will be a money saver for sure! If you have recipes for other dried mixes just let me know...I would love to give them a try.

counting the gifts...

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just like many of you this was a busy weekend for us...

*we had a banquet to attend Friday night for Christian Leaders out at the YWAM base in Banana Bank. We met several new people. We were amazed by the turn out. Close to 100 people in attendance. I think most of the various ethnic groups and denominations here in Belize were present. We had a great dinner, an inspiring speaker and awesome fellowship with other leaders from around Belize.

*Saturday morning was the first class of the new semester at Belize Bible Center. We had 16 students show up for this second course on Christian counseling...some returning students and some for the first time. And we were told to expect new people next week as well! Tom taught on Defense Mechanisms and he was thrilled to be teaching again.

*Saturday evening Spencer came by with some of his YWAM friends. It was a great time of laughing with them and getting to know them a little better.

*Sunday service at church was refreshing and the message shared was right on time and in tune with what I needed to hear. Next week because of the number of Asian believers in our church we will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a meal together after the service...and that is exciting to look forward to!

502. morning walks with Tom

503. a hot cup of tea with a friend

504. great conversations that you don't want to end

505. crispy salads loaded with veggies and salmon

506. warm garlic bread

507. a buffet line with a glimpse of Spencer in the background

508. a tasty dinner and dessert while chatting with some leaders from the Mennonite community.

509. candlelight and fresh cut flowers

510. a free book of choice for each couple or single that attended

511. Having Spencer spend his free day with us on Sunday.
512. A timely message from Pastor Underwood for me to process the week.
513. the sun shining after the rain.
514. being inspired by Tom's commitment to walk more.
515. experiencing the calm that comes from breathing in deeply and letting it out
516. realizing that although we don't have much materially...we truly are rich.
517. Time with Spencer's new friends from YWAM
518. the joy of five sugar free days last week

519. learning not just to sing but to pray this chorus:

Lord, prepare me

to be a sanctuary.

Pure and holy,

tried and true.

With thanksgiving

I'll be a living sanctuary for You.

520. appreciating the difficulty in this process of surrendering all that I hold dear to Him.

521. the delight of knowing that we are exactly where God wants us to be.

522. a counseling client who is growing and changing and experiencing a fuller life!

523. teens who desire to work through their feelings and issues in counseling.

524. the diversity of cultures here

525. Reading The Hunger Games late into the night.

526. watching documentaries with Spencer on a quiet Sunday afternoon

527. a bag filled with oranges from a gracious couple at church

528. the calming smell of a freshly peeled orange permeating the air.

529. homework from Tom's class that challenges the mind and the spirit

530. for His enduring love that becomes more palpable each day

joining in with the gratitude community:

God, grant me the serenity to accept my cravings!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Does the Serenity prayer work for sugar ~~addicts~~ lovers? I am trying to understand my cravings. What they mean and why I have them. I went five days without sugar or caffeine. And that is probably a good thing.

My headache is gone. I am not as tired. The fog has lifted.

Today I promised to have tea with a friend. And Tom and I are attending a banquet tonight. What temptations will I have to face? I am not sure. I know that moderation is the key. Before the holidays I would only bake once a week. I didn't feel compelled to eat a cookie or indulge with a candy bar everyday. I was able to keep treats in the treat category and not move them into the field of entitlement.

You know how the entitlement thing goes right?

I deserve this because...

I earned this because...

I find that I can talk myself into or out of whatever I want to talk myself into or out of.

Don't we all?

Or is it just me?

During my year of Surrender I am looking at my eating habits. My goal is to have freedom with restraint. To set limits and stick to them. That is why I took the sugar break. To get my mind right. To refocus. To pray about this year with a clear head. And I made it through.

Even with a Butterfinger candy bar in the freezer...I didn't cave.

I set a realistic goal for myself knowing that I had the power to reach the goal if I really wanted to.

And I did.

Next week I am thinking of giving up bread...that one might actually be harder!

Seven years without a dryer...

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

During the rainy season here in Belize I find myself daydreaming about dryers...exciting, huh?

Seriously, though. No lint on the towels or dog hair in the socks. Joy!

Since we left California we have not owned a dryer. When we lived in Russia a washing machine was given to us as a gift from a small group in Kansas. And we had a drying rack inside the house. Dryers there were unbelievably expensive. Perhaps prices have come down now. Back then we thought that $1200 US for a basic dryer was a luxury we could not afford.

We got used to this life. Washing clothes a day or two ahead of when you need them. The real sacrifice is with jeans and towels. However, if you add enough fabric softener they come out okay. With towels you can even iron them if you want that soft warm fresh out of the dryer feel.

Here in Belize we have a washing machine, a clothesline outside and a couple of drying racks inside for when it rains. Today as I was hanging up clothes in the laundry room I caught a glimpse of the space where the dryer would go. Dryers here range in price from $650 to $1500 US.

I got to thinking though. We live in a good neighborhood. Many of our neighbors are professional people. There is a doctor behind us. An architect a couple houses over, a few university professors live close by.

Everyone hangs their clothes out on the line.

There is sun here pretty much year round.

Even in the rainy season you can hang clothes out at least once a week.

this photo was taken in a small village not far from Belmopan

I love the seeing clothes sway in the wind.

I love how they smell when you take them off the line.

So we have adapted to the culture around us. I don't have a strong overwhelming desire to buy a dryer. It would be nice to have some days. The dry season is coming on strong. It is getting warmer every day. If we were going to buy an appliance to make my life easier I would rather have an air conditioner...but that is another post. The cost of electricity here is outrageous!

thought for today...

2012-01-11T00:01:00.003-06:00

No matter what direction we are going in our car this compass always has the same reading. I didn't notice it at first. Because I don't use it to navigate around town. It was on our trip to Maya Beach for our anniversary when it dawned on me that something was wrong. The problem is that it has a leak in it. And the ball is stuck now in one position.

I feel like that sometimes. Stuck.

Our life is still moving forward and our ministry here in Belize is growing and active.

But, there are days when I feel like I should be farther ahead than what I am spiritually and emotionally.

Tom and I turn 49 this year. 50 is gaining on us. We should be grown ups by now.

Following God's direction gets me back on course. Time in the word helps me move forward on the path toward Him. Toward spiritual growth and emotional healing. I love this verse in the The Message because it reminds me that I won't stay stuck if I keep moving toward Him. I will make it.

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday...kind of.

2012-01-10T15:21:00.000-06:00

This is a melancholy post...so be warned! I don't often do this publicly. Seven years ago we sold our home in California and embarked on this missionary journey. We stayed in various homes in several different states until leaving for Russia in April of 2005. We have said goodbye a lot since then. But, whether it is a life change or a location change it still is a change... and that means letting go of what was to accept and embrace what is. And I am trying to doing it sober. For me, that means not medicating with sugar as I would love to do. After all of the holiday indulging however, today is day three of no sugar.

