Hosanna House--Belize

Belize/Honduras earthquake - was there really a tsunami threat? (Part Three) | Reef diaries

2009-06-02T13:11:00.001-05:00

Belize/Honduras earthquake - was there really a tsunami threat? (Part Three) | Reef diaries

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Old friends, New Friends

2009-05-30T06:21:00.003-05:00

Miss Joan, who said she'd stay at Hosanna House for 3 months, is now leaving after being here for 3 Years. :) She has decided to travel and see the world. We had a Going Away party Friday night. The children organized the program for the evening. Our entertainment included readings dedicated to Miss Joan and various musical productions by the children.

Yolanda reading what she'd written for Miss Joan.

Cheri lead the older girls.

Victoria read something she had written as well. She and her siblings have been at Hosanna House almost as long as Miss Joan.

Though Earline will miss Joan, a great deal, she also has a new friend now. After Miss Joan's Going Away Party, Earline and I had our own time together. We discussed many things including how to deal with old friends moving on since she is having a real hard time with Miss Joan leaving.

What had really helped Earline cope, was a Teddy Bear that was sent with me by a young lady named Harley. Earline was quite interested in learning all about her new friend. I told her as much as I could and also shared a couple pictures with Earline. After cookies, Orange Fanta, and a new bear, Earline said to me, "Yes, Miss Wendy. Harley is going to be my Best Friend forever!"

This is what its all about. Showing that someone cares - God cares through us. Planting seeds. Earline, like most of the children who pass through Hosanna House, has really come a long way since she's lived here. I can only see great things happening in this dear child's life. Earline has seen God's love through Hosanna House and big hearts like Harley's.

Thank You, Harley!

May 28 - Ju Performance Group from Taiwan

2009-05-29T00:17:00.002-05:00

Six Hosanna House children went on a special trip to Belize City to see the Ju Percussion Group from Taiwan. We were invited by invited by The Prime Minister's wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow.

The flags of Taiwan and Belize outside the Bliss Performing Arts Centre.

The First Ladies of Belize and Taiwan requested a picture

with our group from Hosanna House.

The First Ladies were seated three rows in front of us!

Birthdays and Other Fun!

2009-05-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

Yard Sale

2009-05-28T22:53:00.002-05:00

Bob's Current Projects

2009-05-28T05:21:00.006-05:00

This project is going to be a concrete wall. It will be seen as folks drive up the driveway to Hosanna House. In front of the wall, Bob plans on having white stone with plants, hopefully something flowering and pretty.

This part of the wall will run along the edge of the
hill in front of the house.

Rodrick was working hard! It's been very very hot this week so it's easy to get tired extremely fast.

Another of Bob's plans includes adding another room between the apartment and Rodrick & Gladys' house. It's become a necessity when we have staff spend the night.

The workers are starting to dig the footers

while Bob gives directions. ;)

Saturday, May 23 --- Unloading, Sorting, Storing. Again.

2009-05-24T16:46:00.008-05:00

Just about everyone joined in on unloading the van!
Onelia is a Big Helper!

Supplies were removed from the van and most are now sitting in the men's quarters. Everyone was very excited to see all the new goodies donated to Hosanna House!

Florita helped carry a great deal of boxes too!

Friday, May 22 --- Unloading, Sorting, Storing.

2009-05-24T15:22:00.003-05:00

Many are familiar with the containers storing the Hosanna House supplies. Darlene and I tackled this container today! We needed to go through and clothes, toys, HBA items and school supplies. Most of the clothes will be given away to families in need or sold at the Yard Sale on Tuesday. Just this week alone, Bob has been asked by about 5 families for clothes. For those who remember Melissa (Missy) who lived at Hosanna House a few years back, she's due to have her second baby in month or two. Missy's other baby is about 2 now, I think. We gathered some baby supplies and clothing for her both of her children as well.

Unfortunately, not all who get supplies from the container have the same "filing system". All of the white bags at the top right are filled with stuffed animals. Toys like those are a prized item in Belize. When we have the yard sale, Gladys and I will only take out a few at a time to sell. We want to give all families an opportunity to purchase toys for their children.

