St Johns J2A

Hello All---

Greetings from Belize. We are all doing well and no major problems other than keeping hydrated and using plenty of sunscreen.

Since my last report the group has had the opportunity to experience more of the wonders of Belize's environment. We had the opportunity to go into a rainforest & explore some local caves and then on Wednesday to go back to another rain forest & enjoy a zip-line adventure. Both activities have given all of us an appreciation of God's work and the delicate eco-system balance we have in our world.

On Tuesday evening Matt Miller, the owner & operator at Monkey Bay, gave an inspiring talk to the group on how he came to start Monkey Bay and that preserving the environment in his little part of Belize became his "romance". He is a devout Christian and explained how his mission is to provide an experience to groups like ours of our responsibility to preserve & protect what God has given us.

This was followed up by another enlightening visit by a local Christian Man who works in the Belize Zoo and how his faith is integrated into his profession for caring and loving the animals they have under their care. All the animals at the Belize Zoo are animals that have been adopted from other owners, hurt animals, etc. that others could no longer care for--they are not captured from the "wild". He also spoke to us of how important our faith in God is to his family and community and the importance of maintaining that relationship in all of our lives.

Thursday we traveled to San Pedro and had to say good bye to our good friend Juan who had been our guide, comforter and caretaker while at Monkey Bay. Juan is the most gentle, compassionate, and loving person I have ever met. We will miss him dearly. Then it was off to San Pedro and had a beautiful water taxi ride across the gorgeous waters of Belize to our rental home Casacaracol. We were met by a young gentlemen, Chris, who is in the seminary but doing missionary work this summer at the Holy Cross Anglican School. After a Mexican lunch, we had a tour of the school and its facilities. A cookout at the house was a relaxing end to a busy day of travel. San Pedro is a enchanting city and has been blessed with a beautiful environment.

Today we are all working at Holy Cross School with the construction activities that are going on there. The group is helping with general clean-up, assisting the construction workers and helping prepare building materials. This afternoon it will be lunch and supervision with the students of the school at a local park. A chance to meet some very special children of Belize and to appreciate what we all have in our lives back in Virginia.

We have two more days to go before traveling back to Virginia. We will be reflecting and discussing our roles as responsible citizens and Christians on the experiences we have had and how we can make a difference in this world God has given us.

Peace and Blessings to all and thank you St. John's for your support in making this Pilgrimage a reality for our young people and leaders as well.

Dan Clark

James

This pilgrimage has shown me how great life is. The amazing wildlife shows the diversity of God’s Kingdom and how unique each life is. One real eye opener is how the Belizean people have such good attitudes and are kind despite the general poverty. I guess you could say it is enlightening.

Megan

This pilgrimage, a wondrous event, has helped me grow closer to my fellow pilgrims as well as to God. We have shared laughter and tears as well as some magnificent experiences! Thank you!

Ian

This trip has definitely widened my comfort zone quite a lot. And the puruty of nature here has brought me closer to myself and God.

Anna

This pilgrimage has been an adventure in which that destination is unknown. As I explore to the deepest realms of my soul, I learn what is touching my heart. Ultimately I have caught glimpses of God through his creation.

Dan

My daughter Cary Francis told me that her J2A pilgrimage was on e of the best experiences of her life. It must be contagious within the Clark family since I am seeing and feeling a personal and spiritual growth each day for our current pilgrims and also myself.

Nick

This pilgrimage is interesting and difficult. It’s full of challenges and adventure (and bugs). Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

Donna-Mae

If God is the God of surprises, God is very present on this pilgrimage. I am constantly being surprised by God and our young people in each new unique moment.

Gracie

The experiences have been extraordinary. The nature shows you the innocence of the world. It is very thought provoking and it is expanding my mind to understanding God.

Audrey

My experience has been life changing! I’ve learned so much about other cultures and myself.

Margaret

I’m having a great time getting to know our pilgrims through the sharing of unusual experiences, reflection, and prayer. This is a trip I will never forget.

We have had 2 action packed days with canoeing down a local river, seeing nature at it's finest, a trip to the Belize Zoo, and today lunch with a Mayan family and a visit to a Mayan ruin site.

Our prayer time and reflection has been great also. Everyone is well, need to sign off now we are getting ready for our evening prayers and discussions.

Everyone is well and enjoying the pilgrimage.

Sunday we awoke to a homeless man outside our hotel who was talking to our pilgrims about gifts and giving back to others. He was an artist who did a portrait of Margaret. He inspired the pilgrims by saying that his only gift was art and he wanted to give that to us. We should remember that Christ died for all of us and to consider giving back some of what we had to others when we get home. It was a moving talk.

Service at the cathedral was great on Sunday then it was off to Monkey Bay.

We are all well in Belize. Our flight arrived on time Saturday and had a wonderful tour of the City tonight.