Hosanna House--Belize

The main purpose of the next two weeks is to empty, organize, and distribute the contents of a 40 foot sea container. Most items are for staff and childrens' use at Hosanna House. Other things will be distributed throughout the community. Also on the container are the School Packets put together by many in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area and some from Indiana as well.

Our group, this trip, includes Bob & Darlene Eberly, Nelson Dice, and Wendy Burkett. We met early in the morning, Saturday, Nov. 10, at about 3:30 am. Our drivers, Charlie Burkett and Gene Wintermoyer, got us to the airport with time to spare.

Our flight into Charlotte was smooth, with "No Problem" at all. The flight out of Charlotte, to Belize City, was overbooked by 3 people. The airline offered to give free flights to those who chose to go thru American instead of US Air, the one that was overbooked. We would have all gladly accepted the offer, but there were only 3 spots. It was decided that Bob and Darlene should accept and receive the incentive offered. That meant they would go to Miami from Charlotte, then to Belize city.... AND take 3 hrs longer. The van was parked in the airport lot in Belize City the night before so we didn't have anyone waiting for us. At least there was no rushing for Nelson and me. It all worked out well.

So Nelson and I went to Belize City first and found all the luggage. After we loaded our bags into the van, we went to pay the parking fee and find security to get the boot off the van. We were told it would be "No Problem", and it wasn't. :) Nelson and I then walked around the airport since we had another 2 hours until Bob & Darlene's flight arrived. First thing we did was get a drink. I had to have an Orange Fanta. We window shopped a little and tried to keep awake when we'd sit occasionally. :) That was hard to do. Every time I'd sit for a few minutes, my eyes would shut. At any rate, it was nice to not have to rush.

Before we left Charlotte, Bob had told us to find a bald guy at the airport that was a porter and have him help us get the luggage in the van. Heh! We found one alright. The wrong one. Nothing odd happened, but it was just funny. Some other guy kept trying to get me to let him help with my stuff. I kept telling him he had too much hair! I finally gave up and said to go talk to Nelson since he had the MONEY. HA!! He left real fast then! I'd have laughed hard if I wasn't so tired. Oh, and customs in Belize didn't even look in my luggage. They rifled all thru Nelson's bags, which he didn't pack. Aside from a personal items, had no idea what was in his luggage. They asked me a million questions, but didn't look.

Once Bob & Darlene arrived, it was easy to find their luggage since it came in on the original flight and was on a cart waiting for them. After clearing customs and loading up their luggage by the Correct Bald Porter, we headed out.

We drove to another Children's home, Belize Christian Efforts - Children Outreach, run by a gentleman named Nelson, who is from New York City and married Millie who is Belizean. Bob wanted discuss his experiences while getting the container approved for entry into the country. Nelson and Millie have decided to raise tilapia and give it to the other children's homes in Belize. This would be Very advantageous for the other children's homes, but he needs a volunteer to transport and deliver it for him.

After the visit, we finally arrived at Cheers for supper. Either I was starved, or it was some excellent food. We finally got to Hosanna House at about 9 or 10 pm. I know we were all very tired and glad to see a bed.