all is not quiet

Although it may seem as such, ( because it has been silent on the blog) Actually the opposite is happening. It has felt that we've been busy since we entered Belize (and possibly before then).

the view from one of the hikes Nathanael went on (sporting his EMM tee)

I could list all we are doing, but I am holding out that "someday soon" I will catch up on the blog.  One thing that has happened since we returned is we have had a significant number of visitors: both Belizeans and people from the US. This is fun and adds to the schedule.  I am hoping to do future posts about all of our visitors!

leaving Belize

Today I am going to focus on something that I should not be writing about.  Before you begin to contemplate, let me set the stage.

Seeing an old friend and his new baby

 Back in March/April, Velvet Ashes had a feature post about Traction. (A retreat specifically for men in missions, see link for more information and a cool video)  Immediately I was excited. I spoke to Nathanael about it and his only response was "do you know how much it costs to fly to Switzerland?" I was excited because this type of retreat fit him to a tee. No note taking requirement, lots of extrovert time and of course hiking!

they rode up the mountain in this, similar to an incline plane in Pittsburgh/Johnstown area

I prayed about it and discussed it with people from our sending church Hopewell Christian Fellowship.  People there caught a vision and sponsored Nathanael to go. Once I had the go-ahead, I sat down and paid for his tickets. My mentor and I had a great plan to surprise him, however when Nathanael inspected the credit card charges (he does this every day) He asked me why I had  a plane ticket as a charge. The cat was out of the bag!

the table is set

Nathanael left Belize to be (very) cold in the mountains of Switzerland.  He was even able to reconnect with old friends. (Who had come to PA on an exchange program 10 years ago)

at the highest place in Europe

He attended sessions, spent time in small group and counseling time.  He hiked, interacted, and played Settlers of Catan in Polish. (Everyone spoke English but the game was from Poland).  Mostly though he rested and recharged in ways that he hasn't in years. It was a time of refreshment.

Nathanael and his friends at the highest place in Europe

We are so thankful to the individuals from Hopewell that supported us in this way. Existing in health allows us to minister in health.  (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).

signing cow

Next on the radar, and an additional reason I am mentioning retreats today, is my trip to Phoenix, Az.  I will be spending 9 days retreating.  It has been helpful to have our zoom calls weekly, I feel like I have at least gotten to know some people's faces that will be at the retreat. 

I leave tomorrow.  Please be praying for Nathanael and the family during this time.  We have a visitor on her senior experience until Monday. That will be helpful at Bible study and church this weekend. If you want to be praying for me, I have the prayer calendar downloaded, I am hoping I can attach it to the Facebook post.

Thanks so much for supporting us in this way! We are excited about what God is doing

this is a screenshot of the PDF. If you would like me to email you the PDF let me know :)

Goodbyes

One thing that they tell you when you learn about how to care for Third Culture kids is they have to say goodbye often, more often than most kids.  Honestly, all of us have had more goodbyes than I feel like I can count.

The interesting concept surrounding goodbyes is I'm not sure we now are aware of how to "do them better". They are still difficult. We still struggle emotionally. There is a line in a song by Owl City:

I'm weird because I hate goodbyes


I really dislike this line. I believe we all hate goodbyes. They are difficult. They bring grief, they require us to find a new normal.

Nathanael and I interpreting. Me Spanish to English, Nathanael English to ASL

About a month ago, Alma's father passed. He had been sick for a while.  She doesn't have a good way to communicate with us. Nathanael pulled on to her road and noticed it was blocked off for a wake.  Some inquiries lead to the conclusion that yes her father had passed.  Nathanael finished picking up people for church. At church, it was decided that we would attend the funeral. We cleaned up and crowded into the van.

The Deaf who came to support Alma

We found a place for the Deaf to sit. Nathanael and I also obtained two chairs so that we could interpret. Alma was able to have the service and burial interpreted.

The burial

A not so significant but still difficult goodbye happened for us last week. We have 4 dogs. One of our dogs' Cookies, passed. She was Selah's dog. The most "rebellious" (she found multiple ways to get out of the gate). She was ever faithful to come back. We found more and more stuffed animals that she must've picked out of other's trash in our yard. Selah buried Cookies with the stuffed animal that appeared to be her favorite. We had to go out in the bush and find a place to put her. Selah decorated a stone block to put her memory on.

