St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church
Carrie Giebel's
Mission Updates
Mission Updates:March, 2004
February, 2004
January, 2004
November, 2003
October 17, 2003
September 3, 2003
August 7, 2003
July, 2003
May 31, 2003
March 20, 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
I am writing from San Pedro, Belize aka "La Isla Bonita." My internet access will be semi-limited because now it costs money to use. So this letter will be short and sweet.:) I am doing well and hope you all continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
I have moved out to San Pedro last week and am getting situated. I am living in a hotel room with a kitchenette on the beach. I will be working at San Pedro Church which is 3 buildings away from where I am staying and I will also be preparing 86 children for confirmation. I do this with one other lay missionary, Sean. He is showing me the ropes and am keeping busy already. We will teach 5 classes a day in addtion to a variety of other things. The kids are adorable and fairly well behaved depending on the group of course. They all are responsive to the Catholic faith and see in them a light that I have not seen in other kids before. There are sooo many distractions on this island though (ttons of tourists-- drinking, drugs everywhere and much a huge discrepancy between the rich and the poor) that try and pull the kids away. So, we have our work cut out for us. I do know that the island is very special though. Sean and I go to dinner at parishoners houses and converse with them. They are so welcoming with what little some of them have. My friend Tom, who lived in San Pedro for a while just recently moved back to Canada left me some of his things- his bike, pots pans, and many toys! Thank you TOM! I have also been asked to do a Christian music program at the only radio station on the island. It should be fun and can tell I already being asked to step out of my comfort zone.
I was just recently in the states for my Grandfather's funeral but hope to visit again in the next couple months--God willing.
Thank you again for all of you love, support and encouragement and I still invite you all to come down and visit! As time goes on I am sure I will have some great stories to tell. Please keep in touch!!
May God continue to bless you abundantly!!
With Love,
Carrie
Mission Update -- February, 2004Dear Family and Friends,
Happy 2004 everyone! I hope this letter finds you all doing well! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all of you support, encouragement and prayers! I too keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I have been so blessed over the last 30+ years of life to know such amazing people and I am so grateful for each one of you! This letter hits not only family, but family friends, old time friends and many new too.
I was just reflecting over all that has transpired over the last year and it is amazing to see how Gods hand is guiding each step. I seem to catch on to things a bit slow but He continues to be very patient with me. I have learned and continue to learn how to be more patient with myself and to TRUST Him more completely. As I alluded to in my last letter, I will be moving again! I have been in Benque for 1 year now and God is calling me to give more. I will be moving to San Pedro which is an island off of the mainland of Belize. I will be teaching religion in the schools on a full time basis during the day and some counseling on the side . In the evenings, there will be several activities to organize as well. I am not sure of all the details yet but will be very busy as I am told. All of it sounds right up my alley. I must admit, I can't wait to be around kids all day!
I will have great support there too, with 2 priests, 1 other lay missionary and several other friends I have met there over the year. Sean, the other lay missionary in San Pedro, whom I will be working with, is someone I admire and respect. I know we will make a great team! I will be living with an amazing family of 5, 5 minutes from the water and very close to town. I look forward to being around a "family environment" and especially spending time with their 16 daughter Dora who is discerning religious life. Just when I was getting comfortable and a bit complacent in Benque, God steps in as usual and moves me. "Let go of the past, trust in the present and be available in the future," once again rings true, loud and clear. I am very excited to go to San Pedro and take things one day at a time!!
