WEEK ONE - YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSZ9jrRgqWY

So as promised, now that i'm home, i'll upload some pictures. Unfortunately, I seem to be having some sour luck lately, for some reason my computer wont recognize that my memory card has pictures on it. So until I can figure that out, here are some pictures (about 1 a day) taken by Alyssa Hayter. Enjoy, and expect to see alot more soon!

The kids at St. Hilda's lining up for morning snack

Remember that massive tickle fight I mentioned? Note my face..these children were RELENTLESS

One of the classrooms at St. Hilda's

Teaching some St. Hilda's children how to be puppeteers

Setting up for our show at the High School

Lionel Hayter entertaining the St Barnabas children with Andy the dog

The Cathedral Puppeteers at St Barnabas with our very own Belizian Puppeterr, Ashley

Bev with the newly established St Hilda's Puppeteers

Everyone excited for a fun filled afternoon Friday; filled with Puppet shows, jokes, and dance

Unfortunately this will be our last Belizean Blog post. On Friday we had a relaxing evening in Belize City. Then yesterday we took the 9am Ferry out to Caye Caulker. We could not have asked for better weather for the day. It looked bleak when we first arrived; rain started to fall as we slipped into our snorkeling gear. Luckily by the time we arrived on our first dive spot, the sun was shining and the weather was scorching. We had three dive spots on our 3 hour trip out onto the reef. The first was kind of an 'orientation dive'. We stuck as a group, and our guide gave tips on ways to snorkel and pointed out types of fish, as a way to teach everyone who was new to snorkeling. Our second stop was really exciting. We went to 'Ray Alley'; We swum with literally 40+ Sting rays ranging in a wingspan of 2 to 5 feet. For those of us who were brave enough, we even got a chance to swim close enough to pet them. Our third stop was more along the lines of the first stop. Its reported there that George may have spotted a Nurse shark on that stop. By the we arrived back on Caye Caulker the sun was burning us to a crisp. We had a delicious lunch in a little local restaurant on the beach, then split into groups to spend our afternoon shopping in the islands little shops. By the end of it, most of us couldn't move we were so cooked, but personally I don't mind. It was all worth it to get to spend the day on that beautiful island. By the evening we were pretty much burnt out, but before we went to bed had a lovely dinner in Old Belize.

This morning we woke up early to make it to the 7am service at the Cathedral in Belize City. For the first service we preformed the show for the Sunday school, and I even got the chance to read the second lesson. For the second service at 930 we preformed the show again for the entire church. We just returned from the 2 services, and are about to have lunch, one more devotional, and then pack. We get picked up to go the the airport at 230, and are suppose to fly out 4 ish. We should arrive in Texas by the early evening. Might even get a chance to do some sight seeing on our night over there!

So until Texas..this is truly goodbye from Belize. It has been an amazing mission for all of us, and im sure one that will be close to our hearts for the years to come. I'd like to thank the team back home, for keeping us in their prayers, and for the entire congregation, both at the Cathedral and abroad, for keeping us in your thoughts.

See y'all in Texas.

(we're practicing our accents already)

I usually don't do a morning post, but from what I've heard internet will be hard to come by in Belize City, so this may be the last post until we reach Texas.

This morning the group got up early (Lionel George and I got up at 5 to see the sunrise, the rest got up at 6), to go see the "Great Belize Canoe Race" (...or something like that). Its been an annual event for the past 10 years in which about 40 canoe teams race up the river from San Ignacio to Belize City. The race is spanned over 4 days, and always has a huge turn out for watching. from there we walked up to Pops for a very crowded breakfast. In about 15 minutes we're heading to St. Hilda's one last time, and will be doing a puppet show amongst what from what I've heard will be a 'talent' show. Along with the show, there are going to be a children's dance (which i saw videos of from they're practice, they are really good) and some of the children we've trained to use the puppets will be doing a show of their own. All the families are invited to come, so it will be the perfect way to say goodbye to the school. After that we

re travelling directly into Belize City, and...who knows.

All i know is tomorrow... CAYE CAULKER (we're just a bit excited..). The weather has been a bit dodgey so far, but hopefully we'll be blessed with another sunny day.

So until Texas, adios, sianara, and we'll see you on the other side.

PS- I have no idea how to spell adios or Sianara

Guess we got so caught up in the moment I have 2 days to update you on now. Lets start off with yesterday.

As always we strolled over to breakfast at pops, and then drove over to St. Hilda's for the morning. The group split up at that point; some taught puppeting, some helped with reading, and some of us started on our labor project for the week, making bookshelves. Then for the afternoon we headed over to the high school that Ashley, the student the Cathedral is sponsoring, attends. The group (which was about 200 students I'd say) all crowded around the puppet theater, which we set up in the basketball court. From there we took a last minute trip out to Xunantunich, a Mayan ruin 15 minutes from San Ignacio and over 135 ft tall. It was absolutely amazing to explore the ruins and it defiantly was an experience no one here will forget. From there we had a relaxing evening and headed to bed.

Today we followed a similar schedule as the day before. Woke up, went to Pops and headed over to St. Hilda's again. In the morning, some taught more puppeting skills while the rest of us finished up the bookshelves. Lunch was amazing fun today. Today was the hottest and sunniest day yet. About 36 and not a cloud in the sky. Needless to say we all got red today. While on the lunch break, we explored the houses surrounding St Hilda's (kind of a neighborhood where most of the school children's families live). We then headed over to the Saint Barnabas elementary to do some more puppet shows. It was unfortunate because I must say, I've never had a more excited group to see a show...and halfway through we lost power at the school. This didn't stir the kids one bit, so we finished the show without the music. Soon after the power returned, so we finished up our visit there will the full show, with more enthusiasm than ever. We also met a little mascot of the school today, an adorable stray dog named Spooky. We then headed back to The Venus Hotel for some much needed R&R, and in about 45 min are heading out to supper.

