Sweet Fellowship

So after we found the wonderful dream homes, we headed out to the jungle where the seller of the homes lives. He had invited us to come to their community to talk specifics. We were also invited to attend church with the local believers. After turning off the main road, we headed down a long dusty jungle road, wondering if we perhaps had made a wrong turn. Our friend Brent stopped at this home asking if they knew if we were on the right road to our destination. To our delight this Spanish family was heading to the same church. We were on the right track!

As we slowly drove over the creek and up to the quiet village,we saw a few modest homes, mostly on pilings. There were greenhouses nestled in the newly cleared jungle. Everything was clean and neat. Right in the middle of the small community was a thatched roof school where church was being held.

We had such a wonderful day of fellowship with these sweet folks. Please keep them in your prayers as they start this new church and village in Jesus' name.

The children in the community thoroughly enjoy themselves at the river.. swinging from large vines hanging from the trees and braving the 'rapids' in this plastic boat.

Gracie and her new friend Hadassah had a delightful time baby-ing this sweet little toddler.

Here the boys are checking out the community dam. The clear blue water allowed the boys to look to the bottom of the 'lake' which was about 10 ft deep!

They also enjoyed this cave~ Grant was even brave enough to go in there and check it out. (I was happy that I didnt hear about this until after the fact.) Thankfully he did not meet up with any of the local venomous snakes which live in the area and LOVE places like dark caves! :)

'He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'
NASB

Lagoon Adventure

After Abe took us to see the lovely dream homes, he took part of the family out to a beautiful lagoon located in Spanish Lookout. Here are a few pics of that trip.

The children had a wonderful time riding local style: in the back of a pick-up! They also enjoyed throwing rocks into the lagoon and seeing a part of Spanish Lookout which we had not seen yet.

The scenery here is almost unreal~You only see these rolling hills here in Spanish Lookout. They have spent decades creating a farmland out of jungle. It is amazing to see.

Here the water is over the road. This is the rainy season. Everything is a bit more soggy than other times of the year.

A local Spanish family is heading out to the lagoon also

What a beautiful spot. Some folks swim here but there have been baby crocodiles spotted in the lagoon.

On this particular evening the skies were unusually gorgeous




On this road home, the pick up got stuck! Everyone got out to push and they soon were on their way home again!

House Hunting?

Ok well, we just saw the flier at our local grocery store. We *HAD* to check it out! Newer home on 25 acres for $25,000 Belize dollars which is $12,500 US dollars! After speaking with our sweet friend who lives here in Spanish Lookout we found out that there were actually 2 houses! Each on a separate piece of property and we thought both were the same price. Now, many folks here were warning us that these houses have no electricity but even more alarming is that they are located very close to the jungle and the Guatemalan border. We have heard so many border horror stories; kidnappings, drug lords, killings etc. For some reason, we were still interested! ;) Both houses were built by some Old Colony Mennonites, such as the ones who sell watermelon and who I posted a photo of on the post entitled 'Scenes from Belmopan'.


The properties lie just outside of the Spanish Lookout Community which would be handy for shopping etc. We got to the first home which was located on a hill. The view was absolutely breathtaking! A total panaramic view of the area, including the jungle and nearby hills of Guatamala. This house was 2 stories and probably 1800 sq ft or more! Solid wood and simple. Like an Amish homestead. Replete with fruit trees and gardens.. overgrown but with so much potential. Oh boy could I picture us in this home! Until I saw the second home.. it reminded me of the Taneum of my childhood. This home was smaller but more solidly built. I was in LOVE! After walking around for about a half hour, I was already moved in and hanging my laundry on the line, overlooking the jungle. (me and my overactive imagination! )

The first house we looked out is a two story, 3 bedroom home. It is just beautiful. Wood throughout, both floors and walls. I could just picture rocking chairs on the huge wrap around porch! ;)

This is our very good friend Abe F. He and his family have been such a blessing to us here.

Our little cowboy

A photo of the interior of the second home. I LOVE this house! :)

Another photo of the inside of the second house. It was about 1200 square feet with an outdoor screened kitchen and upper loft.

This barn belongs to the second, smaller house

This tin cup was left behind.. along with bonnets, straw caps and Amish styled aprons..

This is the view from the smaller home up toward the larger one on the hill

This is looking down the hill from the larger home toward the smaller one. Notice the JUNGLE in the background! :)

This photo does not do this quaint rock wall justice! There were marigolds planted in front of it and this was only a partial wall.. more for decoration but just such a picturesque scene


In the end it wasn't meant to be as they were asking much more than we originally were understanding. A dissapointment for sure but it never hurts to dream! AND it made for a lovely field trip.. :)

San Ignatio Farmer's Market W/ The Inions

We had such a fun time with the Inion family at the San Ignatio Market. (see their blog link on our sidebar) They recently moved from Lancaster County, PA. They have most recently been a part of a small fellowship much like ours. Their fellowship was very involved in reaching out to the converted Amish people. They also have been involved with the Beachy Amish/Mennonite Church and spent 2 years in the Phillipines. They have such a heart for the Lord and are now serving in Belize. We look forward to spending more time with them.






The Market in San Ignatio was quite a bit cleaner than the one we experienced in Belmopan. Also it was about twice the size. We met quite a few people from the States at this market as Cayo is a very popular tourist spot.



We all were able to travel in the Inion's bus which was a blessing since gas is close to $5.50 US a gallon! It took a while but we were finally able to find a nice parking spot within walking distance of the market.




The Inions are a very precious family.. they have 4 biological children and also 4 adopted special needs children. They have been a great encouragement to our family.

A very hot Gracie

The Inions come from a group who are not shy about street preaching and challenging those who are preaching an unbiblical message. They stood here gently challenging this Universalist for about a half hour.Please pray for those in this area who are targeted by many cults and false doctrines.

Our sweet Amanda~ Please keep her in your prayers as she has been experiencing a few health challenges due to the climate adjustment.

Back to the bus after a long afternoon at the hot market

Hadassah and Gracie in their 3 year old sweetness :)

We used to think things like getting your shoes shined was an extremely luxurious and 'spoiled American' thing to do. However, in a third world country, paying this Guatemalan man his asking price of $1.00 Belizean helps bring food home to his family.

The boys examine the street scene. Josiah has been a great friend for Grant. He is a boy much like Grant, does everything wholeheartedly and is a boy's boy! :)

Hannah holds her brother

After a long, HOT day at the market, Stacey-jean and I found these Starbucks lattes. The Inions were so sweet to treat us to one. :) Once in a while it is nice to get a bit of taste of home..