Adventure Day

It was a very wet and bumpy ride to the mainland of Belize due to huge waves crashing over the stern.  Some people in the boat got thoroughly

soaked, but they were good sports.

Two hours later we were ready for a delicious breakfast.  This time I captured the traditional Johnny Cake before devouring the biscuit stuffed with scrambled egg and bacon.

First stop—zip lining. I'd never tried this sport before, and was a little nervous. It was all right. Fun to be so high up in the canopy of the rain forest, zipping over a river far below.  I was mostly focused on the speed I needed to maintain, and yet land on the next platform without having to be pulled in. I did it!

getting my gear on

coming in for a landing

Terry's ride

Next came cave tubing. We had never heard of this sport, but it's just what it sounds like. A group of eight or so tubes was linked together, and pulled through a cave with stalactites dripping off the ceiling.

 That was so peaceful, floating along and staring up at the ceiling of the cave. I was sorry when the opening came into view again. The best part was swimming in the river for the short distance to our starting point. The water was so wonderful! I don't think I've ever been in a river so warm, yet refreshing. 

Terry on the right

When we got to our destination some students started jumping into the river. Without missing a beat I said to Terry, “Hold my glasses; I'm jumping off the rock.” Other people jumped off and survived, so I figured it was safe. What a rush!

The Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha were a bit bigger than the first ones we saw several weeks back. The weather was cooler, so we climbed up the steps along with the others. 

No birds to be seen; late afternoon is not the best birding time. Terry did get a picture of a Bat Falcon, which we had seen before.

An exhausting but wonderful day!

They weren't perfect

My task for Tuesday was to bake Snickerdoodles for the students at the YWAM base. Baking is a challenge here in Belize because of the heat and humidity. I didn't realize there was hard margarine in the fridge because it had been taken out of its box, so I reluctantly used the spreadable tub margarine. I mixed up the double batch of cookies only to find the dough was very soft and not at all conducive to rolling into balls to put on the cookie sheets. Without really pondering the problem, I added two more cups of flour. Bad idea! After this, my helper, Laney, and I decided that putting the dough into the fridge to chill would be a good idea. We waited about half an hour to attempt to roll little balls. That worked well. The cookies took forever to bake, though, and it was difficult to wedge the large trays into the ancient gas oven even though Terry had banged on them to make them fit.

The cook in the kitchen sampled them, and said, “They need more margarine and sugar.” I put in half the amount he suggested, and did not add more sugar. He didn't think the end product was very good even after this.

The rejects

Laney and I decided it didn't matter, that the students would appreciate them anyway.

When I expressed my frustration to a wise staff member, she said, “Give me the cookies.” I soundly slapped her hand in a kind of halfhearted 'high five'. That was a symbolic gesture to release their imperfections and not take on false guilt over my lack in baking them perfectly.

 I still felt glum over this situation most of the afternoon, until I had my daily swim in the pool. I love the water; it has a calming effect on me. I swam back and forth not really thinking about anything. Finally, reaching the edge of the pool I gave up. OK, God, I know you still love me even though I make mistakes. Thank you for that.   Instant peace.

I've struggled over perfectionism all my life, only recently realizing that I don't have to try to please God and others with what I can achieve. He loves me in spite of myself. That's why Jesus died for me. I don't have to strive for approval, He loves me anyway, always. It's a lesson I have to be reminded of over and over.

By the way, as the students ran past from the dining area they called out, "Thanks for the cookies!"

San Pedro Town

There are not many new places to see on Ambergris Caye, off the mainland of Belize. The main settlement, San Pedro Town, has about 10,000 residents. This number swells in the 'high season', which is beginning now in early November. This statue of St. Peter stands in front of the Catholic church; the patron saint of fisherman, after whom the town was named.

Usually we take the Coastal ferry, which we call the 'water taxi' although it has a regular schedule. We can be picked up just by virtue of sitting or standing on the dock next to the YWAM Base about four miles north on the caye, as the dock at the Base was wiped out during the hurricane. In fifteen minutes or so we can be in town.

The Coastal Ferry

It was great to be dropped off at the Sea Wall, closer to the church,but it really was an unscheduled stop. One day our boat's propeller scraped the sand, and we were told the driver would not drop us off there any more.

Or, we can walk to town, which takes an hour and fifteen minutes. Walking along the beach is said to be easier and shorter than going via the road.  We try to start early in the morning while it's still cool. 

Just before getting to the tall cinema building in which church services are held on Sunday morning, we leave the beach and briefly follow the road.

Sagebrush Community Church

Crossing the bridge that spans the river we walk 20 minutes to downtown San Pedro. 

The speed limit is 15 mph, with the majority of vehicles being golf carts and bicycles. A few vans act as taxis, and there are a few delivery trucks.

church parking lot after the rain

getting a ride on the YWAM golf cart

The buildings are old and decrepit, but interesting. Bright colours predominate where buildings have been freshly painted.

Sprucing up a building

More colours

San Pedro Preschool

Lagoon Street

No one calls the streets by their real names, but by the former Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street, which run parallel to the beach. I'm guessing this is Back Street, as the lagoon is on the other side of the narrow caye.

San Pedro is a laid back, casual place, with friendly people.