Weird Dream or Not

You ever have a night where you're dreaming and then something that is actually happening in the real world gets homogenized into your dream...you know, like you're dreaming and then a phone rings in the real world but you don't wake up and in your dream a phone rings too. Something like that.

Well last night I'm sleeping and in my dream my bed is shaking...so it wakes me up...but then the bed is still shaking...but I'm out of a dead sleep...maybe I'm just loosing it...so I get up to go to the bathroom and the wall seems to be vibrating, the towels are moving around on the hooks like there is a breeze coming through the bath room. I put my hand up against the window, nope no breeze. I look outside, nope no trees blowing around. I walk back in my bedroom and the wall seems to not be moving...WEIRD...getting a little nervous now. I jump back in bed and say a quick prayer while I think if I've bought anything second hand lately. All of a sudden the bedroom door pops open, Dani's exercise ball falls onto the floor, and then there is a loud pounding knock on the front door. It wakes Dani up, I'm already up and I go to the front door with my beating stick. No one there. Now I'm really nervous. Then my phone rings. Turns out I wasn't imagine or dreaming things...the landlord upstairs calls and tells me I have 3 minutes to get upstairs that there is a tsunami watch in effect. We had an earthquake last night that shook well over a minute, possibly two. The house was shaking!! So we run upstairs for about 15 minutes until they lift the tsunami watch. Thank goodness we didn't have one. The quake woke me up but no damage...just some things shaken and moving. All is well here in San Pedro. I hear that southern Belize has slight damage and power outages.  If you look at the image below we live on Ambergris Caye. As usual you can click on it to make it bigger.

There was an earthquake of 4.9 in the evening but the 7.1 at 2:30am really shook things up.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009heak.html#details

Earthquake Details
Magnitude 7.1
Date-Time Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 08:24:45 UTC
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 03:24:45 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location 16.783°N, 86.166°W
Depth 10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region OFFSHORE HONDURAS
Distances 130 km (80 miles) NNE of La Ceiba, Honduras
225 km (140 miles) N of Juticalpa, Honduras
320 km (200 miles) NNE of TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras
1170 km (730 miles) SSW of Miami, Florida

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 6.3 km (3.9 miles); depth fixed by location program
Parameters NST=119, Nph=119, Dmin=323.9 km, Rmss=0.88 sec, Gp=104°,
M-type=(unknown type), Version=6
Source USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)


Event ID us2009heak

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

Anyone Know Anyone?

Just a quick post...but does anyone know anyone coming down to Belize or Mexico's Yucatan (Cozumel, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, etc...) anytime soon?

The reason I ask is that a company donated an amplifier and some microphones for our Kingdom Hall here but I'm trying to see if someone has room to bring it down. So if you know anyone, plane or cruise ship, let me know.

