Joe's Input and a few Notes - - 

Now that we have been here close to three weeks and pretty well settled in our lodging and lifestyle, I thought it was about time to let you know that Linda actually let me tag along again this year.

  As we spent some time last week visiting friends and saying HI, we took some time to reflect on the ride this mission has had since the FCPC Mission Team and Threads of Hope began to work in the Los Tambos village in 2005.

  The first Monday we were in Los Tambos this year for the Monday morning assembly (with prayer and the Belize National Anthem), we were greeted by a current enrollment of 120 students.  In 2005 there were about 60. What a change there has been.  A few of the other major events over the years have included -

-  The school was made up of three classrooms in 2005. Since then an additional three classrooms have been added and a steel roof on the palapa has provided additional classroom area as well as a really nice area for the Thread of Hope ladies to do their sewing.

- Last year with the addition of electricity to the village there have been more changes.  Threads of Hope now can power their machines with electricity as opposed to batteries and inverters or solar power.

- Education involving the kids has been expanded to include more of them going to high school and the adult ladies with the start of Threads of Hope. 

- The Threads of Hope Ministry has also started fabricating uniforms for the children.

There are other changes that have helped this community and the school evolve into a great place to raise a family.  As we continue work with the folks in the community we can only thank God for the pleasure of letting us go along as part of His incredible plan.

More updates as we move along this trip.  More photos will be provided when we do projects that you may want to see... Repairs that have been done to the bathrooms over the past couple weeks are hardly worthy of photos!!!

Joe has decided to wait a few more days before sharing his list of 

to dos and has done.

What a great week it has been!

It has been exciting to be back and see how much the girls have improved in seven months.

We are working on smaller projects for the next couple weeks and I have a few pictures.

We are working on fabric weaving projects. Sewing strips of fabric and then weaving them to make place mats, coffee mug holders or mats for the center of a table. These are projects that can sell and no one is currently making anything like this.

As you can see a variety of colors. Both sewing rooms did very well on this project. They all have become proficient at measuring, sewing and cutting. The hardest part was to decide what colors to use. I'm also very impressed that they are beginning to be creative. This is a big step for them! They are making suggestions and trying different techniques! THINKING about what they are doing not just doing what they are told.

Then there is the nursery part of our sewing classes.

We always have children in the sewing room with mom which leads to many interesting situations.

Today we had Ashley making things exciting. She can sit up but not without a prop because she still rolls. Unfortunately today she rolled and bumped her head on the concrete. Children in the sewing room is a reality so you need to learn how to deal with it. 

See pictures below...................this a good place for a child who is still top heavy. 

We were amazed at the end of the day how much stuff she was able to pull in there and hide!

I was not aware that no one in the village has what we refer to as a baby high chair. Sooooo we designed a little jacket with straps that ties Ashley to the chair so any chair is a high chair. She loves it, her mom loves it but not so sure it would meet approval for sale in the US. 

They are all so precious and we are so blessed to be considered their Aunty and Uncle. There is never a dull moment around our sewing room/nursery.

We have another little guy named Christopher who is 4 years old. He is usually with us but he is sick and had to go to the hospital in Belmopan. If you would please keep him and his mother in your prayers. 

Welcome to the Los Tambos Sewing Room!

We have the open air concept so it makes it nice and comfortable.

As you can see in the picture we have young ladies cleaning the floor so we can throw fabric and thread around later.

It was a beautiful day, no rain and a nice breeze. The next two weeks will be fun projects for the girls then they will start the school uniforms.

This young lady's name is Brenda. This is the way they come to school everyday. There are 5 people on this motor cycle. I know it's hard to see the little guy tucked under the windshield. His name is Darwin and he came to sewing class with his momma. He also became my new best friend. He found my food and candy stash so he stayed pretty close to me all day. Tell me who could resist that SMILE! and he knows how to say "Thank you."

He was good all day even when he started to get tired. We will see him again in class on Wednesday.

This young lady is Arceyl and I'm not sure what she is eating but it looks like it has hot sauce on it???  

Rose and Yolanda are finishing up their project for today. Today they learned how to weave fabric pieces to make things. Stay tuned ........Pics on Wednesday

Wonderful day! Good to be working again! Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to be with the girls again!! AND we're still singing when the sun goes down.

Joe's turn is tomorrow to give you the run down on Ms Lily's project list.

The end of a BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Here we are! One week into the trip and getting things wrapped up to begin classes on Monday.

We have had some decent weather with rain late in the afternoon but as of yet no monsoon. Temperatures in the mid 80's and mid 60's at night. 

We did have some of God's handy work one afternoon. Very pretty and always a reminder who runs the show.

Joe has been working on a cutting table for the house. When it comes time to cut uniforms he will be ready.

This little one flew in the door and decided to help in the kitchen. Just never know who will show up when you leave the door open. Especially here. 

                            Wednesday we introduced the sergers to the sewing group leaders. 

 Needless to say they are very excited.
We have a long way to go before they will be comfortable using the machines but we are confident that they will do well.

WE ARE HERE!

IN BELIZE
Of course most of you know that by now. We had a few issues
with computers, phone service etc but that is now OVER, we hope.

We are finishing up a few things to get ready for classes to start the week of January 14th. 

This morning we were in Los Tambos making plans for the upcoming classes. Right after we got there a bus from DCI pulled up and brought a very enthusiastic group of young people.They had music, a Bible lesson and crafts for the children. By noon they were gone. Great group of young people from all over Tennessee! Go Vols!!
Tomorrow morning we will be visiting Buena Vista. 

We will have some pictures to share on the next post.
Thank you for all the prayers.

Threads of Hope

The countdown begins.................... We leave on Friday January 4th at 9:57am. 
God willing we will be in Belize and setting up housekeeping and making preparations for classes to start on Monday. 

We appreciate your prayers and support.
Joe and Linda

Buena Vista

A good day sewing!

The ladies is Buena Vista were able to sew throughout the summer. 

 This beautiful little 
girl is Sophia the daughter of Ester.
Ester and Alba are the
two leaders of the group. Sophia is 3 months old! Check out the beautiful hair!

The ladies are making dresses for their daughters.
Their finished projects are getting better and better!
Most of the ladies can follow a pattern now. Whoo hoo!

We are looking forward to being back in Belize in January 2019. We will be taking serger machines for the sewing rooms. The machines will help give the finished projects a more professional look.


We asked that you keep us in your prayers as work on our plans for the 2019 trip.