I would love to eat my feelings away.

I mean...these would help, right?

Baked Apple Empanadas

or this

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

I could easily bake a cake or fry some donuts and get lost in the flavors and aroma for a while. But that would be self sabotage. So, I need to remember to breathe, let go and move again today. Why is this so hard? I mean, seriously? I think it is because today I miss the daily interaction from when Nathan and Spencer still lived at home. You know, the talking face to face and the hugs. Now we are all back to texting and Facebook to stay in touch. Growing up sucks.

There are ribs in the crock pot and veggies in the fridge that need to be turned into something to go with the ribs. Tom is out doing the shopping and running errands. So before I chicken out of letting you all know how I am really feeling today, it is time to hit publish, jump in the shower and finish my pity party with a good cry while I wash my hair.

counting the gifts...

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

breathe, let go and move on.

Spencer moves out to Banana Bank today to work at the YWAM base there. We know we are letting him go into good hands. And that he will be a 15 minute drive away. And yet, it still feels like a loss. We had a family Skype time with Nathan and though I could see his face and was grateful... it makes it hard to wait for June when we will all be together again. I am ~~struggling~~ learning to breathe, let go and move on to whatever comes next.

This will be our first full week back in the counseling office since the holiday break began. There is a banquet on Friday night for Christian leaders and their spouses. On Saturday Tom starts teaching the second counseling course at Belize Bible Center. We have a full week ahead. So we must breathe, let go, and move on with the tasks before us.

and I am so grateful that there are gifts to count along the way...

487. dinner with our new friends Dion, Andrea, and their children, Kaelen, Janae and baby Zaira

488. making enough pizzas for us all.
489. the joy of watching the children eat several slices of pizza and the salad to go with it.
490. carrot apple slaw.
491. Skype calls with the whole family.
492. long lazy Sundays.
493. homemade treats from Mom & Dad Sharp.
494. Christmas gifts for Harley, our dog, too!

495. watching 1940's House

496. discovering Downton Abbey

497. bursts of color in our front yard

498. watching the hummingbirds enjoy the flowers

499. and the butterflies

500. being moved to tears by a few of the poets and their stories

while watching Louder Than a Bomb.

501. the opportunity to breathe, let go and move on.

joining in with the gratitude community:

Facebook Challenge...wanna play?!

2012-01-06T14:00:00.000-06:00

Several of my friends are playing this game on Facebook:

1. Find the song that was number one during the week of your birth

2. Find the video on YouTube

3. Post those videos on your wall without shame.

So here goes!

The day I was born:

I Will Follow Him by Little Peggy March

But, I happen to like this version better:

If you were born in 1963, like me, you can click this link to find out your song:

1963 Number Ones

or for other decades click here

Number Ones

This all started on the Facebook wall of Pop Culture Madness. Now they even have a chart where you can look up when you were conceived so that you can figure out what the number one song was then too.

I wonder what they will think up next!?

Getting Crafty in Belize

2012-01-05T13:15:00.000-06:00

Discovering Pinterest has led to a desire to do a few craft projects that I might not have attempted otherwise. A fun one that I was inspired to take on is making a Plastic Tote bag from grocery bags.

First you have to make "plarn". And you can find instructions illustrated here or in done in photos here. The number of plastic bags needed depends on the size of the tote you want to make. I cannot remember how many grocery bags I used. Tom remembers we had to go shopping a few times before I could finish. Getting the white bags here was hard. Most of the ones in our local shops here in Belmopan are various shades of black with blue lettering on them. The white bags came from our trip to Spanish Lookout and from Tom's trip to the hardware store.

I didn't use a pattern I just made a chain for how wide I wanted my tote to be and then began crocheting in rounds until I had the length I wanted and finished with the handles. You can find a pattern here if you need one.

I love my little tote bag and if we ever collect enough bags in a different color I will make another one!

There are over a hundred different projects over at The Artsy Girl Connection.

Go over and check them out if you are interested.

Has Pinterest inspired you?!

thought for today...

2012-01-04T00:20:00.000-06:00

Surrendering to the Call of Showing Gentleness

There are times in life when gentleness can accomplish that which force and fierceness cannot.

Gentle answers can turn away wrath, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

I am to be clothed in gentleness, to pursue gentleness,

and to give answers about the Hope I have with gentleness and respect.

There is a gentle side to me and I am being asked to show it. To make it evident.

I believe that showing gentleness is not the same as showing weakness.

It means showing a Christlike consideration for others. That is something I can do.

May gentleness permeate my being during this year of Surrender and may it be evident to all.

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday

2012-01-03T15:30:00.000-06:00

Since we had Spencer with us for the holidays I decided to do a Russian style feast on New Year's Eve.

If you ever get a chance to visit Russia over a holiday being there on New Year's would truly be a treat. The celebration there has been called a Super Holiday. Think Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve all combined. Typically gifts are exchanged this night, families are all gathered together, children and some adults will dress up in costumes, and the fireworks displays are just unreal!

It was just the three of us so I only made a few things. I started the night before with preparing this Poncho cake. I will have to reveal how to make it later because I want to test out a few different things before I post the final recipe. We will make the sacrifice of taste tasting until we get it just right!! The cream was perfect...I just want to work on the sponge recipe before posting it.

It is basically a vanilla and a chocolate sponge cake cut up and soaked in a sour cream mixture then covered with the same mixture and drizzled with chocolate.

I think it turned out great!
Poncho Cake

and though my camera gave a yellowish tint to the photo you can still see the inside here...

The next morning I got up and made this Vinegret Salad

click for recipe

Crab Salad

This one is very simple:

1 can of corn, drained

1 can of crab meat

1 cup of cooked rice

4 Tbsp of mayonnaise

mix it all together and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Olivier Salad

click here for recipe

The Olivier is very popular in Russia and each woman has her own recipe for making it.

I used chicken in mine and added in corn...one of our language school teachers made it that way.

It is also best to prepare a day ahead.

It really tasted yummy on the second day!

and finally I made Plov (Pilaf)

Click for recipe

I used chicken and added raisins...my friend Djamila from Azerbaijan makes it that way. I didn't have all of the spices listed in the recipe. Again each woman would make it differently depending on what she is used to and has on hand. I used mace, marjoram, cardamom, ginger, salt and pepper. Just a little of each gave it just the right taste that we all remembered from that evening at Djamila's house.

It was a fun night for us...celebrating our second New Year's Eve in Belize,

eating Russian food, and watching the American celebration on tv!

continuing to count the gifts in 2012

2012-01-02T17:30:00.000-06:00

When I sat down to think about the days following Christmas I realized that the holidays bring the pace of life to an even slower beat than usual. We are learning these rhythms of Belize, holiday by holiday, as we go along.

Today and yesterday have been cool and rainy. The birds are calling back and forth. That is about the only sound on the street other than the occasional burst of fireworks.