Service Days

Most days lately are filled with service. Dani and I have been trying to wake up early to do streetwork in the mornings. I guess it's actually beach work. We ride our bikes to the hall and then hit the beach for 8. I got a study started this week and made a return visit on a guy I met on the beach. There are people who work for the town here that rake the beaches in the mornings so these are our main listeners besides locals who walk the beach to work. The only problem with working the beach is seeing the pretty water... there's only one thing I'd rather do more than ... just kidding, fisher's of men first, fisher's of fish is after 12PM. Today while Dani studied with the daughter and then the mom at this one house, I studied with the two young boys. One is studying in the "Learn from the Great Teacher Book" and the other doesn't read too good yet so we're doing the "Learn to Read and Write" booklet. He's a little more all over the place but he's learning to sound out words and making good progress despite this being only our second study. I actually had the study with these two kids and then 3 of there young friends from across the street came over to sit in. So everyone was able to answer and now the other three kids want there own "Learn from the Great Teacher" books. I finished with the boys and Dani was still studying so I took a friend of ours who's visiting right now to a study I have a few house's down the block. I just met her 3 weeks ago...since my initial visit, I've called back three times and we are half way through chapter 1 in the Bible Teach book. She really appreciates the study and gets excited to see all these new points as she looks them up in her own bible. I'm going to try to get a study started with her husband too but he works 7 days a week from 7AM til 6PM so I'll have to come at night to study with him. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. After these studies Dani and I made a call on a girl whom I've called back on twice since the initial visit with the C.O. I tried her a few times but she wasn't home. Well I caught her today and sh said she was waiting for me to come back. She tells me she's almost done with Chapter 2 of the Bible Teach book. She had some great questions on the initial visit so I'm really looking forward to studying the bible with her since she is wanting answers. After this it was on our way home. I happened to see an old call passing near the house. He talked to one of the Spanish brothers and he said this guy came to him and gave him his number so that I can call him to study with him because he wants to study. So next Sunday I'll be there. Well, not next Sunday but the one after. Since Caye Caulker lost there only elder, our brothers are supporting the hall there now. So we had to move their meetings to Saturday PM and Sunday AM, Sundays time didn't change. This allows us to have two brothers go over, do their CBS/TMS/SM on Saturday night, spend the night and then do their WT study on Sunday morning. So this Saturday is my day. I have to conduct book study, have two parts on the SM, and read the WT Sunday morning. Looks like I'll be sleeping on some chairs in the hall. They have fans so it won't be bad. So for those of you reading this wondering how life is here or if you can help or how you can help a congregation, Caye Caulker definitely could use an elder or two. Our brother's will do what we can, but a steady stable body there would benefit them so much. So come on down...!!!

I went kayaking/spearfishing today...Didn't put any kill shots on anything but got some nice shots in. I don't shoot anything small, first, it's just too much work for too little meat, second, I like to let them get nice and plump. I shot what must have been a 15-20 lbs. horse eye jack but he took off and jumped out the water. When he jumped the spear came out and he was gone. The tip I use will come out if it doesn't kill the fish. This is good since it doesn't kill any fish.

I guess that's it for now...

So May Isn't The Hottest Month

Well, it turns out that May isn't the hottest month in Belize. Someone told me that and I figured it was true since it was getting so hot around here lately. But come to find out August is the hottest month...Crap! Just when I thought it was hot enough. I will say this though, it's rained a few times in the past couple days so that has been nice. And the ocean...WOW...can you say flat!!! You can't even see the reef from the beach. You see, normally, if you look out into the water you see waves breaking about 1000 feet out so from the shore you see white waves cresting over. But this week, when you look out, you barely see any waves...even the dive boats offshore you can see them sitting there in flat water. So what does this mean for me??? Perfecto spear fishing conditions, sunny sky, flat water, even spear fishing outside the reef. This means that even in water that is 100+ feet you can see the bottom. Granted...I can only go down maybe 50-60 max right now but probably even closer to 40' in reality...but still it's so beautiful. So Rob and I have been out fishing a few times...we did pretty good the other day. We went outside the reef and got some rock crabs. Those were really tasty. We might be going out today so if we do I'll try to get some pics and show you our catch.

Adios

Long Week

It's been a long week. The temperature here is getting really hot so by the time you get in from service you're pretty much soaked and ready for either shower number two of the day or a jump in the ocean. I'm taking like 4 or 5 showers a day right now if that helps you see how hot it is getting. May is suppose to be the hottest month with June, July, and August closely behind. Hopefully by September we'll start the rainy season and things will begin to cool. Belize gets most of it's power from Mexico but there was a blackout that damaged some power equipment in Mexico so Mexico cut us off for the next four months. So right now the island is running on power from Belize and then big generators here on the island. I think there are 3 big semi trailer size generators here on the island. So the power goes out twice a day or more for at least 15 minutes while they swap power sources.

