Sunset...

 

This is our last Belizean sunset for a while!

We leave for our mini vacation in London and Paris tomorrow.  And then on to India for a few months to spend time with Spencer and Meesha before the wedding.  We are very excited to be able to be a part of this phase of their lives!

The world is mine!

I just got my new passport and according to the U.S. Department of State, the world is mine now! 

the gift of time off and travel memories...

We spent a month in the USA.  It was an incredible time of reconnecting with family and friends, meeting new people, and speaking about our work with the Child Development Foundation.  I really didn't anticipate just how busy we would be in the States.  It was so overwhelming that I had to let something go because I just could not juggle all of the balls I had going.  I had to let go of updating this blog.  That was a first for me.  I cannot even think of another time in my seven years of blogging when I have been gone that long.  I missed being here!

It will take more than one post to update everything that happened over the past few weeks so I will start by adding a few things to my gratitude list...

872.  time with family
873.  meeting new people
874.  reconnecting with childhood friends, Leisa and Stephne.
875.  Pastor Early anointing us and praying over us at Pawnee Avenue Church of God...the church that we were married in and attended in the early years.

876.  new shoes for both of us

877.  checking off items on our supply lists.

878.  Sharing in churches in Andover, Wichita, and Topeka

879.   speaking at a kids' camp in Scott City

880.  meeting up with Vicki and Alyson at the camp

881.  the kids did a service project and donated 74 gift bags to kids in Belize

882.  teaching the kids a song a Kriol.

883.  hearing them sing!

884.  being in the USA for the 4th of July!!

885.  speaking at a few women's Bible study groups about our work in Belize
886.  speaking to several small groups
887.  sharing the pulpit with Tom in three of the churches we visited.
888.  feeling the love and support of our family and friends
889.  enjoying time with Steve and Sharon from Hope
890.  time with Marilyn's small group laughing about gophers
891.  dinner and ice cream with the Gale family.
892.  time with Shirl and Jerry in Topeka
893.  seeing one of my stories published in a church newsletter.
894.  coming back to Belize and feeling at home.
895.  a friend finding out that all of the lymph nodes they tested were cancer free.
896.  worshiping on Sunday in our home church here in Belize.
897.  hugs from members of our church family
898.  a little girl who latched onto me and sat with her head on my chest until children's church began.
899.  Dan's message being exactly what we needed to hear.
900.  Time with Spencer and Meesha...truly priceless.


I know that I will be adding to this list...there were so many priceless moments and treasures to store up in our hearts and ponder.  Our time in the US was truly a priceless gift.

 joining in with the gratitude community:

driving through the heartland...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott City here we come!

I am speaking to a group of 2nd through 4th graders at a kid's camp out in Scott City, Kansas this evening.  As part of my talk on being a missionary I am going to teach them a song in Kriol.  I can teach it to you too if you like!

Do you know the song This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made?  My friend Shelly wrote out the words for me...here you go!  (Just a note on pronunciation...di sounds like dee.)

Dis da di day, dis da di day

Dat di Lord has made, dat di Lord has made.

We wah rejoice, we wah rejoice,

And be glad ina it. And be glad ina it.

Dis da di day dat di Lord has made,

We wah rejoice and be glad ina it.

Dis da di day, dis da di day, dat di Lord has made!

the gift of travel...

There is a blessing in traveling that I had forgotten.

Traveling can take you to exotic places.  But, it can also take you home.  We traveled from New Mexico to Kansas this past week...going through Texas and Oklahoma along the way.  The closer we got to Kansas the more things started to look and feel familiar.  We have not lived in Kansas since 1988.  And it feels like 'old home week' each time we come back for a visit.

We are seeing old friends and meeting new.

We have had time with family...including my 93 year old grandmother and my cousin's 2 and 1/2 year old son.

The same highway that took us out of Kansas 24 years ago brought us back again.  And for that I am indeed grateful.

And the gifts of this trip just keep unfolding...

849.  my 93 year old grandmother is still mentally sharp and full of life.
850.  hugs and kisses from Auntie Martha.
851.  hugs and kisses from Aunt Lisa.
852.  my mother's face all lit up with excitement.
853.  seeing real life answers to prayer at Mike and Kristy's church.
854.  spending time at Hope Community church.
855.  the generosity of fellow believers.
856.  a young girl who gave us all she had to give because she wanted to support our work.
857.  dinner with Sister Ralston and her family.
858.  Paul and Cathy's friendship and hospitality.
859.  safety as we traveled.
860.  watching a little one eat ice cream with such pure joy.
861.  seeing Sister Ralston's secret garden.
862.  five new families who made pledges to support us.

863.  Greensburg, Kansas and all that they have rebuilt since the tornado five years ago

864.  interruptions that cross our path in the parking lot. 

