The stories pictures tell

 I am finally sitting down to do something I love: digital scrapbooking. It started as a "need". I used it as a platform to make a picture portfolio for homeschooling.  Through the years I've done it on my days off while "binging" whatever show I felt like it.  The scrapbooks, my days of rest, and blogging had been set aside as we went through the huge transition of the past year and a half.  

one of the last times we met at our old house in Orange Walk

Looking at the pictures, I realize there are many stories I would like to share. Stories that take up too many words and space for newsletters, Instagram posts or prayer emails.  I am going to make a valiant effort in the next few weeks to tell some of the stories that the pictures convey.  It may end up looking like too many blog posts at once. My greatest desire is that they would be told instead of sitting just as pictures. The cool thing is we will still be able to access the blog later. To that end, it is of little importance how many posts I work on in a small amount of time. 

Our old kitchen sink loaded on our pastor friend's truck

The first story, if I am looking in chronological order of our pictures is one of  moving.  Many if not all of you know that from June of 2021, our family had a long period of transition. Things we didn't expect compelled us to stay longer in the states and move our "home base" from Orange Walk to Spanish Lookout.  February 2023 concluded that period.  I came with Nathanael to Orange walk to empty our house of a few last things in the end of January.  

One of the last things we did before leaving our Orange walk home was have a tea party with our friends (Abi, Heidi and Zion are sitting at their house)

I snapped a picture of the sink that a pastor from Belize Evangelical Mennonite Churches took. It was the sink I used for 4 and a half years. The one where the Formica was pealing and made a dear family member say we "live in squalor". The issue was that without completely replacing the sink and cabenit, duct tape held it together.  I asked the pastor what he was doing with the sink. His reply was it will sit in the bush as a sort of shelf.  It validated me a bit, thinking that really it wasn't good for everyday use and should have been disposed of years ago.

We enjoyed the sunset at the park behind our house over Christmas break

The following weekend, our good friends the Groff boys went to Orange Walk. They helped move the last of the heavy items.  It was a bit disheartening as I watched them clean and paint our old home. Our memories and family life swept away with a new layer of paint.  

Abi hangs out with Ava

At the same time it came with a finality.  We are officially moved both into Spanish Lookout, and the church to their own land in Orange Walk.  We are able to find our feet, our schedule and structure.  On the other end I am realizing I needed so much grace in the process, and honestly I didn't give myself enough.  Perhaps that should be a reminder and a warning to me. Transition is hard both emotionally and physically.  Grace is needed for ourselves outwardly (from you) and within our family.  

Zephaniah (Pip), Zion (Marsmello), Selah (Ava), Abi (Oso)

We have established routines in both ministry and family life.  We have had opportunities to be involved in the community at large in Spanish Lookout as well as with Fountain of Life church.  It has been a huge blessing to us, bringing stability.  

Our house from the lane. We only live in the top part

While I would not say that everything has fully transitioned, I would say we are finally finding home in our new location.  We are thankful. 

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

2021 comes with little fanfare

First the news: in a modified confusing quarantine. Two districts (with the current least COVID cases) aren't allowed to travel within the country; Orange Walk being one of them. This started December 20th, and under new administration, we are unsure of when it will end. We also have a curfew of 8pm-5am.  This restricts our ability to have Friday night Bible Studies. 

Jeimmy leads a devotional for two women, during a house visit

In place of Bible study, more home visits are happening. Jeimmy as a Salvadorian has natural experience and stamina which helps motivate Nathanael and I. 

Normal busy Friday night with the kids (spring's job) Jaziel and Brianny create chaos ;) 

What we did during December:

Gianny was tasked with making flood icing. To her detriment, our powdered sugar was quite chunky! 

Over the Christmas holiday, we invited 2 friends over (we were unable to have more than 3 people over due to restrictions and one said no). Cookies were decorated, and baked.  

This was a Friday night prepping the same treats to share with the Bible study kids as well as church that night,  in between this picture and our cookie party, Covid restrictions changed. 

They were packed with pretzel treats (We special ordered the flat pretzels to make this treat:) and Hershey kisses.  