The invitation still stands for anyone interested in coming down to visit. I must say that giving of my time as a missionary does have its perks. One of the priests here says "live a life giving to the Lord and see the world" and boy is it true! I have done more amazing things as a lay missionary in the last year than I could have done on a paid vacation. We went horseback riding in the jungle last weekend and canoeing on a pristine river the weekend before. I have been to Guatemala to see Mayan Ruins (Tikal), flown in a small puddle jumper plane, taken a boat taxi to different islands, been treated to some wonderful meals and lodging, ridden my bike along the Northern highway and many more just day to day experiences that are breath taking. I had a chance to scuba dive for a fraction of the cost in the states but will have to do it another time when I am making money! I have visited little villages way out in the "bush country" and have seen such poor people who live with so little and have such strong, strong faith. They have taught me more and more about a life of simplicity and humility. Sooo, come on down and visit OR spend some time volunteering your time and talent. You will not regret it, I promise! The time here in Belize is one that I cant even explain in words. I have had time to grown and find out who I really am (some of my strengths and many of my weaknesses), time to heal, time to know God better, time to learn what really matters in life and how to truly deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Jesus. It hasn't been an easy road but so rewarding and full of LOVE! I wonder what God has in store for me next? Stay tuned as the journey continues to unfold!
In addition to working at the radio, I am still teaching religion to 7th graders and love every second of it. I have a funny story to share with you too! I was teaching the class about Saints and asked them to write about their favorite ones. One little boy mentioned that he had 2 favorite saints. One was St Pio and the other was ME!! He wrote "I know you are not dead yet, Ms. Carrie but for me you are a saint." I was laughing so hard but then thought about what a wonderful compliment that was. I don't think he was paying that great of attention on what it takes to become a saint because I am sure I don't have it. But, like all of us, we are called to holiness and Sainthood. Now you know why I love to be around children- great for the self esteem! Their positive, pure hearts, their faith, honesty, trust, and loving, carefree attitude is what it is all about!
I have also been busy helping to organize the National Youth Jamboree that will be held in April! We are expecting 400-500 Catholic Youth from all over the country to participate. Jason Evert was lined up as our keynote speaker but his brand new baby is due right before that so we have invited Daniel diSilvas from Crispin instead. I have also been in touch with Jeff Cavins, and priests from Stubenville. We are also putting together packets for each kid that will include- a rosary, a pamphlet on how to say it, a miraculous medal, holy cards, a Scapular, a song book, a CD and a variety of materials from Human Life International. People have been so generous! It is a 4 day and 3 night affair and know it will knock their socks off. So, please keep the event in your prayers as time draws near OR come on down yourself! Bring some serious sunscreen!
Please continue to keep me in your thought and prayers. Thank you again for all that you do and know I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
God Bless You With Love,
Carrie
Mission Update -- January, 2004Dear Family and Friends,
Yes, it is me again!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you had a wonderful, merry and blessed Holiday Season. I think of you all often and want to continue to thank you for your prayers, kindness and generous support.
I spent Christmas and New Years here in Benque and it was very special, in a simple way. It was the first Christmas I have been away from home and my family in 31 years, which was a bit hard. But, since I just had the chance to see my family at Thanksgiving, I managed. Belizeans really go all out for Christmas, that is for sure. With the 9 day Las Posadas and the beautiful music I truly felt the Christmas spirit like I have never felt it before. The anticipation, awe, excitement, joy, and peace of Christ's birth enveloped every part of my being. There is something about being here for Christmas that has helped me understand a bit more about the meaning and significance of the birth of Baby Jesus. Christ- mas is not so much about material gifts but about PEACE, selflessness and genuine love for all those around you. I have read about Jesus being born in a cold, dark, stable and being wrapped in swaddling cloths (rags) many times before but it wasn't until this year that it really made an impact on me. The LOVE, the simplicity, the humbleness, and the sacrifice of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is so much more real to me now that I am surrounded by it and see it right in front of my eyes every day. Why did God send his only son to be born in such conditions? He did it to show us how much he loves us. He did it to show us the difference between what we really need to live (very little) vs. what we want. God sent Jesus to earth because He wants us to be truly happy and full of joy. He is showing us the way if we only trust him and allow Him to guide us. For me, this Christmas has been of deeper, more spiritual gifts rather than one of material ones. The only true gift I can give is the gift of myself-my heart and soul. Not too extravagant or special but that is all I got!!! Likewise, the most special gift to receive this season is the gift of Baby Jesus as Our Savior and Redeemer. So, the reason no one got material gifts this year was because I am giving the gift of myself, as daughter, sister and friend instead.
