Arrival

We made it safe and sound to Hosanna House! Despite delays in both of our flights, we were able to make our connections and arrived in Belize City by approximately 2:00pm local time (4pm Eastern). We were able to get through customs smoothly, and after stopping at Cheers to get some dinner the team decided to divide and conquer. Eight went to go get some additional supplies from the Mall, and the rest went straight up to Hosanna House to start unpacking and getting the team quarters set up. Of course, we also stopped to say hi to the kids who were playing volleyball in the courtyard when we pulled up. We saw some familiar faces there, but there are also many new residents that we're excited to get to know.

Today was pretty relaxed. After nearly twenty hours of being awake and on the move yesterday, we all needed a day to just settle in. We met in the morning after everyone was up to go over some expectations for the week. Several of our team members will be teaching Sunday school at Light of The Valley Church tomorrow. Dave was going to preach, but we found out that the church is having a baptismal service instead of their typical worship service. At least one of the residents of Hosanna House will be baptized tomorrow.

One of the other points we went over was our VBS that we are hosting at Light of the Valley. The theme last year was a soccer camp, and it was such a big hit we decided to do it again this year. We also brought a bunch of soccer balls to give out to the kids at the end.

After our little meeting, we went up to hang out with the girls for a bit before lunch. They love doing hair and nails, so that was the agenda for the day. One of the girls decided to give me cornrows. Matthew was game enough to get the works-- he let the girls do his hair, nails, AND makeup! He wants everyone to know that he was very beautiful. ;)

We've been having some internet connection problems since we got here, hence the delay in getting a blog post up. The power in the team quarters also flickered on and off for a bit. Currently, it's running fine, and we found a temporary solution for the internet problem.

Later in the day we played volleyball with a few of the girls, and just as it was beginning to rain we decided to head in for our respective dinners. When I turned around to go back to the team quarters, I saw a beautiful, perfect rainbow in the mountain overlooking the compound. I have never before seen such a clear, stunning rainbow.

After dinner we went up to the house to have devotions and play some games with the girls. It might take another day or so before everyone really gets comfortable with each other, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves. A lot of us are still pretty exhausted from travelling, and a few of us are fighting colds Jennifer was complaining today of pain in her ear, and we're worried it might be an infection. She was able to get some treatment, and said she was feeling a little better as of devo time with the girls.

It's been a good day, and we're looking forward to what God has planned for the rest of the week.