Our neighbors are beginning to return from visiting their families in various villages and towns. This is Spencer's last week full time with us. He will be moving to the YWAM base in Banana Bank to serve out there for the next ten months. We are grateful for the three months he spent with us...but we knew he would be moving on to where he feels called.

My word for 2011 was joy. I learned the joy of transition, the joy of flexibility and the joy of living out our calling. We spent this year serving at three different churches. Speaking, teaching and preaching. Learning more about the culture and getting accustomed to life. We had never gone that long without a church home...and it was weird. Finally, our service here was narrowed down to the counseling center at the Child Development Foundation and Tom teaching at Belize Bible Center. As our counseling load grew we knew we were exactly where we supposed to be. That realization was a joy in itself.

As I continue to count the gifts in 2012 I have also chosen a new word. A word that reflects what I need to do and how I need to live. I need to let go of Russia and fully embrace Belize. I need to open my heart and soul to where I am right now. I need to experience the joy of Surrender. Not the kind of surrender that is giving up but the kind that means accepting. Giving absolute control to a Power greater than myself so that I can fully live for Him.

471. The fullness of His love makes it worth it all.

472. raindrops on budding flowers

473. dogs who drink rain water off the porch

474. driving through Corozal on our way to Chetumal, Mexico.

475. my first time driving across the border of Belize and into Mexico

476. meeting up with an online friend and her husband

477. Spencer being so excited to make a new friend and add another countries stamp to his passport.

478. Tom having a good time with our new friends too!

480. A beautiful cutting board made from a 100 year old piece of mahogany wood.

481. attending a multi-ethnic church and feeling at home

482. listening to Spencer laugh in his room

483. hearing Tom yell with excitement while watching an NBA game

484. having people call us friends here in Belize

485. smelling soup boiling on the stove on a nippy January day.

486. the joy of surrendering to a new chapter!

joining in with the gratitude community:

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T18:33:00.001-06:00

I wish you the Merriest Christmas ever...

may you rejoice in the birth of Christ and be filled with exceeding great joy!

Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I remembered this video from last year and thought you all might enjoy it...I sure did!

Thought for Today

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Each year Cayo Christian Academy in Ontario, Belize does A Walk Through Bethlehem.

Spencer and I were impressed with the skits and the scenes this year...the kids did such a great job!

May we each be as obedient to the Lord's will as Joseph was.

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-20T01:08:00.002-06:00

One of our stops on the drive down to Maya Beach last week was at a Mennonite bakery just off of Hummingibrd Highway. It is a quiet little family run place where you can get some freshly baked goodies, have breakfast or eat lunch. While we were there we could hear hymns playing and someone back in the kitchen singing along.

Jesus said "I am the bread of life"

walking up to the front porch...

We chose to pick up some cinnamon rolls and banana bread to take with us.

on the way home we stopped again and decided to try out the lunch menu...

there was a soothing brook just behind the building...listening to the mini waterfall added to the atmosphere

I had a ham sandwich and Tom had salami...and we both enjoyed the plantain chips!

There was a huge Tonka truck in the dirt along with a tractor, a semi truck and a fire engine.

What a perfect place for a little one to play.

and there were enough flowers around to keep the butterflies coming and going.

I am thinking it will be a tradition for us to stop whenever we see the OPEN sign

if we are traveling on Hummingbird Highway!

Lola's Art and more gifts...

2011-12-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

One of the places we visited while on our vacation was Lola's Art.

Lola Delgado was born in Belize City in 1959 and she opened her first gallery in 1992. Her paintings are inspired by the daily lives of those in her community. She lives in Seine Bight, a Garifuna village, just outside of Placencia. If you are ever in that area make sure you take time to visit her. Lola will be happy to chat with you as she works on her latest creation.

Her studio and gallery

samples of her work

Not only does she paint but she has a great sense of humor as well...

The prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to understand my man, love to forgive him, and patience for his moods.

Because Lord, if I pray for strength, I will beat him to death. Amen.

Driving through the village of Seine Bight gave me a deep sense of gratitude for all that we have. Yes, we suffered the devastating loss of our belongings. None of our boxes made it from Russia. And yet in spite of that we still have more than many people had there. We live in a home with running water. We have a toilet. Electricity. Cable TV and internet access in our home. We are wealthy in comparison. We saw houses that looked as if they would topple over in the next strong wind. Well worn clothes hanging out on the line. Very few cars or bikes. And yet many of them had waterfront property. They can swim daily and eat seafood regularly. And they have each other. It is peaceful. Serene. Filled with the laughter of playing children and chatter from people on the street. And as you drive by you also become part of their entertainment as they people watch. Taking note of all the tourists in the area.

Lola told us it was exciting when electricity came to the village. Now they have internet access as well.

We have so much to be grateful for...

453. indoor toilets

454. washing machine

455. cooling fresh breezes

456. the love of family

457. the kindness of neighbors

458. knowing many of our neighbors by name

459. growing up in America

460. being able to travel about this country

461. having a car

462. being able to afford gas

463. butterflies

464. hummingbirds

465. the sound of waves on the sea

466. coming home to a house scrubbed clean by Spencer.

467. having food in the fridge

468. not panicking when the electricity goes out

469. candles and matches

470. the impending celebration of the birth of a King.

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

the 30th anniversary party has to end...

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today we will leave Maya Beach, head back to Belmopan, and real life.

We were blessed with the gift of five wonderful days of serenity and calm. We didn't plan or do a lot of site seeing. The only goal for each day was to try and count the waves. Celebrating our 30th anniversary here on the shores of the Caribbean Sea has been one of the best vacations we have had in a long time. We stumbled upon this place back in February when Tom's parents came for a visit. All we really knew was that the food was excellent and the view from our table was divine. We decided that day that this would be the spot we would come back to and it didn't disappoint. And we are ever so grateful!

So it's goodbye for now to the hotel...

and we will miss sitting on the beach...

and walking along the shore...

and hearing the sound of the waves...

and watching the sunset.

And just so you know...It is only an hour and 45 minute drive from Belmopan to Maya Beach and that includes a stop at a Mennonite bakery for cinnamon rolls and banana bread along the way!

you know you're in a beach city when...

2011-12-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

the convenience store owner's cat, Snowy, is allowed to rest wherever she pleases...

and someone's dog comes over and lays down to take his nap in the shade of your beach lounger.

thought for today...

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

Maya Beach, Belize

May He still the storms and hush the waves in your life, in your heart and in your mind.

Now, we know we do...

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-06:00

December 13, 1981

Tohave and to hold from this day forward,

for better or worse, forricher for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherishto death do us part.

couples group pool party in Costa Mesa, California

married 10 years

team teaching at the Bridge in Dana Point

married 15 years

swimming with dolphins in Kona, Hawaii for our 20th anniversary 2001

playing games at our 25th anniversary dinner in Krasnodar, Russia

trying to figure out the timer on our camera in Maya Beach, Belize for our 30th.

