Counting to 1000 Gifts

There is always much to be thankful for...here are just a few things on my gratitude list from the past week:

313. We had 14 students on Saturday from the all over the country for Tom's first class at Belize Bible Center...four of them came from the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout and one student rode his motorcycle down from Belize City over an hour away.

314. Tom, Spencer and I getting a chance to chat with Nathan on Skype.
315. Skype no longer being blocked by Belize Telemedia.
316. Being able to teach at church on Sunday about Jesus being the gate for the sheep.
317. A free eye exam and low cost glasses for Spencer.

318. Dethroning Tom (for now) and taking the Monopoly Deal crown!

319. Enjoying a quiet Pan American Day here at home.
320. So grateful for the comments and emails of much needed prayer support for us after Tuesday's post.
321. New people showing up who are interested in volunteering at CDF.
322. New dining room table and chairs and a bed for Spencer.

323. Cinnamon roll pancakes 

324.  Shy youth coming forward to lead worship at church.

325.  A friend in the states who sent me the latest copy of Essence magazine.

326.  God accepting broken hearts:

May your week be filled with gifts and may you stop and take notice of them no matter how small.

joy & blessings!

Alida

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something new...

If you are in the area come and join us and bring a friend!

We have been told that this is the only course of this kind being offered here in Belize.  Many of the volunteers with CDF will be taking the course (including me) and we hear that there are eight others from the community who have registered.  We are hoping for a great turn out and for many to stick it out for the full two years.  Please keep Tom and all of the students in your prayers!

Sex Tourism and Belize

This article comes from 7 News Belize:

Sex Tourism and Belize

Wed, October 5, 2011

We all like to talk about tourism - and right that we should - it's the country's leading foreign exchange earner - but the ugly underside of that is sex tourism - which in many cases, involves the exploitation of male and female minors and children.Today, building on the success of the national symposium on the commercial sexual exploitation of children in August of 2010, the office of the special envoy for women and children turned its attention to the tourist industry.At opening ceremonies for a one day workshop they discussed the demand in certain areas of the tourist sector for children: Hon. Eden Martinez - Minister of Human Development "We need to focus our attention in curbing the demand, in deterring the demand, in making it difficult and downright perilous for those who want to buy our children. In the fight to curb demand, the tourism sector is key, hence the reason for this meeting, today." Kim Simplis - Barrow - Special Envoy for Women and Children "Sexual abuse and exploitation exists because there is a demand for sex with a child. We must never blame the victim. There is an adult out there who wants to pay, and will pay, in cash or in kind for sexual gratification with a child. And yes, it is a fight, a fight against something that has become so widespread and common, that we cannot allow ourselves to become de-sensitized to its occurrence. We implore of you to trust your judgment when you sense that a situation between an adult and a child just doesn't seem right. Take action by reporting such instances to your supervisors and the authorities. We ask that you turn down financial offers for you to acquire children for sexual predators. And we beg that you go even further, and report that person to the authorities. Report, as well, those locals who you know are involved as brokers, or rather simply 'pimping out' our children." Jim Scott - President, BTIA "Within tourism, it's pretty common knowledge that through some taxies and some tour guides, they will facilitate young girls - young boys, for you if you come to Belize. And knowing the internet, and the market out there, the information is there. So, people know how to access that, and we really need to tighten up in that regard." Hon. Eden Martinez "I know that we are all interested in the growth of tourism in our country. It is one of our major revenue earners, but we must pause and think of the quality of tourism product that we are selling. Are we prepared to have the trading in the flesh of our children to be part of the package that we are selling? Are we prepared to have the exploitation of our children to be part of the appeal of what draws people to our shores?" The office of the special envoy has launched a PR Campaign and is pushing legislation for the protection of children against such exploitation.

Thought for Today

I took this photo of Tom's tattoo when he was baptizing seven people in the river back in June.  

May we all take heart in the hope that we have in God.

stress and strain and prayer concerns...

