Remembering Grandma Moyer

Three days after our 2015 arrival in Orange Walk, we found ourselves greatly saddened. Our friend and supporter Glenna had passed.  It was our abrupt introduction to the things we miss while living abroad.  For Glenna, they created a google hangouts. We were able to "be there" from Belize, as was another friend in Hungary.

Two weeks ago my mother let me know that my maternal grandmother was getting weaker.  They felt her death was imminent.  My grandmother passed this past Friday.  I considered attending the funeral but plans that were made about 8 months ago prevented me from doing so.  It was a bit of a difficult week for me. Wednesday (the day of the funeral in PA) had me thinking about where I would have been, had there been an opportunity to be in PA.

It is difficult to be away at times such as these. I am aware that our lives appear exotic and fun. Currently I am just missing the chance to remember my grandmother. I was unable to attend the funeral. I can introduce you to her, and a little more about her life.



I can honestly say without her and my grandfather we may not have made it to Belize. They set an example for me at a young age. I was in second grade when my grandparents left to work in South Africa.  I imagined I would work in an African country one day. I can tell you it may happen but currently I am quite grateful for the shorter plane flight, and better availability for visits!

My grandparents also helped foster a love of books. They would give us books each year for our birthday. I treasure mine!  I have to admit that at times it felt like a "boring" gift. I am very thankful that they valued us enough to give us lasting treasures!

When I was younger, grandma used to run. I never watched her but I am in awe of her dedication. She even ran a few races!

My grandparents had a pet quail for a while. It laid tiny eggs. Their neighbor would take the eggs and make decorations out of them. I was ever amazed at how they could decorate such a tiny egg!

One of the memories I treasure the most was listening to my grandparents pray. They would sit at the table and read their morning devotions together. They would remember each of their children, grand children, and then great grandchildren in prayer. It was humbling, and encouraging at the same time.

The legacy that my grandmother left is one I admire. One can see it by simply looking at her children. I know that the hardworking, dedication and prayer come from my grandparents.  I am a third generation nurse. I am thankful to my grandmother for showing that she was able to be a nurse and a mother of 9. (Sometimes my 4 overwhelm me! )

Thank you for sharing this time with me, remembering her.  I hope you have a great week!

Spring

PS We are wanting to engage people more in prayer. If you would like to be added to that email (hopefully weekly or biweekly) list, please let us know!

stepping into opportunity

Today was amazing. Sometimes I plan for amazing things to happen, and it's disappointing. Today there was no plan it just happened. We have a lot of Chinese immigrants here. They tend to own the bigger stores. One of our closer shops, Dickerson, has a lot of Chinese products. The other day I took pictures of some (with no English on them) and sent them to my friend. She was a missionary in China for 20 years. She translated for me. I actually didn't buy the "good tea for your health". Finding out what was in the package was nice.  I did however find some spring roll wraps.

Thus set in motion an idea. We could make spring rolls!  I was planning on me just making dinner, but Selah and Nathanael joined in, making it fun. As we listened to music, Zion danced around on 3 yoga mats. She even put on a gymnastic uniform.

All of that to say we're normal. Normal family living a normal life. Sometimes it is fun to grasp the normalness. Transitions are always hard for us. It has been feeling lately that we are on the other side of this transition. Praise the Lord! I wanted to highlight for you readers that a good portion of what we do lacks glamour. We live here. We eat, we wash our clothes, we go on walks, and buy food at the supermarket.

Of course there are out of ordinary moments to add spice to our lives!  One happened this past saturday. The story starts with meeting a YWAM participant. She actually lives in Belize with her parents. They are originally from Colombia, but have moved 8 times for her father's job. She is truly a TCK. She informed me that her parents have a Christian radio program. They like to interview people and share what God is doing.