There are other exciting things happening here in Benque. I have been teaching Religion to 7th graders and have loved every minute of it. I know now more than ever that I belong with children. Teaching makes me so happy and fills me with such joy and peace. I started about 6 weeks ago and decided to prepared them for Advent and the birth of Baby Jesus. We discuss virtues and talk about beautiful ways they can live them out in their daily lives. I can t believe how well behaved these children are too. I think they are just in shock every time I come in. "This silly, tall blonde woman gets excited about seemingly ordinary things, she is very odd." It is so refreshing to see the kids respond so enthusiastically when we talk about spiritual/religious things. They soak up everything I say and are just waiting to know how to love God more and how to give their love away- hugs, nice jesters, kind words etc!! The lessons I learn from them each day is amazing. If you want to know how to be happy watch a child for a week, imitate them and watch what happens. OK enough preaching.
The radio is doing great. I am working on a project compiling hundreds of Christian songs to be played on a secular radio station out in San Pedro. As of right now they are giving us 1 hour a day to play Christian music. The plan is to eventually take the radio over and make it a Catholic Radio Station. We will see what God has planned. It is a challenge and is keeping me really busy but I love it.
I have had a chance to do some more sight seeing around Belize. We rode our bikes to 2 resorts and was again awe struck. Riding through these dirt hills of beautiful greenery is breath taking. We went hiking and canoeing on the Macal River. IT was once of the most peaceful experiences I have ever had. All you could hear laying in the canoe was the wind blowing and birds talking. Please come visit these natural wonders!!! Black Rock, Blancaneaux (Francis Ford Copala) and Chaa Creek are just a few to check out on the internet. The best time to come is before May, so come on out! The weather is perfect now. Cool, comfortable, light showers in the afternoon and no bugs.
Please continue to keep me in your thought and prayers. I am going to be making a move in the near future, God willing and need clarity! I will let you know when I find out where to next. Thank you again for all that you do and know I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. May God continue to bless each one of you and shower his peace, joy and love upon each one of you this year!
Have a Blessed and Happy New Year!!
Carrie
Mission Update -- November, 2003Dear Closest Family and Friends,
Thank you so much again for all of your continued love, support and prayers. I think of you all often and sleep so much easier knowing I have such wonderful support on the home front. I apologize for my tardiness for this months update, but better late than ever!!
Wow, I still cant believe it is November all ready. Times flies when you are having fun! And what fun I am having here. Even with the rainy season and the gloomy days I still manage to see such light and beauty all around me. I have finally reached a place of true peace and contentment living in Belize. It has not been easy but know that I am here for so many reasons. As I think and contemplate where I have come from, where I am, and where I am possibly going, I am in complete awe! It is so amazing to visibly see the hand of God in every step of my life. I can see all the gifts he has given me so much more clearly now. Belize is a place of purification. Every day I learn something new about myself. What I need and what I want, what my strengths and weaknesses are, where I need to grown, what is important and where I should focus my energy. It isn't about having it is about giving. Giving in time, talent and treasure. I still fall often but get up and try again. Thomas Merton says something like "I don't know if I am following God's will but the fact that I am trying is pleasing to Him." That is where I am at. I really don't know what the future holds but I do trust Him to show me by continuing to close doors and open many others. So, as I have said before, it is going to be very interesting to see where and what God will have me do next. "Sit back and enjoy the ride" comes to mind quite frequently. Please continue to pray for me so that I have clarity!
I am visiting family and friends the last week of November and hope to touch base with most of you. I will be in San Diego for a couple days staying with one of my best friends- Bea. She is allowing me to keep several things at her house while I am gone and continues to be such an example to me- she exudes generosity, selflessness, and simplicity. What a gift she has been to me. I will also be in Maryland with my dad, brothers, Aunt, Uncle and cousins for Thanksgiving. I am so excited to be able to see them all again and share the GIEBEL spirit. Family is so important and see the tenderness and warmth of everyones face when we are able to gather together. We have so much to be thankful for and thank God every day for the gift of my family!
