At the Airport

Hello,
   We didn't have wifi last night, so I apologize for the late post.  We are currently checking in a the Belize airport, preparing for our long journey home.

Yesterday was a fantastic day.  Students and chaperones alike loved the snorkelling and Cay Caulker adventure.  5 dolphins even greeted us as we took off by jet boat from the Ramada Hotel.  Although 1km out at sea, those dolphins seem to always be there.  I am assuming they are paid dolphins who work professionally for the tour groups.  An hour out into the Caribbean we were able to do our first snorkel.   Here, on the edge of the 2nd largest reef in the world, we were greeted by many Dories and Nemos once our masks went in the water.  We all snorkelled for about 45 minutes.  Upon arrival back to the boat, some students used the top deck as a diving board and jumped back in. I will upload a few great shots to my facebook when I have a moment.

We then boarded and went about another km to shallower water.  Here, we were greeted by dozens of sting rays and a half a dozen nurse sharks.  Those who braved the water were able to swim within inches of these wondrous creatures.    A couple sting rays played shy and buried themselves in the sand, but most were eager to hang out with our group (or maybe to eat the sardines we brought).  A few students and chaperones had the bonus view of a barracuda.

We then spent 2 hours on Cay Caulker.  This small sandspit in the middle of the ocean (not literally, but 10km from the mainland), is a great place to walk barefoot on the sandy roads.  Students had lunch, walked along the beach and shops, and then met at the Split.  The Split is a small ocean opening  hat cuts through the Island from a previous hurricane. It is the popular swimming spot.  A few student got creative and rented paddleboards to add to the experience.  We all had a great time.

We then reluctantly had to board our yacht and head back to Belize City.  Here, we took some time applying our make up and nicer attire at the hotel before boarding the bus and van to head back to a restaurant at Old Belize (the Belizian version of Fort Langley).    While their may not have been enough servers, the food was excellent as we ate at tables with the ocean below us.  We were at Old Belize for approximately 2.5 hours before our journey back to camp.

This morning, students said their goodbyes, some had a final dip in the river, and we cleaned up.

Since the last post, It is evident that God has been at work in a number of ways with both our students and our chaperones.  Many of our chaperones and our students have had clear moments where God has revealed himself in a new way.  The staff at the YWAM Camp, the students at the home and school, and the many leaders we met along the way all connected with our chaperones and students in amazing ways.  Each person's experience will be different, but I have seen some really cool things happen in the last couple of days.  Do take time to process with your child when they get home.

A special thank you to our chaperones as well, they have been amazing.  Each of them has provided great mentorship, encouragement, and prayer to every student.  I am so thankful for them.  This has been a transformational trip for them as well.  I have loved working with them and have some great new friends:)

Okay, all children are now through security in Belize.   I will try to send an update just before we take off in Houston.

See you in 12 hours:)

MC