Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Alright, I officially need to get into a routine of not showering in the morning. I think it’s going to end up being evenings. I woke up again to no water. So I tried to get myself as ready as I could for the morning. Took a walk to the superstore to buy a bottle of water to drink, it’s ridiculously hot today. And then walked over to the school.
I visited Teacher Sharlene’s class. She asked me to come by to teach her children a rhyme or poem with actions that they can perform at the Festival of Arts. She picked 8 children from her class for me to teach, they will be the 8 to perform. I decided that I was going to teach them a camp song that had lots of actions. It’s called ‘King of the Jungle.” For those of you who aren’t familiar with it the words are:
Whose the king of the jungle? Ooga ooga.
Whose the king of the sea? Bubbly, bubbly, bubbly.
Whose the king of the universe?
And whose the King of me?
I’ll tell you J-E-S-U-S is!
He’s the king of me.
He’s the king of the universe,
The jungle and the sea. Bubbly, bubbly, bubbly.
It took me about a half an hour to teach it to them and it was slow going, but it was a lot of fun. They really enjoyed the actions, particularly when I did them, because I had to exaggerate everything I did to try and encourage them to exaggerate their actions, and they found it quite funny. I led the song as a repeat after me for them, and as soon as we got to spelling out Jesus, they all knew exactly who we were talking about. I could hear little voices shouting out, “that’s Jesus.” Only problem is, the 8 in the front of the room kept reversing the ‘e’ and ‘u’. J-E-S-U-S quickly turned into J-U-S-E-S. After a few more practices we got it figured out. Teacher Sharlene asked me to come by again tomorrow morning and work with the 8 who she wants to perform at the festival. I’m looking forward to it.
Independence primary school is an amazing school. It currently has 800 students enrolled and employees 31 teachers. It’s a government run school, that receives no government funding. This lack of funding has not stopped the administration from doing wonderful things with their program. Two years ago they introduced a computer class to the school. They started out with 8 computers that they were able to buy with a donation from someone. They then charged students who wanted to enroll in the course extra so that they could save up money to continue to buy more computers. To date they now have a designated computer room that they have been able to install air-conditioning into, they have 20 computers, and have been able to purchase and use LCD projectors as part of their teaching strategies. Like the computer program, they hope to also implement a music program. To date they have 10 guitars and are hoping that with time they will be able to purchase more so that the program can grow. They are also in need of someone who can play the guitar to teach the children. It’s days like today I wish I would have learned that instrument. I’ve been very inspired by the teachers and administration staff at the school. And I can definitely see God at work throughout their community. What an encouragement to see so many children getting an education.
Later on this afternoon I returned to IPS to sit in on a standard 4 level class to listen to the teacher talk about HIV/AIDS which is a growing problem here. I showed up half an hour early which turned out to be late. Anyway I sat in the back of the classroom the teachers were so welcoming. During the children’s break I found out they wanted me to lead the second part of the discussion as they thought that’s why I was coming. I had to decline as I wasn’t prepared. They laughed, probably at the shock on my face. But it worked out well. I will be heading back again tomorrow for the day to work with the same to classes again!!
Thanks all for reading and for praying. You don’t know how much it means to me that you are upholding my ministry, the ministry of St. Michael’s and the ministry of the community in your prayers.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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!!
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!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Oops!!
Sorry about that. I pushed the wrong button on the keyboard!! Just wanted to let you all know that I arrived after a very long day of airplanes and airports yesterday.
Yesterday was exhausting. After only getting about 2 hours of sleep the night before I started my day at 4:30 (that's 2:30 Alberta time) but I figured it's no big deal....I can sleep on the plane. Unfortunately I had the aisle seat, so it wasn't as restful as I had hoped. I arrived in Houston, printed out my next boarding pass - destination - Belize!
Upon arrival I was welcomed by Bishop Wright, bishop of Belize. He is a very friendly, soft-spoken, wise and supportive man. I was able to enjoy a tour of the city and supper with him at a great restraunt off the sea. I'm really looking forward to working in his Diocese. During our supper he was very persistent in reminding me that I need to take care of myself and not overwork myself. He also said that half of the experience with the international internship is experiencing the culture and giving myself time to play - this was very comforting for me. However, I'm still a bit nervous as I still don't know a lot about Mango Creek, but am confident that once my transition time subsides, my time here will be a wonderful experience.
