Going back to Belize

I will finally be warm again...

I will get back to better eating habits...

the piles of cookies and treats will not be in front of me all the time...

(although I tried to make them disappear whenever I saw some!)

I will get back to my own schedule...

and pace....

I will be away from the TV...

(since we don't have one in Belize and I watched too much of it here!)

I will get back to work...

(although I have been coordinating things from here for classes coming up in the next couple of weeks in Belize!)

Things will be much quieter...back in the jungle...

Food will cost more but have far fewer choices.

Gas will cost much more but there are far fewer vehicles.

I will be happy to see friends there...

and miss friends from here...

My visit to the states went way too fast!

It seems strange to be saying, "Well, I will see you next December!"

But, at the same time, that is the reality of our calling.

A lot can change in one year.

Children grow seriously taller in one year.

They talk a lot more and about different things (about video games and movies, etc. etc. which they think I understand...I don't!)

Cultural shifts have happened here in the U.S. I noticed in the shopping magazine on the plane that 2 things stood out:

1) there were lots of personal solar chargers for the vast array of cell phones, iPods, gaming units, etc. etc.

Apparently, we need to keep powered up!

2) there were lots of "spy" products being advertised !

Apparently, there is a growing interest in watching, recording, every one, every thing, every where...and it is not just "Big Brother" that is in on the action now.

Living outside of the U.S. brings these things to my attention as I have not seen most of this since last year's visit to the states. It also brings to mind, that old saying which has been true in every generation,

"The times, they are a changing!"

It is comforting to know that we have one sure solid base to rely on, which does not change

and in that changelessness, brings hope and love and mercy and grace to all who will receive these great gifts. Thank You God, for being who You are to us!

Ray