Thirtyyears ago

December 13, 1981

At the wise old age of 18 we thought we knewit all...

how much we've learnedsince then.
We've seen that God's plans for us are far better thanour dreams for us.
We've undergone growth and change individuallythat deepened our bond of unity.
We've experienced hurts deeperthan expected.

We've been blessedwith joys greater than anticipated.
We've realized the immenseriches of a life lived together.
Thirty years ago, we thought weloved each other.

Now, we know wedo.

~Alida & Tom

Belmopan Christmas Tree Lighting 2011

2011-12-12T08:30:00.000-06:00

Spencer and I went early to get seats and enjoy the food in the carnival like atmosphere at the tree lighting ceremony. Last year Tom and I began our first Christmas season in Belize with this event. It was exciting to feel like a veteran while explaining to Spencer what the night would be like as we drove over. The National Anthem followed by an opening prayer offered by a pastor from a local church. Children of all ages performing and public officials making it clear that Christ would be in our Christmas celebration. Churches and individuals selling food, desserts and sodas to all who came with money to spend. Everything from Turkey dinners to Black Fruit Cake were available to enjoy.

We purchased 6 garnaches, and some soda for $2USD, and then settled in our seats to take it all in...

a few members of the Belchoral Society

Mayor Simeon Lopez

a school choir

a baby's first Christmas

let's dance!

not as big as last year's tree

but just as beautifully decorated

finally lit!

440. having one of our sons with us for the holidays.
441. seeing familiar faces among the hundreds of people there.
442. being recognized and greeted!
443. tasty food...garnaches!
444. tennis shoes, flip flops, wrinkled choir robes and children singing out carols with gusto.
445. babys dressed in holiday colors.
446. our second Christmas in Belize.
447. five days off to go to the coast to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
448. Spencer being here to keep an eye on the house and care for the dog while we are away.
449. time to reflect on the gift of relationship as we sit on the beach counting waves.
450. hearing testimonies at church in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
451. the incredible diversity among the people in this country.
452. eating a tasty fried chicken dinner for $2.50 USD following the service.

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

Where's the line?

2011-12-09T03:30:00.000-06:00

I was reading blogs last week and came across this song over at Mandy's blog. The message and the words really hit home for me and I immediately posted the video link on Facebook then I went in search of the words. And of course I had to learn more about the people who wrote the song and the singer Becky Kelley. Her father got the inspiration from his 4 year grandson's question at the mall and with help from a co-writer this is what they came up with:

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Christmas time was approaching

Snow was starting to fall

Shoppers choosing their presents

People filling the mall

Children waiting for Santa

With excitement and glee

A little boy tugged my sweater

Looked up and asked me

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Is He here at the store?

If Christmas time is His birthday

Why don't we see Him more?

As I stood in amazement

At this message profound

I looked down to thank him

He was no where around

The little boy at the mall

Might as well have had wings

As the tears filled my eyes

Thought I heard him sing

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Is He here at the store?

If Christmas time is His birthday

Why don't we see Him more?

Where's the line to see Jesus?

He was born for me

Santa Claus brought me presents

But Christ gave His life for me

In the blink of an eye

At the sound of His trump

We'll all stand in line at His throne

Every knee shall bow down

Every tongue will confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord

(Repeat Chorus)

Where's the line?

Where's the line for the Lord?

And here is the video of Becky singing:

Enjoy!

the blending of souls...

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Last week I wrote about my reaction to the church in Kentucky deciding to ban interracial couples from membership. That was on Thursday. On Sunday the church held another vote to affirm that they welcome people of all races in their fellowship.

One of the things I didn't talk about last week was the cost of staying silent. There were 40 people at the church that night. Only 15 people chose to put their opinion out there. Perhaps there were people on the opposing side who stayed silent. It takes courage to speak up. I know that...I understand that. My post was not an easy one to write. I risked people telling me negative things about my marriage or my children. But, I spoke up because I felt compelled. Because this issue touched the core of my heart...my family. That post went on to be featured on Women of the Harvest's Writing Blog. And for that I am humbled.

However, for those church members in Kentucky, their silence was costly. This tiny little church in Pike County made international news. Blogs, news stories, Facebook and Twitter posts all commenting and expressing their opinions on the actions of the church.

News of this vote to ban interracial couples from membership caused the National Association of Free Will Baptists to put out a statement regarding their position. It caused the publishing arm of the denomination to put out a downloadable Bible study on racism. And for that I am grateful.

Here is an excerpt from the study:

How are we supposed to treat people that are different from us?
Treat them as someone created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Treat them as someone for whom Christ died (John 3:16). Treat them like you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). God also expects His people to seek justice and confront oppression (Deuteronomy 16:19; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3). Anything less is sin.

In the conclusion of the study I found this statement:

In many ways our time on earth is a rehearsal for our time in Heaven. God has given each of us time to prepare for the eternity that lies ahead. Revelation 7:9-10 makes it very clear that Heaven will be filled with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Do we live like we believe that? Is our rehearsal on earth reflecting what will happen on the grand stage?

My friend, Cyndi, recently began a network called Blended Souls. It is a network of Pastors' Wives and Ministry Wives... a gathering of "sistas" from various Christian denominations and ethnic backgrounds. Blended Souls Network was created to support women in their role as the wife of a pastor or ministry leader, so that they can worship and pray together, network with one another, and embrace cultural differences for the “soul” purpose of giving honor to God. The network's desire is to reach out to wives from every tongue, tribe and nation.

I am excited to be one of the prayer partners for Blended Souls and I would love to invite you to join the network. Just think as this grows it will be a slice of what heaven will look like! If you would like to be added to our Facebook group you can leave me a note or send me an email.

If there is an issue that burns in your heart my prayer is that you will not keep silent. May that burning propel you into action. To bring light where there is only darkness, to bring justice where injustice is found or to bring healing where healing is needed. And above all... to bring honor and glory to God.

thought for today

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

I was out running errands yesterday and saw this guy in the parking lot. So thankful for the zoom on the camera. I don't think I would have been able to breathe if I had actually gotten that close!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

What I found:

Last week on our trip to Spanish Lookout I found candy corn...

which means I can finally give these a try!

Homemade Butterfinger Candy Bars

What I am still looking for:

Hopefully, closer to Christmas Eggnog will show up in one of our stores so we can enjoy this:

Eggnog Pie

What I plan to make this week:

I found this recipe on Pinterest...I am so grateful that bananas are never hard to find here!

Sweet Banana Flat Bread

*Click on the links under the photos to find the recipes.

What treats are you thinking of for this week?

I got fifty can I get sixty?

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

We went to our first auction here in Belize on Saturday. It was held by the American Embassy. There were home furnishings, tents, cars, computers and so much more up for grabs. On several of the bedroom sets the bidding got quite intense. People wait all year for this sale and they came with cash on hand to spend.

