Merry Christmas Everyone!  The palm trees are decorated red and gold, and twinkling lights adorn the homes (Thanks to LED lights).  Even so, the balmy 75 to 85 degree weather makes it hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that it is December, and that the year 2024 will soon be here!  Many of you have asked what is Christmas like here in Belize. Economically most people have low incomes and so the celebration is much simpler and focused on the birth of Christ. Santa Claus is not really promoted, although they know who he is.  Most celebrate by spending time with their family and extended relatives sharing food. They like to prepare foods that are traditional to their family. If they have the money each will receive a gift. This year, we are once again going to host a Christmas Day dinner for people who are alone and do not have family here to gather with.  We have a list of about 20 people young and old.  It should make for a fun-filled day!.

We had a fabulous time with our visitors from Pennsylvania. Our oldest son Richard, his wife Crystal, daughter Audra age 10 and son Allistair age 8, spent 12 days with us.

First, we travelled to Corozal, on the bay side of the Caribbean Sea in Northern Belize for three days. There we found out that our grandchildren are actually fish, as they spent more time in the water than on dry land! Then we traveled back to our house. Here they were able to explore Mayan ruins in the Cayo District, attend church, and meet some of our friends.  Finally, a three-day excursion to the southern coastal town of Hopkins. We were so thankful to have this time with them, as the grandchildren are growing up so fast.

The same day Richard’s family flew home, our good friend, Rosvelt Thomacin arrived from Canada for a 4-week stay. Andy and Rosvelt met many years ago in Haiti. He now resides in Canada and has helped us over the years with various projects.  Most recently helping with the roof project at CMTS in PA.  This past year has been extremely difficult for Rosvelt as his wife filed for divorce, taking their 16-year-old daughter with her. This brings him much sorrow.  We asked him to join us for some encouragement and fellowship. It is really a big blessing for Andy to have the extra pair of hands working here. They have been busy organizing and putting away items in the shop, dealing with leaks in the roofs, and working on equipment and vehicle repairs. After the extended long dry spell, we are now experiencing lots of rain and heavy cloudy cover which limits our solar intake. It looks like we need to reseal the house roof with a coat of paint when the sunshine returns and we dry out.

Praises and Prayer Requests

We are looking forward to some more visitors and work teams in the first three months of the new year.  Then we will travel back to PA sometime in April for doctor visits and Nancy’s hip replacement surgery.  Pray for Rosvelt as he returns home.  May the Lord encourage and bless him in the New Year. Pray for the Lord’s financial provision for the upcoming projects.  We need to install security cameras around the property, as sadly some very expensive solar equipment was stolen from one of our buildings in October.  We are also planning to install a water purification system at the house.

We are always meeting new people here.  Everyone has a story, and we want ours to bring Glory to God! Thanks for praying for us.

Andy and Nancy Merrick