We are all well in Belize. Our flight arrived on time Saturday and we had a wonderful tour of Belize City that evening.
Sunday we awoke to a homeless man outside our hotel who was talking to our pilgrims about gifts and giving back to others. He was an artist who did a portrait of Margaret. He inspired the pilgrims by saying that his only gift was art and he wanted to give that to us. We should remember that Christ died for all of us and consider giving back some of what we have to others when we get home. It was a moving talk.
The service at the cathedral was great on Sunday, then it was off to Monkey Bay.
We have had two action-packed days with canoeing down a local river, seeing nature at its finest, a trip to the Belize Zoo, and today lunch with a Mayan family and a visit to a Mayan ruin site.
Our prayer time and reflection has been great also. Everyone is well; I need to sign off now as we are getting ready for our evening prayers and discussions. Everyone is well and enjoying the pilgrimage.
J2A Reflections from the J2A Pilgrimage in Belize
A pilgrim: This pilgrimage has shown me how great life is. The amazing wildlife shows the diversity of God’s Kingdom and how unique each life is. One real eye opener is how the Belizean people have such good attitudes and are kind despite the general poverty. I guess you could say it is enlightening.
A pilgrim: This pilgrimage, a wondrous event, has helped me grow closer to my fellow pilgrims as well as to God. We have shared laughter and tears as well as some magnificent experiences! Thank you!
A pilgrim: This trip has definitely widened my comfort zone quite a lot. And the purity of nature here has brought me closer to myself and God.
A pilgrim: This pilgrimage has been an adventure in which the destination is unknown. As I explore to the deepest realms of my soul, I learn what is touching my heart. Ultimately I have caught glimpses of God through his creation.
Dan Clark: My daughter told me that her J2A pilgrimage was one of the best experiences of her life. It must be contagious within the Clark family since I am seeing and feeling a personal and spiritual growth each day for our current pilgrims and also myself.
A pilgrim: This pilgrimage is interesting and difficult. It’s full of challenges and adventure (and bugs). Thanks to everyone who made this possible.
Donna-Mae Siderius: If God is the God of surprises, God is very present on this pilgrimage. I am constantly being surprised by God and our young people in each new unique moment.
A pilgrim: The experiences have been extraordinary. The nature shows you the innocence of the world. It is very thought provoking and it is expanding my mind to understanding God.
A pilgrim: My experience has been life changing! I’ve learned so much about other cultures and myself.
Margaret McFarland: I’m having a great time getting to know our pilgrims through the sharing of unusual experiences, reflection, and prayer. This is a trip I will never forget.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, July/August 2007.