Selah makes Cookies gravestone

There are also the unexpected goodbyes that happen often. A short term team comes down, we make a connection and say goodbye. One that is not so difficult is Hipolito. He works across the border in Bacalar, Mexico.  He takes care of a training center there. Pastors from Mexico and Central America train to work with kids in their communities.  He also travels and encourages pastors in their congratulations. We had the privilege of staying at the training center a few days in November.  Zephaniah made a connection with Hipolito, following him around talking to him and playing with him.  Fortunately, Hipolito often comes for events that Koinonia has. Zephaniah says that Hipolito is his best Mexican Friend.

Zephaniah and Hipolito

Yes, I do hate goodbyes. At the same time, I wouldn't change the connections, love, and relationships we have gained.

Hipolito buys sweetbread from a man on a triciclo it reminded me of when I did that in Mexico 20 years ago

Please be praying for Alma's family.  Also, Abigail and I head to Stann Creek district today to work with Kids Konnect. If you would like to pray with us, here is a sign up: 

Thanks so much,

Spring

PS: I am trying to regularly send out prayer emails via email (every two weeks) if you would like to receive them and aren't, you can sign up to get them.

Another sucessful trip!

I should have been "on the ball" and scheduled a post to be posted when we left, I just wasn't. 3:30 am is just an awful time for anyone to wake up. For anyone familiar with our pattern, yes it was time for Kids Konnect!  This time Selah and I took the trek to Dangriga on the bus. I was better prepared and we had jackets for the time on the bus with the AC.  We both attempted sleep but it just didn't happen.

Upon arrival we got to spend some time with the Groff family. It was nice to catch up with them. Selah was disappointed because their boys were in school.

This trip had me spending my first day as one of 3 experienced Kids Konnect participants. The rest of our team were "newbies" .  I had different responsibilities in that I was asked to make sure things ran smoothly. I wasn't sure I could pull that off, but the team was so fantastic,  my job was mostly triage.

Of course we did have a conversation about warm vs cold culture. People come to see the doctor, but our main goal is to reach them with the love of Jesus. What I appreciate about Kids Konnect, is they are also warm culture in their approach. One is encouraged to take the time they need to talk, pray and encourage the person in front of them. This means that often there is a wait for care. Most Belizeans don't have an issue with this. The Americans may though. We all spend time learning and I appreciate that.

We had the privilege of working with nursing students from Indiana. Their hard work and dedication was an inspiration.

 Of course we also enjoyed the company of some "old favorites" those who come every time or several different times.  It is just a joy to serve alongside both the short term team, and the long term missionaries.

\Selah thrived in this setting. She enjoys being a part of the mission, as well as having some responsibilities.  I am not sure the polite Southerners appreciated her take charge attitude. Selah could learn a thing or two about southern respect.

When all is said and done we are thankful for another time we could serve with the Kids Konnect community!

How we connect

Moving is difficult for most people.  It involves transition, change and packing.  We moved out of our culture to a different one, from the known to the unknown.  Only Spring out of the family had done this before.  We were excited and nervous.

When talking with a friend who moved across the US about her daughter's struggles with their move, I realized we weren't alone.  Friendships don't happen overnight.  One must find different ways to connect, and keep connections.

I for one am so thankful for Skype.  I am also very thankful to my brother-in-law who ported my google number for me.  Now with internet I can text my friends easily. It comes up as the same phone number that I've always used.  Added bonus in a country where we pay per text, these are free/unlimited!

The children have slowly developed friends.  They have fun with the other children at church.  Over Christmas our neighbor (who is 10) had cousins from Guatemala over.  We tried to do a mentos diet coke experiment but it was a total fail. (we figure coke light is different from diet coke perhaps?) Our mishap did develop a relationship with her cousin (Zion's age) who went home after Christmas and eventually our neighbor.  Unlike other countries I've visited in our area there isn't a lot of kids just playing in the street. We have to seek out activities.  This is good but difficult.


How do we connect to people in the States?  Skype, What's App, Viber, and my ported Google number are my friends ;).  I just talked with my mentor today and a friend I used to walk with texted me.  I am blessed.  The children Skype weekly with Lucianna who is the child advocate.  They also are able to Skype with family, and friends.

Do we miss the US? Yes we do. Quite frequently. We are so glad for ways we can connect with friends online and in person. Friendships are those that require effort, and we are thankful that there are so many different ways to connect!