Hey guys! You know how I just got to do my first guest post? Well now I get to do my first guest host! Today we have the lovely Leah Laird sharing her heart for Belize. I haven't been there yet, but reading her thoughts make me want to go hug a Belizean child yesterday! Read on to see why she loves this country so much!
A Spin of the Globe is a series compiled by Praying Pelican Missions Mission Coordinators and Advocates. Within our individual blogging, most readers only get a narrow glimpse of PPM and our world-wide ministry. Between us bloggers, we realized we never speak much to countries we don’t have experience in – so we are Spinning the Globe. We hope through this series, you can experience another country within (and even outside) the world of PPM and get a taste for ministry that is unique and powerful, in every location. We pray you are blessed. For more details about all of our domestic and international locations, go here: http://www.
I'm not a mom. I'm not even close. But I think I know what it feels like. For the past 5 years as I've traveled down to Belize, I've come in contact with many different children. Some I've only been able to see for that one week, some for only a couple hours, and some I've had the privilege of seeing time and time again. People often ask me why I go back to Belize and then they remark on its natural beauty and how wonderful the weather must be and yes it is. But the natural beauty and the exceptional weather is only a bonus. The real reason I go back is for the people, the children.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
It doesn't matter where you find yourself in Belize, there are children everywhere. It doesn't matter who you are, they will come running to you with open arms. They come running up to you with the biggest smiles, the best hugs and the sweetest laughter. Sometimes you don't even have to say a word, they just want to sit in your lap, look at your camera, or if your a girl, braid your hair. I think they've taught me more about love then I have taught them. They show unconditional love. No questions asked. Some of my hardest moments on the mission field have been having to say goodbye to these precious children at the end of the week and entrust them to God. I spend the week pouring into them, telling them how much they are loved, helping them with their crafts, praising them for their efforts, and giving them the biggest hugs. It doesn't take long to become attached and when they run to you everyday and jump into your arms it takes even less time. I have had so many wonderful moments with these children and I enjoy taking pride in them every chance I get. I love teaching them things and helping them. That's why I can only imagine that that is what a mom feels like. I don't plan on becoming a mom for a long while but I don't mind playing mom and I feel privileged that God has allowed me the opportunity to love on some of his most precious children.
If you have only experienced the natural beauty of Belize you have not experienced it at all. Until you get to hold a little two year old girl in a cherry print dress and sing, line by line, Jesus Loves Me for an hour and a half while she repeats you, you have not truly experienced Belize. Belize is so much more than the tropical rain forest, the deep blue waters, and the delicious foods. It's a beautiful country full of some of the most beautiful souls you will ever meet. Come with me and meet the real Belize.
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