I'm in Belize City until tomorrow afternoon. I've just been told that sometime tomorrow afternoon I will hop a little Belizean plane to Mango Creek. I'm currently staying in a wonderful hotel that has a balcony and overlooks the Carribbean Sea. My morning devotions were wonderful as I listened to the sound of the waves crashing against the cement, and watched many Belizeans head to work! I then joined the Diocesan Office staff and Bishop Wright in Eucharist as his home in his chapel for Eucharist as we celebrated the Feast of the Acsension. It was really great! The Deacon at the service this morning's name is Lorna Sampson, she did an exchange with Wycliffe through her seminary in Barbados last year and she lived across the hall from me. So I surprised when I showed up for Eucharist. It was so comforting to see a familiar face among the unknown of the city!! I hope to have time to chat with her today before leaving tomorrow.
Today I need to find a bank. When I got to Houston the currency exchange had NO belizean money, so I need to get some to buy shampoo. I will then be meeting with the Bishop to talk more about my work in Mango Creek.
So that's about it for today. I'm not sure when i will be able to post again as I'm not sure what the internet connection is like in Mango Creek, but Bishop Wright has encouarged me to find a connection in order to keep in touch which I definitely plan on doing!!
peace,
Chelsy
Yesterday was exhausting. After only getting about 2 hours of sleep the night before I started my day at 4:30 (that's 2:30 Alberta time) but I figured it's no big deal....I can sleep on the plane. Unfortunately I had the aisle seat, so it wasn't as restful as I had hoped. I arrived in Houston, printed out my next boarding pass - destination - Belize!
Upon arrival I was welcomed by Bishop Wright, bishop of Belize. He is a very friendly, soft-spoken, wise and supportive man. I was able to enjoy a tour of the city and supper with him at a great restraunt off the sea. I'm really looking forward to working in his Diocese. During our supper he was very persistent in reminding me that I need to take care of myself and not overwork myself. He also said that half of the experience with the international internship is experiencing the culture and giving myself time to play - this was very comforting for me. However, I'm still a bit nervous as I still don't know a lot about Mango Creek, but am confident that once my transition time subsides, my time here will be a wonderful experience.
I'm in Belize City until tomorrow afternoon. I've just been told that sometime tomorrow afternoon I will hop a little Belizean plane to Mango Creek. I'm currently staying in a wonderful hotel that has a balcony and overlooks the Carribbean Sea. My morning devotions were wonderful as I listened to the sound of the waves crashing against the cement, and watched many Belizeans head to work! I then joined the Diocesan Office staff and Bishop Wright in Eucharist as his home in his chapel for Eucharist as we celebrated the Feast of the Acsension. It was really great! The Deacon at the service this morning's name is Lorna Sampson, she did an exchange with Wycliffe through her seminary in Barbados last year and she lived across the hall from me. So I surprised when I showed up for Eucharist. It was so comforting to see a familiar face among the unknown of the city!! I hope to have time to chat with her today before leaving tomorrow.
Today I need to find a bank. When I got to Houston the currency exchange had NO belizean money, so I need to get some to buy shampoo. I will then be meeting with the Bishop to talk more about my work in Mango Creek.
So that's about it for today. I'm not sure when i will be able to post again as I'm not sure what the internet connection is like in Mango Creek, but Bishop Wright has encouarged me to find a connection in order to keep in touch which I definitely plan on doing!!
peace,
Chelsy
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Rejoice in the Lord always!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4 - 7
Over the last couple of days I have been reading and reflecting on this that a very dear friend of mine has been praying through (he encouraged me to do the same). This passage has been very helpful in reminding me of the power and presence of God with me now as I prepare for Belize and that will be present with me this summer. I have found myself constantly turning back to it when I start to worry about the "unknown" of the summer - it's acted as a great comfort to me over the busyness of this last week. It has reminded me that even though I will be experiencing a lot of the "unknown" over the next few months, there is one thing that I can depend on to be "known" and that is the love of God reflected in the lives of the people I meet, in the ministry that we share together and in the Gospel that we proclaim.
As my departure date creeps closer, I'm growing nervous however, I'm looking forward very much to the challenges, new insights, and relationships that will arise through this experience.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for peace, affirmation, courage and discernment over the next few months!!
