Be kind...rewind

Going off what my favorite brother-in-law said the other night, "show some of the past so we can understand what all has happened..." (or something like that)

Well here it goes...

The Belize City airport has one major runway to land the "heavy's".  At the end of the runway, there is a cul-de-sac so the plane can turn around and come right back up the runway about halfway to turn into the terminal.  After a very friendly experience at immigration, and a (sometimes) not so cheap experience at customs, you take about 14 steps and wind up outside, you're loved ones can pick you up right there...it's a snap...unless you're hearding cats like pastor was in this shot.

Loading the truck...

 After loading 10 full checked bags into the truck, we load the humans into the back where 2.3 inches have been reserved for 3 butts.  There was a 2X6 board sitting about 4 inches below the bottom of the tailgate.  Just enough room to sit securely and dangle your legs off the back and lay on the baggage.  During the trip (at 55 MPH) the fella on the left had his glasses get blown off, somehow they landed on the lap of the fella on the right's lap.  The cool fan palm is one of my favorites.

Riding in the back of the truck is still legal

 

We rode in the extended cab of the diesel powered 4X4 in complete safety.  Seat belts are optional for all passengers inside, outside and hanging off the side.  The driver will be ticketed if caught without a seat belt.  Our time to ride in the back of the truck was reserved for later when it was raining cats and the national dog of Belize.

 

 

 

 

Riding in the truck is safer...

 

 

 

Once we get to the host families house, the overwhelming feeling of "what do we do now" sets in about 3 minutes after the team you flew down with leaves you.  You know that awkward feeling you get the first day of class?  So since I had some hot wheel cars and I had the ability to lay on the floor, we played cars for quite a while.  Doesn't matter, if you're 5 or 42, if you like playing cars you like playing cars.

Playing with trucks is acceptable

Walking to church 1/4 mile away in the rain

 That night, we walked to church in the pouring rain.  Didn't matter, it was just the right temperature and just like in Kansas, there's just nothing like walking around in the rain.  Even though it was raining, there was a good turn out at church that night.

Instant dear friends

 A wonderful woman with a wonderful son.  Doesn't matter what language you speak, you know a loving mom when you see one.

Where I learned true hospitality

 As the caption reads, This is the bed that was ready for us upon arrival.  Honestly, we didn't realize until later that night that this was the host parents bed and bedroom.  They slept in a small room off to the side, giving us the bigger room and the best bed in the house. 

Herramienta!

Just hanging out in the front yard.  Not sure where we were going, but a Herramienta was going to be involved!  Just know that on the 7th day, God created Belize (and then went fishing).

Hebrews 13:2 says "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  I was raised to be hospitable, but I think in our culture there is a line that is not crossed in the home.  In this verse, The Bible reminds us to take care of those who you do not know when the opportunity presents itself because it just might be someone really important or, in my case, you just might have a hand in on changing someone's life!  I'm not saying that I'm important, but the hospitality that I experienced by this loving couple in 9 days time made me feel like I was the most important person they have ever known.  As our relationship has been growing over the years, as for me, it goes back to this basic time that this couple was willing to take in this Kansas couple and give them the very best of what they have without restraint and without regret.  I will always Love and admire them for their willingness to serve The Lord however they are directed.