So this week was service in the mornings and then other things in the afternoon. I had to go over to Caye Caulker this morning to conduct the WT study. Now that Dan is gone we don't have any brothers there so our servant body is their's. So two weeks ago I went over to give the public talk there, last week I had it here, and today I went for the WT. It's always nice to go over and help out so it's always enjoyable. I'd do it more if I could. I have the time and energy to donate, it's the cash that isn't there so I do what I can. It's $30 round trip on the boat, $15US. It adds up quick, especially when you're living off of savings, savings that are low. I'm still waiting to hear about my work permit. If it doesn't come through then I'll be back state side pretty soon. I don't want to leave but when savings run out, you gotta do what ya gotta do.

I hope all is well back home with everyone. I guess that's it for now.

Dan Houghton is back state side. He's recovering slowly but surely. I was on the computer the other day and guess who chat's me...Dan "The Man" Houghton. So he is feeling better each day. The docs in the States said that the docs here in Belize did a great job with the surgery, so that's good to know.

I'm going to bed. If any of you know anyone coming down to Belize or Mexico Yucatan, maybe on a cruise or something, let me know. I have a amp sitting in the States that has been donated for our Hall here so I'm trying to find a way to get it down here.

Til Next Time

Letter From Embassy

I am posting this post for one reason only. A lot of tourist visit Ambergriscaye.com's forum to gather information for their trips to San Pedro. I attempted to post warnings to tourist by means of using the forum there only to have my post's removed by the moderators for the following reason: "Scaring the hell out of tourists resulting in reduced business" here on the island. I personally, would rather warn/scare tourists so they know that it's not safe to roam the island at night or trust people they don't here. Many people are told how "safe" it is here and how there isn't any crime. Well that isn't the case. Since this blog gets submitted to search engines I'm hoping that if people google or perform internet searches on terms like "Ambergris Caye crime" or the like then this blog might pop up in the search results. So those of you who are friends of mine that follow my blog then you can disregard this post. On the other hand, those of you traveling to San Pedro or Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker then be careful. It's not that this place is more dangerous than anywhere else in the world but at the same time it's not a crime free paradise that some people claim it is. So as with anywhere else, traveler's beware and heed the warning in the following email that I received from the U.S. Embassy this evening:

There was a rape on Ambergris Caye this past Friday night, and one on Caye Caulker the weekend before. The one on Ambergris sadly could have been avoided with some common sense and less alcohol. Foolish actions in no way release the perpetrator from guilt, but people need to avoid putting themselves at greater risk. Please pass on the advice below.
Tom


Information for Travelers

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize
May 12, 2009

Recent violent crimes involving visitors to the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker serve as a reminder that everyone should take an active role in their own personal security. U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Belize should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Many parts of the country, including both urban and rural areas, have seen an increase in violent crime. In some instances, criminals have used physical force and intimidation or utilized weapons in the commission of crimes, especially in Belize City and Cayo District. While other areas of the country have lower levels of overall crime, the potential employment of violence is still a concern.

There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted because of their citizenship. The United States Government does not have any information about specific threats to American citizens but would like to share a self-assessment guideline used by government employees to help you increase your own personal security.

Daily Security Habits and Practices

If you are driving, in a restaurant, or other public places and notice suspicious individuals, armed personnel or protective security details, immediately depart the area.

Vary your times and routes to and from work.

Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle).

Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle.

Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.

Maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself.

Report to the police any vehicles or persons possibly involved, i.e., following or watching you or asking detailed questions that seem inappropriate or make you feel uncomfortable in surveillance of your activities.

Be alert to what is going on around you.

Inform your colleagues and family of your daily plans and how they can reach you.

Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules. Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious activity to local police officials.

In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit (escape route). Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.

If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.

Whenever possible, do not have a set day for personal errands (e.g., shopping). Be unpredictable.

Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers, in an open setting.

Don’t travel alone if it can be avoided.

Travel during the day may be safer.

Consider carefully whether you really want to hike or pick up hitch hikers.

Carry a copy of your passport with you while in country.

Carry money in multiple places (on your person and in bags) not all in one place

Make sure friends, colleagues and/or travel companions (as well as the U.S. Embassy) have an emergency contact to call on your behalf, if needed.

