Succotz

Journal #10

Succotz

January 12, 2012

Succotz

The morning started with fry-jacks (and cinnamon sugar for them, too!), eggs, bananas, and cantaloupe. Debates followed breakfast and today's debate was on The Death Penalty. During class we discussed Justice, and we discussed a lot from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 51:5 says, “my righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” I reflected a lot on this verse and believe that God is faith in His promises to His people, we have the promise of salvation, He shall be the ultimate judge, and the distant lands should express a desire for religion & begin to acknowledge and worship the one true God. After contemplating on this verse I began to realize that this verse fits perfectly with the trip that I am on. The ministry that I can be part of to these people of Belize can help them to “wait in hope for His arm.” I hope that I can plant desire in the hearts of these people, a desire for religion and a desire to worship the one true God.

For lunch we had tortillas, chicken, cheese, and salsa to make our own tacos. We also had tortilla chips, queso, and watermelon. Because one of the girls that came with us got really sick, she needed to go home today. Our professor took her to the airport to try to find her a flight home so she could see the doctor there. For us that meant that we would spend the rest of the day at the campground. Sarah, Amelia, and I went down to the highway and shopped at the markets. We also went to the supermarket down there and bought some things- we've found that some of the items there are half price than what we can get them at the gift shops! :)

After we came back to the campground, we worked on homework and waited on Emily, a local girl who we ordered some custom products from (can't write about them because it's a surprise for Adam!)!

Pastor Potts, a well known Belizean, spoke to us about Belize and the culture here. It was interesting to hear the differences that he sees between Belize, the US, and Canada. Many of the same problems occur here as in the States, but the problems are not as prevalent. Many kids go to school hungry because of financial struggles in families, men are abusive to step-daughters, and children born out of wedlock are all common problems in Belize. Pastor Potts also spoke of the welfare system in the US and he talked about how Belize has nothing similar to help out families in need.

We had a delicious meal that consisted of: chicken & pasta, mashed potatoes, white cake, and pineapple. After dinner we had time to work on our debates and other homework that needs done. Dr. Skon returned from the airport and Ginny did get a plane seat to head back to the States, but we need to keep praying for her and her medical conditions, and also that her specialist in Florida can help her.