St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church
Carrie Giebel's
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Dear Family and Friends,
Yes I am alive!! I apologize for my tardiness but time seems to have gotten away from me. I have been in San Pedro (aka La Isla Bonita) now for 4 months and time seems to be flying. I am doing well and really getting into a groove.
I have been keeping busy and having a lot of fun this summer with various things. The entire month of June was jammed pack with 8 Graduation Masses. I was in charge of organizing, scheduling and preparing for each Mass in addition to my other daily duties. The Graduation ceremonies lasted roughly 3 hours and it was the most elaborate thing I have ever seen. In addition to the Mass, they gave specific awards to each child, they thanked and gave a rose to each of their parents and the mayoress, principal and valedictorian each gave a talk. The Church gave a special CD with youth music to each graduate to congratulate them on their big accomplishment. I have noticed that Belizians go all out with parties. Even the little pre-schoolers have big, elaborate big buck parties where the parents sit around, drink and listen to really loud music. I wonder if the highlight is their childs graduation or the party itself! So the month of June was a blurr.
Also at the end of June our Pastor, Fr Jim Blount, got very sick. He had pneumonia and bronchitis and has been out of commission now for 4 weeks. I just talked to him for the first time a couple days ago and is doing a bit better. He also suffers from severe allergies and is still very weak. He is going to a specialist in Mexico so we should know if he will be staying in Belize or going back to the states. He is spread so thin being in charge of 5 Parishes. He doesn't always eat and sleep enough so I think it all just caught up with him. I have never met anyone that is so generous, patient and selfless before. He gives until he cant give anymore and is a true servant of God. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
I am still living on the beach in a hotel room with small kitchenette which is just two building away from the Church and very convenient! I am able to go do my Catholic radio program early in the morning and then sit on the beach and watch the sun rise. Then in the evening I run on the beach and watch the sun set. It is a tough life I tell you. I am still teaching the Catechism daily to several little ones in addition to the Confirmation group once a week. We have a Youth Group too and have had a good time together. We try and mix up the meetings with games, Catholic teaching/Bible Study and community service. Last week we had a bon fire, roasted marshmallows and watched Lord of the Rings. None of them have ever had a bon fire before so that was neat. They really liked the s-mores!! I am also still a glorified secretary making appointments, keeping track of bills, making sure we have things ready for mass etc. It is a definite way to directly interact with the community. San Pedronos are very friendly but "don't ask for Baptisms, marriages etc" they TELL you when they want it and when it is convenient for them. This is a humbling experience for me and they help me to work on being extra patient and kind. Oh Lord help me with pushy people.
I was also asked back in January to be a Godmother to a little girl in Benque. She was confirmed in June and I went out for the big day. She was the first in line and I had not been to the practices so I had no idea what to do. Even after doing the Confirmation Ceremony here in San Pedro I still didn't know the specifics of what I needed to do there-each Parish has their own system. The Bishop smiled and laughed at me and knew I didn't know what was going on. I have seen him all over the country now and he really cant figure out where I come from. I have met him several times in Belize City, Benque and San Pedro. I told him I am a traveling Missionary and it finally clicked. He gave me his blessing and said "I will be seeing you again somewhere I am sure." He thanked me for my time and hard work. Anyways, Suleima, the little Confirmation girl, got up in front of over 500 people and answered 4 questions the Bishop asked (ie what are the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, what is a Sacrament etc). He asked her if she was ready to sit down and she said NO. I noticed that this little girl had truly changed over the past 5 months. Her faith and confidence was so strong now. WOW, what a witness she is to me and all that know her. The Bishop came up to me afterwards and said to keep an eye on her. She has already asked about being a Sister or Nun so we will see what God has in mind for this special girl.
I had a good friend from San Diego visit this week and I think he has had a good time relaxing, reading and catching some sun. We rode bikes, walked a lot, ate some really good food and caught up on lost time. He asked me where my family and friends are and why they haven't come down to this beautiful paradise. I told him I have invited you ALL but no one has taken me up on the offer (except Bea, my angel sent directly from God). SOOO, I thought I would attach a picture to intice you to come see La Isla Bonita for yourself. The slow, cheaper, no hurricane season is now until October, so come on out.
Well, I must be going but hope to hear from you all soon. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Again, come on down to visit!!
GOD BLESS YOU!!
Carrie
Photos:
Send encouragement, questions, or other correspondence to:
E-mail: carriesmission@hotmail.com
Carrie Giebel
Catholic Missions
Benque Viejo del Carmen
Cayo District, Belize
Central America
Phone: 011-501-823-2024
About the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT)Mission: The Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT) is an international missionary community, which serves the deepest apostolic and human needs of God's people. It currently has missions and apostolates throughout the US, including education at all levels, serving migrant farm workers, parish work, ministering to Native Americans, as well as missionaries and missionary teams in 16 different foreign countries.
The vision and charism of SOLT is to bring all peoples in union with the Most Holy Trinity through Mary our Mother and Model, by sending out her missionaries as ecclesial teams of priests, deacons, religious and laity, serving together and witnessing their faith to bring as many people to Christ as possible.
To learn more about SOLT, visit their website: www.solt3.org
We are tying to get a miraculous medal and rosary to every person in the country of Belize -- 2,500,000 people -- so if anyone has connections, that would be great. Belize is now 51% Catholic, which is down from 60%. Please keep the people down here and the missionaries in your prayers -- spiritual warefare is so strong but the power of God's goodness is stronger. Also, if anyone has extra frequent flyer miles to help me travel back and forth from Belize to San Diego, that would be so helpful.
Monetary donations, made out to Catholic Missions, can be sent to:
Carrie Giebel
Catholic Missions
Benque Viejo del Carmel
Cayo District, Belize
Central America
