DCS in Belize

5:30 – wake up calls begin – hurry – hurry – we don’t want to miss our flight! Rush through breakfast – load up – process through check-in – then……WAIT! A 2 hour delay was the greeting we received from Continental this morning – and our response – our team motto for the trip - “That is just the way we like it! And trust me - we had to smile and say that ALL DAY LONG! I have never encountered so many delays - 1st - there was bad weather the night prior to our flight so the crew needed 2 extra hours sleep - we had 25 minutes to cross three concourses in Houston - jump on the plane - no lunch - and onto flight 2 - where as soon as we were seated and the door closed - they informed us that the co-pilot would be 1 1/2 hours late - then need to be briefed - delay again - finally we are 15 minutes from Belize - and they inform us that there are thunder storms in Belize and they cannot land - off to Cancun we go - sit on the ground for fuel and waiting out the storm - then back to Belize. What a day - but everyone did great - we had many first time flyers - they were great - even better were the attitudes - no food, little to drink, minimal air in the plane - and yet our seniors truly were great witnesses! The flight crew even commented on their patience and kindness. Lupe greeted us at the airport and we loaded in vans for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Corozal. What a ride - the driving rules in Belize are - there are no rules! It was a very humbling drive. They live in small, simple concrete houses where 5 to 15 family members live. Many have outside plumbing and air condition is a luxury! We drove past fields of sugar cane and a huge processing plant. The workers are in the fields 12 - 14 hours a day. Our hotel is very interesting – it is concrete – some of the rooms have air – others do not. On the balcony – hammocks are hanging – there is a great breeze. We are across the street from the bay. We do have hot water – but it is so hot – we may not be using. (No one can text right now – we have someone working on that for us – so email will be the only communication for now.) Lupe's wife - Gloria had made us dinner - so finally - 15 hours after breakfast - we sat down for a wonderful meal. After dinner – we had a time of prayer called it a night. God is so wonderful – although we do not know why all of the delays occurred – we know the One who watched over our every move. I know He has called each of these seniors for “such a time as this.” Lupe described the week – it will be hot and full of hard work – but these students have such willing spirits. Perspective trumps circumstances – and although our circumstances may not be all that we are used to – we will continue to have the attitude – that “This is just the way we like it.” We are all excited for what God has in store for us this week – as I finish this journal – it is 1 a.m. – we have to get up at six – the girls are all on the bed sharing their hearts and the boys are swinging in the hammocks on the balcony – laughing and talking. We are hot, tired, and a little wide-eyed – but oh so blessed! What an adventure ! Praise God for the promise in His word that… "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9