There were definitely mixed emotions when it was time to leave Belize. We were happy for all that we had accomplished on the mission trip and sad to be leaving those that touched us (and us them) behind. Saying our good-byes to Kip, Brian, and Pastor Betson, in particular, brought some tears to us all. And in the end, the mission trip accomplished what it was supposed to; it impacted us all in some way. So in that spirit, today's blog entry was not put together by a pair or trio, but by us all. So long, Belize. Until next time.....
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~ Samra W. ~
~ Samra W. ~
"An event that
affected me the most was when we visited the school for the last time on
Thursday. They opened up their arms to us and allowed us to join them during
their church service, where they let us sit in the pews with all of the kids.
This made me feel like they really welcomed us with open arms. But the part of
this that affected me the most was when each and every kid that attends the
school hugged each of us in the group. This moved me to tears because this just
showed me how much of an affect we’ve had on them, but also helped me realize
just how much of an affect they will forever have on me." __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
~ Chi Chi U. ~ "On Tuesday morning, we went to visit Unity Christian Academy where we were able to get a feel for the life of a student. I was placed in the classroom of third years (ages 10-14). I don’t know how or why I was drawn to this child, but as soon as I stepped into the room my eyes found Ezekiel. He smiled a polite smile and gave a timid wave, but his eyes were sad. They were big and brown and full of something older than both of us. As the day sped past, I spent time with him and fell in love. It took time and endless cajoling, but I earned Ezekiel’s smile. He was the most beautiful person I had ever met. I saw how he interacted with his younger sisters and it warmed my heart. Ezekiel left me feeling loved and special. I will never forget him and his laughter will resonate within me forever."
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"I think that I
will miss the grateful attitudes of many of the children we met in Belize. All of the children that I met over the
course of the week were so grateful for what things and opportunities they had,
though they usually didn’t have that much.
When we visited the Unity Christian Academy on Tuesday morning, I found
it to be really nice that most of the children were so happy to be at school,
receiving an education. They realized
that not all kids have are able to go to school, and I could tell that some of
them would do almost anything to be able to keep coming to school. This idea of being grateful for all the
opportunities I have is one that I have tried to adopt more and will hopefully
bring back with me to Westminster."
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~ Libby
T. ~
"I think that I
will miss the grateful attitudes of many of the children we met in Belize. All of the children that I met over the
course of the week were so grateful for what things and opportunities they had,
though they usually didn’t have that much.
When we visited the Unity Christian Academy on Tuesday morning, I found
it to be really nice that most of the children were so happy to be at school,
receiving an education. They realized
that not all kids have are able to go to school, and I could tell that some of
them would do almost anything to be able to keep coming to school. This idea of being grateful for all the
opportunities I have is one that I have tried to adopt more and will hopefully
bring back with me to Westminster."
~ Lily
M. ~
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~ Jorie
M. ~
"On
Saturday morning as we circled up, Pastor Betson dropped by for a final
farewell. We all stood in a circle, arms around each other, as he sang us a
song that began with “Welcome to the family.” Although I cannot fully remember
all of what he was saying, I do know he repeated, 'I love you, you are special'
several times. As tears began to roll down my cheeks, I got chills as I
reflected on the past week in realizing that he was right- we had all become a
family and would forever share precious memories like this. I began remembering
moments spent with the most loving children in the world and the times we had
to learn from them, I remembered the times after dinner as we all collected as
one big group in a teeny tiny room laughing and only growing closer to one
another. And I remembered the final day at the worksite, us gathering beneath
the Medical Center to sign our names as well as bible verses and words Pastor Betson
had shared with us. And in reflecting upon these wonderful memories, all I
could do was smile and agree that yes, we have all become on big family in
Belize."