865.  simple reminders of God's loving care everywhere we go.

gifts found in the Word:

866.  He does not show favoritism  Galatians 2:6

867.  He will rebuild us  Jeremiah 31:4

868.  His gifts and call are irrevocable  Romans 11:29

869.  He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters Hebrews 2:11

870.  He knows our needs  Matthew 6:32

 joining in with the gratitude community:

on the road again

Yesterday we left Albuquerque, New Mexico and drove to Guymon, Oklahoma. We spent last night watching the basketball game and waiting out the severe storm that came through Oklahoma.  We saw hail for the first time in years.  The winds were high and the rain was coming down hard.  Thankfully, we were safe, warm, and dry in our hotel room and not trying to drive in that storm.

Today our destination is Andover, Kansas.  Pray that all goes well on the drive for us... we are excited to see family and friends in Kansas!

business cards...

Tom has these made at Kinkos...just so we have something to give out to any new people we meet in Kansas until our prayer cards arrive.  He wanted something that looked jungle-y.  I think he did ok!

the precious gift of family...

The older I get the more I appreciate the value of family.  Not just our little family of four but our extended family.  My brothers, Tom's sisters and brother.  Our parents and the legacy of long lasting marriages, faith, and steadfastness they handed down to us.  Family that prays prays for you and sticks by your side.  Family that goes through stuff and comes out stronger than before.  Family that answers calls in the night when you need help.  Family that listens and comforts when needed.  Family that laughs and rejoices together.

Family...truly one of life's greatest treasures!  

831.  unexpected time with Steve, Angie, Jalen, Malik, Kalil and Kaysha!
832.  celebrating Tom's parents 50th anniversary!
833.  going to see The Avengers with Nathan and Spencer.
834.  hugging Nathan for the first time in over a year.
835.  reading over family history with Norm and Phyllis (aka Mom and Dad).
836.  family dinner time and all the laughter that goes with it.

837. family photos from Chris to replace some of those lost in our move from Russia to Belize

838.  seeing Les Mis together!

839.  Spencer finding treasure in the boxes stored here in New Mexico.

840.  a cookie jar of my own filled with gluten free cookies baked by Mom!

841.  rediscovering treasures stored away seven years ago before moving to Russia.

842.  reminiscing about Christmases long ago...

 

843.  cherishing the memories of sons as children.

844.  grateful to have strong relationships with them both now that they are grown men.

845.  pondering the blessings that flow from Mom and Dad and the family that they created 50 years ago.

846.  reading Dad's memoir.

847.  looking at old photos.

848.  treasuring all of these memories, new and old, deep within my heart!  

 joining in with the gratitude community:

Happy Weekend Time!

After a bit of a delay and another flight that almost cancelled we finally made it safely here to Albuquerque.  And now we have a few days of rest here with Tom's parents, Spencer, Nathan & Angelina.  What a blessing it is to be with family!

Enjoy your weekend...we sure will!!

there is always a silver lining...

When we left Belize yesterday it looked like this...

 

 

 

But when we arrived in Dallas it looked like this...
 

and by the time we landed it looked like this...
 

An announcement was made about delays due to the weather, however, we thought we would escape all of that because we had a three hour lay-over anyway.  Our connecting flight eventually ended up being cancelled and the airline began passing out cots, blankets and pillows...and offering half-priced hotels.  We joined in the long line to re-book our tickets for today and by the time we got to the counter at least 40 minutes had elapsed and we were told that all of the passengers ahead of us had been put on stand-by.  While we were being waited on three seats opened up...shocking the man who was helping us find a flight!  We are booked and have boarding passes for today and should leave for Albuquerque just before 1pm if all goes well.  

The silver lining in all of this...is spending time with my youngest brother Stephen and his family!  I called him from the airport and he drove out with Kalil to rescue us.  Kalil found us as we were searching for the exit to go out and meet them.  Angie spoiled us with a fabulous dinner which we eagerly devoured.  Jalen is home from university and Malik was also awake when we arrived...seeing everyone was truly a special treat!  We didn't think we would see them at all on this trip because we were not scheduled to spend time in Texas.   Thankfully, God had other plans!!

Tasty Tuesday

After the youth rally was over Tom and I decided to explore the city.  We walked around the downtown area near the town square.  We found several little shops and as we went from shop to shop there were those who engaged Tom in conversation.  One young man, John, struck up a conversation with Tom and soon found common ground.  He was from California!  He was a student at Cal Tech taking a little time off to earn some money in his family store.

He recommended several different places to eat in the area.  When he mentioned pizza we were intrigued.  Other than tacos or Chinese food there were not too many choices in this little town.  Although John mentioned a bakery that also made pizza we discovered at the hotel that there was actually a pizzeria in town. The young gal at the desk gave us a map and directions and we set off to see what we could find.

What we found was great conversation and fascinating stories along with pizza that had the same taste of slices I remember from my time in Rome, Italy.  Carlos, a classically trained chef, and his wife Anna, the owner, are very kind, and attentive to their guests.  I could hear an accent that was not Belizean when we talked with them.  Carlos, or Charles, is from Algiers and Anna is from Columbia.  He could tell right away that Tom was an American but he thought I was Belizean.  We are getting used to that assumption since it happens frequently!