We went the day before the auction to scout out the merchandise. Several things caught our eyes as we wandered around the room. Our needs were modest. Tom was looking for an office chair to use in his art room while he paints and I was looking for a recliner to put in our bedroom for me to have my quiet times in.

We saw several lots with office chairs so Tom snapped a photo to remember which lot to bid on.

He also thought file cabinets would be good to have for the right price...

This box of photos was being sold for the frames so that went on our list

I was looking for a recliner for our bedroom

And we were curious about how much the computers would go for...

We got up early the next day and withdrew funds from the bank because it was a cash only sale. We were surprised by the turnout. Even with the rain Tom estimated about 400 people were there...some came and went. Some came just to watch.

If you wanted to bid you had to sign in and pay 10 Belizean dollars for a paddle.

When you turned the paddle in you got your money back.

The auctioneer was seated at the front of the room...

There were vehicles up for auction parked outside...

We were successful in our bid for the recliner and it is now in the corner of our bedroom! I enjoy reading there and feel even more at home with having a space that is mine. Tom was not able to get the lot of office chairs. However, a fellow missionary friend of ours was the top bidder on a different lot and he was willing to sell Tom one of the chairs. Tom is so pleased. It is in his art room and is much nicer than the ones he was bidding on!

Each moment yields precious gifts for which we may be grateful...

430. the group of missionaries that we are a part of here in the community.

431. and how those budding friendships led to Tom's new office chair.

432. a cozy space to read and meditate.

433. Butterfinger Cookie Pie

434. memories of past Christmas trees

Christmas 2009 in Russia

435. finding old Christmas photos of the whole family

Christmas 1999 in Costa Mesa, California

Christmas 2005 Krasnodar, Russia

436. finding the courage to speak out on an issue dear to my heart.

437. hearing that the decision by a Kentucky church to ban interracial couples was overturned!

438. Tom and Spencer and their willingness to try new recipes.

439. Christmas display on the lawn at the Mexican Embassy.

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

behind the scenes...

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-06:00

On the Divaz set

Jadine, Shasta, Andrea and Tom waiting for the show to start.

in the control room

school children on a tour of the station

Here are just a few of the photos I took a few weeks back when Tom appeared with Jadine on the talk show Divaz Next Door. CDF had been asked to come and talk about child abuse in light of several stories that had been in the news. Tom and Jadine did the initial interview then Jadine and I did a follow up show a week later.

PlusTV is a Christian owned and operated station right here in Belmopan. They have a variety of shows to offer to the community. Everyone we met there is passionate about what they do and work hard on their programming. They are not afraid to tell a news story through a godly worldview. PlusTV is not trying to be politically correct...just trying to do what they believe God wants them to do.

shocked, outraged and bitterly disappointed...

2011-12-01T08:30:00.000-06:00

Stella Harville and her fiance', Ticha Chiuni, Nov 2010

Not long after Stella played the piano while Ticha sang 'I Surrender All' a small church in Kentucky has voted to ban interracial couples from membership.

The statement said all people are welcome to attend the church, but that the congregation would not receive interracial couples as members, "nor will they be used in worship services" and other church functions, according to a copy supplied to the Herald-Leader by a church member.

Seriously?! This is 2011 for goodness sake.

How is it possible for Christians to act this way?

Stella's father had this to say about the decision of the church:

"It sure ain't Christian it ain't nothing but the old devil working"

Tom and I married on December 13, 1981.

We faced this type of opposition back then. Twenty nine years ago we went shopping at a mall in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A young blonde salesgirl asked Tom if she could help him with a pair of shoes. After getting him settled she asked if she could help me as I wandered around looking for another pair for Tom to try on. When I said "that's okay... we're together" she went into the stockroom and didn't come back out. We were refused service at a restaurant in Missouri. In Kansas, back in 1985, when our first child was stillborn someone asked our pastor if it was because we were being punished by God for being a biracial couple. We moved to California in 1988 and left all of that behind. There we found more couples like us and our children grew up feeling they were part of a ~~normal~~ typical family.

Spencer and Nathan

When our oldest, on the right, was asked at age 5 by a neighborhood kid why his mom was black he quickly answered "because God made her that way!"

I am shocked by this church's stance. Outraged. Bitterly disappointed. Maybe these people have not read their Bibles. Maybe they don't know that Moses was married to a Cushite (Ethiopian)? Surely their Bibles include the book of Numbers. Maybe they just haven't read chapter twelve?

My prayer is that Stella and Ticha can find a more loving congregation to be a part of. I pray that they know that not all Christians think this way. I pray that they will have a long and loving relationship and that this bigotry does not stand in the way of that. And I pray that when they are counting down the days until their 30th anniversary this will be just a dim memory.

-------------------------

Update: Pike church Reverses Ban

thought for today...

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

The unity of Spirit at this conference was sweet!

May we experience unity in our homes and places of worship at all times.

joy, peace and blessings,

Alida

linking up with:

tasty tuesday

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-06:00

It is getting cooler here...not cold but a little chilly. Our fans are turned off and we are actually sleeping under a blanket. I could be making soup but am thinking of one of these meals instead...

Keeping it simple sounds good to me.

Black Bean and Corn Topped Potatoes

Pizza Puffs

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Click on the link under each photo for the recipe.

What's cooking at your house?

Monday morning...and 1000 gifts

2011-11-28T09:35:00.001-06:00

It is a dreary rainy Monday morning here in Belize. But, even so we have much to be grateful today.

On Wednesday:

The memory card on my camera is faulty so I had to use Tom's cell phone to take these pictures. He is seated next to Rev Canon Flowers, the head of the Council of Churches, and to the far left is Rev Crawford, the head of the Evangelical Association. They were speaking at another Family Focus Forum this one was held in Belize City at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

On Friday:

We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with about 80 people...not all are pictured. Some are missionaries, some are locals, some are Americans who have retired here in Belize and a few who work at the American Embassy. It was an evening of great food, great fellowship and great fun!

On Sunday:

We attended a Harvest celebration at Bethel Disciples Church. It is a multi-ethnic church and I think every ethnic group found here in Belize was represented. For those Chinese speakers in the audience there was translation provided. I kept trying to understand the translation and had to remind myself several times that she was speaking Chinese and not Russian!

as I reflect this morning on all that last week held I am grateful for:

415. health
416. meeting new people
417. visiting a new church
418. trying new foods....there were a few dishes at both celebrations that were new to me!
419. traditional Thanksgiving food. Both Tom and I were grateful for dishes that reminded us of our childhood Thanksgivings. A taste of home away from home.
420. the opportunity to be involved in the community and the people we have worked with along the way.
421. those who support us in prayer and with finances...we could not do anything without them!
422. the pain and joys that the past year here in Belize have brought us.
423. the counseling clients who trust us.
424. the people who refer us to those in need.
425. our dvd player that allows us to watch Christmas movies.
426. experiencing a slice of heaven with seeing so many different people groups worshiping together.
427. Chinese print on worship slides along with the English words
428. children of all shapes, sizes, and colors running around playing together before and after the service.
429. noticing that siblings treat each other the same no matter what ethnic group they belong to!

