Will We Make It?

It is not easy getting 8 people from Central America all the way back to Chehalis, Washington. Well, on a shoestring budget that is. We figured that the cheapest way for us all to travel was to take a night bus from Belize City to Cancun Mexico and fly out of there to the States. The overnight bus ride seemed daunting.. 11 hours through the night with all of our children. Crossing the MX border at midnight.. but we saved hundreds of dollars over just flying out of Belize City. We were told that the ADO night bus fills up quickly and we had better purchase our tickets beforehand. So, one week before our travel date, Grady spent the whole day taking a bus 1 1/2 hours to B.C to the bus station where he purchased the tickets and headed home again. The next feat was finding someone from Spanish Lookout who didn't mind taking a 3 hour round trip to 'Belize' (City) to the bus station. We finally found a brother who offered but he then ended up with the chicken pox and was unable. Our wonderful friends the Inions offered to drive us there.. now, they have moved and live now 1 1/2 hrs from Spanish Lookout, the opposite direction of 'Belize'. Left with no options, we decided to take them up on it although we knew it would be such a haul for them! We agreed on an early time to meet at their house.. they are the first to admit that they tend to be, um running late most times so we made sure to have EXTRA time built into the day's schedule! When we got to there house, they weren't there! Now, before panicking we remembered the extra cushion of time and let ourselves in. They arrived about an hour later, whipped up a true-to-form LOVELY Southern lunch for us, complete with homemade ice cream. We then left and begain our 2 1/2 hour trek to big scary Belize City. Grady and I were only slightly stressed about the time.. but lo and behold we even had enough time to stop at a road side restaurant where the children could stretch and play for a bit and we could enjoy a nice cup of tea. We made it into Belize City just as it got dark.. The Inions prayed with us on the darkening street corner outside of the dreary bus station among street vendors and scary looking Belizeans. We really attracted a group when the Inions started singing 'God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again' ( That song is begininng to take on such a bitter sweet meaning for us) They sang loudly and over and over.. we could hear their voices rising from the street all the way through the bus station. We have been so blessed by our friendship with these sweet servants of our Lord and Savior! We are looking forward to spending more time with them in Belize, (or the Phillipines.. or Ecquador.. or Africa.. or wherever.. ;) ) in the years to come. Thank you precious family for being there for us in our time of need. You have been such a support and an encouragement to us! We are so excited for the day when the Lord brings us together again!

Some scenes, driving down the Hummingbird Highway toward the mission house where the Inions live

It is very common to pass many orange trucks along the highway

The scenery is breathtaking along there..

Once the Inions arrived, the ladies set out toward the picnik area to set up lunch-NOT Belizean style..but USA style! Quick-like!

These girls have become fast friends.. we just love how like-minded our families are

You cannot tell in this photo but my hubby was being eaten alive by the famous Hummingbird Highway Mission Home no-see-ums! Everyone who has spent any time here talks about the BUGS!

Aww. Sweet friends.. will they even remember eachother? Sniff..

Um, can I have strawberrry please?

Such a sweet servant

This place came highly recommended in the Inions travel guide. We did find it to be quite enjoyable. We can only speak for the ice tea.. as we were in too much of a hurry to try out the food.

A nice break for the children

Peek-a Boo!

Brent watched the children while Sj and I caught up with emails and ordered the teas

Such a sweetheart! We miss you guys Hadassah!

Of course, our children found a body of water! And yes, my boys had their pocket fishing 'poles'. Josiah found a stick to fish with!

One last chat-

Everyone was a bit nervous and we started hauling all of the luggage out of the van in Belize City. There were people swarming everywhere.. it was getting dark with no street lights to speak of. Kind of a stressful environment to say goodbye.. We were so grateful though when Brent asked if we could all stop and bow our heads in prayer..

As it grew darker, we said our final goodbyes and headed into the bus station with them singing LOUDLY 'God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again'

There was our bus.. waiting to pull around and load up. We made it just in time!

Thanks to a brother who came and prayed for Amanda on the morning of our departure, she remained very well and full of energy during our entire trip! Praise the LORD! Thank you Jesus! (and Eddy who prayed)

The little kids are already falling apart.. but soon we were to board the bus and they would sleep.. well at least until the stressful Mexico crossing at midnight! :)

And off we go! By this time, there was a serious thunder and lightening storm going on which lasted all the way to the MX border. We were sitting in the front of the bus and were able to view the intense storm all the way through the night. It was a dramatic ending to a day full of joys, sorrows, anxiety and excitement! Washington here we come!