I am still working hard at the Mount Carmel Radio Station in Benque and we are really bumping things up. We just recently were approved for a second frequency that will reach now 100,000 people instead of just 15,000. So we are going big time and have to really be on our toes.
The newest news and most exciting news around here is that I am TEACHING again. Yes, who would have thought that I would be back in the classroom. God has been slowly showing me again that I belong with children. I am teaching 7th grade religion at the Mt Carmel Elementary School for an hour a day. I cant express to you in words how wonderful it feels to be surrounded by kids and to be sharing with them my passion- my FAITH and God's unconditional love. I have only been doing it for about 2 weeks now but know that is where I belong. I was almost brought to tears the first day. I was talking about several things I had learned from a Catholic conference in Belize City the week before and the kids were enthralled. I knew God was touching them. I have never felt such joy and excitement in my entire life than I have in front of those kids. It is so beautiful to see their innocent faces soak up the Word of God that we all to often deny and walk away from. Life is so simple if we just open our hearts and minds to know God's love.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope all is well on your home front!!
God Bless You with Love,
Carrie Giebel
Mission Update -- September 3, 2003Dear Closest Family and Friends,
Hello again from Benque Viejo, Belize! I can' t believe it is September already. Time flies when you are having fun, right? This month holds a special place in my heart, for many reasons. It reminds me of new beginnings: a new school year with new kids, new schedule, new classroom, and new faces. It is much the same here in Belize. The 30 new teachers from various colleges in the states ( Notre Dame, U of Steubenville, U of Dallas and others) have just arrived. They are getting familiar to being in a foreign country and are acclimating very quickly. They are all very nice and active too, which is great for me. We have a group of 8 that run 3 times a week at 6 am. I am definitely not a morning person as I am finding out but running in a group is a great motivator!! A couple of them also brought down their bikes, so I have biking partners too. God knew I needed some new faces, friends and freshness. SO, September is already turning out to be a blessed month of NEWNESS.
One of my best friends, Bea, came down for 7 days and got a glimpse of a day in my life. She got to see it all- from the cold showers, to the roosters at 4 am, to dogs chasing us, to eating in the "condemned rectory". We had a chance to escape and relax though too. We went to San Pedro and stayed in a suite at the most amazing resort on the water for practically nothing (it is not what you know but who you know in this world- ha ha). We also snorkeled, rented bikes and ate the best food I have had in 6 months. I lived it up and for 4 days and know that will have to last for another year. This missionary stuff is great. I would not have been able to do half the things here if I had a real job in the states. Don't worry, I wont let this "no income" thing go on to long.
I moved again into a new house for the third time in 6 months and am now living next to nuns and across from the guys. So at this rate I should have my vocation figured out by the end of the year. I will keep you all posted-ha ha. This new house is the nicest place I have been in with screens and real windows, so I am in heaven. I still consider the house "wild America" though. There are white lizards all over the walls (who eat the bugs) and an occasional tarantula on the wall too. Still don't like those guys!
Work at Our Lady of Carmel Radio Station is good. School started for the volunteers so now it is myself and one other girl. The two of us have a good time and are always busy, so time flies. We also have a new announcer, Daniel, who will be doing "live" programs to add some variety to the automated talks and music. He is from Guatemala and has 8 years of radio experience. He is a religion teacher here at the High School and is one of the best preachers and teachers I have ever heard. He has a nice big Catholic family of 6 kids and exudes LOVE. He is a special person to be around and feel so lucky to be around him.
Well, that is enough for me on this end but would really love to hear from you all. Again, thank you for all of your love, support, encouragement and prayers. Knowing I have such great friends and family to back me on this journey makes all the difference in the world! Thanks again!