Last Thursday Nathanael received a Whatsapp call that he didn't understand. He passed the phone to me. It was Julianna's parents. They woud be in Orange Walk on Saturday, could they come for an interview?  I have to admit when she suggested 12pm I was a bit put out. In Belize, everyone eats at 12. The culture is if someone is at your house, you feed them. I wrongly assumed they were coming at that time to have me feed them.

I mixed my favorite meal of chicken tortilla soup. As they entered, we had the table all set. They stared in disbelief. Apparently the aren't Belizean ;) They insisted on bringing something to the meal. My children all were quite pleased especially because we don't buy soda especially not coke! They also got some fruit salad to share.

I was humbled by them. What an opportunity to share and understand more about them.  Her father talked about how every country, God has brought someone into their lives to help them adjust. Both her father and younger brother speak English. Her mother is still learning and we conversed mostly in Spanish.

Here's the embarrassing part: I was asked to do an interview for the women's program!  Embarrassing because it is in my second language, and my second language still needs work. I did my best but it was lacking. Nathanael also was interviewed, him in English. It was such a great time to share our hearts and what we do.

If you would like to listen, email us and we'll let you know where you can download the link for the show.  Here is their website: http://www.unavozeneldesierto.org/

New Years Eve Party

One can still celebrate the New Year two weeks later right?

We are thankful for those who were able to come to the party. Some people joined us from Spanish lookout.  Others are Deaf but don't go to church.  Still others live in villages far out, and Nathanael was able to take our trike and pick them up.  Some people brought their whole family.  Some came alone.  Fun was had by all, except perhaps the three children that fell asleep.

Nathanael interpreted Charlie Brown Christmas for those who came. The children handed out pop-corn

Nathanael then had a Jeopardy game involving the past lessons that he taught in Church and Bible study.

Finally we played games and ate snacks

At the last minute we headed to the park to watch fireworks.

Thanks for joining with us this 2018 to support the Deaf in Orange Walk. You are a blessing!

Happy New Year!!

Holiday preparations

Christmas wasn't our big holiday here. If you read my facebook, you would note we were invited to a party Christmas eve. The pastor of the Spanish church we've been attending invited us to his house. We felt like party poopers when we left at 10pm and some people were just arriving. I am not sure how I got on the subject, but I asked people when they were going to bed. One woman who looked about 20 years to my senior stated she didn't know when she is going to bed. I was floored.

Really I am not sure how I missed this part of the culture 2 years ago. I did know that Belizeans tend to celebrate things the night before. I remember Ben Martin being at our house Christmas eve only to be awoken by the 12am fireworks. I just was unaware that the party continues into the early morning hours!

That being said, our Christmas was quite quiet. We had family opening of presents and enjoyed a brunch.  We were thankful. We had sparkling juice. The cinnamon rolls didn't turn out the way I wanted them to (oh well)

Our big holiday was New Years eve. We invited the church, along with Deaf who don't usually come to the house.  I will highlight this next week.  :)

In preparation for the big party, we had two cookie baking sessions. One was the children's friends. It ended up being a jumble of people: our conservative Mennonite (cape dress wearing) friends, mixed with a sweet boy and his mom we meet at the park on Saturday nights.  Our Mennonite friend and I did get offered cheap cosmetic surgery in Cuba, all we have to do is get there!!

The children made cookies. Interspersed with the cookie festivities, they played games and ran outside. I was able to socialize a bit. Everyone had a good time!

The second party involved the youth.  Giving credit where credit is due, Selah did most of the coordinating. She pre-made all of the dough, icing and rolled the cookies. The 3 youth girls helped with decorating. I was left on the clean up they weren't able to accomplish. Man it is crazy how messy icing can be when it is spread everywhere!

Nathanael and Misael helped put up our temporary garage. This served in housing the food and children on New Years.  They also sampled multiple cookies.

May your New Year be blessed!

Look for a newsletter in your mailbox in the next few weeks. If you aren't on our list and want to be, e mail us and we will add you!

Blessings,

Spring