Day 22 of 32

Thursday

When I woke up this morning the rain was coming down with a vengeance. Disappointing...I was suppose to hang out with my cousin Deon and his family in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Reluctantly I got ready and prayed for a miracle.

The miracle came at 10:00 a.m. when the rain let up just enough for us to get my granny in Deon's car and get on the road. It was my first time visiting this part of the country, so I paid great attention to my surroundings as we went along. A striking realization hit me about twenty minutes into our journey. It was really green out here! After living in the United States for nine years I had forgotten how much greenery there is out in the world.

After an amazing lunch (Anna, Deon's wife, is a great cook!) Deon, Anna, Dayna (their daughter) and I left for Cayo. We had been hoping to go to the Xunantunich Maya ruins, but we were not sure if they would let us climb to the top since it had been raining and the stairs could be slippery. We tried anyways.

To our amazement it had not rained at all in that area, and we were allowed to climb the temple. I was thrilled! Deon use to be the CEO for tourism in Belize, so he is the perfect person to go site seeing with. He pointed out important details in the architecture that I would not have noticed otherwise. For instance, the freeze on one of the sides of the building is covered by an exact fiber-glass replica in order to protect the original for future archeological research. Another thing he pointed out was the beds in which people slept. Quite hard concrete!

Belize currently has a population close to 300,000 people. Deon explained that contrary to popular belief, this area was very densely populated prior to colonization. The first explorers would have encountered over one million Mayas living in Belize. Due to plagues and other illnesses, this number was greatly depleted by the colonization period.

The Maya people were very hierarchical in structure. The closer you lived to the top of the temple, the more powerful you are. I learned that although much has been discovered at Xunantunich, many of the "lower class" people would have spread out for miles from the temple, and therefore there are many more discoveries to be made in this area.

After leaving Xunantunich we got back on the ferry that brought us across the little river, and left for home. Stopping on our way to buy souvenirs and pineapple ice cream! I believe this was the most exciting day I had in Belize.

Day 21 of 32

Wednesday

Today my cousin Kemane is taking me to the Keys. Although I have visited Belize on many occassions for extended periods of time, I have never visited the touristy areas, so I am very excited about this outing!

Of course, I had not initially planned to go to a beach, so I had no bathing suit. Before taking off we had to get a bathing suit and a towel for me to take with me. We took the 10:30 am boat to the island...the ride was phenomenal. I think that is the part of the trip I enjoyed the most. The last time I was on a boat was during our honeymoon in the Bahamas. I loved feeling the wind and sun!

Once we got to the Key we headed for my Kemane's friend's restaurant, the Herbal Tribe. Coincidentally I could have sworn some people were smoking pot right accross from it...Anyways, I walked over to the beach, spread my blanket, and took a nap. I was awaken by my cousin hovering over me with a lunch menu. One of the restaurant workers had also come with her to make sure all was just the way I wanted it. It was great service! Twenty minutes later my meal was brought to me and I ate by the beach...I felt very pampered.

After lunch Kemane and I walked up to the split and hung out by a beautiful beach side. We got to see some fishes and just get some sun. The fresh air was fantastic, the water was enchanting, and the food was amazing...I did not get into the water though. I know, it sounds crazy, but I just did not feel it in my spirit.

At 1:30 we were on our way back home, and the boat ride was again, fantastic! The rest of the afternoon I spent with my granny, cousins and my aunt. We ate some fudge that Kemane made, and visited. It was a great day.

Day 20 of 32

Tuesday

Yesterday I arrived in Belize City. My cousin and aunt were at the airport to pick me up and we headed for my aunt's house. When I arrived my grandmother was waiting for me. She was very surprised at how much I had changed (I think I still look the same!).

After lunch we sat in the living room and watched soap operas for the rest of the afternoon. It always amazes me how quickly you can pick up on soaps even if you have not seen them in years. The stories are usually the same...Boy meets girl, they get married, or sleep together, or have a baby, then boy leaves girl to start all over with another girl!

That evening I get to meet some of my second cousins that are arriving from school. The last time I was in Belize most of them were not even born yet! I felt old...

I spent the nights at my aunt Elo's house, and most of the days I spent with my Granny at my aunt Stella's house. Aunt Stella is a great cook!

Day 19 of 32

I woke up and looked out the window to see beautiful, fluffy clouds. I don't think I have ever seen such amazing looking clouds before in my life! Up here life seems so carefree. It is my fourth plane ride in two months. My limbs are tired of sitting, but the view is sure worth it.

