What's That Smell?

As a newcomer to Belize I have become accustomed to not knowing.  Not knowing if I can find my favorite cereal.  Now there is a problem.  A box of Kellogg’s cereal is as high as $9.00 here.  Not kidding.  Not knowing if that sound outside my window at night is something that will eat me if given opportunity.  Not knowing if I can do laundry because there is no water.  Not knowing if that oncoming car in my lane will make it back to his own side after passing the loaded bus in front of us.  These are all things directly related to living in Belize.

 

There are some things that happen here that could happen back in the states.  The other night I told Dennis that there was an unpleasant aroma coming from the little kitchen area.  It wasn’t too terrible so we waited for further investigation the next day.  By then we could identify the aroma as something that was definitely deceased.  At first I went outside to see if there was a dead thing out there but it was all clear.  Dennis grabbed a flashlight and started checking behind the unused washing machine in the corner.  Nothing.  The smell was becoming quite nasty.  He looked behind the new stove and then the new fridge.  Nothing.  Then he opened the oven door and in a real ominous tone said, “Well, there it is.”  These words would have concerned even the most hardy of women, but remember we are in Belize.  I took about four steps back, almost panicking and squealed.  (Dennis says squealed, I prefer exclaimed.)  “What is it?”  He looked at me and laughed, “A pork chop!”  Yes, it was the dreaded Belizean pork chop.  We had tried them for the first time about four nights ago.  This one was the victim of an overstressed wife who can easily forget simple little things like food in the oven.  I’m sure we’ve all forgotten food in the oven before, right?  Just glad it wasn’t the giant dead iguana I was imagining.  Or, our friendly, bug-eating gecko that I accidently sprayed with bug spray the other night.

Love you guys!

Belize Independence Day in Buena Vista

The school in Buena Vista has a parade every year for Independence Day.  Dennis and I were blessed to be there as they were getting ready.  Every classroom had something to do.  Ms. Melody's class all brought sticks during the week before, then they put balloons on the ends.  Many of the kids also had colored pictures of their flag and those were on sticks as well.

That is Jamilia right in front.  She is getting to be a teenager already.
These girls were dancers.

Trying to get organized.

Had to keep re-attaching balloons and flags.

Kids are kids!

Each class sponsored a younger one as their princess.  The girl who raises the most money wins.
That is Cheyenne in the pink.

This is Evangelina, Jose's daughter.

Finding out who will be Queen.

We had to wait a while.  To my left is Briani and my right is Dimas.

Dennis was there with me.  The kids gravitate to us gringos who smile.
Notice the lake of facial hair.  Looks totally different doesn't he.
I'm talking about Dennis.

The 2013 Independence Day Queen!

Then the parade was on!  We did not follow because if felt like
it was 120 out there.

It was great fun to watch the students.  They all had a great time. Sticks and balloons, flags and a couple of vehicles and you have a parade.   Many of these kids have nothing, but being at school makes them feel like they are part of something.  Even though none of the teachers are from the village they are all great and seem to want to make a difference.

Dennis and a teacher in the new office.  They are temporarily/permanently moving the router cable
for internet service to the classrooms.  (Note the tape in Dennis's hand.)
Sorry for the blurry picture.


So, we had a great morning at Buena Vista School.

Love you guys.

The Sacrifice is Real

So, before I left I told Amy Sprayberry and Carol Rice that I was going to be honest and “real” in this blog.  I decided not to just share the good stuff but also the hard stuff, and sometimes the sad stuff.

Today was a hard day.  As soon as the day started I felt sad.  So, not to sound like a baby or whine you to death I’m going to tell you what I miss.

I miss…..

The cool autumn breezes that are starting up back in Tennessee

Lines on the roads

KFC, Starbucks, Denney’s, and McDonald’s Mocha Frappe

I really miss public bathrooms, this one is huge.  Went to eat at a pretty clean looking Chinese place in Belmopan and wanted to use the bathroom and wash my hands.  On the way in the very nice lady behind the counter shouts, “Toilet paper, here.  You leave in there when you are done.”  And she threw me a roll of TP.  Went to wash my hands when I was done and there is no soap.  Hmmmm…  When I got back to the table my very quick thinking husband, who wanted to wash his hands also, remembered that we had eye glass cleaners with us.  Yay!!  By the way, the food was very good.   I could also live my entire life without ever seeing another man along side the road relieving himself.  There are no bathrooms.  When the kids at school go out to the bathrooms they have to take a little tiny bit of TP with them.

