Day 2 - Xunantunich

It took all 21 girls to spell out B-E-L-I-Z-E.  Well done!
Picture by Susie F.

The Sleeping Giant on our way to Xunantunich
Picture by Conoly C.

Belize Crew in Zunantunich

Alarms were set for 6:30 this morning in order to be at breakfast at 7. We woke up to a nice breeze and sunny skies with our newest friend, Kiana, a little girl who lives at the hotel and is currently being adopted by a mother who lives in Georgia. We had a wonderful home cooked meal to start off our day prepared by the hotel owner, Jeanette. Following breakfast, we made our way to the Mayan Ruins called Xunantunich.

On the way we saw a mountain shaped like a sleeping giant while eating some yummy plantain chips. The two and a half hour drive was definitely worth seeing Xunantunich, as they had the prettiest views we have ever seen. Standing on top of El Castillo we were able to see Guatemala and the City of Belize. Our two Mayan guides, Amin and Eder, told us all the history and information of the various steep structures we were climbing. To make it across the river to enter the Ruins, we took a ferry powered by the strength of a man. He had to be pretty strong to move two vans and lots of girls! Afterwards we stopped at a road-side hut for a delicious chicken lunch. We then proceeded to do a little bargaining-buying headbands, bracelets, bags and more! On our drive home, all twenty-one of us were knocked out cold after a couple of minutes looking at unique and colorful houses. We were all awoken by Brian and Kip to see the area in which we will be working with this week called 8 Miles/Western Paradise. We met a few children who we will have the privilege of spending more time with the rest of the week.

The ferry was operated by this man literally
turning the crank by hand

After dashing straight to the showers, we all met up for dinner at 5, in the upstairs room of the hotel. We had a spaghetti and meat sauce dinner before heading over to church. After the hour wait which included playing with an adorable kitten, the church service began by having everyone say, “I love you. You are special,” led by Pastor Benson.

We then proceeded to walk around and introduce ourselves by saying these words. Singing and clapping to songs that we were familiar with and some new ones as well, we “opened our hearts to see” and listen to the meaningful sermon about our worthy God. After meeting some rather cute boys, we stopped for ice cream before hearing Tate and Miller’s devotional about having an open mind. Overall, today was a great start to an exciting and fun-filled week.

At the steps of El Castillo at Xunantunich
Picture by Susie F.

Tomorrow we have the same wake up call in order to be at a school by 9 am to experience a Belizean school day. Meanwhile Brian and Kip will be getting the lumber required for our work on the Medical Clinic. Although we will be helping the community finish up the clinic, our main focus is on the relationships we build with each other and the people of Belize. Tune in tomorrow to hear about our first work day!!

written by Susie F., Conoly C. and Jorie M.

El Castillo, Xunantunich
Picture by Susie F.

Having fun in Xunantunich

...yet even more fun!
Picture by Susie F.

Still more more fun....

Hannah G., Miller L., Taylor P., Conoly C.,
Sheridan N., & Caroline H.

Our guides at Xunantunich, Eder (left) & Amin

On top of the world looking down on creation.....

The Chaperones: Patty Johnson, Kevin Mylod, & Sandi Penn

Climbing the steep steps to the top of El Castillo

(Back): Taylor C., Chi Chi U., Janiah B.
(Front): Samra W., Nicki D.

On top of El Castillo, Xunantunich

Iguana seen at Xunantunich

Spider Monkey seen at Xunantunich

Souvie Shopping after Xunantunich

Greeting people at the beginning of the church service

The United Presbyterian Mission Church,
where we went for worship at the end
of our day

Tate B., and Miller L., leading Sunday night's devotion

(From the left): Susie F., Jorie M., Conoly C.
Our Sunday Night Bloggers!
Picture by Patty Johnson