The captain comes over the intercom system to let us know that we are beginning our initial decent. From the corner of my eye I see a flash of lightning. Out the window I can now see that the beautiful white clouds have been swallowed up by menacing gray ones. The seat belt sign comes on and the flight attendant admonishes us to tighten them for the road ahead is very bumpy.

Into a dark cloud we go...The plane drops five feet, and woman behind me screams! As soon as it began the turbulence stops. Ahead is another cloud and this time it is worse. My alarm increases as the lightning becomes more frequent...Has a plane ever been struck before?

As we bounce from dark cloud to dark cloud my outlook on being up here begins to shift. Suddenly I glimpse something out in the dark sky...Yes, for a brief moment there is a magnificent rainbow flashing through the clouds. I remember the story of Noah. "I do set my bow in the clouds" God had said. A peace and reassurance fills my heart. God had sent a sign to let me know that He would once again bring me to safety!

When we landed it was raining...Thus began my week in Belize

Day 16 of 32

For the conclusion of my riveting ordeal, let me take you back to Tuesday morning...

I wake up at 4:45 am to make my 6:30 flight back to Chicago. I get into Chicago at 12:40 and I am on my two-hour drive back home in the middle of a rainy, traffic-filed day at 2:30 eastern time. By the time I finally get home it is around 5:00 pm and I have an appointment for a much needed massage at 6:30 pm.

Once I get back from my massage, I decide to check my passport to make sure everything is in order...It's not. My passport has expired in April of the current year. Quickly I search the web to see what can be done in such a short amount of time. I learn that it will take five days to process the information for a renewal.

Armed with lots of phone numbers I set out on Wednesday morning to hound every Costa Rican embassy for expedited service. Luckily enough, the embassy in Chicago was more than happy to oblige, and after faxing them some paper work, they give me an appointment to get my renewal Friday at 11:30 am.

For the second time this week I make the long two-hour drive (three hours in today's traffic) to the city. Thankfully my good friend Fabiola offers to accompany me on this voyage. We thoroughly enjoy our time together.

Once in the consular office, it only takes about twenty minutes to get all the paper work done and my passport extended. Relief floods every fiber of my body, and we go out for a celebratory meal at Ruby Tuesday's...

Back home we come with our stomachs full and our hearts light. We joke about everything, even the traffic. Life is great for this moment in time, and we treasure the moment...

An Apology

Today's rain and overcast skies tried to warn me that I was heading for trouble, but I did not heed the warning. I went about my day oblivious to life.

Now I must make a public apology to my dearest friend Darlene. You are a very sincere friend and a really wonderful person, and I have thrown our friendship aside. I was wrong, and there is nothing I can say to justify forgetting your 25th birthday.

I hope you can find it in your heart to not hold a grudge againts me because I failed you. I also pray you had a wonderful day despite my neglect.

Sorry!

Day 14 of 32

It was the San Jose, CA airport this time. Trevan and I said goodbye to each other again! This time there was no crying. The empty feeling at the pit of my stomach was still there though...We had a wonderful weekend.

Trevan was at the airport on Friday with a big smile on his face. I rushed to hug him and tell him how much I missed him. Our happy reunion was rudely interrupted by the announcement that my bag had not arrived with me...Sigh!

We took off and went to pick up the evangelist that is conducting the meetings in Hunter's Point, and Trevan's roommate Moses, for a late lunch. After dropping them back at the hotel we headed to the airport to get my bag. It was there this time. Exhausted from a long day I fell asleep on Trev's hotel bed and woke up in time for the nightly meetings.

The evangelist preached for a good hour and fifteen...Then we had to drive about forty minutes to Heather's place, where we would be staying for the weekend.

On Sabbath morning we woke up bright and early to get to Sabbath School. Moses thought the lesson and Trevan preached that day. Both did a wonderful job. I don't think I have ever been so proud of my husband! We had a wonderful lunch followed by an anointing service, a nap, and another hour and twenty minutes sermon. Then the drive back to Heather and Patrick's.

Sunday was another early day. Trevan had class and I hung out in his hotel room watching football. At noon his parents came down and we had lunch together. After lunch, Trevan went to another anointing service while his parents and I went to the mall. We then met up with Trevan and Moses and went to the meeting. This time the evangelist only spoke for 40 to 45 minutes and we were happy to get home earlier than usual.

Monday we spent the whole day on Heather and Pat's couch in their TV room either watching a movie, eating, or sleeping...It was perfect!