Roderick and another worker so very graciously carried boxes in to the room with the AC for Darlene and me. I especially appreciated the guys carrying in the cases of spiral ring notebooks! Those boxes are VERY heavy.

Thursday, May 21 --- Getting the New Van

2009-05-23T10:56:00.005-05:00

We've been blessed with lots of fresh fruit each day. Today's breakfast included pineapple, cantaloupe, and bananas. YUM!!!

We left at about 8:30 am to go to Belize City and get the van. It was waiting for us at the Port of Belize. Since Darlene had recently injured her knee, I drove her and myself back to Hosanna House from Belize City in the old white van. That was a first for me and I actually enjoyed it. I think I had Darlene a little concerned at times though! I don't think she was sleeping every time her eyes were closed. ;)

Finally! Bob has official possession of the new van, complete with Hosanna House lettering on the sides.

After lunch at Diamond (Chinese Restaurant) in Belmopan, I got to do a little shopping next door. I got my coconut milk powder and a bottle of Marie Sharps. Gotta love that Marie Sharps!

Wednesday, May 20

2009-05-23T10:29:00.006-05:00

Wednesday morning Darlene and I had prepared for the arrival of the new van that's packed with supplies. We decided we should unload everything into the men's quarters.

We also needed to prepare for the work team coming in June. This included gathering enough towels and sheet sets for the group. Another bunk bed also needs to be assembled for the men.

While working, Darlene and I found Gecko eggs. :)

I then got to spend more time with the Onelia, Keisha, and Elena.

For some reason, Onelia & Keisha had to have their hands on my braid.

And, of course, I had to pass on some bad habits as well. Sorry, Joan!

Cleaning the Showers

2009-05-19T09:58:00.005-05:00

All of the girls' showers look like this. The ceiling and walls are gradually becoming covered as well.

Aaah! Finally, Clean showers!

Monday, May 18

2009-05-19T09:57:00.002-05:00

Most of my morning was spent helping Miss Joan with the 3 little ones that don't go to school yet. It's been years since I watched so much Barney! :) So after 2 Barney videos, we read all the books on the pile that the girls brought to me then went outside and played catch.

I just can't believe how big Keisha is now. The first time I saw her she was about 7 months old. Now she's a big 3 year old that gets great joy out of making me run for the ball! Amelia and Elena are the other 2 cuties. Elena is 2 and Amelia is 3.

After the girls ate lunch and were napping, I started on the job Bob had for me, scrubbing shower stalls in the girls' rooms. My task is to bleach out the mold and mildew that's accumulated in the grout.

Sunday Fun

2009-05-17T22:25:00.008-05:00

<---Selvin and Mikie happy to get a new ball!

Playing volleyball with some of the girls.

Mikie, Joy, and Selvin playing futbol.

Almost all of the children Love a good game of futbol. Even little Emar kept trying to get in on the action!

<---Derlene protecting herself from Mikie's killer kicking!

Mrs. Wright preparing lunch while Ingrid puts together a Hannah Montana puzzle.

It's all fun and games til the photographer gets slammed with the ball! :)

Traveling to Hosanna House

2009-05-17T14:39:00.004-05:00

Saturday, May 16th, Darlene Eberly and Wendy Burkett spent the day traveling to Belize. We were driven to Dulles at 3:00 am by Anne Donlon. THANKS ANNE!! :)

The trip went rather smooth considering Darlene had injured her knee a few days prior to leaving. Our only hang up was getting out of Dulles. Due to bad weather, Charlotte had halted all activity for about a half hour. We weren't late getting to our connection to Belize, but it was an uncomfortable time crunch, especially since Darlene wasn't walking too quick. We knew that if we missed flying out of Charlotte, the next flight to Belize is in a week.

Once we arrived in Belize City and found our luggage, we headed thru customs. Bob's porter friend gathered our luggage onto the cart for Darlene and me. That was Greatly appreciated! [I found the correct bald Belizian porter this time, Nelson! ;) ]

The best part of Saturday was being greeted by 7 of the Hosanna House girls! After many, many Hugs, the girls grabbed the luggage and threw it in the back of the van. It was great to see familiar faces and meet new ones.

On the way home we stopped at Diamond, a Chinese restaurant. Everyone had fried chicken and French fries, with the bones taken home in a doggy bag for the dogs. ;)

This is video of those goofy girls after dinner on our way to Hosanna House.