Familiar faces and places.  I had forgotten what it’s like to be new at church.  This one makes me cry.  Greater Life Church is so special to Dennis and I.  You guys are all like our family.  I miss each and every one of you.  Even the ones who are new and sat behind us that we never got to meet.

Ground hogs along Hwy 22.  The other day I saw a large iguana in the field along the road.  That was cool.

Being comfortable in my surroundings.  Not worrying about spiders and critters that can bite me.  There was a snake just outside the dorm the other day.  It wasn’t cute or small.  Beate thinks it was a good one that she has seen here before.  It eats other snakes.  We’ll keep him.

My home that I decorate for the fall.

My dogs and cats.

My car.

My routines.

My students and the staff at West Carroll Elementary

I miss feeling semi-attractive.  Makeup is a waste of time here.  It just sweats off.  My hair is growing out and is always pulled back.  At this point I have 19 bug bites that are itchy and red all over my legs.  I am told that my body will get used to this after about a year…

Mostly though, my heart hurts when I think of my kids and two grandbabies.

  

This is the sacrifice.

I’ll write another post soon.  Please don’t worry about us or think we are going to change our minds and come home.  Not going to happen.  I just wanted to let you see where we are so that you can be a part of all that God has for us.  This sacrifice is nothing compared to the Cross.  I know that better days are ahead.

Love you guys.

A few more things we have learned.

Geckos are awesome because they eat multitudes of bugs every night.  We know because it’s like a floor show watching the one that hangs out in the kitchen area.  He is wicked-fast!  I think he knows we are cheering him on and now he is just showing off.  And they are only poisonous if you eat them.  After you see them, I’m pretty sure you won’t want to eat them.  Ugly dudes with grayish skin.

Grilling chicken with the skin on in an unfamiliar grill can lead to a grease fire.  I know because I had to run and get Dennis to help me put it out.  I did save the chicken by peeling off the skin and it was actually pretty good.

There is such a thing as “Belize time”.  Things just happen when they happen.  If something comes up you just roll with it.  Always be prepared to wait…and wait!  If you ever pray to God for patience you may end up in Belize.

Tupperware lids make good hand held fans.

Don’t flip the pump switch off in the dorms.  When you do your shower will be a little tiny trickle.  I shut it off (accidently) just as Dennis was getting in the shower.  Seriously, I didn’t know that it was for the pump.

I also wanted to share my official “Critter Day”! 

When I went down to the main building there were the remains of three lizards that the cat had first played with and then massacred.  It was complete carnage!  Lizard bodies everywhere.

 

Then when I got to school I was helping Ms. Melody clean her room when I picked up a couple of posters that had fallen down.  On the back of one was a Whip Spider.  But I wasn’t totally freaked out because it was dead and stuck to a big piece of tape.

 

Finally, on the way home I stopped to get fresh pineapple at the fruit stand.  I took it home and tore off the big top piece.  I turned to throw it in the trash and when I turned back to the sink there was a scorpion staring at me.  He wasn’t huge but he thought he could take me.  So, after dancing around the spoon that I was trying to flatten him with, he met his demise.  I felt all powerful!

I did see a tucan today for the first time.  It was way off in the distance so I couldn’t get any photos.  But I’ll be there when they come around again!

Totally whupped and ready for a shower.  Going to try to find something good to watch online.  Netfix doesn’t send a lot down this way it seems.

Love you guys!

PS  Sorry no pictures this time!

The Latest from Belize

This was from our porch at the Men's Dorm

Dennis and I have been here for two weeks already.  We are learning a lot, we are making friends, we are learning from our mistakes, we are laughing, we are crying, and most of all we are leaning on our Lord each day. 

John and Randy have been here!  Awesome sheet rock!
From left to right, edge if front door, bathroom door, electrical panel, kitchen window.

Our bedroom.

Standing in the front door looking out the back.  The kitchen windows are on left.

Dennis "flooding" the house.