God Bless You With Love,
Carrie Giebel
Mission Update -- August 7, 2003Dear Closest Family and Friends,
Hello from Benque Viejo, Belize!! Once again, thank you for all of your generous support, love and prayers. I have enjoyed corresponding with many of you via email (carriesmission@hotmail.com) and hope to keep it up on a more personal note in the future. I hope this letter finds you all in good health and full of happiness. I am doing very well and want to update you all about my future plans. I have decided to take another year leave of absence from my teaching position in Solana Beach. They granted this request and were so very supportive, in hopes of me returning in the fall of 2004. With all the budget cuts in California I am sure they welcomed my leave. It was a hard decision and will miss the staff and children most of all, but feel that this is where God wants me for now. So, if anyone is interested, I will be selling my car and some of my belongings in storage over the next couple of months! I will be back to visit San Diego at Thanksgiving if anyone is around!
I am getting into a routine and a typical day is packed with a variety of activities. I get up early for morning prayer, go to work until 5:30pm, mass at 7:00pm and then I try to run or bike ride. I have just joined a group of Lecturers, who read at each of the masses, and we meet every Tuesday. I am a bit worried about getting up in front of a church full of people but think it will be a good experience for me. I am trying to branch out a bit. I might tutor some high school kids when the school year starts in addition to starting a Radio- Club here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School. Volunteer teachers, who come down from the states to teach at the high school, will be back at the end of August so I am looking forward to meeting some new people and mixing things up a bit.
As for work, I am spending most of the days at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Radio Station keeping things going. It is a great place to work and I feel at home being there. I am learning something new each day which keeps things very interesting. I have really enjoyed working with the 5 high schoolers who help each day. They are teaching me Spanish and I am picking it up fairly quickly after several semesters in College and High School (which was only a couple years ago-ha ha). It is definitely not my forte but am trying my best. I am also organizing a Fundraiser for the barely standing, 97 year old Rectory which they hope to refurbish in the next couple of months. The rectory, houses 2 priests and serves dinner to 30 teachers every night. Needless to say, after the renovation, the priests might get some peace and quiet. We will hopefully raise the money soon.
On a more personal note, my brother Chad got married to Ann Maibauer in Michigan and it was beautiful. I could not have asked for a more special sister-in-law and look forward to sharing many family gatherings with her. I was also able to see my Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and cousins while I was there, which made the trip even more special. I realize more and more each day that family is the most important thing in life. I also am so blessed with wonderful friends. One of my best friends, Bea, is visiting in August (the hottest month of the year I am told) and hope to do some site seeing around southern and central Belize. She is one of those special people that God places in your life at just the right time. She has literally taken over my life in San Diego, from managing my finances and loose ends to sending me things that I can't get down here. She is a such a gift.
It is still the rainy season here and I love it! I haven't let it interfere though with bike riding and running. It actually makes it more interesting. The torrential down pours and fast moving clouds are so neat. I hope it lasts a while but fear the dry, hot season is right around the corner. I have also had a chance to go on some adventures. John, another lay missionary who has been down here for 6 years, has a dirt bike and we went exploring deep into central Belize (Pine Ridge) on rough, dirt roads. We visited several points of interest- 1000 Foot Falls, Rio Frio, 5 Sisters and Blancaneaux- a resort built by Francis Lloyd Copula. I wouldn't mind going back there to stay a while. These places were so secluded and peaceful that you could really get permanently lost there. During the 2 hour motorbike ride, we went through desert and rainforest several times and really enjoyed the unobstructed views on the bike. I was concerned for my life only a couple times but luckily made it back in one piece (although with a sore butt).
Again, thank you for all of your love and support. It is truly a blessing to have such wonderful people supporting me on this journey. Please keep in touch and keep me in your thoughts and prayers!!