Philippians 4:4 - 7
Over the last couple of days I have been reading and reflecting on this that a very dear friend of mine has been praying through (he encouraged me to do the same). This passage has been very helpful in reminding me of the power and presence of God with me now as I prepare for Belize and that will be present with me this summer. I have found myself constantly turning back to it when I start to worry about the "unknown" of the summer - it's acted as a great comfort to me over the busyness of this last week. It has reminded me that even though I will be experiencing a lot of the "unknown" over the next few months, there is one thing that I can depend on to be "known" and that is the love of God reflected in the lives of the people I meet, in the ministry that we share together and in the Gospel that we proclaim.
As my departure date creeps closer, I'm growing nervous however, I'm looking forward very much to the challenges, new insights, and relationships that will arise through this experience.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for peace, affirmation, courage and discernment over the next few months!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Wanna know how excited I am?!?!
Ok, I just realized that it's been one month today since I last wrote on this blog. It's something I need to get used to, so please be patient with me. I promise there will be more blogs by the time summer roles around
I just received a tentative itinerary for my trip down to Belize this summer. And I have one thing to say, AHHHHHHHHHHHH, I'M SO EXCITED, and way more nervous then I was last month.
I've been finding in the last 30 days, that the preparation tactics that I had planned on using before departing for Belize, are not happening as often as I would have liked, which has been a bit frustrating for me and causing me to be a bit nervous. As I have been reading through my lonely planet book I have been very encouraged to hear that the people in Belize are very friendly and laid back people. This definitely excites me. However, at the same time, I've been aware of the fact that I have been living in the busy, fast city of Toronto all year and that integrating myself into a laid back community and ultimately taking on the laid back attitude of the community there is going to be a challenge in itself, but it's a challenge I'm willing to take!!
So there you have it, things are happening in the planning of my trip and the date is slowly getting closer....six and a half weeks!
Please continue to uphold the community of Mango Creek in your prayers as well as the whole country of Belize. I pray that we may sense the Spirit at work among us as we minister together!!
I just received a tentative itinerary for my trip down to Belize this summer. And I have one thing to say, AHHHHHHHHHHHH, I'M SO EXCITED, and way more nervous then I was last month.
I've been finding in the last 30 days, that the preparation tactics that I had planned on using before departing for Belize, are not happening as often as I would have liked, which has been a bit frustrating for me and causing me to be a bit nervous. As I have been reading through my lonely planet book I have been very encouraged to hear that the people in Belize are very friendly and laid back people. This definitely excites me. However, at the same time, I've been aware of the fact that I have been living in the busy, fast city of Toronto all year and that integrating myself into a laid back community and ultimately taking on the laid back attitude of the community there is going to be a challenge in itself, but it's a challenge I'm willing to take!!
So there you have it, things are happening in the planning of my trip and the date is slowly getting closer....six and a half weeks!
Please continue to uphold the community of Mango Creek in your prayers as well as the whole country of Belize. I pray that we may sense the Spirit at work among us as we minister together!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"....and we'll need a urine sample!"
As some of you know, I will be embarking on a huge journey this summer. And in order to keep as many of my loved ones and friends up to date on my travels and experiences I've decided to make a blog!!
I've been given the opportunity to travel to Belize in Central America to do a summer internship as a requirement for my Master of Divinity program at Wycliffe College in Toronto. I have a lot of mixed emotions about it...but I'm mostly very excited!! And am looking forward to sharing what I see, learn and feel over the next 6 months in preparation for and ministry in Belize! I've recently been informed that I will be working in the village of Mango Creek in the southern part of Belize, just inland from the coast.
