What are we doing?

In late June of 2011 we're heading down to Punta Gorda Belize to spend a year in service. Everything that we will be bringing with us will be limited to our luggage in hand. Scary, perhaps, but exciting, even more so. This is something that has been in the works, really since before we were married. We started looking into this more seriously about 4 years ago and eventually made the connections that put us in a good position to be settling in Belize. The culture is diverse, the weather is warm, and English is the national language--all added bonuses. While the country is definitely a 3rd world country, the majority of violent crime is centered in Belize City, 5 hours to the north of where we'll be staying. Where we will be living will have electricity and running water and if finances allow, there will even be internet access.

So what are we going to do while we're down there? We're really trying to do what will have the greatest impact on the community and so this will take a lot of feeling things out and a willingness to make adjustments as the needs change. Having a teaching degree and administration certification will be very beneficial for Andy as he definitely plans to be working within the schools. Julie will have to find the balance between serving the community and caring for the two boys who will still be at home. Family always comes first but she really wants to challenge herself and help in new ways. She's used to serving in many different capacities in the States and is excited to be helping in Belize. The girls will be attending school full time which is about the best sort of cultural immersion one can give a child. We want them to be on par with their classmates in the states and so we anticipate supplementing their school work with some additional homeschooling. The boys, well, being just toddlers, their job is really just to play, love, and experience. We're pretty sure they'll do just fine with that.

We plan to update our blog as often as we can. We want to use this as a way to connect you all with the people of Belize. This is one world we live in and we all have our part in it. Obviously missionary work is not something that each and every American is called to do with their lives but we really encourage you to think about something like this as a possibility for you or your family. Even just a week of one's life dedicated to serving others can have a profound impact for years to come. This is what makes us most excited about this opportunity for our family and we are really looking forward to receiving support from our community here in the states--emotional, spiritual, financial and even physical. Contact us if you wish to be a part of this in any way but also look at our "Wish List" and "Make a Donation" tabs. No help from you is too small or insignificant.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we're sure there will be many ups and downs in the road ahead.

“Prayer begets faith, faith begets love, and love begets service on behalf of the poor.” -Mother Teresa

Onward Bound,

Andy, Julie, Emily, Sarah, Lillian, Adam, and Charlie

kuhnertj@hotmail.com

andykuhnert@gmail.com