Zion and Adrene put the m&m's onto the melted kisses. another reason we are thankful for Harvest Aviation, who made it possible for us to share this treat with our Belizean friends

Nathanael shopped for some Belizean staples (rice, beans, flour) and delivered them to the villages. Apparently the most exciting part of their visits was the cookies. I will not attest to the quality, but one of our visitors stated "it looks like 3 year old's made them!" oh well we are learning...hopefully next year we'll improve our "flood cookie" game! 

Krystal and Jeimmy stop at Selena's house. Selena is Deaf and has 5 children

Misael and Jeimmy stop by Alma's house to bless her family with staples and cookies

Ringing in the New Year involved watching Star Wars, eating snacks, and traveling to the roof for fireworks at 12am.  It was the lest spectacular NYE party we have had.. ever! We are thankful to have been together, and anticipate God's goodness in the coming year.

I made whoopie pies, Jeimmy got her first taste of a whoopie pie She liked it despite the face she is making

One final small note, I was privileged to be interviewed in Revelation Wellness for their end of the year giving project. If you would like to listen, here is the link. (obviously downloadable on any podcast apps, the podcast number is 527)

 

 

a new not normal

 Things are settled. That is what my heart keeps telling me. Seven months into this uncertainty, we are finding a groove. While restrictions came off quickly our first time around; they have "stuck" much longer this time. Friends I watch in Kenya, Honduras, and the like have been much more confined than we are, so we find ourselves thankful.

Alma leads the people in prayer

At the same time things have opened up; the government still refuses to allow church meetings greater than 13 persons.  There have been multiple arrests, mostly of pastors. Nathanael had to prayerfully consider what this meant for us. Our numbers don't usually increase over this amount since COVID.  It is a frustrating place to be in when casino's, bars and busses can be open but God's house can't.

Last week Nathanael spoke on the "rocks crying out" and placed some rocks in the center of our meeting

As a leadership team, (Jeimmy, Nathanael, Elizanie, Elmer and I) have been feeling a greater pull to fast and pray. Specifically last weekend we were fasting for marriages in the Deaf community.  Thanks so much for those who prayed with us.  We broke fast as a team last Saturday evening.  

Brianny is delightful especially this night when she and I ended up covered in chilli (She was thus given a sink bath!)

Next week, (November 27) Elizani and Elmer will be in charge for our monthly time of "getting away so that leadership can be trained". This time Jeimmy will travel with us to visit some friends in Spanish Lookout.   Please pray that this would be a time of learning and growth for all!  We are excited about what is doing in Elizanie and Elmer as a couple and as leaders.  

Zephaniah turned 10 last week. He chose to make an ice cream cake. bonus points to those who know the character on the cake! 

Individual discipleship and visiting continue to happen. Two weeks ago Nathanael, Selah and Jeimmy met with a woman who has now tested COVID positive.  While we believe we are out of danger, she is struggling with fear. Nathanael was able to provide assurance to her over Facebook messenger.

Reynalda and Yalitza during "turn-taking church"

having a target on our backs

I often listen to podcasts while doing work around the house. I started my podcast exploration about 6-8 months ago when a friend had recommended "God Centered Mom" podcast. (the name has now changed to "Don't Mom Alone" but I still highly recommend listening to it!)

peeling potatoes into the yard (our form of a compost pile)

This got me into finding a number of different great podcasts.  I run into a conundrum when listening. I am so "far behind" do I listen to the most recent podcasts or the ones I find the most appealing to me? I currently have 30 some podcasts downloaded on top of being subscribed to 50 different podcasts.  It is a bit overwhelming at times.

Zion and Zephaniah hiking in the bush with Nathanael

All of that last paragraph to say the podcast I was enjoying most recently is from quite a while ago. It was a podcast called Journeywomen.  She was sharing about marriage.  They talked specifically about times and seasons where marriage can be extra difficult. She named things like military families, those in ministry, and missionaries.   The speaker, Carla Weathersbee shared "they walk around with a target on their backs".

Anna agreed to do cornrows in Abigail's hair

This phrase brought me to tears. I commiserate because that has been my experience.  The devil doesn't want us to succeed, especially in marriage. Couples both in Jesus Deaf Church and Koinonia often decide not to get married. We are living examples of marriage and why God calls us to it.