Each moment, each breath, each daily event, be it large or small,
yields precious gifts for which we can give thanks.
May we remember thanksgiving as an action...
and not just as a noun.

joy & blessings,
Alida

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

Thanksgiving in Belize

2011-11-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we took the day off from the counseling office and had a quiet day at home.

We ate at The Wing Stop just like last year.

Spencer and Tom had the Spicy Mango wings and I feasted on Lemon Pepper flavored wings.

We also watched Source Code and Red Riding Hood to keep up our movie watching tradition on holidays.

Today we are sharing a traditional Thanksgiving meal out at the Baptist Training Center in Camolote with other expats and missionaries in the area. Since Thanksgiving is not a holiday here in Belize many people had to work yesterday and children had to attend school. A Friday dinner just seemed to be the best time to get everyone together.

Enjoy your holiday weekend...I know we plan to enjoy ours!!

1 Chronicles 16:34

thought for today...

2011-11-23T00:05:00.000-06:00

I am grateful to everyone who takes the time to read this blog.

My prayer is that you have a blessed holiday... and may every day be an occasion for giving thanks.

joy & blessings to you,

Alida

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000-06:00

Last night we were discussing what type of salads to make for a Thanksgiving potluck on Friday.

I was thinking of doing something Russian and found a few recipes on line. This cole slaw sounds yummy.

Although I would probably use red cabbage for color.

Creamy Apple Cole Slaw

recipe

Spencer wants a traditional Russian favorite that we had on every holiday...

we may do this one on Thanksgiving day for us.

Olivier Salad

recipe

Tom put in his request for one of his favorites as well....

Crab Salad

recipe

It may come down to what ingredients we find in the market this week.

Something simple sounds good to me.

Carrot Salad

recipe

It has been at least seven years since our last Thanksgiving in the states.

So we have gotten away from a traditional menu.

What about you? What side dishes are you planning to go with your turkey?

One thousand gifts...

2011-11-21T10:30:00.000-06:00

Looking forward to Thanksgiving and continuing to count the gifts from Him...

401. our special day is fast approaching

402. attending the Legacy Youth Conference with 200 youth...

402. that He watches over us (Psalm 121)

403. the opportunity to teach at a Bible study for expat women.

404. a reliable vehicle allowing to provide transport for others when needed.

405. encouraging text messages from a friend.

406. being asked to record a video message for a friend in Russia to celebrate her 50th birthday.

407. lemon cake.

408. time to crochet.

409. seeing the youth so energized at the Legacy Conference.

410. the spirit of unity among the youth and the leaders.

411. feeling relaxed and not harried and weary after a long busy weekend.

412. learning the back way to the YWAM base instead of leaving the car outside the campus and having to walk across the bridge.

413. spending time with Andrea, Dion and their kids this weekend and getting to know them better.

414. a quiet morning in the office before appointments begin in the afternoon.

May we remind ourselves each day that every breath is a gift from God.

Every bite of food, every friendship, the laughter of our children,

all of the beauty around us is a treasure entrusted to us by God.

When we heighten our sensitivity to God’s love and grace,

which isconstantly all around us, touching us,

we will begin to recognizegift after gift from Him.

~Alida Sharp

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

Counting the days until our 30th...

2011-11-18T02:31:00.000-06:00

"Comingtogether is a beginning,

staying together is progress,

and workingtogether is success."

~Henry Ford

As our 30th wedding anniversary draws closer we are looking at different ways to commemorate the day. I even started a board on Pinterest to keep track of some of the craft ideas and places to go that I have found.

We have already booked our hotel:

Maya Beach Hotel

And here is my favorite craft idea:

Love Map Source

You can find the tutorial for how to make this map here.

We are thinking of incorporating Wichita,Kansas, Costa Mesa, California, Krasnodar, Russia and Belmopan, Belize into our love map. I have been looking for different maps online and my favorite for Wichita (which is where we met, married and had our first child) is this one:

Every love story is beautiful...but ours is my favorite!

So, tell me, where have you gone?

And what special craft projects have you done to celebrate a special occasion?

Artisan Fair...

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

The American Embassy is hosting an Artisan Fair today...

Hopefully we will get a few minutes to check it out before heading into work...and maybe next year Tom will be entered in it!!

thought for today...

2011-11-16T00:40:00.001-06:00

As we drove down this road in Spanish Lookout, Belize

I could not help but think of how orderly and well planned out the community is.

Our journey in life has taken many twists and turns over the past 6 years...

we rest assured that our pathway will be made straight

as we seek to acknowledge Him in every area of life.

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday we reached 29 years and 11 months of married life...and we celebrated with these!

Butterfinger Brownies

So yummy!!

Ingredients

1 package (16 to 22 oz.) chocolate brownie mix

2 (2.1 ounces each) NESTLÉ BUTTERFINGER Candy Bars, chopped

Directions

PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease baking pan according to package directions.

PREPARE brownie batter according to package directions; stir in chopped Butterfinger. Spoon into prepared pan.

BAKE according to package directions. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into pieces using wet knife. Makes 16 to 20 brownies.

I made two changes: I bought a package of fudge brownie mix and the instructions said for cake like brownies to add an additional egg. I chose to do that plus I added a half cup of peanut butter.

These Butterfinger Brownies were good to eat right out of the oven but even better the next day!!

Linking up with For the Love of Blogs

November Newsletter and more gifts...

2011-11-14T12:13:00.001-06:00

I don't think I have done this before but here is a copy of our most recent newsletter for those of you not on our mailing list. If you would like to be on our list just leave a comment with your email address and I will add you to the list.

Coconut Wire Jungle News - Tom & Alida Sharp - November 2011

Belize, Central America

Greetings! We pray that all is well in your life & you are in good health. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed Veteran’s Day & are already getting your Thankful Groove on in preparation of the next US holiday. Our weather is cooler & overcast but still a very pleasant 80 degrees daily! Our lives & service in Belize are going smoothly. Here’s the latest:

Tom IS the 1%! - No, certainly not a reference to the ‘Occupy’ movements that are happening in various places, but the 2010 Belize National Census is out. In this country of 312, 971 people, Tom is part of the 1% of white people living in Belize! The racial breakdown is 50% Hispanic; 21% Creole; 10% Mayan; 6% Mixed Race; 4.5% Garifuna & 3.6% Mennonite. Average age is 22, with 56% of the population under the age of 24. There is a 23% unemployment rate. 31% use an outhouse & 65% have a flush toilet. 33% own a private vehicle & 23% have Internet access. This truly is a very young, developing country with many needs, which covets your on-going prayer & support! Alida posted additional facts on her blog at: 2010 Census Overview For Belize

Spencer arrived from his stint at YWAM Kona. He is resting, enjoying Alida’s cooking & praying about the various serving opportunities here in Belize. He met the YWAM base director in nearby Banana Bank last week & is trying to hear from God if he is to stay here & serve or go somewhere else. It’s been a great two months having Spencer with us!

