Working as a team with Vida 220

We had a team from Vida 220 visit us for 10 days.  Our first exposure to Vida 220 was at the Central America EMM retreat. Last year they were a part of the team that cared for the kids.  There are so many kids they outnumber the adults!  Fun was had by all. It is a blessing to have young adults with a passion for Jesus pour themselves into our children's lives.

Nathanael transporting the team of 6 in the trike

This Vida 220 Belize team actually spent 2 months of their time in Dangriga with the Groff families ministering to the Garifuna.  Coming to Orange Walk made leaving the ministry they were in and changing direction!  (different languages and culture).

Working on a drama for church

What really amazed me was the groups ability to jump in. For the other teams, outreach is in one location for 5 months. 20 years ago when i was in YES, I had 8 months of outreach. The team set aside personal feelings and went right into ministry with us.

Eating at Pastor Fernando's home

The team here consisted of 2 from the US, 1 from Costa Rica, one from El Salvador, one from Ecuador and one from Guatemala. They spent 5 months in training in Costa Rica and are now serving in Belize.

walking in the community

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce all of them to a need that really is in their backyard. Two people took sign language books with them to study more. All 6 worked at learning worship songs in ASL. They also spent time conversing.  One woman in particular said she has a Deaf neighbor and looks forward to getting to know the neighbor better.

Nathanael interprets for Jeimmy

The other direct impact they had was on the Davis children. They listened to, danced with, and in general loved on our kids. My mama heart was overflowing!  It was a difficult goodbye.

Worship songs

Please pray with us for the Vida Net team on the next leg of their journey. They were to travel to other Mennonite Churches in Belize. Two of the participants were denied visas. As far as we know they won't be returning to Belize.

Participating in Bible Study. Elizani's boyfriend interpreted

As a side note, we highly encourage anyone taking a gap year to look into Vida 220. Doing missions short term is an impactful, life changing experience.

we spent Sunday afternoon watching Up together