run with endurance...

an unwanted late night visitor...

Last week I had an unwanted visitor in the bathroom.  It's surreal to see a tarantula come around the corner headed straight for you.  Of course I ran out of the bathroom and yelled at Tom to come and get rid of it. 

As Tom took a look at the spider he says, "aren't you going to take a picture?

I took the first photo and then screamed when it moved!!

Tom scooped it up into the dustpan and threw it outside.

I heard from a few others that they'd also had tarantulas show up in their bathrooms or right outside their doors last week.  Apparently, a combination of  heat and rain brings them out.  We've been here almost three years and this was our first run-in with such a huge critter in our home.  Seriously, this thing was bigger than the frog we had come inside.  

Well, now I know when tarantula season is and I'll be ready next time...maybe!

memories of a joyful weekend...

Our weekend fun began with a surprise birthday party for Jill and Toni! 

 Toni

 Toni & Jill

 Jill

And on Sunday we enjoyed a potluck after church for Father's Day!

We enjoy being able to celebrate with our Bethel Disciples International Church family!

From the rising of the sun...

PathLight Graduation...

One of the emcees and the pianist...

The five graduates...

 

 The third form class (juniors) serenading the graduates..

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The valedictorian...

Students were encouraged to present a gift to their sponsor...

a A personal video of each graduate...

Dion, the director of the program, wrapping up the evening...

 

PathLight is an educational intervention program that integrates faith and learning.  They work to empower students and teachers. Through scholarships for students and training for teachers; individuals, families, and communities are impacted for the better.  

The Child Development Foundation has provided couseling for PathLight students when needed.  And Tom and I were so thrilled to represent CDF for the evening's festivities!

Last night's graduating class consisted of five students.  Sponsors, families, and teachers were on hand to celebrate with the graduates.  It was a powerful and inspiring evening!

an evening at Mount Hope...

Last night we were privileged to spend the evening with the congregation at Mount Hope Church in Unitedville.  The building was packed!  It was great to see so many young people and families out on a Sunday night for church.
 

We were blessed by the drama team...

Pastor Ron leading worship...

Tom speaking on Relationships...

The evening ended with a time for people to come forward and receive prayer for any relationship issues that they might be facing.  Tom, myself, Jadine, and Craig, spent time interceding for a number of men and women over various issues.  I listened to a lot of pain last night...so grateful there is hope in Him.  

We'll head back there next week for Tom to finish up this two part series.  If you're in town come on out and join us.  Service starts at 6:30pm.  If you're not able to make it, please lift Tom and the congregation up in your prayers!

At Da Sno Shack!

  A new business just opened up here in Belmopan!

Bethany and Kaylon, are young entrepreneurs who are hard at work to make their new venture a success.  They have a great location, a tasty product, and an awesome work ethic.  We think they are destined for great things!!

Make Me Your Deepest Desire...

 

When your parents own the store...

your playground is wherever you make it!

Highlights from Graduation...

Two years of hard work finally came to fruition as 8 students from the inaugural Christian Counseling class held at Belize Bible Center graduated on Saturday!  

 Diana Shaw and N.T. Dellinger 

Diana gave an inspiring charge to the graduates!

 Pastor Craig and Bethany looking on...

 Rosa and her family...

Rosa, an elementary school teacher, is able to use her skills to impact her students and their parents in the Spanish speaking community of San Martin.

 Jose and Tina

Jose was the only male student to finish the course.  He faithfully rode in each Saturday from Belize City on his motorcycle.  An hour ride one way...sometimes in the rain!  Jose is with for Youth For Christ and is able to use the skills he has learned in his work in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. 

 Johanna and her daughter...

Johanna is a nurse and worksat the University of Belize, Central Farm Campus.  She is using what she has learned to enhance her interactions with the students she comes in contact with.  

 Marlene and Alvina

Alvina is one of the volunteer counselors working at CDF.  She also sees clients in the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout.

Alvina, Johanna, Alida, Jose, Marlene, Tina, Rosa, and Jadine 

Of the 22 students who took the first class these are the 8 faithful souls who persevered until the end!

This candle holder made of Belizean wood is Tom's gift from the graduates!

 We enjoyed a meal together after the ceremony...of course!

I am  so grateful to be finished with the course!  

Below is an excerpt from my speech:

I have learned a lot over the past two years. I've learned how to listen more effectively. I've learned about the importance of being a safe person and how to provide safety to those who are brave enough to come into the counseling office. I've learned the importance that God places on relationships and how He designed and created us to need one another. We cannot grow and heal in isolation...we grow in loving and safe relationships with others.  I've learned about emotions and the role they play in how we cope with life. I've learned about family dynamics, defense mechanisms, healthy boundaries, and I've learned different theories and methods for helping others. I've learned about our brains and how they develop and function.

It is not easy to sum up six semesters into one neat little package and get you all to understand what this course has meant to me. Over the past two years I realized that a new avenue of ministry was opening up for me. And that I could use the comfort and healing that I've received over the years to help others find comfort and healing as well. I feel more confident in providing help to others because of the skills and understanding I've gained from this course.

One of the verses that Tom used several times as he was teaching is Isaiah 42:3...

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

Our healer is gentle. He is compassionate, faithful, and patient. He allows each one of us the grace, truth, and time needed to bring healing into our lives. And I'm excited that myself and the other seven graduates are on the same path...to continue to grow and heal ourselves, and also be available to help others in their journey of healing and growth with the same compassion, gentleness, patience, and faithfulness that God has shown to each one of us.