The rest of the afternoon was spent unpacking, freshening up and relaxing. I know it took me some time to go thru my suitcases to separate my belongings from donations sent by others.
For Dinner, Bob took Darlene and me into Dangriga at a restaurant called Ivy's. Bob found that Ivy's served some tasty pork chops so he wanted Darlene to experience them as well. I ordered a shrimp burger which was awesome!

Feb 20,2009 Friday

2009-02-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

It is Friday and yesterday we went to the house in progress and installed the windows while Tony (the local builder) put the doors and steps in. If anyone has not been here to build something they would find it an experience. This is my first time at building in Belize and things that you take for granted like sawhorses or a flat surface to cut on are not available. I have found the two best things you must have have for building here are patience and a sledgehammer. Patience for the beginning of the project and the sledgehammer to finish when you patience runs out. All in all the project house turned out pretty well by local standards although Ken told the local builder to not mention his name if anybody asked who built it.

Bob got the air conditioner fixed in the van yesterday and it is truly appreciated. Without a/c , riding in the van during mid afternoon is like being in the “hotbox” in the movie Cool Hand Luke, it is like an oven but on the bright side you can lose a good 7-8 pounds without any workout.

As usual , the other night we were sitting around eating junk food and after we all got full of chips and candy we all started talking about being on different diets. Or we could just not turn the a/c on and let the pounds drop off.

I just learned this morning that the mean rooster just got sentenced for the dinnerplate soon because of his disposition…….. it just doesn’t pay to be mean to others.

We did devotions last night with the kids and the really love to sing and quote scripture. They sing almost anytime during the day and are really a good group. Of course, just like any group there are going to be squabbles and little things pop up between them.

Today I plan to go cave tubing and maybe zipline so if this is my last blog I would appreciate a surchparty ………….REALLY. I mean it. Its time for breakfast so I’ll log off and start another adventure.

Roger

P.S. Bob just informed me that a little 4 year old girl was ran over and killed by a bus yesterday not far from here . Please pray for the family.

God Bless

Feb,15-16 2009

2009-02-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

It is early Monday morning and the kids all went to school. We are getting breakfast and the plan is to go and work on a house until Bob gets back with tin for the roof so now I will give a recap of yesterdays activities and observations.

When I arrived yesterday it seemed a little chaotic with all the kids running around and all the hype of arriving but it didn’t take long to find out this is a very organized,well run operation.

By the way , the rooster and I seemed to reach an agreement after I tried talking to him, that didn’t work, I tried giving him a time out, that didn’t work, then I kinda fibbed and told him the next time I would see him the Lord told me he would be fried with rice and beans on a plate and I believe he received the message. We now have a tolerable although distant relationship.

Thru observation yesterday I learned interesting Belizeian facts about Hosanna House. Things are kinda different here than in the states. First off, most of the children clean up and do chores without being told countless times. When we finished lunch I noticed two children picked up brooms and a couple of others started moving chairs out of the way for the floor to be swept, then when that portion of the floor was done the move the chairs back and did the other half of the floor without being told. Imagine that !!!!! They are expected to keep their own living area clean and organized. They are being taught to be adults and are very respectful and thankful for everything.

One other thing that happened about 4 in the morning, I saw my wife jump out of bed quickly. She was terrified after being awakened by a gecko lizard that crawled up to her ear and started to emit a churping sound.

So…….. I have observed children that think they are adults, a rooster that thinks he is a guard dog and a gecko that thinks he is a rooster in the morning. As for me……..I found my role is somewhere between playing with the kids and being food for the biting ants and flies. Hopefully I will be of better use when we go to put the roof on a house later today.

I also observed that Bob Eberly otherwise known as the BIG KAHUNA,,,MISTER BOB, great orator of Belize, being in charge of all the daily activites and transportation in the area , ………..I realized he has a soft side……….he is kind of a big teddy bear, he thoughtfully returned from somewhere with a Valentines Day present for his wife. She had a great look of anticipation in her eyes…………. Then Bob sprung it on her with all his charm …… she looked in his eyes and thanked him so much for the four chicklets , piece of candy and a cupcake in a paper bowl. Bob said ,”it was wrapped real pretty” and I spent seventy-five cents…………but we all know that he will still turn that in as a charitable contribution for taxes next year. Someplace cupid is just shaking his head crying.