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~ Mallory L. ~
"Belize was an
experience I will always remember because it taught me how to love. Weird
right? You would think if I was going on a missions trip I would be the one
loving on the other people there, and we did do a lot of that by helping build
the medical center, but really they taught me how it feels to love and be
loved. Between Pastor Betson’s classic
phrase “I love you; you are special” that began the moment he met us to the
children of Unity Primary School and 8 mile I felt truly loved. On Thursday we
went back to the school for an assembly. At the assembly I sat on a random row
waiting for children to fill in the row. A girl next to me named Ingrid came
and sat down next to me with the rest of her class. I waved to the row and then
turned back around. Next thing I know Ingrid, a girl about 8 years old, had her
arms wrapped around me leaning on my shoulder. She had learned from people like
Pastor Bentson in her community to love people immediately, instantly, without
judgement. I hadn’t taught her class on Monday. When she sat down next to me,
it was the first time I had ever seen her face, yet she hugged me and said
goodbye at the end as if we were best friends. Same with all the other hundreds
of children and teachers who gave us each hugs to say goodbye, whether they
knew us or not. The kids at 8-mile also reflected this idea of instant love
everyday they came and sat with us at the worksite or played soccer with us. I
don’t play soccer nor do I know how to other than PE, but these kids accepted
my flaws on Thursday and passed the ball to me anyways and enjoyed my company
as I did theirs. They accepted me for who I was immediately, and that made it
easier to love them so much more as we as Christians are called to do. It’s the
golden rule."
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~ Sheridan N. ~
"The people of
Belize, adults and children alike, inspired and touched my heart the most. I
took off from Houston to Belize hoping to impact the people I came in contact
with, yet I was unprepared for the significant impact that they would make on
me. The sense of a loving community everywhere, from Unity Primary
School/Church to 8-mile was incredible; unlike anything I’ve ever felt at
Westminster, which is pretty amazing, considering Westminster is a close-knit
community as well. As soon as Pastor Betson, a complete stranger, embraced me,
I immediately felt welcomed and loved. He proceeded to pull back and look me
straight in the eyes, and told me that he loved me, and that I was special. I
have never seen a smile so big and genuine as the Pastor’s and have never felt
as much light and as much of the Lord’s love and spirit radiate from a sole
human being. He was truly the epitome of the Lord’s servant, and a sanctuary
and temple of the Lord’s love, which was beyond incredible. The children in the
school and at 8-mile community were some of the most joyful and optimistic
children I’ve ever met. Despite what they lacked, such as functioning pencils,
and some even shoes for their feet, not once did they complain, whine, or cry,
heavily contrasting the American kids in my summer gymnastics camp, and myself
to be honest. The kids at Unity astounded me with their determination and
hard-working personae. One girl latched on to my hip while I was working on the
Medical center in 8-mile and pressed her head against my stomach. I didn’t even
catch her name because she spoke so softly and gently. I proceeded to giver her
piggy-back races, which she absolutely loved, and begged me to race some more.
It was in those moments when I really reflected on my mindset about school and
my desire for possessions that aren’t necessities. I’m hoping that I will be
able to imitate the kid’s happiness and love for life and others someday."
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~ Taylor
P. ~
"I love to play
soccer and so playing with the kids was an event that impacted me the most.
About 5 of my teammates on the Westminster soccer team came to Belize as well,
so we all decided to bring the old soccer jerseys to give away to the kids.
Donating things always makes me feel like I have made a small difference, but
this time I felt different. Everybody wanted one, and we ended up running out,
but the kids were so happy to have these jerseys it made me feel like we had
impacted them. We kids came the next night wearing the jerseys that we had
given to them previously, it made my heart warm knowing that they were put to
good use. The kids were so joyful all the time and they welcomed all of us to
make teams each night to play soccer. I felt connected to each one of them,
using a universal sport to bring us all together. Even though they didn’t have
nearly as much as we did, their hearts were the same and I truly felt that when
we played soccer."
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~ Miller
L. ~
"Pastor Betson
really made this trip special. I think that most everyone in the group would
agree with me. Ill never forget the first time we met him, he hugged each and
every one of us and said, “I love you, you are special.” It wasn’t just once
that he did this either, every single time we saw us he gave us a hug, looked
us in the eyes, and said, “I love you, you are special.” Pastor Betson not only
went out of his way to make our group feel at home while we were there, he also
started a school and a church with his wife, who is very sick and doesn’t have
much longer to live. If he wanted to, Pastor Betson could find plenty of things
to complain about and blame God for but he does just the opposite. Instead he
praises God for all that he has and he knows that everything is going to work
out because God has a plan for him. Pastor Betson has impacted my life forever
and I wish that everyone could have the amazing opportunity to meet this man
just like we did."