Sixteen ‘Intro to Christian Counseling’ students completed the 1st semester of classes! I (Tom) designed a 2 year college course - the first of it’s kind here in the country - & we are thrilled that 16 students passed the initial semester course. Counselors are practically non-existent here, & even more rare are Christian counselors. We’ve had people from various cultures, back grounds & parts of the country in the training! Please pray for these students to impact their cultures, communities & churches as we wait for the second semester starting in January 2012!

Our serving focus solidifies. Weekly we are hearing reports of physical & sexual abuse in the Belizean media, as more people are being educated about what abuse is, that it’s vital to report it, & there is help available. Tom appeared on a local tv show discussing child sexual abuse & the following week Alida took her turn on the one hour follow up program to talk about good touches, bad touches and unwanted touches along with how to keep children safe online.

At the Child Development Foundation Alida & I primarily counsel abuse victims. It is difficult yet rewarding work. We are seeing young girls make remarkable progress in dealing with their traumas & horrific abuse. God is at work! Our clients seem to get younger & younger in age every month. We are using Play Therapy theory & techniques, plus a Play Therapy kit donated by supporters in New York. It’s ironic that Tom started in the counseling field learning & doing play therapy twenty three years ago, & is now coming full circle!

Met with the UN High Commission for Human Refugees. Several representatives from NGO’s here in the area were invited to a meeting to discuss the status of refugees here in Belize. This is connected to those we see who are rescued from trafficking as many victims of trafficking have had their documents taken from them as they are moved from one country to the next and they qualify for refugee status because in some cases it would be dangerous for them to return to their country of origin. Tom and Alida were able to give input as to what types of training should be made available to the NGO’s to help them be better equipped to work with those seeking refugees status in Belize.

Tom speaks at University of Belize. A televised Family Focus Forum was held at the U of Belize recently, for Christians to address the efforts by some to decriminalize the sodomy laws in Belize & throughout the Caribbean. At this point, the law is being challenged in court by a homosexual advocacy group, but that law is the only legal protection minor males have when they’ve been violated sexually. I spoke about the need to protect children by closing the many loopholes in Belize law, which don’t even provide basic protection to boys from molestation by adults. I will speak again at the next Forum in Belize City later this month. You can see the news coverage of the Forum here in it’s entirety or my part starts after the six minute mark. Clink on the link to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wy2r9Jr-TNI

For a few months we had been helping a young pastor at a small church in Roaring Creek. Tragically he recently pled guilty to charges of molesting a young teen in the church. The church has now been closed but there is so much pain in the community regarding this awful situation & such hideous behavior by a Christian leader. The court ordered the former pastor to pay a fine within six weeks or face prison. This was the only punishment required by law. Now he has relocated to another part of Belize, possibly putting other young people at risk. There is a sex offenders registry in the country but no money to hire a registrar, so offenders whereabouts are not tracked. These are other areas that we are advocating changes for in the laws by the Government.

In spite of such tragic news, we are very grateful for your prayers & financial support! God knew what He was doing when He called us here & we are thrilled about equipping the Christian community to better address abuse issues & provide hope & healing to young victims. May God continue to bless you as much as your help has blessed others!

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and continuing to count to 1000 and beyond...

After all the busyness it feels good to slow down for a bit to acknowledge the blessings amid the hectic days.

391. visiting LifeNet Church and seeing all that they are doing with the young people there.

392. finishing up the first semester of the Christian Counseling course at Belize Bible Center.

393. Spencer and I both getting A's in the course.

394. the camaraderie among the students as we feasted together after class was over.

395. seeing Jonathan and Jehieli.

396. watching The Amazing Race with Tom and Spencer and getting excited when we see somewhere one of us has been even if it is just an airport.

397. meeting Santee and Liliana at YWAM

398. Butterfinger Brownies.

399. God's faithfulness and the peace He provides.

400. 29 years, 11 months and 1 day of marriage...counting the days until our 30th wedding anniversary!!

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

Hiking in Belize

2011-11-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

We went for a short hike on Wednesday through Guanacaste Park.

The trees provide an awesome canopy as you walk along the trails. This park is listed in Frommers Best Hikes in Belize. So far we have only done one of the trails...next time we will take the longer route.

After our hike we drove Spencer over to the YWAM Banana Bank base in Roaring Creek to meet the base director, Santee and his wife Liliana.

To get out to the base you have to cross this hammock style bridge that is suspended over the river...

it was definitely a walk of faith for me as it began to sway with the weight of our steps!

2010 Census Overview for Belize

2011-11-10T16:44:00.001-06:00

Here are some of the highlights from the Belize 2010 Census...it is interesting how much the country has grown and changed over the past 10 years.

Population
• Belize's population is 312,971, up 30.2% from the 2000 Belize Census
• Belize's population in contrast to most country's, is in the countryside, 55% rural, 45% urban
• Average Belizean age is now 22
• Average household size 3.9 persons
• Sex ratio is 102 males for every 100 females
• 35.6% of the Belize population is age 14 or younger
• 55.8% of the Belize population is age 24 or younger

Largest Population Centers
Belize Population By Towns & Cities
1. Belize City 53,532
2. Twin towns San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District 16,977
3. City Of Belmopan (capital of Belize) 13,654
4. Orange Walk Town 13,400
5. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye 11,510
6. Corozal Town 9,871
7. Dangriga 9,096
8. Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Cayo District) 5,824
9. Punta Gorda (Toledo District) 5,205
Belize Population By District
1. Belize District 89,247
2. Cayo District 73,202
3. Orange Walk District 45,419
4. Corozal District 40,324
5. Stann Creek District 32,166
6. Toledo District 30,538

Notes: The Cayo District was the fastest-growing district, with population increasing 39% since 2000, followed by the Belize District with a 34% increase. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was the fastest-growing urban area in Belize, with the population increasing 156% since 2000,

Belizean Ethnicity
Belize's population is: 50% Latino / Hispanic, 21% Creole, 10% Maya, 6% Mixed Race, 4.5% Garifuna, 3.6% Mennonite, 2.1% East Indian, 1% White/Caucasian and 0.9% Asian

Marital and Family Relationships
• 33.1% of those 15 and over are married and living with spouse, 23.3% have a common law relationship, 6% are in a visiting partner relationship and 37.3% are not in a union
• 65.8% of children 18 and under are living with both parents
• 22.6% of children 18 and under are living with mother only and 2.5% with father only

Belize's Foreign Born Population
• Almost 15% of the population is foreign born, of which about 4 in 10 are from Guatemala and 3 in 10 are from El Salvador or Honduras
• 3,279 Belize residents or about 1% of the total Belize population were born in the U.S. (almost double the number in 2000) and 1,567 or 0.5% in China and 667 in Canada