The kids loved the Valentines day party . They all received small gifts, candy and the best of all a piece of chocolate. It may not sound like much but they were dancing with joy.

Thank you all for making this possible. I will write more later…….believe me there are plenty of stories every day to share.

We returned from the jobsite and the roof is on !!!! It is hot here compared to Pennsylvania but it beats the snow. Bob brought us a great lunch today, it was fried chicken and rice. Very tasty and I did check to see if the rooster was still here when we got home. He was. I just smiled at him. Bob had picked up the siding for the house and we are going to do that tomorrow. There is not much else to report except that it is only eight oclock and I seem ready to go to bed. I guess I’m not used to working in the sun anymore.

More later,
Roger

Feb.15 2009

2009-02-15T12:36:00.002-05:00

Bob & Darlene Eberly, Ken & Maggie Goshorn and Regina & Roger Neidrick arrived last night .

I am Roger Neidrick and my wife Regina arrived to the orphanage for the first time last night. I didn't quite know what to expect ( I have never been to an orphanage or mission before) and it was a real treat from the start. When we arrived last night all the kids ran up to the van and were so happy to see us they started pounding on the windows and yelling Bobs name. It immedately had an impact on me and I knew within 10 seconds being here will be a life changing experience for me.

This morning Bob has taken many of the kids to a ball game and while they were gone we got Valentine bags ready for all the kids. We are going to have a Valentines party this evening. All the kids are so appreciative of everything and love attension and playing .

We wish to thank everyone that is involved with this ministry. I can tell you now after just 10 hours here YOU All are making a difference in these young people's lives.

Now if any of you can just tell me how to get a rooster to stop chasing me anytime I go outside I would appricate it. It seems the orphanage has a guard rooster here and I seem to be an unwelcome visitor at this time. More blogs and more news to come later.

I think we will be putting a roof on a church down the road tomorrow.

God Bless you all,
Roger

January 25

2009-01-26T10:27:00.003-05:00

We arrived in Belize yesterday. It was actually fairly cool for Belize: only 75-ish. We got out of the airport and hopped on the bus to head to the Hosanna House. Ingrid and Victoria were there waiting for us. We stopped for lunch at the Diamond Restaurant. Then we "toured" Belize City and saw the US Embassy. It's the biggest building in Belize.

We have a pretty large group this year. There are 12 of us. Two teenagers, two women, and 8 men.

When we got to the Hosanna House at around 4, the girls played catch (tag), then futbol (soccer). The men joined in later.

After dinner, we played some more soccer, had devotions, and went to bed.

Today, some of the men went golfing. The rest of us went to the little Mennonite church close by. At first, we drove past it, and the kids told us to keep quiet and not tell our driver. Eventually, (up)Chuck caved and told Mike (our driver) that we had passed it quite a while ago, so we turned around. When we got there, they were in the middle of Sunday School, and the kids didn't want to get off of the bus. We finally got them all off.

We got home around 12:30 and played some more catch and futbol. We ate lunch, then rode bikes with the kids. A lot of them went with Chuck, Michaela, and Monica on a walk to the river. It was very refreshing. On the way back they grabbed some tangerines off the trees and ate them. Most of the tangerines were pretty sour, but a select few were sweet with a bit of sour-ness.

Mr. Bob drove our team to see the worksites the men would be working on. We went out to eat in Dangerige and bought some ice cream. We got back late, so we had to skip devotions.