I was attempting to use the fetoscope on Eliaznie but I couldn't get a good heartbeat(moving baby and lack of experience)

In the process of tears and speaking to God, I was also reminded that being a target isn't always a dreadful thing. We are also a direct target for prayer. I could recount to you times when I have physically felt prayers over us. Prayers for peace, prayers for our family and for the ministry.  You play a vital role. Thank you for "aiming" at our target!

Anna tried our bentonite clay mask

This past week, Nathanael had a discussion with one of the guys he is mentoring. There was a question of salvation, and this guy was unsure if he is/wants to be a Christian.  I mulled over that for a while. I started to fast and pray for salvations on Sundays.

Nathanael and Misael play kings

Monday Nathanael took Elizanie to the hospital for an appointment for her pregnancy.  The lab was closed however her heart was open.  After long discussions and spending the day at our house, she decided to give her heart to Jesus. We rejoice with her!!

Elizanie accepted Jesus!  We are so excited!!! 

She brought her boyfriend (and father of their child) the next day. Elmer is open to the gospel but hasn't made a decision yet.


Thank you for making us a target. Thank you for praying for and with us. We need to be in a place of health to minister to others. You are a vital part of this process.

The list of what people are bringing to our Easter service. Please be praying for this as it's our biggest service of the year

A delightful visit

Todd and Liz Miller  visited Belize and Jesus Deaf Church in November 2017. It was a wonderful thing to have them and to have them come and minister to people in the church.

Todd, Anissa, Ty and Judah at a waterfall in southern Belize

Liz was unable come this time. Todd came with his children: Anissa, Ty and Judah.  It was a delight to have them participate and learn a bit more about Belize.

Nathanael, Anna, and Michael waiting at the airport

Friday involved them participating (Todd teaching) in Bible study and with the kids.  Todd was helpful in reminding me that the kids area needs to be a Deaf centered area. I am still trying to navigate this with my limited ASL and the mixing of languages that happens.  I would appreciate any insight on this front.

Todd teaching on Friday night

Saturday people from Jesus Deaf Church, Todd and most of our family visited Maya ruins. Lamaini ruins are Nathanael's favorite and the closest geographically.

Anissa, Judah, Ty and Todd at the Laminai Maya ruins

Sunday we had church. Nathanael preached. I taught Sunday school.

At the top of one of the temples, Miller kids, Davis kids, Misael and Krystal

After church, Selah and I made pupusas. Joanna, a woman from El Salvador and Selah's Spanish language tutor has taught Selah how to make them. (they are a native El Salvadorian food). The Millers enjoyed them. Ty even attempted to make some of his own.

Ty and Selah. Selah is an expert at making puposas

Mon-Wed we got to explore the more Southern parts of Belize with the Millers. We took them on one of our favorite hikes to a beautiful waterfall/swimming hole. We also hiked in a cave, and swam in the "blue hole" (inland blue hole, not the one in the ocean)

good time hiking and swimming at the waterfall

Saying goodbye was difficult.

the blue hole in Stann Creek

Thank you Millers for sharing your time with us!

The last picture together

a different Sunday

There isn't anything to review in Bible Study this week.  Why you ask? Nathanael didn't preach. We weren't even at the church building.

We were privileged to be a part of the communal worship service of Belize Evangelical Mennonite Conference.  Nathanael interpreted for the service. They provided an interpreter (from Spanish to English) and he interpreted into ASL.  They didn't have anyone for worship, so I did my best. I am by no means a trained interpreter. That and being in Belize makes me lazy. Any words I don't know in Spanish, I add the English instead; and I am fully understood.

We were also very close to the speakers, the base booming in our ears(not to mention shaking my entire body!) It was a great place to be for the Deaf, they could feel the music!

The preacher was actually originally from Guatemala. Interestingly Nathanael and I had a conversation with him after the event. I told him that I can understand his Spanish better than the Belizeans. He pointed out that it's similar to Texan's Spanish, this mix of Spanish and English, using words that aren't actually words in either language. (Ie an English word with a Spanish ending)  Here we also have a Caribbean/ Kreol accent.

The interpreter who helped during the service actually had more trouble with the speaker, probably because of the accent.

It was a good experience for all involved.