Sharing Hearts

This evening, I sat with a new Belizean friend who has lovingly accepted me into her world.  She is a faithful servant of the King, who shared some of her struggles with me.  During our conversation, she shared that she was choosing to avoid church this evening because she didn't want to be fake.  She is struggling with a number of issues and knew that her church family would caringly ask her how she was doing. She knew she would tell them that she was fine, even though that was not the whole truth.  She wants to be fine and knows that her church friends want to be supportive, but the timing of sharing was not right and she just didn't want to put on an act. 

I was honored that she was willing to share a bit with me but as I returned home this evening, I kept thinking about her struggle to attend services with her husband and children.  By the way, her struggle was not with him!  This made me think about my own hesitancy to share my struggles with my friends.  Like this kind woman, I choose not to share my struggles with people as I do not want to be a burden to them.  I do not want to be a "Debbie Downer".  But, really, am I just being unfair to my friends?  Am I selling them short?

What really makes a friendship real?  How does one deepen friendships, if we are only willing to share parts of ourselves?  Do our friends only want to be our "good time friends" or are real friendships a balance of fun and sharing of our deeper hearts?

I think that I am selling some of friends short.  I am not trusting that they care enough about me that they want to support me through my lonelier moments or the challenges of my life. I see myself as someone who wants to support my friends but I am unwilling to let them have that opportunity.  The truth is, I didn't have any sage advice for my friend and you know what, she didn't necessarily want me to solve her problems.  But she gave me the privilege of hearing her share her heart and the privilege of being able to encourage her and let her know that I cared.  I felt that she gave me the gift of deepening friendship.

So tonight as I write this, I have learned an important lesson.  Sharing my burdens with those that I care about doesn't have to be a burden to them, but it might actually be a gift of trust!

 

Loss of a Good Pal

Who would have known almost 18 years ago that this special little puppy would fill my life with so much joy?  Today, I made the decision that my little old puppy, Toby, was ready for doggy heaven.  When I came to Belize, I knew that it was probable that I would lose him here and I was right. 

As you know, Mr. Tobyman would have turned 18 years old in November.  He was a snuggly puppy whose favorite spot in Belize was on the one pillow I brought from home.  He settled in well once we moved into our house at #2 Baboon Avenue here in Belmopan.  But he was old and life was mostly about sleeping. 

About four days ago I saw a change in the quantity of food he was eating (he always had a pretty healthy appetite for a 7 lb. pup.)  I could not get him to eat anything the last couple days and he stopped drinking yesterday morning.  After many tears and prayers, I realized that even if I could get him through this illness, he was not really living a full life anymore.

An incredibly empathetic veterinarian and I held and petted little Toby as he slowing drifted off to sleep and eventually passed.  I told him that he was going to see my little Maggie dog. 

I am very sad yet sure that a compassionate decision was made.  I know that he will be missed by not only me but by many of you.  Thank you for caring.  I miss my little Tobester. 

The Rana

Coming home this evening to my new home in Belmopan, I was startled by some movement in my yard.  I looked to see if it was a cat or a lizard, but could see nothing that would make that crackling sound.  Toby and I went to the other area so he could take care of business and I heard the sound again.  I turned to see the biggest frog (probably a toad) sitting on piece of wood.  Looking at Toby who is 6.5 pounds, I would guess that this frog was close to 2.  He was so calm and tolerated my flashlight in his eyes.  Later, Toby, during his second visit outside, was exploring.  We found him just staring at this huge amphibian, which is impossible since he is blind.  But even Toby found this peaceful creature interesting.  I really am still surprised by the amazing expression of God’s creation here in Belize.

Chocolate, an International Treat

Today, Adrienne and I had a great experience at the water company.  We went to get the water turned on at my little house and were told that it would take three to five business days after we returned with a rental receipt.  We were a little disappointed as I was hoping to move in this weekend and start shopping for dishes and things to settle me in.  Also, we have so much we want to do with the schools next week. 

Adrienne and I were joking in the car that maybe we could gain favor with her famous chocolate chip cookies.  We returned with the rental receipt mid afternoon and kept the joke going by sharing with the two young men at the water company that we would bring them chocolate cookies if we could have it a little sooner.  Initially, there was little response.  Adrienne then shared that she "makes a mean chocolate cookie" and their interest was piqued. 

With a sly little smile, the gentle man shared , " No promises, but you might want to check this evening..."  Well, we had Dion who lives a couple streets away check at about six (right before dark).  Lo and behold.. I have water!

Guess who are going to be looking for chocolate chips tomorrow!!!

Timing

Whatever happened to leaving on April 12th?  I have been asking myself the same thing. Actually, I have been asking many questions!
It all started when I went to the optometrist to get new glasses!  I wanted to be styling when I arrived at the Belizean airport, you know.  During the exam, it was discovered that I had some peripheral vision issues.  After multiple tests with an opthamologist, including an MRI, it was determined that I have a benign tumor on my pituitary gland about 3 cm in diameter (pituitary adenoma for you google junkies) that has to be removed!

So, today I found out that I have been scheduled to have neurosurgery on May 3, 2012.  I will be at St. Joseph Hospital, here in Denver.  I will be in ICU for a day or two and then home a day or two later.  My recovery time will be about four weeks,  so with prayer and patience, I hope to be heading to Belize the second week of June. 

So, timing!!  I am praying that God will help me deal with the disappointment and continue to help me to stay focused on the end result.  Knowing that God's timing is perfect, I am aware that there is a purpose in all of this.  I am thankful that this was all discovered before I got down to Belize and have some work that I can accomplish from Denver to continue to get ready. 

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Marti

Check Out This Video

Here is a three minute video of the work that PathLight is doing in Belize.  I will be joining in the work for teacher education supporting and encouraging teachers of 5-14 year olds.  Our hope is to assist the thoughtful and caring teachers prepare more students to attend high school. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMYp-sZkA1c


P.S.  I will be leaving for Belize on April 12th.  Please continue to pray for a smooth transition and God's provision during this very exciting time!

Things That I Love in Belize

I know that I have only been to Belize twice but there are already somethings that I really am looking forward to, as I prepare for this ministry.  Here are my Top Ten:

10. English is the national language of Belize ... that means that I can fully communicate and develop    meaningful relationships there  (Judy, no Spanglish!)

9.  Driving on the right side of the road (Marie, I will be safe!)

8.  Arriving at the airport in November, we were greeted by beautiful Caribbean music.  Hope that happens again!

7.  Being awakened by the night sounds and especially the Howler Monkeys as they guard their territories at Jaguar Creek

6.  Seeing flowers that are brilliant and plentiful (and Chris, I do not know the names of them in Belize, either!)

5.  Going to get ice cream at the home of some Mennonite farmers-- yum (Marcia, are you tempted?)  Hope I remember how to get there  :)

4.  Working with dedicated teachers to their schools and communities. Finding creative ways to engage students

3.     Spending time with the sponsored high schoolers and college students who want to make a difference in their communities

2.     Hugging sweet children and sharing stories

AND the Number 1 thing that I am looking forward to is...

      Openly sharing my faith in Jesus Christ!  as there is no separation of church and state in Belize.   Yeah, God!