The “Bungalow” will soon be a home.  We hope to be moving in soon.  Well, maybe a few more weeks.  Dennis and John have been hard at work every day.  The outside of the house has to be “Flooded”, which means painted with some wood preservative stuff.  Dennis is on the second coat today.  He has been fighting off the flies and bitey bugs as he goes.  At the end of the day he walks in the dorm totally wet.  Ewww!  But he earned that sweat and I am proud of him.  I must say that I am helping also.  I have put two coats of varnishy stuff on the outside doors.  Of course, the first time around I messed them up and had to sand out my mistakes.  But, I think I finished them today and they look nice.  Just don’t look to close.

We got our fridge and stove in San Ignasio.  There is an appliance store right in the middle of town called “Courts”, and a nice young lady named Mrs. Moody helped us quite a bit.  Now when I say that it was the middle of town it’s not like having a square.  The entire town’s road system converges right in front of Courts.  There are five streets that cross at this apex and that is where Dennis had to park the pickup.  Then he had to turn it around.  I wish I had a video camera.  It was complete chaos, there are maybe two stop signs and those seemed to be optional.  The taxi drivers were there taking it all in.  This must be a normal day for them.  People were honking and yelling.  Cars were half way in the middle and stopped.  Oh yeah, then you can add the pedestrians.  No cross walks.  This guy next to Dennis was mad because he had to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the pickup.  I was watching him and the guy didn’t even turn around to look before pulling out.  For all of you at home who know Dennis you would have been proud.  California Dennis did not show up.  I thought I would have to sedate him later, but he was awesome.  (Our boys, Ben, Sam, and Daniel will appreciate this story.)

Thank you to Mrs. Danielle and the GLK.  They have officially named the beautiful green lizard that lives on the steps in front of the dorms.  He is to be called The Lizard of Oz.  I see him often and we are on friendly terms so far.  He was doing this head bobbing thing the other day and I thought he was just getting my attention to say hi.   Maybe come hang out with him.  Later I learned that he was showing aggression.   Well, I just choose not to believe that.  We are buds…until he tries to jump on me or bite me.

  

The Lizard of Oz

Wednesday was my first day in the school in Buena Vista!!!  I spent some time with a class of 32 seven and eight year olds.  Wow!  Mrs. Yvette was awesome.  She made me feel very welcome.  She sang letter and number songs.  But best of all, she sang songs about Jesus.  I almost cried.  I would have reprimanded back in Tennessee if I had tried that.  Teachers get fired for much less than that now in the States.  I would have loved to sing Jesus Loves Me with my special ed. kids.

 

They have an hour for lunch so all the kids can go home and eat.  After lunch, Mrs. Betty, the principal gathered up two groups of students for me to work with.  The kids are a mix of ages and classes.  We all get together to work on our English skills.  We made an agreement, they will learn better English skills and they won’t laugh at me when I attempt Spanish. In return I will do my best to teach them what I can. I am very excited about what this year will bring!  I can’t wait to share it all with my family and friends back home.  I am in the process of filling out paper work to be a volunteer at the school.  Pray that there are no hitches along the way.

Thank you for praying for us.  God has taught me to focus on the prayers instead of the problems.  It helps to remember that God is hearing from all of you!  He will not let us down.

We love you all.

A few things to know about living in Belize.

Some critters are good and some not so good.  Almost all the critters that you find on or under the ground are really scary and ugly.  Tarantulas can be considered ugly or kinda cute.  And they are our friend because they are the eaters of the scorpions.  Scorpians have no redeeming value in my book.  They are not seen too often but they are here sneaking around and being all pinchy-snappy like.  People do get bit by them here and they say it’s like a bad bee sting.  I only hope that I can always take their word for that.  Geckos are funny and chirp a lot.  John says they poo all over the place but I haven’t seen it yet.  Apparently they fall from roofs and doorways on occasion and scare the begeebers out of who ever they land on.  Yesterday as I was walking around the corner of the dorm I heard a hollow ploppy sound next to me.  I looked down and there was a 3 inch gecko.  They are an ugly grey and I found out later that they are poisonous.   I was just wondering if they don’t jump down on humans on purpose.  Maybe they sit up there and dare each other to do it. 

Looks kind of small until he wants to stretch...or run after you.

Dennis scooped him up and we set him free to run and play and eat scorpians!

I am currently trying to make friends with the iguana that lives in the front yard of the women’s dorm.  I see him watching me and then he dashes into his little burrow.  I think he is a scardy-cat.  I think that it is Daniel Priddy’s fault because he teased him when he was here in July.  I think iguanas remember and know that we are all from the same church family.  I think maybe I shouldn’t try to be his friend after all.

