Blessings in Belize

Journeying on through the winter months becomes more difficult for me as I grow older. I used to love the snow (especially when we really had some), but now if we don't get a good one by the middle of Feb. I am looking forward to Spring, and then to Summer...

I think back to the Summer of this past year, and to the vacation that we went on to Central America. I had always wanted to go to Belize and Ron and I had talked about going many times. The plane fare into Belize City, however is very expensive. We decided to fly into Cancun Mexico and take a bus down into Belize. Either you take the time, which is cheap, or spend extra money and less time. We chose the first route.

It was such a great trip, even though it was August 4th when we left. The flight from Charlotte to Canun was great, and the bus we boarded from the airport was very nice.. and air conditioned.
Traveling just a few miles outside of the miles of motels in Cancun was an eye opener for me. The poverty is staggering. I guess I just didn't realize that thatched roof huts exist, and they aren't just in Africa! I saw workers waiting on buses and saw why these people want to leave here and make a better way of life for themselves and their families.

We stayed one night in Playa del Carmen, and it was nice, but a bit touristy. The next day we walked to the bus station with our packs on our backs (luckily we didn't carry food), and I couldn't believe how hot and humid it was there. We went from Playa to the border crossing at Chetumal. Then we went to a Northern town for the night, Corozal. The best thing about there was the nice man who owned the motel and the wonderful breakfast. The motel was about 30 USD.

We set out on our second morning after learning a bit about the natives there from the motel owner. He told us that the average wage for nurses and policemen in Belize is about $12.00 per week. Our next stop would be to change buses in Belize City. Quite a difference in buses too, as we were now on an old US school bus. You know what that means.. no a/c. The bus became jam-packed with locals going to and coming from the city. We went past many villages where folks just stand on the side of the road and wait for the next bus. The fare was so cheap to us- I think about 5 USD from Corozal to Belize City. To them, though that may be a full day's wages.

When we arrived in Belize City, I couldn't believe how dirty the city was. Open trash was everywhere. This is the place where lots of business takes place. so it is a busy place. When we boarded the bus here it was crowded so I asked a young man if I could sit next to him. He answered yes and if you know me, I can't keep my mouth shut and not talk to someone.. even (especially I should say) a stranger. This young man stole my heart, and we talked about basketball, food, and travelling. His name is Alexander and he is now 14 yrs. old. His Mother was in the seat in front of us and leaned over to tell me that they were going to Guatemala City for Alexander's chemotherapy treatment. Cancer!? At 14... I couldn't believe it. I offered him some gummy bears to eat and he was amazed at them. Obviously, he had never tasted them.

They had to change buses too quickly, and I pressed some one dollar bills into his hands as he left the bus. Jimmilee, his Mom in return pressed their address into mine. I knew there was a connection between us. After they left the bus, I thought of this young man so often. I sent him a postcard from one of our destinations knowing he may never see the Mayan ruins of Caracol. I kept thinking, "what can I do for this child?" I began my prayers, knowing I would help him in some small way.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

...stay tuned to the rest of the story.