Hear it snowed in Fredericton today...

try not to be too jealous of us for our weather

Stanley is home ....

After a wonderful few days in Punta Gorda, Stanley arrived safely home at 3:30am this morning.

Glad you made it safe and sound Stanley.

I hate to break my promises, but you might not be seeing the pictures just yet. I've been sitting at my computer for the last 20 minutes trying to upload some pictures, but it seems to have gotten stuck on 16%. Do not fret though, I'll keep trying.

In the meantime an update for what happened today. We awoke this morning and had a delicious breakfast at Pops (for all you frederictonians, it basically sums up to a Belize version of the Cabin on the Woodstock road). We then headed out to St Hilda's for our first full day at the school. After setting up the Puppet theatre, We traveled from class to class in 2 groups, teaching the basics of puppeting to the children. We had a amazing lunch (if you have noticed...good food is a recurring trend here), which was followed by, what could only be described as the most chaotic tickle flight known to man. To sum up, 80% of the children attacked us in a huge swarm of tickling. While this sounds rather foolish, it was the greatest thing that has happened so far. the connections that were made between the children and our team was so heart warming. From that point on, the children were 100% comfortable around us, none showing any shyness at all. I thoroughly look forward to going back tomorrow.

We then spent the afternoon doing the Jonah Show for each of the classes. We were tuckered out by the time the bus rolled in to pick us up at 330, but I don't think any of us would have traded today for a chance to sleep in and relax. Since coming back from the school, a few have gone shopping, and then got ready to go eat. I'm currently sitting in our supper destination, Flavas. Once we're done here we'll be heading back to the hotel where Bev and I will be doing our bible study/devotional time on 2 Corinthians 12; 1-10.

anyway, time for supper, keep an eye out for the pictures....they'll get up eventually.

I SEE FOOD!

February 27 - March 1 Caye Caulker / St. John's Cathedral and Travelling Home

Saturday

We had a nice breakfast delivered to us by the Diocese and then worked through some transportation and logistical issues for the week two team. Once we were all cleaned up we headed out on our water taxi to Caye Caulker. Doug and Ann strolled around the island as the rest of us headed out snorkling (since they have the second largest coral reef in the world!!).

This photo was taken less than a block away from the Anglican Guest House

where we stayed in Belize City

The view

Caye Caulker

On our way snorkling with beautiful coral, plants and fish, including dozens of stingray, two nursing sharks and a baracuda!

SUNDAY

Unfortunately I do not have photo's (yet) from our church service at St. John's Cathedral since the photo's were taken using Beverly's camera and she's still in Belize. The service was very uplifting. In particular we enjoyed the sermon, the singing of Happy Birthday and when each row joined hands for the singing of the Lord's Prayer. The minister was turning 70yrs old (at midnight ...since she's a leap year baby) and full of life. We chatted with members of the congregation after the service was complete, including the Bishop's mother. After the service we met up with three boys who had just taken an iguana out of a tree. It felt pretty neat holding it!

After church we had another meal delivered to us at the Guest House and then did devotions since we were so exhausted at the end of our full day on Saturday. Andrew then gave us a little tour around Belize City and then took us to the airport.

Saying "so long" to our new friend Andrew

Leaving Belize

We had a safe journey to Houston on Sunday night and when we arrived at the hotel we learned of Canada's win over USA in the gold medal game. We were so proud of "our boys"! We then enjoyed some yummy Texan pizza and called it a night since we had to get up at 3am.

Travelled on Monday from Houston to Newark and then a quick flight to Maine (after a 30 minute delay getting on the runway). The drive back from Portland was pretty clear, other than about an hour + stretch after Bangor. We were all (Doug, Ann, Susan, Brad, Sheila and Cindy) safely in our homes by 10:45pm.

March 2nd - Week One Team - Safe and Sound

Good morning!

Just a little update to let you know that Doug, Ann, Brad, Susan, Sheila and Cindy arrived back in Fredericton at 10:30pm last night. We're thrilled to hear that the Week Two team has arrived safely. Looking forward to hearing all about their adventures.

Week Two safe arrival

After a long and extremely tiring trip down, we have made it to Belize! It is beautiful here. We stepped off the plane to some nice breezy 28 degree weather. For all you who have been to Belize before, or have just returned, you know this is a rare occurrence (usually a lot warmer and a lot more humid with no wind). After a delicious lunch at Cheers, Andrew, the youth leader at the Cathedral in Belize City, drove us to St Hilda's Elementary to stop and say hi to the children. I know know about the rest of the team, but this certainly made my day. They were all smiles upon our arrival, and I know our entire team is extremely excited to be back again tomorrow. After that, (this was approximately hour 32 of our sleepless travel down) we checked into the Venus Hotel....and completely passed out. But that nice little catnap gave us the energy to enjoy a tasty supper at Han-nahs. Then after a relaxing devotional time, debriefing on our trip so far, we've settled in for a good nights sleep (something I greatly look forward to doing as soon as this is posted!).

There are far too many stories to tell and too many pictures to show over the past few days, but unfortunately we're on a bit of a time limit; I've got about 30 seconds till the internet cafe closes, so i'm working under the clock. If there are spelling errors, or sentences that make no sense whatsoever, please bear with me. But we are here, we are ok, and we are SO excited to get started.

I'll try to get in tomorrow at a more timely fashion. That way you can see some of the pictures that have been collected since the last post.

until then, Goodnight from Belize

-Cody McKay

The toucan has landed ...

Quick update to let you know that the week one team has arrived safely in Portland, ME. We expect to be home in Fredericton by about 11pm.

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers.