What Dedication Looks Like

We are pleased to introduce you to Victoria and Yancy. Both of these women live in Belize. Victoria (in the purple skirt) is a mother to two beautiful children whom she adores! We met these two beautiful women through Patricio and his wife Ester. They both live about 4 miles away from the WFM Missions Base in the jungle. They each live in small 2 room houses with no running water. We have had the privilege to join them at their houses to eat and visit. I absolutely love going out there and listen to them laugh and joke around.

 

Even though they live in what our culture would consider to be very poor, you would never know it if you met them on the street as strangers. They are full of life and love that exudes out of them. We always have a great time sharing life together when we get the opportunity. I’ve been invited to Victoria’s children’s birthday parties, school graduations and they have shared holiday meals with me. 

 

One of the many things I adore about Victoria and Yancy is their hearts and eagerness to learn. I noticed that the daily food staple for them was rice, beans and homemade tortillas. Although very tasty, it doesn’t meet all their nutritional needs. So I invited them to join me;  I would pick them up from their house, drive to the market and teach them how to shop for nutritional foods that were also cost effective. Once we got our groceries, we headed back to my kitchen where we learned how to make 4 different types of dishes! I would instruct, then watch them make everything so that they could take and make the recipes at home. It was on the job training, and was so much fun watching them learn and take the delicious outcome! The children lined the kitchen with hungry bellies and left fully satisfied! They now have many more options to cook from and to feed their families that are healthy and nutritious.

A hurdle that is always difficult when in a foreign nation is the language barrier . Both Victoria and Yancy dropped out of school in junior high. Neither have been formally taught how to read, write or speak English. Without knowing these skills, it is tough to get employment in Belize.

When faced with difficult situations, we get the privilege to create and build solutions. This event that got me thinking and eventually led me to ask them what their dreams are. Victoria wants to be a great mom and get a job helping people. Yancy on the other hand, would like to be a nurse or office manager. 

 

Big dreams take big risk. When I presented them the opportunity to be taught English, they were elated! We met three times a week for two hours, learning Basic English. These ladies ride their bikes 4+ miles one-way in order to learn. Even in torrential downpours, they braved the weather so that they would not miss class. They are dedicated, and learning so fast! I am so proud of both of them! They have taught me what dedication looks like and how chasing your dreams should never be held back by distractions. We also used this time to equip and teach the word of God into them. They are not only hungry for the skills of learning another language, but for strengthening themselves spiritually. I have the best seat in the room watching them understand and grow both personally and
in their relationship with God.

It is Victoria’s big heart and love of helping people that is so unique to her. She desperately wants a better life for herself and her children. She is so sweet and would give you everything she has if she thought you needed it. 

 

Yancy is witty and funny. I enjoy joking around and listening to her laugh. It is contagious and inviting. She is hungry to learn and eager to grow as a woman and strengthen those around her. Any time you spend around her, you will be doubled over laughing until it hurts.

We should never take lightly an opportunity to help someone if we see the need and have the ability to be an answer. We never know what the person holds inside of them until we go mining for that gold that is hidden. Once you hit their passion and encourage them to pursue their greatness, it is the most fulfilling experience we get this side of eternity with God. It’s an honor to know these two powerful women. I’m excited to continue to see them grow and watch them pursue something that was once impossible.

Guest Blog Writer: Travis Arment