Over the last couple of months I have been trying to take time out of my week to prepare myself for my travels! This has included, an 11 day orientation week organized by the Canadian Churches Forum for Global Ministries, reading my newly purchased Lonley Planet book on Belize, and the many articles that the wonderful librarians at the Anglican Church of Canada photocopied for me on the history of Belize, AND.......doctors appointments!! I must admit, that my doctors appointment was quite an eventful one. And I've been chuckling about it since then. What should have been an hour long appointment turned out to be closer to two and half hours. Why you ask? Well it's because I completely forgot that part of medical/physical appointments usually include urine samples. The doctor did her part of the medical, checked my ears, my eyes, my mouth, my heart, and then sent me to lab for blood work. After a quick and painless blood test, the technician kindly handed me my plastic cup and asked for a urine sample. I'm sure a look of panic came over my face, and the first words to come out of my mouth were, "Well that might take a while." It did, it's amazing how difficult it is to give urine samples when the pressure is on and you can hear other patients outside the bathroom door waiting to do their duty. I learned from that day, it's better not to make eye contact with anyone after being in the bathroom! :)
Later on that afternoon I headed back to the medical clinic at UofT for my vaccination consultation. After a four vaccinations in my left arm I left the clinic with a pile of reading about the vaccinations that I had been given, including, my personal favorite, Dr. Smith's 5 Rules of Travel. Little did I know how incredibly sore my arm was going to be later on that day from these 4 little needle pokes. (Note: got my needles last Thursday, and can finally sleep on my left side without feeling too much pain - it's Tuesday!) From there, went for a walk with my friend Katie to pick up my Malaria pills, which I found out from the Pharmacist, that there is chance of the pills playing with your mind - it's not uncommon to experience bad dreams and nightmares while taking them - quite exciting! :)
Aside from the craziness of my last couple of weeks, I continue to be reminded of the presence of God in my life as I prepare and pray for the country and people of Belize, and as I am in contact with others who have had the opportunity to travel there. I can't help but feel excited to have the opportunity to minister and worship with the community in Mango Creek, Belize and to be witness the the work of the Holy Spirit in their life and culture!
I ask for your continued prayers for the people of Belize, and for myself as we prepare to work, pray, laugh, worship, and proclaim the good news of God together this summer!!
peace,
Chelsy
I've been given the opportunity to travel to Belize in Central America to do a summer internship as a requirement for my Master of Divinity program at Wycliffe College in Toronto. I have a lot of mixed emotions about it...but I'm mostly very excited!! And am looking forward to sharing what I see, learn and feel over the next 6 months in preparation for and ministry in Belize! I've recently been informed that I will be working in the village of Mango Creek in the southern part of Belize, just inland from the coast.
Over the last couple of months I have been trying to take time out of my week to prepare myself for my travels! This has included, an 11 day orientation week organized by the Canadian Churches Forum for Global Ministries, reading my newly purchased Lonley Planet book on Belize, and the many articles that the wonderful librarians at the Anglican Church of Canada photocopied for me on the history of Belize, AND.......doctors appointments!! I must admit, that my doctors appointment was quite an eventful one. And I've been chuckling about it since then. What should have been an hour long appointment turned out to be closer to two and half hours. Why you ask? Well it's because I completely forgot that part of medical/physical appointments usually include urine samples. The doctor did her part of the medical, checked my ears, my eyes, my mouth, my heart, and then sent me to lab for blood work. After a quick and painless blood test, the technician kindly handed me my plastic cup and asked for a urine sample. I'm sure a look of panic came over my face, and the first words to come out of my mouth were, "Well that might take a while." It did, it's amazing how difficult it is to give urine samples when the pressure is on and you can hear other patients outside the bathroom door waiting to do their duty. I learned from that day, it's better not to make eye contact with anyone after being in the bathroom! :)
Later on that afternoon I headed back to the medical clinic at UofT for my vaccination consultation. After a four vaccinations in my left arm I left the clinic with a pile of reading about the vaccinations that I had been given, including, my personal favorite, Dr. Smith's 5 Rules of Travel. Little did I know how incredibly sore my arm was going to be later on that day from these 4 little needle pokes. (Note: got my needles last Thursday, and can finally sleep on my left side without feeling too much pain - it's Tuesday!) From there, went for a walk with my friend Katie to pick up my Malaria pills, which I found out from the Pharmacist, that there is chance of the pills playing with your mind - it's not uncommon to experience bad dreams and nightmares while taking them - quite exciting! :)
Aside from the craziness of my last couple of weeks, I continue to be reminded of the presence of God in my life as I prepare and pray for the country and people of Belize, and as I am in contact with others who have had the opportunity to travel there. I can't help but feel excited to have the opportunity to minister and worship with the community in Mango Creek, Belize and to be witness the the work of the Holy Spirit in their life and culture!
I ask for your continued prayers for the people of Belize, and for myself as we prepare to work, pray, laugh, worship, and proclaim the good news of God together this summer!!
peace,
Chelsy
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