I'm culture shocking!

I woke up at 6:30 this morning to meet the congregation of St. Michael’s at the park up the road for 7:30 where we would hop a bus and make our way to Hope Creek, about 50 miles away to worship with a number of congregations in the area. I was relieved that I didn’t have to lead the service - but I was totally ready to had the need been there! I was nervous, as this would be the first time I would meet the majority of the congregation and I didn’t know how they were going to react, and I didn’t want them to react like everyone else and say “wow, you’re young.” I never know how to respond. I met many people, and like in Canada, all of the husbands dropped off their wives and children and hit the road, I would have hoped to have seen them join us, maybe they will attend St. Mike’s. On the bus I met a young girl who sat with me and acted as my personal tour guide. Her name is Chelsea.

We arrived in Hope Creek, I met Canon Valentine and Fr. Malcom who is doing mission work in Belmopan from England. Canon Valentine had me put on a stole, read the gospel and set the table. What are usually considered to be small jobs scared the crap out of me. I was so worried I was going to do something wrong. I was relieved to know that no one cared, they were more thankful that I was there and worshipping with them. I was given the opportunity to introduce myself to the group. They are all wonderful people, and boy can they sing. Worship lasted about an hour, it was wonderful to pray and sing together. Communion lasted a good 15 - 20 minutes as after everyone had receieved about 30 children who did not receive communion came up for blessings. It was amazing!! We then laid hands on a family whose son, and brother was murdered on Wednesday, it was a sad moment, but you could truly sense the presence of God among the congregation as we prayed for the family.

We were then invited to share in lunch together and I experienced my first Belizean meal. It was huge. I had a Tamole which is chicken wrapped in a corn wrap, beans and rice (signature dish), a piece of chicken smothered in some orange sause, potato salad and a cupcake. I couldn’t eat it all, but was thankful for the abundance of food. It sits in my fridge, waiting for me to hoover it this evening for supper!!

I returned home, sat down to begin a time of prayer. Not 3 minutes into my prayer time, I hear little foot steps running up my stairs onto my balcony. My small friends came to say hello. They had come by 3 times this morning and I wasn’t around. One of the children took me for a walk to her home where I met her mother. We returned back to the rectory and enjoyed some time alone reading, praying and napping :)

The last few days have been incredibly difficult as I have been trying to get used to the culture shock here. However, throughout the shock I can’t help but see God at work among the people in Belize. I have been blessed with the hospitality of Lorna Longsworth and the members of the St. Michael’s, as well as with the hospitality of the children who put a smile on my face by coming to the rectory everyday to say hello. I only hope that God is as strongly present in me as he is in them.

The next week will be spent getting to know the congregation and the area. I'm hoping to make my way out to Placencia in the next couple of weeks to check out the church a there is a chance I could be leading a couple of services there this summer. I also have to get back to studying the prayer book and writing my sermon!! I ask that you continue to pray for guidance, patience and peace as I continue to transition into the culture!!