When I asked Carlos how many languages he spoke... he laughed and said "only seven and four dialects".  What a fascinating person with an incredible life.  After spending time as a lawyer he chose to go back to food.  His father is French and his mother is Italian but the taste of the freshly made sauce and garlic infused pizza dough reflected his Italian roots.  He began with telling us about his time as a private chef in mansions in LA and Miami.  Then we heard war stories and stories of life in Canada and how he met Anna through her brother when he was stationed in Alaska during his military service.  Can you imagine such a wide and varied life?

If you make it to Orange Walk Town, Belize make sure you stop in and see Carlos and Anna...you won't regret it!

Carlos and Anna, with the Orange Walk special...a chicken pizza with garlic and cilantro.  Yum!

front of Carlos Pizzeria

Reflections above the clouds...

I just returned from my time in Texas with my youngest brother and his family.  I am so grateful that I was able to be there.  I even met up with a few highschool friends for lunch one day and had a little 30 year reunion.  I was able to spend some time with my parents who came down from Kansas. I was able to hug on and chat with two of my oldest brother's sons who were there as well.

On the plane ride home I realized how tired I am.  But, I also realized how blessed I am.  We were just devastated when we found out we had to leave Russia.  But, if we had stayed in Russia and not come to Belize I would not have been able to make it my nephew's graduation.  I would not have been there to support Stephen as his oldest child reached this milestone.  I would have missed out on all the joy of the celebration and a chance to bond with the family.

There are sacrifices involved with being a missionary.  And they are not all about giving up the comforts of home in the US.  Many of the sacrifices are related to the loved ones left behind.  I created this blog six years ago to allow our family and friends a glimpse into our daily lives.  It functions well for that.  But it doesn't allow us to be present with all of them.  We have missed births, weddings, funerals, and so many other life changing moments with our family and friends. It is so hard to miss out.  Honestly, it sucks.

The blessing in all of this is that Tom told me to fully enjoy each moment and be present while with my family. And I did that.  I took joy in each and every second, in each and every happening or event, no matter how small.  From painting the center pieces to mopping the kitchen floor.  I treasured each moment because I was able to be there.  I didn't have to miss out that time.  And I am so grateful.

My prayer for anyone reading this is that you would truly take the time to enjoy what is going on around you with those you love.  Don't let the stress of life cause you to miss out on the joy of life with those who are important to you.  Don't let the time slip away and leave you with regrets.

Be one that can say I am so grateful that I _________ and not one that has to say I wish I would have__________.

Promise me.  If you do this, you too will be blessed.

5 Stress Relievers for the International Traveler

Yesterday I traveled from Belize to the U.S.   I had never been to the international side at the Dallas airport before and I must say that I was quite impressed with how quickly I passed through passport control.  There must have been around five flights or so that they had to clear and it went very smoothly.

Anyhow, I was looking around and noticed a lot of stressed out people.  People on their phones, talking about making connections and looking overwhelmed.  It made me realize that with all of the international travel we have done I have learned a few things beyond the obvious ones like: , pack light, don't check any bags if you can avoid it, and don't buy tickets with tight connections.

 Alida's Stress Relievers: 
1.  Remember... this too shall pass.  Not everything is worth getting upset over.  Take a few deep breaths.  Close your eyes for a few seconds and rethink the situation.

2.  Allow humor to be your traveling companion. Laughter is a great stress reliever.

3.  Be open to learning a new way of doing things.  Be humble, teachable and flexible.

4.  Bring a good book, your favorite music or a few magazines and take some time to mentally escape from whatever drama may be going on around you.

5.  Interest yourself in the other travelers.  Count the number of languages you hear around you.  If you are bored with waiting make up stories about the more interesting characters to entertain yourself with.


I hope that when you take your next trip or your first you will think of these and smile.  And to all my fellow travelers...what do you do to relieve stress at the airport?

say what?

After we crossed the river on the ferry we went into San Ignacio. Our friends wanted us to see the sights on Bullet Tree Road. This sign got me to ask Tom W. to stop  the car in the middle of the street to snag a photo:

  It is not the Hyatt we are accustomed to in the states!

over the river...

One way to get across the river is this hand cranked ferry.  When we were out the other day with Tom and June they took us to experience the ride from Spanish Lookout over to San Ignacio.  The wait and the ride across were an adventure I am so grateful  we were able to have!

our first traffic jam in Belize... we had to wait in line for our turn across the river

 there was a bar and grill there in case the wait gets to be overwhelming

looking across to the other side you can see that there is a wait on both sides

 the hand crank

 only the driver is allowed to stay in the car...

 passengers chatting with one another

This passenger decided that the guy cranking was going to slow... so he took over

!

view from the ferry

fellow passengers...

Land!

 

 the passengers get off before the vehicles are allowed to drive off.  

We stood out of the way of the other cars and waited for Tom... 

We were fortunate in the timing of our little trip.  The guy who cranks the ferry will not go from one side to the without taking a load of people across.  According to Tom & June the same guy has been working on the ferry for 12 years.  And though it is supposed to be available for people to cross 24 hours a day... the guy goes home to sleep and will take the crank with him.  So unless you have your own crank you are out of luck!