There are many other kinds of lizards here, but my favorite so far is a little green one that lives on the steps up to the men’s dorm.  The green is really bright.  After I started taking pictures of him I do believe that he started to pose for me. 

Danielle Warren, I would like for you and the GLK to pick out a name for the green lizard on the steps.  Let me know on facebook and I will report it back here on the blog.

Digging a trench for electrical wires!

Hurray, there is sheet rock going in!

This is Billy helping Dennis

Dennis and the guys have been working very hard on our house.  All the power is off because they are hooking it up to the house.  They are doing this in between down-pours.  This is the start of the rainy season and almost every afternoon a storm comes over and blesses us with copious quantities of precipitation.  Last night we all ate dinner in the main building and there was lightening all around us!  The heat has been a real challenge.  Poor Dennis is a mess, but he doesn’t let it slow him down.

(The power just came back on!  This is good cause now the fan can run again.  I am sweating like crazy!)

Dennis and I spent some time out at the school in Buena Vista.  Went to a staff meeting and met all the teachers.  Next week I offically get to start being in the school with the kids.  Dennis has his work cut out for him as far as maintenance work.  There is no school janitor or maintenance man here.  The students clean the rooms every afternoon.  There are a lot of cultural differences that could separate us but I am believing that God can bring us together.  We could have more in common than we think!

Friends of John and Beate

This butterfly looks like it was designed by an artist...wait, it was!!!!

Bear, the best Security this place has.  He is awesome!!

These are the apple-bananas that we talk about when we come home from our short tearm missions trip.
We can eat them all day...

Any one who stayed at Mr. Leslie's knows what this is.
It is called a noni and this is beside our driveway.
John says it is a cure for diabetes.
Mr. Leslie says he will live to 110 because he drinks the juice everyday.
Ask Jake Warren how it tastes!

Much going on here.  We miss all of you very much.  I wanted to tell Katie that we saw a bat the other night.  She is really missing out here!

Be back soon!  Love to all.

Before We Got Here

The Lucas family is officially embarking on our “new normal”.  Dennis and I are now in Blackman Eddy, Belize.  Daniel is off to college for his sophomore year in Nashville.  Sam still hasn’t arrived home yet from the Army.  Amy and Keira have moved back home to the Lucas house and are waiting for him to come home.  Ben and Memory are making efforts to move to a bigger place.  And Dee/Grandma/GG is packing up to move in with Dennis’ older brother Ron.  The entire Lucas family is in the process of a   “new normal”.  I can say that the last few weeks have been some of the most stressed out weeks we have ever experienced.  Transition of this magnitude is over the top difficult. 

           I have spent each day trying to take in all I can of each moment, knowing that they are precious.

          I have danced and laughed and played with Keira, my 18 month old granddaughter, for hours. 

 Keira, Ben, and Benaiah

Keira is trying to get Benaiah to do Itsy Bitsy Spider

Memory and Ben

My Daughters-in-Law,  Amy and Memory

Daniel, my youngest.  He is Keira's FunkleD!

  I have held little baby Benaiah until my arms ached.  Even spent an afternoon teaching Amy and Memory, my daughters-in-law, how to make Crème Brule.   Dennis and I have spent as much time as we could with all the family until it was finally time for us to go.

     

And go we did!  But not before our church family made a commitment to support us financially and in their prayers spiritually.  I can also say that they have committed to support us emotionally as well.       So many came forward to tell us they will watch out for our kids and grandkids.  Each of the kids told me that they were offered any kind of help if needed,  even threatened if they didn’t ask for help when they should, (thanks Dean).   God has all of this covered.  He’s got our back.  He knows how much it hurts when I think of missing my kids.  On the days I cry I can feel God is there.  All the missed events and giggles and hugs will come back to Dennis and I multiplied.  That is a promise from God and I am personally holding him to it!

I would like to say Thank You with all my heart to my friends and family who are following us on this great adventure.  Just reading this blog has made you a part of it.  When your prayers go up to the Lord you are connecting to us, so just keep the prayers coming.    

Benaiah David Lucas being dedicated on the same day that we were commissioned as missionaries to Belize.

More blogging to come.  We've only been here for 3 days!!!  Look for cool spider pixs next time!

God Bless you all for now!!!!