Kidz Konnect October 2022

 After a year and a half of not being able to go go Kidz Konnect, it was so refreshing to return. 

Taking a blood sugar

Nathanael was able to get people from both the Spanish Lookout area as well as the deaf from Orange Walk. It was fun and challenging to have new people to navigate their health with.  We look forward to continuing in the future!

Kristen helps Dr Ed by interpreting

Kristen is also learning the "art" of professional interpreting. Her mom and uncle are deaf so she has experience. Nathanael is giving her the skills and time to do it. Kristen is in her last year of high school and we hope that this will lead to a good job for her.

Triage with a baby :)

It is fun to be able to walk through the process with the Deaf to have them be completely understood while they are navigating their medical care. At times, we have to put the pieces together of the other care they have received and the medicines they are on. It is a maze and an adventure.

Zion helping interpret fot the people who gave out glasses

The greatest "accomplishment" this time was from a young guy. He really needed some glasses. Fortunately there was a team who was there just to provide basic glasses.   For me I was floored. He is a young guy (15) who has a full time job. He relies on sign language for communication. I can't imagine having to figure things out without being able to see well. We are so excited for him!! 

Of course post clinic I was able to visit, explain meds and do some follow up care. 

Me taking a blood pressure in Orange Walk and explaining meds/visiting with the family

We are so thankful for those who serve with Kidz Konnect!! It helps us better serve the deaf of Belize. 

Misael takes to the skies

 In an effort to "catch up" on the past few months, I am working on updates.

Nathanael and Misael discuss travel before the big day

Aug-September were very busy months for us. On top of moving (which involved going through stuff in storage and downsizing significantly), a lot of events centered around Misael.  I know I've done posts with him in the past He has been a part of Jesus Deaf Church since Nancy started it.  He has been a part of family activities and discipleship since 2015.  It has been a raising-up process.  

Church at Jesus Deaf church Orange Walk

Misael grew up Catholic and was hesitant to get baptized. His father passed away last year. When baptism was discussed with his mother, she was very open to the idea.  His mother said if Misael's father was alive, he would have been opposed to the baptism. While we mourn the great loss, we are thankful for the openness of his mother. Misael decided to get baptized in Spanish Lookout at "Mennonite Beach".  You can view the Facebook live here:

Facebook live

On September 16, Nathanael and Misael trekked to Jamaica.   Due to it being the first time flying, and the fact that Misael is Deaf and traveling to a country where they don't use his language, Nathanael went along as an interpreter.  They flew from Belize to Panama, then to Jamaica.  

Misael walks onto the plane

They were able to do some sightseeing, and of course meet with Deaf in Panama. They attended a Deaf church service in Panama. 

Photo of the people after Deaf church

Arriving in Jamaica, Nathanael got to spend 4 days at the YWAM base with Misael prior to returning to Belize.

Playing a game with YWAM staff

Misael is on a journey of learning and growing.

Nathanael and Misael at the YWAM base

We are excited for him!!! 

The group of people at the YWAM base this fall. Please be praying for them

Souderton Mennonite Youth team (with a few prized adults added in)

 Two weeks after landing on Belizean soil, Nathanael and I trekked to the airport in Ladyville.  On the way we picked up a rented green van. 

The youth group along with 5 adults arrived without a hitch, although the people in immigration gave them a run for their money.

One thing I really admired was the ability of both the youth and leaders in their fluidity. We discovered with regret that the rented van didn't have AC.  The team didn't grumble.  We are in the midst of rainy season. One of the days the team spent the entire day traipsing through mud, rain pouring in their faces while accomplishing manual labor.

Our work days looked like:  Half of the team worked diligently at manual labor. The other half went with Nathanael for a visit to someone in the Deaf community.  It was my job to set up for a Deaf woman to come, and get supplies for lunch.  Nathanael's team returned and worked on preparation for the noon meal.  ( and in the process learned a bit about Belizean cooking and some sign language).

In the afternoon I took a medical team for a check-up. A team would go with Nathanael on another visit, and the laborer's returned to the church building.  

I am glad that the youth got to spend time in people's homes. They saw the reality of life as a Deaf Belizean. The youth played games and interacted, which also was a good lesson in language learning. 

Thank you Souderton Mennonite for visiting, the blessing you were to the Orange Walk Deaf community, and the building of the church!!

This is the service that the youth led after being in Orange Walk