John and I are in observation mode right now with the village. We would like to talk with the villagers and really assess their needs and see what ministries can grow from that. However, there are things that we can start now that we can see are immediate.
One thing I noticed is that there is only one Sunday School teacher. It’s great that there is a village SS teacher, but she needs help. I offered and she was happy to accept. I made it clear to her that I was not trying to take anything from her, but everyone needs help at times and she actually seemed relieved. So, we be co-teaching. We have a donor who is going to donate another flannel graph set to us and will hopefully come and teach Davine (SS teacher) and I how to effectively work the flannels. That way, we can each have our own set :-). Please pray that the woman who is donating the set to us can come in July. Her knowledge for teaching would be a great asset to our ministry.
From the beginning, it has been our desire to connect with the youth. The opportunity for this has come quickly. I asked the pastor if there is a way I could do a small bible study with the girls to get to know them. He said that it was interesting that I should ask that as they used to have a girls night/guys night with the youth and they were wanting to start it up again. This discussion evolved into John teaching the guys and I teaching the girls. It will be a small bible study and the some games or “talk time” the focus of this is to build relationships with them. Please pray that John and I will be able to quickly learn, understand and speak creole. This is a pigeon English. Sometimes we can understand it, but only if they don’t mind if we do :-). We really desire to speak their “heart language”.
So that is what is going on. Thank you all for your prayers, we know you are praying.
Please pray for Evangeline as she is just now teething. She is late at getting her teeth and they are coming in all at once. Yesterday she just cried and cried. We gave her Tylenol and that helped :-). Also, please pray for me as I try to balance motherhood and being a missionary. I am trying my very best, but I know that it is going to be a difficult balance. I am a mom first, I have always said that, but I am also a missionary. She is at a hard age and I am a new mom so I’m at a loss as to what to “do” with her. Any suggestions in the form of an email to: lesmelissa@gmail.com would be welcome.
We miss you all and think about you all the time.
It sounds like you are fitting right into God’s orchestration! Here’s a Bible verse that kind of fits what you’re describing.
Your ears will hear a word behing you saying this is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or thurn to the left Is. 30:21
It’s wonderful getting to ‘follow’ you around the village and see how God is placing you into their hearts and meeting their needs.
Love and Prayers,
Debbie
Yes, I, too love getting the nitty gritty on what it is like to be a missionary/mom. It is great God is opening doors for you and John; I pray He would provide someone to care for Evangeline when you are ministering. Love You, Girl!
I, too, am thankful for the opportunities the Lord has opened for both of you. I also understand the tension between your God-given desire to nurture Evangeline and to minister to the Belizeans. The Lord has the answer and encourages us to ask for wisdom. Perhaps you and John can take turns ministering while the other comforts and provides the security Evangeline needs right now. Love and prayer,
Wow, exciting opportunities all ready, that is great. Poor little Evangeline, her mouth must really hurt. Glad the tylenol helped. I will pray that God gives you wisdom with her…Hope some people are able to give you good advice. Are there other children around she can play with? She is such a social butterfly. 🙂
Hi Mel, John and Evangeline,
I love keeping up with you guys and hope you’re enjoying things down there!