ObeyingHIM: Belize Family Mission Trip

When God leads His people through a spirit filled week of service, it's just hard to put it into words. But, I am going to try.
Reese has been to Belize four times with medical, dental and construction teams. He left a piece of his heart there many years ago. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity he had to go because it changed his life - thus our lives. Although I felt like I understood what he did and how he was touched, I really had no idea!
What a blessing to be able to take our entire family on this trip.
We worked hard painting; we handed out school supplies; we interacted with deaf and hearing children; we experienced pure and sincere worship; we formed new relationships and strengthened existing ones, and we met amazing people!
The trip was special on many levels. First of all, traveling to a third world country and seeing extreme poverty certainly makes us realize how blessed we are in some ways. However, seeing the true joy that radiates from the people - makes us wonder if all of our "stuff" doesn't get in our way - especially in our relationship with our Lord.
The trip was also a time of spiritual renewal as we saw people living out lives of obedience to the Lord. It is a challenge to me to attempt to live out this obedience in my life here in Decatur. We spent so much time praying to God and praising God and seeing God at work that we will never be the same again!

Our hearts ache today for the precious time we had in Belize and for those we miss. We were especially blessed to spend time with two of the most godly and humble people I have ever met. I won't be able to sum it up with words, but we love them and we were blessed to spend a week with Buddy and Kathryn Hardy as they live out the Great Commission in Belize!!! Check out the last picture of Ellie and Buddy aka "Chief" on our prayer walk at the Valley of Peace. What a precious example he is to us and our children. Another team of people from the Decatur area will leave on February 12 for a medical and dental missions week through Fishers of Men. Please join me in praying for this team as they prepare to go!