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~ Hannah
G. ~
"Although Belize
left innumerable lasting marks on me, the people themselves were the ones that
I will never forget. I learned the meaning of God’s love from an
eleven-year-old girl named Shanelly, when we became friends while waiting for
Sunday night’s church service to begin. We sat on the church steps, her letting
me hold her curled up month-old kitten in my lap, and me asking her about her
family, ambitions, and daily life. We looked for each other every time I was at
the school, smiling when we spotted each other from the van window. My hours
spent with her allowed me to see the thriving lives under the run-down buildings
in Belize City. I will never forget her, nor Pastor Betson, nor the thousands
living in the city that I was never able to meet."
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~ Addie C. ~
"In Belize I had
the pleasure of getting to know many local children and adults. While working
on the worksite, I met a little boy named Israel. His smile was what made me
want to know him, and I struck up a conversation with him. He told me that he
went to school that day, and he had a half day. He came home from school to 8
Mile/Western Paradise, and his mom wasn’t there yet, because she was working
inside Belize City. He didn’t get to eat lunch, and he was hungry. He also
showed me his house and, like all of the Belizean children, he was very proud
of what little he had. In the few hours I had with Israel, I learned about
myself and the blessings God gave me, as well as how much in my life I take for
granted. I have an amazing school, a house above my head, 3 meals a day,
clothes, and a family who loves me unconditionally- what more could I ask for?
Yet, before this trip, I still wished for more. The smile on Israel’s face when
he pointed out his house to me and asked me, “do you like it?” made me see all of
the blessings God has given me, and I know that I will no longer take for
granted all I have."
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~ Tate B. ~"I will definitely miss the people of Belize the most. Their attitudes were so different than that of our home in Atlanta. Everyone was smiling and friendly and welcomed us with open arms. Terrence's wife cooked an amazing lunch for us and accommodated us in her house every single day. She kept smiling and was happy to do it. Pastor Betson welcomed us into his church and his school, and even told us that we were welcome at his home. The kids were all happy and full of energy. The people we met had a positive outlook on everything and a strong faith in God. I don't think I heard anyone complain about anything during our entire trip. They might not have had the things that some people think you need to be happy; computers, fancy cars, big houses- but they really left a mark on me. The kids were always smiling and laughing and playing. They really made me think about my daily life and how different it was from theirs. I refuse to think of them as underprivileged because they are the most joyous people I've ever met. The medical center will definitely be beneficial for their community, but they gave us so much more through their kindness and friendship."
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~ Susie F. ~
"Unlike the normal American culture of a close family, the importance of family stuck out to me while I was in Belize. However, family has a totally different meaning in Belize. Everyone is family. No matter how well you know a person, they will provide anything you need and take you under their wing, even if it means sacrifice for them. They did not have to do what they did for us, but they chose to out of the kindness of their heart. During our trip, we met multiple people that took care of us and treated us like family, like Terrance and his wife who cooked and hosted us the four days while we were at the worksite. Also, every kid we met instantly felt comfortable with us and let us play with them. However, perhaps the biggest example of them all is Pastor Betson. He loved all 25 people in our group from the moment he saw us and told every person while hugging them, "I love you. You are special." Before we left on Saturday, he even came and sang us a song about how we were all family which brought us to tears. After experiencing this costume from Belize, I hope we can bring back our amazing experiences and share them."__________________________________________________________________________________________________
~ Aanya A. ~"Pastor Betson, our trip to Unity Christian Academy, and playing soccer with the kids at 8-mile impacted my life, and made for a trip I will never forget. Pastor Betson runs the Unity Christian Academy with his wife, and gives everything he has to make sure each and every kid feels special and gets an education. The first time we saw him, he greeted us like we had known him his entire life, hugging each and every one us while telling us “I Love you, you are special.” Every time he saw us, he made sure to give each of us hug, welcoming us into his community, considering us a part of his family. When we went to the school Pastor Betson ran, we were split in groups and placed in classrooms. As Sheridan and I walked into their standard 1 classroom at Unity Christian Academy, kids between the ages of 7-9 greeted us. The all had smiles of their faces, waving and looking to see who we were. We took a seat in open desks that the kids had pointed out to us, and then class began. We only spent 3 hours with these kids but I will never forget how happy and loving and excited each of these kids were asking us questions, running up to us and giving hugs even if it was the first time they had seen us. Even though they were only 7 years old, they taught me more than I could have learned in Atlanta, having attitudes towards life and an appreciation that I hope I will I have."
