Do Beautiful Deeds

Matthew 5;1-16
Our scripture today was about the beatitudes. As a pep talk to the disciples, Jesus says "happy (or blessed) are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven."
How do the beatitudes contrast with our culture? We want it now and we are selfish.
Our job is to be the salt and the light and to lift up others. We give the humble a sight of sight of heaven. We pass on the love of God.

On Wednesday, as the other days, most awoke to birdcalls around 4:20. Usually annoying, the sounds of parrots flying over can't be considered a bad alarm. Breakfast and devotion charging us to "do beautiful deeds" today. And Boy, did we!
Along with more block laying, stucco, building, bike repair,  playground work-we were able to award 20 bicycles from our congregation to deserving students! An emotional time for us, the smiles (and a few tears) lit the day. The students took a victory lap around the soccer field, now mostly dry. 

Heidy, a student, recently won the district spelling bee. on Friday, she will represent her district in the national competition! Some from our team assisted with preparation, and were quite impressed .We helped  kids make posters . It will be televised and many will travel to Belmopan to watch. One of the posters "Los Tambos, small but proud" A huge event for a little school that continues to grow!

During our home visits, one van became stuck in the van, Andy was chased by a dog, Several prayer requests for health of the families preceded Andy being chased by a chicken. A little girl saved him from both. We pack PBJ sandwiches for lunch, but still manage a trip for ice cream , 2 scoops for $1.50 daily. Our second day of VBS was abbreviated with "Jesus calms the storm" (a day late in my opinion). Kelley and Robin French dramatically recreated the frightened disciples as Lyn read the story.
Quickly transitioning  and wiping off the major mud, we headed to Unitedville to host a graduation party for Emerson-a Los Tambos student that completed high school this year, our only one. Eleven members of his family drove together in a small Toyota pickup to celebrate his success with cake and a slide show. Tere, Lyn , and Ms Lily as well as Emerson spoke to the crowd after an emotional slide show. Ms Lily, the principal of Los Tambos , and 2 other teachers made the trip. Afterwards, our group went to a nice dinner out at a resort in San Ignacio. It was nice to unwind together in an air conditioned room.
Our team has many talents: Jackie is a strong woman, Mary Jane is a nurturer, Mary Beth is a awesome navigator, Darby makes bird calls, Theresa is a bilingual genius, Jack can climb like a goat.
Please continue to pray for our team. Today, Thursday, we will have a community party , feeding and distributing children's clothes made by the Floozies at FCPC. Hopefully, we can blog again this evening.