Julie Williams

Dear Friends,

Time is such a strange thing. I honestly don't know where it goes. It is so hard for me to believe that it is already almost the middle the February. The days and weeks are all a blur at this point. I apologize for not sending an update more recently. I am working to be a bit better about that.

As for life here in Belize- it is still wonderful. I have become quite involved with my church and youth group and that has kept me busy on the weekends. We had final exams a few weeks ago, and we as teachers were swamped with grading exams. Between school and church there isn't much time to sit around and wonder what to do. :)

Report cards came out yesterday for the students. There were a good many failures and plenty of students to comfort and tears to dry. If they failed first semester they still have an opportunity to continue for second semester. If their average from the two semesters is higher than a 70 then they can pass their particular form or grade. However, many of the students were discouraged and many of their parents have already threatened to not let them come back if they failed first semester. I have several girl students whose parents are pulling them out of school because they failed but then are allowing their brothers, who also failed, to stay in school. There is very little emphasis put on the importance of the girls getting a solid education. We have a parent/teacher conference on Wednesday, and I would ask that you pray that God would give me the words to say to these failing students and their parents. My prayer would be that they would stay in school and really have a change of heart and start putting forth effort in their studies. The opportunity they have to be educated is such a privilege here in Belize.

I would also ask that you pray for the students' home situations. We have had several students rushed to the medical clinic this past week from having panic like attacks at school. The situations that are going on in their homes weigh so heavily on them. There is so much abuse, both physical and verbal, and you can see the immense impact and sorrow that the students carry around with them everyday. The suffering that these students live through is unimaginable to me. Please pray that God would give me the correct words to say to these students and that I would also know when just to be silent and let God speak.

Church activities are going well. I finally have settled down at Bethel Presbyterian Church in the village of Cristo Rey. Erica and I decided to attend different churches which I think has been a very wise decision. Our youth group at Cristo Rey struggles organization wise, but we are working on things. I try to be a "replaceable" part of the youth group in order to limit dependency, but it is hard as I like things to be organized and well put together. We meet on Friday nights for a devotional time, singing and occasional games. I drive the van from Corozal and usually pick up about eight kids on the way. We end up making up about half of the youth group. The meetings are all in Spanish, and they seem to enjoy calling on me to answer questions. It makes me try, at least somewhat, to keep up with what is being said. This evening all the youth groups are meeting together in Corozal to have a bonfire and time of games together. The bonfire is going to feel so nice on this freezing 90 degree February day. :) I am excited though to spend time with the other youth from Belize and have a time of fellowship.

One of my biggest prayer requests at this time would be for direction in my life. I have been in Belize now for six months. My initial plan was to be here for a full school year and then head back to the states this July. I have been praying and seeking guidance about whether or not I should stay here in Belize for an additional year. The biggest thing for me was getting my parents' approval and blessing for possibly staying another year. I received this when I was home for Christmas break. I have met with the team leader for Belize and he and the principal of the high school have both invited, and encouraged, me to stay for an additional year. I know that there is a huge need here for Christian educators. I feel that God is using me in needed ways, and I have enjoyed being apart of my students' lives. Life here is comfortable, and I am settled in to the routine of teaching and of living in another country. Support is a large issue for me, yet I know that if it is God's will for me to stay for an additional year that He will provide. I would ask you as my friends, family and supporters to pray with and for me about this decision. I want to seek God's will in everything that I do, and I know that He will reveal His plan for me. I would ask you as well for advice, as many of you have been my mentors and as well as influencing individuals in my life.

Thank you so much for your emails and prayers. If you would like to send a real "snail mail" letter those are wonderful as well. My address here in Belize is:

Julie Williams
P.O. Box 232
Corozal Town, Belize
Central America

Please do keep in touch. Your communication has been wonderful!