BCE on the move, on the move, on the move (Hallelujah)

It all started in 1961 with a chick named Hattie

We woke up in the morning totally refreshed and ready for a new day.  Today would be the day we have been waiting and planning to see for months.  This day almost didn't come because of a dude named Earl (hurricane Earl that is).  So why the first sentence 'hook' you ask?  I'll get to that in a minute...

In my previous post I hopefully gave you a taste of what the base camp for Belize Camping Experience looks like, this post is about the day camp, the reason why they do what they do so well!  Keep in mind, this is just one day observed by one person.

Youths finishing up and getting ready to roll

Before heading out, the team gathers together for a time of announcements, a time to confirm what lessons they are doing that day, a time of prayer and then they pick a person and a number.  "Bring it in", the person chosen is mobbed by the team for the number (count) they determined.  I'm glad I didn't get chosen.

All in a circle (in the shade)

It's what they do!

Powered by low cost Butane

We all loaded up in the Gas / Butane fueled 15 passenger (air-conditioned) van and rolled out to Hattieville with the covered trailer with the day camp supplies in tow.  After a special time of prayer, while rolling down the driveway from the camp, we head south to our destination.

Ok, so it's time to see if you're paying attention.  The 'hook' about a chick in 1961...  Hattieville was formed as a place to put all of the people of Belize City when the Category 5 Hurricane Hattie was a direct hit on Belize City.  The devistation was enormous, cutting Caye Caulker in half (still seen today) on it's way in.  Hurricane Earl hit at about the same spot, but didn't have the umph that Hattie had.  Thousands of people were left without homes, businesses were eliminated and the Capitol (in Belize City at the time) was destroyed.  Hattieville was formed and looks kinda like what Highland Crest looks like or any other FEMA camp established after a natural disaster.  Since the people were moved without choice, most have stayed to establish 2nd and 3rd generation families in Hattieville.

Belize prior to becoming independent

After about a 20 minute drive (I got to ride shotgun) we arrived at Hattieville.  Today's camp will be at the government school there.  I get the sense it's kindergarten through ~age 14.

Available (and used) for Earl's obnoxious appearance a couple days ago

Relocation effort in 1961 moved the people away from the sea quite a distance

Right away, the team was on it (dog gone it).  We helped by staying out of the way.

Youngsters gettin' after it

After a quick sweep of the auditorium in the back of the school campus, setup chairs and supplies for the day's activities there was a very sweet time of devotion.  I learned that I am a container, I can either fill it with what I want (leaving little / no room for God) or I can let God fill it up and be used for His glory.  I once heard it said, would you rather be a golden vessel all shiny and clean on the outside but filled with raw sewage or an earthen vessel, normal and plain filled with gold coins?

What's in your vessel?

So then it was back up to the recieving area of the school yard where the children come in to be registered.  It's been a year since BCE has been in Hattieville, they have been promoting the day camp for a couple weeks putting flyers out and walking the streets yelling "day camp".  Today was no different, about a dozen youths and my lovely wife went walking the streets yelling "day camp".

Promotion put up all over Hattieville weeks in advance

After a little bit of downtime (and jacking around) the youths go and patronize the local stores buying "cokes' and snacks.  Just in case you're not aware of this day camp, they put a couple people on top of the van with a megaphone and drive through the village!

Black box on top holds about 6 people to announce to the community

"Day Camp!"

So, the young'ins start coming.  Getting wrist bands that are color coded to indicate what team they are on for the day.  This is very much like a VBS (Vacation Bible School) back home, only back home they are typically done at night since most of us work during the day.  Here in Belize, it's pretty much the only thing there is to do in the village that day.

Flipping...

Spinning...

...Kicking...while everyone in the village is coming

The people in the gray shirts are committed for the summer, all 9 weeks.  The folks in the purple shirts are those that come from as far as a 3 hour drive to help for a week or so.  Everything is so very organized and operates ON TIME.

The day camp starts with general rules, a brief introduction and then on with large group time.  It's like a variety show that keeps moving.  There's a time with scripture, there's a time with play acting, then there's the time with Mr. Smarty pants who explains the theme of the camp.  This year's theme is "unshackled", teaching the children the freedom of letting Jesus break the chains of sin and truly enjoying life.

I get it, I got it...do the Smarty Pants Dance!

After large group time, we break up into small groups (~10 max) per team and go over the lesson.  Day 1 was on being 'bent over' with the weight of sin.  I stayed with the boys group while the lesson was being taught by the leader.  After the small group time, it was time to bring all the kids together for the games.  Unfortunately, my phone was completely dead and I didn't get any pictures.  After games, we all go back to the school auditorium / cafeteria where there was more skits, announcements and then dismissal for the children to go home for lunch (and bring a friend when you return at 1 PM)

Fingerprints of the United States on the wall of Cafeteria we gather in

Read the full story at http://www.12af.acc.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/5879/Article/319285/new-horizons-repairs-hattieville-government-pre-school-roof.aspx

If you've ever wondered what our fine fighting forces in the reserves do as an outreach to the communities in need around the world, there's no better picture of what they do than the one above. The Civil engineers with the 12th Air Force did a few years back at this school.  Both of my son's


Well, since we were at a grade school, I was reminded of my favorite time when I was a kid...Lunchtime!  The folks back at the base camp prepared cold drinks and a box lunch for all of us to recharge our batteries while waiting

Pictured above with me and Amy are our friends Josee and Abraham who make all of this happen.  They are truly called by God to perform this work.  Below are words from my favorite band, Third Day that applies to the end of this day...Lyrics in Bold that bring tears as I type...

"Gone"
(feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE)

Please forgive me
I don't mean to be rude
But I gotta keep moving
I sure wish I could stay
But I gotta keep doing
What I've been called to do

And don't forget me
Long after I'm gone
And I'm just a memory
I hope you can recall
What I was saying
Was nothing but the truth

Well, I'm gone
It was nice to meet you
But I'm gone
I'm sure gonna miss you
But I've got to keep moving on
I can't stay in one place too long
Say a prayer for me
I'm gone

Thank you so much
You've been so kind
And I can't say enough
Of all the places I've been
This is one
That I just don't want to leave

Gone like the wind and I'm not sure
When I'm coming back, will you want more
God only knows where I am going
And just what tomorrow brings

My hat's off to all of you that served at The BCE in 2016 and the core staff that have signed on for one year service to perfom followup in all the schools you touch during the summer.  You're an inspiration to this 49 year old Kansan

In the Gospels, the book of Matthew Chapter 11:28-30 it says "²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  In this passage, The Lord is talking and saying, "Hey, if you're tired of constantly trying to do it your way and failure after failure, time after time, you have no success, give me a holler.  I'll not only give you a new job that provides rewards that "moth nor rust corrupts" but you'll have a blast doing it...promise!"  The Lord talks about taking on HIS yoke (that thing that hooks two oxen together to pull a plow) and go to work for Him.  It speaks of this yoke being light and easy.  God never said that we would not have to work, heck, even 'retirement' is not a Biblical principal.  God gives us free will to do it our way or His way.  His way, you will be fulfilled and restful, my way, not so much.