Brief all of your family members on security measures.

Inform your family, supervisor or colleagues of your whereabouts if you are traveling overnight.

Stay in Touch

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register in person with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1- 202-501-4444.

For any emergencies involving American citizens in Belize, please contact the U.S. Embassy Belmopan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Belmopan City on Floral Park Road, telephone from the United States: 011-501-822-4011; telephone within Belize: 822-4011 or after working hours at 610-5030. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at consulbelize@state.gov. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.belize.usembassy.gov/.

Slowly but surely

I want to apologize for not posting an update yesterday. I've been talking to the family this morning and this are progressing slowly but progressing. First off, Dan is making amazing progress from where he was two days ago. I was there for what seemed to be the worst of days since this happened. But from what they told me this morning things are continuing to get better and better.

This morning Dan was sitting up in bed. He could respond to questions. He memory is still affected but he is recognizing the family. He hated the fact that he couldn't have his own under garments so that he has those on now. They unrestrained him and he was able to get into a chair. The doctor said no he's too weak to walk so just let him relax in the chair. But if you know Dan, he's by no means weak, he's strong as an ox, even with all that is going on. So what happens, well when the doctor leaves the room, Dan stands up and takes a few steps, chair in tow... So they get him back into bed and he's resting peacefully as of now. So things are looking better. It's going to be a long road ahead but I can assure you that if anyone will progress it's Dan...I guess hard headedness and stubbornness are good qualities when it comes to recovery. Love you Dan!!!

As far as the plans to get Dan back Stateside, the Medivac is ready to roll. Two things need to be done before Medivacs will fly:

One: A doctor has to accept him as a patient.
Two: A hospital has to be able to admit him as a patient.

So for now, number one is complete. They are currently trying to find a V.A. hospital that has room. They are trying a few in different states but none are available. So if any of you know about a V.A. hospital with a good neurology unit or trauma care unit, and they have room, let us know. As you know these things are not instantaneous so we'll see how things go from here.

We still have brothers at the hospital with Dan so the family is able to rest and take care of all these arrangements. I'll let you know if anything changes.

Keep Dan, Dolly, Jay, and McKenzie in your prayers.

Barry

Expect an update at 6PM EST

I am heading to Caye Caulker to get Dan and Dolly's things packed up. My wife and I will be there along with Dolly to help as well as other brothers on the island. Last night Dan slept for 6 hours. He seems to be doing a little better. I will update all of you later on today. I should be home by 4PM my time which is 6PM Eastern Standard Time in the States. Thanks so much for all of the help you have all given so far. Don't forget that the address posted in the post below is still good for sending any type of donation you can to help out the family.

We still need help

As you know my wife has been with the family since the surgery on Sunday. I spent today with Dan and Dolly and the family. All I can really say is that Dan responds to certain peoples voices. He is constantly in and out of it. 10 seconds he's somewhat sleeping, 10 seconds later he's trying to roll out of bed, 10 seconds later he's back somewhat sleeping. If you would like to call Dolly at the hospital please email me at bjvista@gmail.com. I can give you the cell phone they are using. I just don't want to post it here so that just anyone is calling since they have so much going on. You should all know that at any one time during the day there are at least 10 people with Dolly, Jay, and Kenzie at the hospital. The local brothers here are really supporting the family. The HLC has a brother there also. We are arranging 24 hour shifts of at least three brothers to make sure we have people there constantly at the bedside as this is needed. Talks are going on now as for airlifting Dan back Stateside. As you know this requires special personnel, aircraft and pilots. Prices range anywhere from $20,000US to who know's how much...so anything you can do to help the family is really appreciated. Jehovah's organization is so amazing though. From meals to support to sisters just sitting at the hospital to just be a face in the room...all the brother's and sister's here are a huge help. Please keep them in your prayers. I wish I could say more but I'll let those who need to know to hear specific details from the family. That's it for now.