Education
• 87,991 Belizeans are enrolled in formal education of which 70% are in primary school and 19% in high school, and over 8% are in some type of tertiary program
• 2,364 Belizeans are in university

Religious Affiliation
• 40% Catholic; 8.5% Pentecostal; 5.5% Seventh Day Adventist; 4.6% Anglican; 3.8% Mennonite; 3.6% Baptist; 2.9% Methodist; 2.8% Nazarene; 1.7% Jehovah's Witness; 10.2% Other; 15.6% None

Belize Labour Force
• 131,000 Belizeans are in the labour force;
• 23% of the Belize labour force, or about 30,000 Belizeans are are unemployed.
• Of those employed, 57% work for a private company, 25% are self-employed and 15% work for the government or a para-statal organization
• Women in the labour force are twice as likely as men to be out of work – 33.1% for women versus 16.7% for men

Housing
• Belize has 75,848 housing units, an increase of 46% since 2000
• 82% of homes are houses, as opposed to apartments or condos
• 64.1% of Belizeans own their own home, while 33% rent
• Of those who own, almost 79% do not have a mortgage
• 50% of homes have concrete floors and walls and 80% have sheet metal roofs
• 11% of housing units do not have kitchens in the building
• About 83% of households cook with Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG), while 15% cook with wood or charcoal and about 1% with electricity
• 48% of Belizean households have municipal garbage collection, while 27% burn garbage and 11% take it to a dump
• 85% of households have potable water
• 51% of households use commercially purified water as their main source of drinking water
• About 65% of Belizean dwellings have flush toilets, while 31% use an outhouse and 3% have no toilet facilities
• Of those with flush toilets, 80% have septic tanks while 20% are connected to public sewerage systems
• 62% of households have tubs or showers
• 83% of households have electricity from Belize Electricity Limited, while 9% use candles or kerosene lamps, 4% have a connection from a neighbor, 2% have generators and 1% use solar
• 83% of Belizean homes have stoves, 66% have refrigerators, 65% have washing machines, 42% have microwaves and 8% have air-conditioning

Telecommunications
76% have a cell phone; 75% have TV; 75% have radio; 50% have DVD player; 26% have computer

INTERNET Usage
• About 23% of Belizeans have Internet access

Motor Vehicles
• 33.7% of Belizeans have a private motor vehicle

Read more: http://www.belize.com/belize-2010-census.html#ixzz1dLKXVsXm

thought for today...

2011-11-09T12:52:00.000-06:00

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward:

Just go ahead with what you've been given.

You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him.

You're deeply rooted in him.

You're well constructed upon him.

You know your way around the faith.

Now do what you've been taught.

School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7

The Message

This photo was taken in Springfield, a Mennonite community, here in Belize. As we drove through there last Sunday afternoon we came upon these flowers growing wild near the side of the road. I knew they would make a beautiful background for a scripture. Especially for this time of year. As we get closer to Thanksgiving let us remember that giving thanks can be a way of life and not just a day on the calendar. Count your blessings throughout the day...the big and the small...and you will be surprised by the joys you will experience as you pay attention to the gifts from Him that are present all around you.

May we truly let our living spill over into thanksgiving!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-08T12:05:00.000-06:00

Oh my word I have to try this!!!

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Yesterday as I was browsing on Pinterest I saw that someone had posted this recipe and now I cannot stop thinking about how yummy it must be. Gotta check the pantry to see if I have all the ingredients.

You can find the recipe here or here and if you try it before I do let me know how it turned out!!

Linking up with For the Love of Blogs

One thousand gifts

2011-11-07T11:36:00.002-06:00

Thanks for the seemingly insignificant...this is the seed that plants the giant miracle in the midst of it all.

~Ann Voskamp

373. the gift of life...seeing growth all around.

374. our Women's Bible study with expats from various countries around the world.

375. our trip out to a Mennonite community

No Sunday Sales

Please Drive with Caution

Come Well Dressed

376. groups of families sitting in wagons chatting with one another.

377. little girls in long dresses and bonnets playing near the side of the road.

378. freshly plowed fields near plain wooden houses.

379. a new appreciation for the simple life.

380. time spent with our youngest son.

381. Tom and Jadine being interviewed about child abuse on the tv program Divaz Next Door.

382. Tom being asked to speak at the Family Focus Forum.

383. seeing three different types of dragonflies near our home.

384. a drama free life on Sunshine Street.

385. how a simple batch of sugar cookies cheers the hearts of Tom's counseling students.

386. the gift of resiliency on this journey of faith.

387. walking through the process of surrendering to the peace of Christ so that it may rule my heart.

388. letting go of fears that no longer serve me.

389. sunny days in the midst of the rainy season.

390. The precious love of God.

joining Ann Voskamp and the gratitude community:

a just cause...

2011-11-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

There was a Family Focus Forum held at the University of Belize on Tuesday. Tom was asked to represent the Child Development Foundation and give a 10 minute presentation. The issue being discussed is the removal of sodomy laws here in Belize.

Our involvement is related to how the repeal of this law would affect male children and teens. As this sodomy law is the only law Belize has right now to charge pedophiles with who prey on young men. There has been much in the media lately about teen boys being violated and this part of the issue needs to be heard when the case about repealing section 53 goes to court in December.

Tom is introduced in this video at minute 6:52. Please keep this issue in your prayers!

Free is good...

2011-11-03T18:27:00.000-06:00

Just in time for the holidays there is a free book available for download on Amazon.

click here to download

Even if you do not own a Kindle go and check it out anyway. You can download Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac or Kindle for Iphone and still be able to read this book. I just started reading my copy and so far so good...and besides...it's free!

Thought for Today

2011-11-02T12:23:00.000-06:00

I took this photo at the CDF office...the grounds keeper has chickens and turkeys in his yard.

When I saw the chicks running in the yard I thought of this verse. I knew the mother hen would be close by watching over her brood. May we open ourselves up to His care. Not just when we want it...but in those times when He reaches out to gather us close to Him.

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-01T12:56:00.000-06:00

Chicken Cordon Bleu Burger

I saw a Chicken Parmesan burger on Pinterest and was inspired to make a burger based on another dish that I love. Besides that, I had the ingredients on hand and I didn't have to leave the house on our day of going nowhere to get anything. I have not seen swiss cheese in any of the markets I shop at so I used mozzarella cheese instead. It worked for us.

My recipe was simple:

1 lb ground chicken

1/2 cup or so of diced ham

1/3 cup of bread crumbs

1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or swiss cheese if you prefer)

Mix all of the ingredients together and then shape into patties. Lightly coat pan with olive oil or a cooking spray and cook on each side until golden in color. Makes 6 medium sized patties. Serve on toasted hamburger buns and garnish with your choice of toppings. I used lettuce, tomato and honey mustard...yum!

Both of the guys liked these...they ate every single burger I made.

Linking up with For the Love of Blogs