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~ Caroline D. ~
'The soul is healed by being with children.' - Fyodor
Dostoyevsky
"I came across
this quote in a book while in Belize, and thought it applied perfectly to the
trip. My heart is forever changed by the
sweet, genuine, smiles always on the faces of every child I met and interacted
with, whether I was helping explain a math problem, playing soccer, giving
piggy-back rides, or building cheerleading stunts with the kids. One day, Kip said “It’s the need for manual
labor (construction of the medical clinic in our case) that gets teams down
here, but the real reason that you’re here is to form relationships with the
people.” This really stuck with me all week, and will change my view on mission
work going forward. Looking back, I made some meaningful connections with both
kids and adults in Belize that I will never forget, and I can only hope that
those relationships were mutual, and that I did something to change their lives
as well."
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~ Caroline H. ~"I felt most impacted when our group visited Unity Presbyterian on our last day of work. Pastor Betson greeted each of us and we began worship, singing some of the same Christian worship songs from Atlanta. After the service, every student lined up to give each one of us a hug. I recognized some faces of students I’d helped teach on Monday. Two of the girls from my class gave me notes telling me how much they loved us and were grateful for us. It brought tears to my eyes when I hugged my class for the last time, but I knew I’d made an impact on their lives. I hope they remember me, as I will remember them and the impact they had on my life."
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"As I reflect on this amazing mission journey to Belize, I feel God’s love and warmth in all the people that I met. Our two CSI guardian angels, Kip and Brian, made sure that we had delicious food, materials for the Medical Center worksite, and time to have fun with the Belizean children. Pastor Betson’s energetic, electric personality made the school and the church such a loving place for the students and us. He greeted all with 'I love you. You are special' each day. One of the most touching moments was the parade of each student coming to give us a hug--that was 225 hugs! I even got a hug from my precious 5th grade friend, Michael! The children of the playground and the others at Unity Presbyterian Primary School were so appreciative of our help, work, and playtime. Working with my two 'type A' colleagues, Sandi and Kevin, was unBelizeable, too! No matter where we were, strangers would come up to us and say what a wonderful, polite group of teenage girls we had. It has been such a blessing getting to know each one of them. Believe me each nail hammered, electrical wire pulled, dirt hole dug, and paint stroke was done with sweat and dedicated love. Even though the Belizeans have so little material wise, their faces always had big smile. Their loving nature and faith in God captured my heart and let me know that giving and helping others does help the inner soul more than anyone could ever imagine. "
~ Sandi Penn ~"There have been so many amazing people and things I have experienced in Belize. Pastor Betson inspired me to never take the good things in life for granted and always make time to tell people 'I love you' and 'you are special.' He constantly reminded me to remember that 'God is good all the time, all the time God is good.' Our two terrific CSI guides, Kip and Brian, had hearts of gold and I truly appreciated them and their commitment to carry out their calling. I am especially thankful for the 21 amazing Westminster students who shared this experience in Belize with me. I am so proud of them individually and collectively as a group. Whether they were working hard in the Medical Center, playing in the community, worshipping or teaching the children of Unity Church, our girls did everything with grace and passion. I am truly honored to have been part of this fantastic group. It has been a week I will never forget."
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~ Kevin Mylod ~
“To paraphrase what a former colleague once told me, ‘be in the moment.’ Don’t worry what you left behind and don’t worry what you’re supposed to do tomorrow, next week, or next month. Be present in the moment because that moment won’t ever come again. Those words never rang more loudly than while I was in Belize. There’s a lot going on in my life right now and it would have been so easy for me to let my mind wander back to it all. Had I let myself wander, I would have missed out on the many amazing moments spent with Pastor Betson and the kids of Unity Presbyterian Primary School, our students while working at the medical center, or with members of the Western Paradise community. I brought a whole bunch of papers down to Belize to grade and they never made it out of my bag.”
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