Tuesday morning we woke up bright and early and I got back to Chicago at about 1:00 p.m. It was really cold and rainy, so my two-hour drive back to Berrien Springs was interesting! Upon arriving home I discovered, much to my dismay and embarrassment, that my passport is expired...Horrible problem since I am suppose to be leaving the country on Monday to see my grandma in Belize!

To find out the rest of this riveting story you will have to read my next post...TO BE CONTINUED...

Day 8 of 32

This week has gone by slowly. I keep myself so busy I am knocked out and night, but still it seems like time has dragged on.

Tomorrow morning I leave for California...I am so excited I think I am not going to be able to sleep a wink all night! Being away from Trevan has shown me just how much he means to me, and just how much we need each other. I am doing much better than day 1, because I have grown a lot since day 1.

Trevan has been blogging through his experience in the field (check out his blog on the side bar). It is nice to be able to read the blogs and know what is going on with him. Due to the three hour time difference it is almost impossible to have a decent conversation, which makes this whole ordeal much more complicated.

My anticipation grows by the second to the moment when I can see him and be in his arms again! I was thinking about that moment last night and I realized that I was experiencing the kind of excitement we should have for seeing Jesus come back to earth. The imagery was so powerful it baffled me. Not often have I thought of the second coming in such wonderful terms. The Bible, however, seems very clear that Jesus is wanting to be with us! The force of that realization makes me yearn for His coming!

Day 5 of 32

A couple weeks ago Trevan and I got new cellphones. Mine kept on dropping calls, so yesterday I drove one hour each way to Portage to get a new phone.

Trevan had called them and spoke to someone who was suppose to put the update in the system. Well the guy did not put it in the system and he was not there yesterday. I drove two hours for nothing!

Supposedly, the guy that Trevan spoke to will be there today so after work I have to drive back to Portage. If Trevan were here I would not have to be dealing with all this driving on my own...

Last night I also noticed that our hallway light was out. Tonight after I get back from Portage I am going to have to climb on a chair and put in a new bulb...

I miss having Trevan around. I don't like dealing with all the house and life work without him...I am back to my single year after college, Miss Independent!

Day 3 of 32

Busy...That's what I've been these past two days. Maybe I do it on purpose to avoid feeling the vast emptiness of my little apartment. Long phone calls with friends, trips to the store, longer work hours, church, hanging out with people...

Stricken with sheer pity for my wretched condition, Trevan decided to fly me out this coming weekend so I can be with him for a few days. I love that man!

I met with some other wives whose husbands are also in field school. Some of them will not see their husbands at all the whole time they are gone...I really am blest to be able to take this trip.

My days are not only filled with activities, but also with hope and a glorious anticipation of being in Trevan's arms sooner than expected.

Day 1 of 32

Today is different...Something is wrong. The room is empty and the silence threatens to swallow me alive.

As I went pass the security check point in the Oakland airport yesterday, I looked back to catch one last glimpse of my beloved husband. He was crying, so was I. It was the last time I would see him in 32 days. In the two years we have been together we have only been apart for one weekend! Now he has to stay in California to help out in an evangelistic series as part of his seminary training.

I tried being strong, but the harder I try not to cry, the harder I cry. For some of you this might not seem like a terribly unbearable amount of time, but for me it is more than I can bear. I know my limitations, and it appears I have reached my limit.

Trevan said that I was acting as if he were dead...He is not the one that is dead, I am!

On Family

Since last Friday Trevan and I have been in California. The first weekend we were in Southern California visiting with Trevan's grandmother and his uncles, aunts and cousins on his mother's side. It was especially nice to be able to hang out with Ron (Trev's cousin on his father's side of the family) on Saturday night.

This trip became even more memorable for me when a group of my cousins and their families drove up from L.A. to Riverside to hang out with me for a couple hours. It was a little nerve racking at first because my cousins have young children, and Trevan's uncle Larry has this very impressive display of artifacts dating thousands of years back.

Eventually all my fears dissipated as I contemplated the most amusing sight ever! I looked over and saw uncle Larry attempting to blow up an inflatable crocodile while three little girls looked at his with great expectations. After blowing a few breaths into the animal, uncle Larry decided to divert his attention to a plane instead. The girls giggled and jumped all around him. It was so lovely to see both our families bonding in such small yet significant ways.

Overall it was great seeing my cousins even if only for a couple hours. Spending time with Trevan's grandmother was also extremely meaningful because at the age of 96 we are not sure how many, if any, more visit we will be able to enjoy with her.

As I reflect back on the family-packed weekend we had, I absolutely rejoiced at the beauty that is family!