God Bless you with all my love,
Carrie Giebel
Dear Closest Family and Friends,
HELLO again from Benque Viejo, Belize!! Thank you all so much for your generous support, love and prayers. I have been here now for 4 months and am settling in nicely. I have moved into a new house with volunteer teachers who have since gone back home for the summer. Now, there are visitors who come down from the states to help the mission in different capacities and they stay with me so I am never lonely. The house is on top of a hill and so there is a nice breeze that comes through. I have been informed that we are now in the "rainy season" which means it rains every day but is still 90+ degrees. I am getting used to the heat and mosquitoes and sweating all day long. Forget about wearing makeup and always remember deodorant! It is still so funny to see the horses, roosters, chickens and dogs that roam around the town FREE! And, those darn roosters need to be given a lesson on when to crow instead of doing it all hours of the day, night and early morning. I think my dad would have gotten the gun out by now! The Americans here look at each other with a big smile and say "it is just another day at the Mission."
I have made some new friends around town and one in particular whom I go running and biking with. Her name is Dorita and she is so nice to be around and talk to. She is originally from Belize, moved to Chicago and came back to Benque to live with here dad after the passing of her mom. She has been such a blessing to me and has become a very good friend already. Each weekend we visit different places and get out to see the sights in Belize. Her family has a car and we do a lot of things that are freeeeeee!! There are several Mayan ruins and other points of interest that are very neat and close to Benque.
As for work, I am keeping busy by spending most of my time at Our Lady of Mount Carmel radio station. We now have 5 full time volunteers that work for us. Since they are all in high school they are off for the summer and come into the radio to stay cool and work hard. We have one of the few air-conditioned places in the entire town (the electricity bill each month is $300-YIKES!) so the perks are not bad. We usually take them out to dinner and do a fun activity each Thursday night to motivate them and keep them coming back. I oversee what goes on air, record, edit and mix different talks to play each day. I am also learning so much about computers (something I never thought I would like). We are having more and more live programs that involve the youth, which is a definite need here in Belize. Kids seem to really get in the wrong crowd if you don't catch them early on. The latest big news is that we just put up a new 140-foot radio tower that will reach over 100,000 people. We are still waiting on the approval of a new frequency from the government so we pray that they don't hold us up too long. (Please pray for the radio station and all of its workers!!) The entire day is packed with meditations, music, the rosary, Divine Mercy, angelus, apologetics, talks on the Catechism, and a great youth program every afternoon. I know we touch many people's lives and they are just now coming to share their stories with us.
I was again invited to San Pedro (a little island off of the main land where tourist usually go- that means St Peter) to help a wonderful priest, named Fr Jim Blount, give a high school retreat. What an amazing experience to see these worldly wise teens break down and really want to know God. I feel so blessed to be apart of seeing God touch these kids hearts and I hope to go back to follow up with them soon.
On a more personal note my brother Chad is getting married July 12th, which, is the first in our family!! We are so excited to welcome Ann into our family and hope she doesn't go crazy around all of us GIEBEL's.
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for all of your interest, love, support and prayers during this exciting yet unpredictable time in my life. I have surrendered my will to follow our Lord in whatever direction he takes me. So, stick around because it is going to be very interesting to see where I go next. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!!
GOD BLESS YOU with all my LOVE,
Carrie Giebel
Mission Update -- May 31, 2003Dear Family and Friends,
As most of you know, I have taken a leave of absence from my first grade teaching position in San Diego to do some lay missionary work for the Catholic Church in Benque Viejo, Belize. I recently moved to Benque in March to serve with the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT). Benque is a small town on the Guatemalan border with a population of about 5,500. It is simple with few amenities- dirt roads, tin roofs, roosters outside your window, a lot of rice and beans, few cars and many stray dogs. It has shown me how much I have taken for granted and that I don't really need much to live. Although, I do miss yogurt and lettuce both of which are hard to come by here. The people here are friendly and so generous, even with the little they have. They are mostly Creole, bi-lingual and on the shorter side. I of course stick out like a sore thumb - 6 feet tall with blond hair.
