Something Amazing

I've been meaning to write short post about this.

Last year my friend, Dave, who also teaches out here in Belize, had a bunch of his friends paired up with a student at Mt. Carmel High School. We would then pray for them throughout the year. I prayed for my student, L, every Monday ("Mission-Mondays"). I began to write him a letter in Spanish and I wanted my friend to help me with my Spanish but I never ended up sending it. Well, a couple of weeks ago I saw L (!!!) and I'd been praying that I would have an opportunity to talk to him. I finally had the chance and called his name. He turned and I said, "Hi, I'm Miss Bethany. Mr. Dave gave prayer partners to his friends and I got you last year. I've been praying for you every Monday for a year!" He looked surprised and he smiled and he said, "Really?" Now every time we see each other we say, "HEY!" I love it. I get so excited. The other students probably think I'm crazy haha It is simple but truly profound at the same time. Little did I know I would be able to speak to L in person and tell him face-to-face that I've been thinking of him and praying for him for a year! God is interesting like that...

The Skit of all Skits

The volunteer teachers pooled together a couple of weeks ago and we performed a skit for the students here at Mt. Carmel High School during a welcome assembly for first formers (freshman). We almost didn't do it but at the last minute we grabbed uniform shirts from students, the guys put tons and tons of gel in their hair and spiked it up, put on a chain or two, girls grabbed cell phones and mirrors, and we took some desks to act out a class scene. We did about a five minute scene where I was the teacher and the rest of the volunteers were students. They threw paper at me and chewed gum in class (the paper hit me square in the face too! Good shot).

One of the guys grabbed the microphone and says, "Meees (Miss)are you married?" which is a classic question from the students and I replied, "That is not appropriate for class young man." He then responded with, "Do you want to be married?" -Laughter- It was great. The kids were going CRAZY. Then Mr. Tom had an ipod and I say, "Mr. Tom. Is that an ipod?!" That was the cue for our music and just then Mike throws on the music and cupid shuffle starts. I turn around (facing the students) and pretend to write on a chalkboard when Mr. Dave gets up and starts doing a free style dance. The thing you have to know about Dave is that he is a ridiculously good dancer. He moves like no one I know! So the kids are SCREAMING and after a few seconds I turn around and he sits down. Then the second time, he and Miss Betsy dance together (more screaming) and I turn around and they sit down. The third time, all the volunteer teachers dressed up as students are dancing the cupid shuffle in time. I go to reprimand them but end up liking the song so we all dance together. We do the cupid shuffle for about one minute and then we got the principal to come in and say "What is going on in here?!" and we all get serious. I apologize and say the kids are "out of control today". Then the principal leaves and we all dance out. The students went absolutely nuts and were telling us how much they liked it for days! It was so great! Our fifteen minutes of fame.

Grateful Hearts

I led adoration yesterday and I want to share some snippits with you. On Sunday, the gospel was about the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus but only one came back to give Him thanks and praise. I thought it would be good if we focused on thanksgiving to God, whom we often forget to thank (I know I do). We sang "How Great Thou Art" and then I had them write down things they are thankful to God for. I asked those from this second form (sophomore) girls class who were willing, to turn in their papers so I could share some of their thoughts with all of you. Here are some excerpts:

"I am thankful to God for each day that he gave me, for permitting my parents to be alive and to be with me, for the opportunity that he gave me, which is my education. But the most important above everything is for permitting me to be His child, for being part of Him. For changing my life and taking me to the good path with Him."

"I am thankful to God for: understanding me and forgiving my sins and nonsense."

"You can put this on your blog if you want... =)

Dear Dad, =) I'm thankful for everything! Especially the love that my friends give me. They are D, Lucia, Anne, Razieli, Jamir, Rosanny, Nigel, and Shamira. I have more friend but I thank you for these 8 the most! =) They never leave me behind and they are always there for me no matter what! =) I thank you for my Dad too. Although we are fighting right now...I love him! =) That's all...=)

Love you,
Karen "

"I thank you too because you have given me a beautiful life. Thank you very much God. Thank you for being with me in bad and good time. Love you very much Father. Thank you."

"God is the one who gives me everything so I have to thank him for everything he does for me. I also thank God for the material things He gives me, but I thank him mostly for giving me opportunities to change and to be the person that I am."

"I am thankful for knowing all volunteers especially for Mr. Ken who was here last year with us, for Ms. Brynne, for Mr. Dave, for Ms. Lucia, Mr. Tom, and Ms. Bethany. "

"I am thankful for what I have. My family life and all the wonderful things I will always going to give thanks to God because without his help I will not be able to be here at high school. I am from a poor family that we can not afford to pay for my high school. I am happy because with the help of Jesus I was able to come to high school. Thanks Lord."

What a joy to read these! These kids are so beautiful.

Retreat

Me, Mr. Tom, and 2nd form boys at the retreat last Friday. It went very well! Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and donations that have brought me here.