I don't talk about our counseling load much on the blog because of the importance of confidentiality.  But the past 12 days have been a very stressful time for us.  A very serious issue came up in counseling and it has meant a lot of extra meetings, and loss of sleep.  I cannot really say much about it other than to just ask for prayer.  Please pray for all of the individuals involved in this crisis and for healing to begin in the lives of all affected.  

There is also a family in need that we were able to deliver food to and have been praying with and for.  There is a small church that is closing its doors and we helped with the transition for the congregation.  In the midst of all of this Tom is preparing the curriculum for the first course in a two year Christian Counseling Certificate program that he will teach at Belize Bible Center...so many things in such a short span of time.  We truly covet your prayers.

overflowing with gratitude...

As we waited for Spencer's plane to arrive I noticed this monument and decided to take a look at the plaque that is on it...

307.  seeing a Christian monument on public property.

308.  waiting for Spencer to arrive.

  

309.  hugging on Spencer after him being gone for  15 months.

310.  Spencer teaching us to play Monopoly Deal.

311.  Spencer and Tom being silly together.

312.  remembering to photograph the fun.

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Number 11

Tom's latest painting for the church.

Let there be Light...

Last night Tom was scheduled to speak at a little church in a village not far from where we live.  When we got there the place was completely dark.  After a few phone calls and text messages with the pastor who was out of town we had almost decided to cancel the service...but there were 3 mothers and 9 children who decided they wanted to have church.

One of the mothers sent her little one to get the key to the building and while he was gone another woman came by and said that the reason there was no church was that there was no electricity.  Well, that didn't seem to bother the ones who wanted a service.  They were positive that there were candles in the building.

After retrieving the key, getting inside and making an exhaustive search for candles with no luck...we ended up having a very short service in the dark.  Tom opened up with prayer and then asked the kids if they knew any songs we could sing.  The kids were pretty excited to be included in the service and sang Jesus Loves the Little Children and If You're Happy and You Know It loudly and with lots of gusto.

Following the songs Tom read a passage of scripture and then did a short devotional on the passage.  He asked people for feedback and several of the children chimed in with great answers.  We sang one more song, closed with prayer and promised to come again next week.

It was our first time being in a service completely in the dark.  And on the drive home I realized how beautiful and impactful that simple time of fellowship was.  Not having electricity didn't seem to phase anyone.  There are families here who live without it.  Electricity is expensive and from time to time it goes out for a whole section of town for a few hours.

But last night The Light showed up and filled the church with love...and isn't that how it's supposed to be?!  

Thought for Today

May my words be pleasant and healing to those God places in my path.

Tasty Tuesday

This cake recipe has two simple ingredients...sounds like a winner!

Two Ingredients Pumpkin Cake

Gotta give this a try!

Pumpkin Cake

One Cake mix

1 -15 ounce can 100% pumpkin- puree, not pumpkin pie filling

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl mix cake mix with pumpkin filling using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour batter into a greased 7 x 11 inch baking dish. Bake for 28 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting. Serves 8.

Apple Cider Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 T. apple cider

1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

In a small bowl blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour over Pumpkin Cake letting it drizzle down the sides of the cake. Let set before covering. 

Gifts and more gifts

We are so grateful for the donation of a Play Therapy Kit from Sara and Ryan in New York.  It will help young children to express themselves in a counseling session whether they are verbal or pre-verbal.

The kit includes:
1 large black bag (to hold everything when not in use)

dustpan and small broom

plastic food

scribble pad

place mat for clay

construction paper

baby doll

cars, truck, tractor

puppets: bear, dog, panda, monkey, pig, elephant

baby blanket

marbles

wolf

ocean animals

army men

plastic firefighters and police officers

snake

wild animals

two alligators

dinner set

lego like toys

sand toys

pacifier

watch

dart gun

machine gun

blocks:alphabet

cooking set

money set

hand tools

doctor set

modeling clay

baby bottle

jump rope

bop bag

foam ball

pipe cleaners

dollhouse

musical instruments

mobile phones

chalkboard

dry erase board

colored chalk

crayons

colored pencils

two plastic tubs

princess set of hair combs,blow dryer, brush and mirror

bendable happy face figurine

handcuffs

masks

knife

glue

scissors

sheriff badge

finger paint

shopping bag filled with dress up jewelry

tape

bandages

sponge

tissue

markers

Popsicle sticks

toy watch

counting the gifts of life to 1000 and beyond...

