Day 6

Start Your Engines

The big event we have been planning since last September has finally arrived - RACE DAY!  The day started early at 7:00 AM with the boys loading the custom made race track into the trailer and then going to the church and loading all the chairs and tables for the race day event, which was held at the Cattle Landing Community Center just outside Hopeville (just outside means 0.5 miles away).  The girls joined the boys around 8:00 to decorate the building for the race.  One of the ladies from the church's husband, Chino, drove the van to pick up the children from the village park and surrounding areas.  As the 40+ kids came to the center, Pastor John led the kids in many fun songs.  We started with registration where each child received a Hot Wheels car followed by fun with crafts and then the races.  The children were so excited they could hardly stay in their seats. After the preliminary rounds of races, we continued with more crafts where each child was able to decorate their own race car.  We then ended the races with the Grand Championship race.  This was all a big hit!

The biggest hit of the day was what followed with Chuck leading a devotion with Roscoe the Rooster and a wonderful gospel challenge story using stories and fun.  The kids were riveted and the quietest of the entire morning.  The Lord really worked through the games and message. We were even able to share the gospel with an adult setting up for a soccer game.  After clean-up, we came back to the Lewis' for some barbecue chicken sandwiches.  We were all exhausted.  

After a few hours of break and games with the team, we went out to dinner at a restaurant by the sea owned by the mother of one of the church children - another great opportunity as mom never attends church. Tomorrow is our last full day here in Belize where Pastor Ray will deliver the sermon and the teens will sing a number of songs for the congregation.

Despite the extreme heat, our teens continue to be in great spirits.  With such a large dinner party, Remington and Abby (the Lewis' daughter) didn't receive their food at dinner and ended up having to get it to go.  On the way home Pastor Andrew asked everyone how the teens enjoyed dinner, and Remington was the first to say that it was great (and it really was awesome food).  His comment exemplifies the spirit of this group of teens.  We thank everyone for their precious prayers as we have had an amazing week and have seen the Lord work in many ways here in Belize and among ourselves.

Mr. Carl and Mrs. Sondra