McKenzie Belize Adventure

Below you will see a new children’s class started in Mango Creek by Carolyn. There are about 18 children that attend. It’s a challenge to teach this class, because while Carolyn is teaching 18 kids at the back of the church, Craig is teaching a pastors training session in the front of the church. The church is about 30 x 60 ft. The pastor and his family live right next to the church. This is a picture of their outdoor cooking area. The large black tank is their water storage tank. During the  rainy season they have lots of free water. During the dry season, they may have to purchase water to fill it.

Once every year the ministers in Belize, the missionaries and the Regional Director meet for their General Assembly.   The Assembly was hosted by the  church in the village of Mango Creek. Rev. David Swartz, the regional director for all of Central America and the Caribbean, and his wife were in attendance at this meeting. It was a privilege to meet and spend time with these great people.  The host church provided a meal for everyone. 

While we were in line to get our lunch between services, we saw this Gibnut in a cage. The Belizians love the meat of this animal. This one was destined to provide them with a tasty barbecue someday. I have not personally tired it, (to my knowledge) but I would, given the chance. The Gibnut is a very sought after animal to raise and eat.  We were told it is very expensive to purchase Gibnut meat in Belize.

It’s hard to believe this week marks our one year anniversary in Belize. Like everything else in life, it’s had its good times and bad times. I would say leaving my grandchildren was the most difficult emotional adjustment to make. I still miss them everyday. My sons are very good about keeping us all connected via FaceTime, which helps tremendously! What they are not good about is reading this blog. Lol. Since we have moved to Belize, we have lived in 3 different homes. The first one was the sweet little 300 sq ft cabana that sits on the missionaries property. Our next move was to the “tree house” in Maya Beach. That was only available for 8 mnts. We currently live in an Amish built wood home. This home has 500 sq ft. You can see the inside of it in the pictures below. Our landlord recently but up this nice new, lockable, gate for us. The pictures below are of the tourist village of Placencia. It’s about a 20 minute drive from our current home.  Here you see the “bo...

The Mayans enjoyed eating together.  In fact, nearly all the churches have a kitchen nearby where food is prepared and served.  Recently we visited the village of Trio and one of the elder church members commented that they appreciated that we would take time and eat with them. Chicken, rice, rice and coleslaw is often the meal of choice.

Recently we had eight people receive their diplomas from the Bible School.  There were ten who graduated and eight were able to attend the ceremony. The students completed the required two year study program and all worked very diligently.  As we started classes for 2018, we have 70 new students attending.  Most all of the classes are now extension classes throughout the southern and central districts of Belize. It is a very busy time for us in Belize.

I was able to get a short video clip inside the Mayan home that we were invited to have lunch with.  As I was attempted to go into the other side of the house the image got too dark, but it gives you a glimpse into their home.  A sewing machine, hammock tied onto the rafters and cooking inside the home.