291. play therapy set

292. meeting a friend of Spencer's on Skype

293. chatting with my father on the phone

294. slowing down and waking up

295. meditation on being alive in Christ (Col. 2:13)

296. connecting with family on Facebook

297. Google video chat with Tom while in the same room!

298. meditation on my debt being nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14)

299. fireflies lighting up the sky

300. fireworks to celebrate 30 years of Belize as an independent country

301. brilliant stars

302. kettle corn that turns out perfectly

303. finding more friends on Google+

304. an email from a friend I had not heard from in a long while

305. enjoying music from the movie Fighting Temptations

306. watching the funeral of the Father of Belize, the Honorable George C. Price, on television

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Belize turns 30...and is in mourning

On Monday the founding father of Belize, The Honorable George C. Price, passed away...funeral services are on Saturday.  Condolences have been pouring in all week.  One was even sent by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.  I am just starting to learn who this honorable man was.  Two words that keep coming up to describe him are service and humility.

Yesterday Belize celebrated the 30th anniversary of her independence and the first without her founding father...he will be greatly missed.  We have heard that Monday will be a public holiday in honor of the late George Price.

Thought for Today

This photo was taken in Belize City at A Call To Worship.  It was an incredible time of rejoicing.  The dancers, flag bearers and worship team all did an excellent job.  It was more than a concert...it was church!

Tasty Tuesday

We had barbecue the other day and I wanted to make cole slaw to go with it but we were out of cabbage so I decided to try using apples instead...turned out great!

I didn't really have a recipe but here is what I put together:

Alida's Last Minute Apple Slaw

1 large Golden Delicious apple, cut into matchsticks

1 carrot, shredded

4-5 broccoli florets, diced

1 tsp Tarragon vinegar

mayonnaise to taste

It was simple to make, yummy to eat, and yielded just enough for the two of us...works for me!

feeling full and still counting...

I made a more conscious effort this week to write down my blessings daily instead of putting it off until today.

Here is my simple list of gifts from God this week:

263. a worship team made up of people from 9 different churches of various denominations.

264.  Worship dancers and flag bearers.

265.  Praising Him as King.

266.  colors and words that captivate the eye and touch the heart.

267.  Celebrating 30 years of Belize being an independent country.

268. Knowing Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

269.  Meditating on our fullness in Christ.

270.  Watching Rodwel grow as a speaker.

271.  cool breezes on a rainy day.

272.  Studying about the Mystery who adds fullness to our lives in Colossians 1:25-27

273.  a loyal dog who barks at the garbage collectors and passersby to keep our property secure.

274.  garbage collectors who do their job even in the rain.

275.  quiet days at home.

276.  hot chocolate with cinnamon.

277.  a double feature of Indiana Jones and True Grit in our living room.

278.  praying with Tom

279.  birds who sing rain or shine.

280.  Quiet time with the One in Whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found.

281.  a week of sleeping without using a sleep aid.

282.  time in the hair salon enjoying Kriol being spoken.

283.  beginning to understand the joy that grows out of Thankfulness.

284.  text messaging with Nathan

285.  the energy to work.

286.  sharing my freshly baked cinnamon rolls with those who have never had them before.

287.  realizing the need to surrender and let life happen.

288.  Camillah, Angie, Femmy and Moi singing on the worship team for the first time.

289.  Skype with Spencer.

290.  appreciating the lavish blessings that come from the attempt to live a simple life.


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