They Went Home Differently

God spoke to them in a dream and the Magi returned home differently.
—Matthew 2:11-12

We arrived in Belize with excited chatter and curiosity that was unbounded on the 2nd of December and drove 3 hours into the interior where we served in clinics, taught in schools, finished a 3 room school, did evening radio programs on health, and had a village Christmas party.

We now leave quiet, tired, inspired and humbled by those with whom we have lived, worked, cared for, ministered with, and been cared by, these past 10 days. Spending intense time with the people of Belize has been one of those life confronting and changing adventures. One that we will live out of for many years to come.


Here are some reflections on some highlights as we sit in by the departure gate at the airport:

• I asked a 5th grade class what the best part of them was: "My smile" said a little girl. This in a place where a new pencil is divided into as many sections as there are kids in the family because they cost so much. LM
• Morning worship with Sister Margaret, committing to God, ourselves, and the many that would come. SS
• The gratitude of Principal Ortega whose 120 students were crammed into 3 classrooms and now have 6! SG/LN-P/KS
• Learning to make window shutters from scratch and use a power saw. MW
• Finishing the school; windows, doors, power, tile and... all are safe! RS
• The jungle clinic at Challa Creek. 52 people came a long way for help. As we closed, a young lady asked for help as she had been feeling poorly for 2 weeks. Michelle saw her ad found a BP of 177/117. With medication this lady was very grateful. PW/PM
• Organizing the small lab; calibrating equipment and doing tests I hadn’t done in many years.SS
• Sharing in the village Christmas party as Santa and his helpers. Rice, beans and dancing are universal elements to a great time wherever you are, regardless of how much you have or lack. PB/MB/SR/SS/SG/MW/PW/PM/RS/LM/KS/LN-P
• Nightly radio shows for 1.5 hrs, talking health and hope. They were listening, as many texted questions. LM/SS/KS/RS/SG/PB/L-NP/PW/PM
• The home visit where there were two rooms, one just big enough for the bed, chickens in the kitchen, on the table, and a statue of Jesus in the corner. The elderly man needed a catheter removed. I couldn’t understand what he said but the smile and hug said enough.SS

The passage above tells us that the Magi went home differently after having seen the Christ child. In the days we have been here we have caught a glimpse of the Lord’s face in the people of Belize and we too are going home differently. In a few moments you too will have the opportunity to be present to another of child of God. Listen to their heart, and see the glimmer of hope shine brighter!