There is so much for me to share. These past 3 years since Brian died have been a time of transition for me as I went through the process of grieving the loss of my husband and best friend and also my role as his helpmeet. It has been a time of seeking the Lord and waiting on Him to guide and direct our steps. Needless to say it has been a difficult time for Cory too but we have come through this time with a stronger faith and and a deeper desire to be used by the Lord. During this time there were some who suggested it would be best if Cory and I moved back to Canada where we would have the support of family but as I sought the Lord it seemed clear that He had called us to stay and continue to serve the people of Belize albeit with a different focus than when Brian was alive.
As you know after Brian's death I was able to complete Cory's adoption. He is an integral part of what God has called me to do and is truly a blessing and help to me in so many ways. The focus of our work here is our Foster Home Outreach. I have always had a special spot in my heart to help needy children. Throughout our marriage, first in Mexico and now in Belize, the Lord has enabled us to serve as foster parents to children with special needs or who have been removed from abusive homes. In the last three years since Brian's death we have had six foster children come into our home. Some returned to their natural family, others found adoptive homes while one, our little Denisha, died and went to her heavenly home. Currently we are ministering to 22 month old Shaleni, who came to us out of a horrendous home situation. During the seven months Shaleni has been with us we have seen great improvements in her behavior and her ability to receive love. Her mom is currently in prison and her grandma has recently mentioned the desire to take Shaleni to live with her. This will depend on the social worker's assessment of the situation. Just before Christmas we also were asked to take in 4 month old Tyrell who had been very ill in hospital for two months with a serious heart condition, pneumonia and other lung problems. His mom visited him two times in hospital and has not been heard from since. After a month of being in our home, and many prayers going up for him, he no longer needed his many medications and in February a Pediatric specialist from the states declared that Tyrell no longer has any heart problems! Needless to say we were excited that our prayers were answered. He is a very content baby who is developing normally. As there has been no attempt by any family members to see him or claim him, he may eventually be placed for adoption.
Although taking care of His little ones is the focus of our work, the Lord has also allowed me to serve Him in other ways here. A year and a half ago we started to attend Santa Elena Baptist church and have been blessed as we get to know the members of this body. I felt the Lord lead me to be a support to our pastor's wife (Sister Yolanda) and am happy to help her out whenever or however I can which has included leading the Thursday night ladies' Bible study while she was away in the States for 2 months last year. As well, last August I was asked to take care of the churches finances- something I was not sure I should be doing but Pastor Manuel and Sister Yolanda assured me that they thought I was the right person to get the job done.
Tuesday mornings I continue to lead a ladies bible study in my home. This is open to anyone and right now we are all from different church fellowships but able to study God's Word together. We have gone through 1,2,3 John, Jude, and right now are studying the book of James. It is exciting to see the doors that God opens for us to minister to others. Our Lord has brought many needy women through these studies. I find He uses me with single or abused moms. He truly blesses me with this outreach. Also in the area of women's ministry, for the last four years I have helped plan and organize our annual ladies retreat which brings ladies together from many different church background from all over Belize.
Another area I have been able to help in is finding sponsors for children whose families are unable to afford to pay for their school tuition. In Belize parents must pay yearly tuition as well as purchase uniforms and various books and school supplies. Many simply can not afford to keep their children in school because of this. It has been a blessing to be able to facilitate the sponsorship of six students and we hope that this program will expand in the future
As you may remember early last year the Lord provided for me to buy a nice sized lot on the outskirts of San Ignacio. After fencing in the property our funds were depleted and we trusted that the Lord would provide for the development of this land in His way and in His timing. Not long after, when I was caring for Denisha who had severe brain damage, we had two visitors from the states who had a desire to somehow help the children of Belize and figured that building a foster home would be one way to do that. After visiting with us they started to pray how they could help with building a home for us. God is so faithful! Next week these same folks plus 12 others from various parts of the US are coming to build us a beautiful new home in which to serve the children of Belize. All the components of the home are right now being shipped in containers by sea and are expected to arrive this Sunday (March 13th). The foundation and septic has already been done and they are hoping to get most of the house built by end of this month. There is a couple with us right now who committed to staying two and a half months so they can help us with fixing up around our current rental home and are also helping with packing and getting ready for the move once our new home is built. Cory and I are in awe of the idea of us getting our own home but I also know God is in control and will always provide and take care of us. He sees our needs before we do and He knows how He will provide.
It is hard to accurately portray our life down here- each day is filled with surprises and new opportunities to serve God in a multitude of ways. I do hope that what I have shared gives you a small glimpse of why we are here and why we believe the Lord has called us to remain. We do not know what the future holds but we know we have a God who we can trust.
Please feel free to come visit us here in Belize.
