An Answer to Prayer

March 20- Shannon and Casey

We started the day not knowing what to expect, but going in with open minds and hearts. The severe difference between St. Mary's and St. Luke's was shocking, but after talking amongst ourselves, we prayed for a fresh start. We started the day at St. Luke's by passing out care packages. Thank you to all who have donated, we have had more than enough supplies. It literally feels like when Jesus fed the 5,000. The bags seemed to keep filling up, even when we unpacked to take items to both schools. The children were very grateful and quickly began writing thank you notes. The children also decorated quilt squares so that we can sew together a quilt from Belize and hang in Johnston Hall. (With Dr. Hawkins permission, of course.) The pictures varied from tapirs to teapots. When the older children finished, they had the opportunity to help Shannon and Chelsea paint Mr. Joe's room, the garden patch, and the front of the school.

The children loved painting. It was an excellent way for them to express themselves artisticly. We think more paint ended up on the children and floor than on the walls. : ) The teachers seemed very proud of the work. After first break was finished, the classes went to different stations. The first level class, led by Dee and Elizabeth learned about picking up litter and initially putting it in a trash bin instead of throwing it on the ground. They enjoyed the healthy competition of who would pick up the most trash. The second level class split between boys and girls, with girls learning how to make sandwhiches with Gaby and Cara, and boys learning about gardening with Dr. McCuen. The third level class went with Dr. Meg and Casey to the river to learn about water pollution. After stations, a full lunch of sloppy joes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rice and beans, chicken, juice, milk, and tamaron treats were enjoyed by all.

Several thank you and love notes were received by the girls. We were welcomed with open arms and precious smiles. The children's eagerness to help was overwhelming. In addition to the loving atmosphere, hymns and contemporary Christian music were sung; it was an uplifting sound to work to. These children needed food and water, but most of all they needed love. In such harsh conditions, it is sometimes easy to forget the essential need for gratitude, affection, and acceptance. We had plenty to go around, and we hope that we set a prime example for these children to remember.

On a wall entering the third level classroom, Casey painted, "Jesus replied, 'The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, ... The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally as important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these."' Mark 12:29-31
We were trying to emphasize kindness in the school, seeing that was what the children needed as well. Beside a map of Belize some of the children had painted, Casey also wrote, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." -Mark Twain. As we were leaving, we noticed some of the children had taken paint to decorate the canteen. A few of the girls wrote: "Love is everywhere," on one wall. We obviously accomplished our goal. In just one day we were able to bring these children hope, with our willingness and God's grace.