VBS July 2008

2008-07-25T00:03:00.002-05:00

On Monday the 21st, we taught the kids about creation. We sang a song called "The seven C's of history", the kids seem to enjoy singing. Everything went very well, and the rain held up so it was a beautiful morning for us. Tuesday, they learned about when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree. Our song was " I've got DNA", that is a big hit here, all of the kids participate in the singing and motions. We had a very good first half of the week, and Wednesday brought more excitement from the kids. Noah's ark was the story, and the children loved drawing animals in the boat they made during bible story. Today was about how the Lord mixed all of the languages and called the city Babel, because the people were building a tower to glorify themselves and not God, and he was displeased and sent down confusion and thats where the rabble, the babel began. That's part of a new song we learned today, called "Babel Rabble". Tomorrow we will cover how God sent down His only begotten Son, who loves us so much! =]

Life here is very different from the states. It takes a few days to to adjust. We cannot go outside without bug spray or else they will eat us alive, and bug spray is new part of our daily lives! Luckily, it has only drizzled buckets full at night, it's so loud that you have to yell to the person your talking to. Even if they are sitting right beside you. We have found only two scorpions, one tarantula, two snakes, and many many many geckos during our two-week visit.

During our first week here, we spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning at Paradise Island. We went snorkeling and had a lot of fun. Thursday morning we had planned to go fishing and had to delay the starting time because of rain. While we were out fishing it rained for about 20 minutes, and we had nothing to keep us dry. Also on our way back from the island we ran into more rain and it lasted for about 25 mintutes. We were miserable soaked and all of our bags were also drenched.

Almost everybody had gotten sick in some form of the stomach virus, that has been going around. DUring our first week here we spent most of our time getting to know the kids, playing futbol, volleyball, watching plenty of movies, and the girls painted nails and gave each other different hair do's.

Tomorrow the 25th is the our last full day here, we leave early Saturday morning. We will all be taking memories of our fun adventures over the past two weeks, but will be glad to return to our family's.

2008-06-12T09:10:00.002-05:00

The little house at the end of our driveway has been washed off the foundation. The house next to it ( where they were building the stone wall) was not damaged. Our church had 41 inches above the floor. Mr. McPherson had four feet of water but has got everthing cleaned up.

The home where the family was kill is not there anymore it washed away in the flood. The little juice factory beside it washed away also.

Tuesday

2008-06-10T19:24:00.002-05:00

Bob worked in the office this morning. He then went and paid Social Security and bought groceries. He found one family that had no help yet so was able to give them some rice and flour. He has been able to buy rice and flour in 20 lb lots so he's been begging from all his shop friends, which means we have enough at Hosanna House.
The news is that they should be able to get more on Monday. They say that they are getting some from outside the country so it will be readily available.

Not a Good Day

2008-06-09T19:07:00.001-05:00

Today was not a good day for getting things done. They have not started to look at the motor for the VW, said that maybe they will start before the end of the week. I will check Friday. I also was not able to get the metal for the roofing to finish the church roof. They are out and will not get any until the 20th of June, Hopefully.

I was able to get the side door latch fixed on the Van so not all was lost., and of course we got chicken feed.

I was still not able to secure any rice everyone says friday maybe.

Sunday

2008-06-08T20:18:00.002-05:00

Went this afternoon to give out relief items to those who lost most everything. Took mostly used clothing from the container. We still have more for later this week.

The damage from the flooding was extensive. However it was located in small areas with other areas not hit. Only those near a stream or creek got the worst of it. You remember where we get blocks that was a good 6 feet under water. They lost a lot of cement but the home was not damaged.

Tomorrow I will try to post photos I took today. The people were glad to get what little we had for them.

Nelson and I will go to Spanish Lookout in the morning to check on the car and try to buy rice. (The car was recked, not by the flood)

Just arrived

2008-06-07T17:47:00.001-05:00

Just received an email from Bob
Arrived safe and sound. Was able to buy 50 lbs of rice and some flour. They say that more will be in the stores Monday. Paid 1.50 BZ for a pound of rice.

More on the flood

2008-06-06T16:47:00.002-05:00

Bob and Nelson Dice leave tomorrow for Belize. They were going to try and buy flour, rice, cooking oil, etc in Belize City and take it up to Hosanna House. It looks like that can't happen just hope they can get to Hosanna House. In the following link when they talk about Middlesex that is where some of our children go to school
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=11359&frmsrch=1 Storm price tag 25 million
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=11360&frmsrch=1 Rice crisis

http://www.channel5belize.com/archive_detail_story.php?story_id=20962 Rice scares and when found it's pricey
http://www.channel5belize.com/archive_detail_story.php?story_id=20963 Bread prices going up
http://www.channel5belize.com/flood_june2008/welcome.html pictures on the flood