In Benque, I am doing many different things. I am working at a Catholic radio station, a Catholic bookstore, and teaching the faith to children at the mission down here. Primarily, I am working at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Radio Station overseeing production and programming (behind the scenes things for now). The radio station reaches about 15,000 listeners and we are hoping to expand to Belize City in English. It provides a diverse yet solid Catholic programming 18 hours a day from 5 am to 11 pm. Being that the area is predominately Spanish-speaking, broadcasting is done in Spanish, with English programming to be added as the station expands. It is so much fun and one of the neatest things I have ever done. My Spanish is coming along very slowly! The radio incorporates several of my passions, which is icing on the cake- passion for the Catholic faith, passion for sharing my faith with all people (via the radio) and passion for music. At the bookstore, I keep the books stocked up, write grants and fundraise for both the radio and mission. Finally, I am involved with helping 62 children grow in their faith on a small island called San Pedro (where most American's come to visit and scuba-dive at the reef). They were just confirmed by the Bishop and I visit them once a month and plan activities, reflections and mini- retreats. So, for the next couple months I envision volunteering in whatever capacity they need me. I am taking one day at a time and know God will let me know when it is time to move on.
For those who know me well, I would never have imagined leaving my wonderful, loving, secure job in sunny San Diego with so many special friends in a million years. But, God is calling me to do more and challenging me to be brought out of my comfort zone. With His grace and Mary's love, I am being shown a new side of life-one that is not easy but very rewarding in ways that I can't begin to explain. Even in the short time I have been here I have met the most amazing people and have done things I would never have been able to do if I was still in San Diego. I have traveled to different parts of Belize, visited Guatemala and several Mayan Ruins. I have swam in the middle of the rainforest, flown in prop planes, snorkeled at the reef in the most beautiful water and made some wonderful new friends. I have learned that we are only on this earth for a little while and that all the suffering and little trials we all go through are so insignificant in relation to eternity. I want to do my best to fulfill God's will and achieve the goals I was created for. I thank God for the challenge and know He is walking right beside me on this journey. Please, keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
I hope this letter finds you all well. Thank you for all of your genuine, generous support, love and prayers. Without YOU, my closest family and friends I don't know where I would be.
GOD BLESS YOU with all my LOVE,
Carrie Giebel
Mission Update -- March 20, 2003Hello everyone,
This should give a bit of a heads up on what is going on with me here in Belize. Hope all is well and hope to hear from you soon. Please keep me in your prayers. I miss you all tons!!
I am here in Benque Viejo, Belize, a town of 5000 people, and am getting settled in. It is very hot but still so beautiful at the same time (a combination of Key West weather but looks like Mexico -- sad sad). Things are very simple here and very poor poor. They walk everywhere, no hot water, no air conditioning, mosquitos everywhere, not too many vegetables, no TV, not too many phones, etc. Most live in shack-type houses with 5 or 6 in one big room. They take things so easy and really just have such a peace about them. It is neat to see that people can and do enjoying living without the big cars, TVs, and all the amenities we take for granted in the United States. Everyone knows everyone and are so friendly. I stick out like a sore thumb being 6 feet tall with BIG blond hair.
I am meeting all sorts of wonderful people, both native here in Belize and also those that volunteer for the Catholic Church here at the mission. There are about 30 Americans -- teachers that teach at the high school, some in the seminary process, and some just like me. It is really neat and so many different types that all get along and work together to serve God in many different ways depending on their talents. I am working at a Catholic Radio station helping with production and managing the workers. What a neat thing to see work!! WOW! They have music, talks, prayers, and reflections on all day long every day and there are teenagers who run the show. Neat stuff!!
I will also be working at the Catholic bookstore too, and will be doing ordering and administrative stuff for them for now.
So far so good. I get up at 5:30 every morning for morning prayer and work until 8pm, so it is a long day but I feel great about helping and being here. We have daily mass and adoration too.
I know God has me here for many many reasons and I am remaining steadfast and pray for the strength and courage to persevere. With God at my side all things will be good.
GOD BLESS YOU
Carrie
