missionaryMAC

My return from Belize was the start of a 2-week countdown - that's now a 2- day  countdown - 'til some down time in St. Louis prior to LAC's annual regional conference. Most of that time was spent in prep mode: for the conference and for teams in Belize and Jamaica that happen in quick succession post-conference.  Yesterday's spur-of-the-moment jaunt to the seminary in Palmar Arriba represented a welcome change of pace. With a potential 2nd floor bathroom remodel on the table, I met four of my missionary colleagues, a token seminary student, and a local mason there to represent the many volunteer teams that stay - and shower! - in Palmar. I also lent a female perspective; my suggestion of full-length mirrors was well-received :) Teams of up to 14 are currently limited to the 3rd floor's two showers. Adding two more in the open space on the right of this photo would be a game changer.  We discussed adding some built-in shelving above the sinks, and why not another si...

I exercised the missionary role of learner  hosting a veteran team of volunteers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, MO (with priceless add-ons from Chester, IL, and Greeley, CO), in Belize last week.  It was their third time leading an English Family Camp (EFC) in Valley of Peace, albeit my first. Accordingly, I sought counsel from the team leader, local staff, and former Belize missionaries, ultimately building a schedule and making plans based largely on past precedent. While I had no standard of comparison, the team leader was adamant that this year be more Christocentric than ever before. The team turned to one of the LCMS's FREE English Bible Camp curricula to structure their lessons around who Jesus Himself says He is: 1) the Light of the World, 2) the Bread of Life, and 3) the Resurrection and the Life/the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Who could say no to that face?  After a BBQ lunch on Sunday, I enjoyed this view while I sent the team of...