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Dear Friends,
We spent our last day in Belize at a local school where the children performed dances for us. One of the ladies told me her mother woke at 3 am to make us tamales. The people are so giving and again appreciative of what we did for them. They are anxiously expecting our return next year.

I have always wanted to use my skills in this way and I feel like God has given me a place where I can safely do so. It was extremely hard to be away from my family. Next year Bryan is planning on joining me. When the kids are a little bit older they can come as well.

Clay has been very interested in the kids of Belize. It is hard to explain that there are no Nintendo DS, Wii's, or Lego's. Theses kids have nothing, yet they are happy.

It is hard to be home in a strange way. Exhausted on Friday morning I looked around at my home and how beautiful it is. The week before we left I had a laundry list of home improvements that I was obsessing over. Now I feel blessed. With the economic times we are facing in the US, more and more people are going to have to live a more simple life.

Its hard when we are surrounded with so much. Our lives revolve around stuff and how much more we can get, how much we can do for ourselves. We are obsessed with the need to "invest" in ourselves, take time for ourselves...... its all a load of bull. Investing in other people, giving what you can, using your gifts is what brings some sort of fulfillment.

Speaking of taking time for yourself, I got a massage yesterday. My therapist and I were discussing the trip and I was able to share with her my experience. She said that it must feel wonderful to be able to help people. That is when it all hit me. It did feel wonderful. I was tired, my back hurt, I was dirty, probably gained weight, but it was all wonderful.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity. I am amazed at the friendships I made. We get stuck in a routine and the thought of making new friends and expanding our circle seems impossible. Taking time from the norm and blocking out the world, mixed with a bit of danger and adventure has enlarged my circle of kindred spirits.

Medical (especially surgical) people are a different breed. We understand each other and can say things that would shock most. Like I mentioned earlier we are a crude, (sometime rude), lovable bunch who served and grew on this trip. To all my new friends....... Thank you so much. I love you all and miss you already.