Donation Information For Dan Houghton's Medical Expenses

***Address updated*** Please any donations to the address posted below. Any donations already sent will reach them but the address posted below is better for them. Thanks

After sending the email at the bottom of this post (see email below), so many of you have been quick to respond with the following questions:

1. What happened?
2. Is he ok?
3. How do we get money to them?

So I'm putting this here so you all can access it.

1. & 2. What happened? Is he ok?
Dan was on his way to send an email at his normal wifi spot last night. On his way out near him and Dolly's place, one or more individuals attacked Dan. We are not sure of the exact details as he suffered memory loss from a concussion he received in the assault. Besides a black eye and some bruising and scratches I was told he appeared to be visually not too bad. The more noticeable symptoms was him being delirious and the memory loss. He made it back home where a doctor checked him out. He was kept awake during the night due to the concussion and vomiting. MRI results prompted the doctors to say surgery was needed ASAP. Around 10:30AM they performed brain surgery to stop the bleeding and relieve the pressure. I am glad to say that at 5:50PM I received a phone call and the surgery was a success. They were able to stop the major bleeding and relieve the pressure that was building. There is still some bleeding so a 2nd MRI tomorrow will tell us more. They are going to put Dan into a medically induced coma for 2 days until the swelling goes down. The doctors are expecting a full recovery but we will know more in the days to come.

3. How do we get money to them?
This is probably the most repetitive emailed question I'm receiving from everyone. I must say, Jehovah's organization is amazing. So many of you are wanting to help. It really does show the love amongst the brothers.

As you know, the surgery is complete, but the cost, although being cheaper than brain surgery in the States, is still very expensive. I know we won't cover the complete cost but anything you've already sent and others will send will help. The best way to get money to the Houghton's is going to be by sending a check to their residence in the States. They will be home soon and someone there is already checking their mail so it's safe to send checks. As always, it is never recommended to send cash in the mail. So for all of you that want to help, please send a check to:

Dan and Dolly Houghton

155 Griffin Springs Rd.

Campbellsville, KY 42718

I'm sure they will know it's for Dan's medical expenses but a small note or card wouldn't hurt.

If you have any other questions you can either comment them to me here via the blog, or email me at bjvista@gmail.com, or call me at 011-501-626-6362...that's my cell here and I am available 24/7.

I will update this blog as I hear more news tomorrow from the city. Danielle is staying there in the city tonight with Dolly. They are staying in the circuit overseer's apartment and have the brother's there also.

Again, please keep our brother in your prayers and pass this on to any you think may be able to help. Thank you so so so much for the response that you've already given.

Thanks

Barry

---------------------------------
Here's the original a lot of you received this afternoon:

Hey Everyone,

I just picked all the witnesses out of my address book that I knew of. This is Barry "BJ" Vista. I'll keep this short and sweet. A good friend of me and Dani, a brother on the island next to us in Caye Caulker was robbed and beaten shortly after 10pm last night. Danielle and some friends from our hall and the HLC is there as well as some other local brothers and sisters. He and his wife are need greaters from the States and have played a huge part in the progress and spiritual growth of the Caye Caulker English Congregation. This was going to be their last week here in Belize before they headed back to the States for 6 months and some quickbuilds. He is having brain surgery as I write this. I am asking three things, One, that you keep this brother and his wife in your prayers. Two, that you keep the Caye Caulker congregation in your prayers as these 13 publishers can definitely use the prayers. Three, The surgery is very expensive. If you would like to help the family out with a donation please contact me at bjvista@gmail.com or call me at 011-501-626-6362 and we will make arrangements for any donations to reach the family to help cover cost. Any amount will help and I know they will appreciate it. Send this to anyone you think may be able to help.

Thanks

B

A thought for your prayers...

Just a short post but a brother from Caye Caulker, our sister island, was robbed and beaten last night. He is undergoing brain surgery right now. Dani is there for his wife, along with HLC and other brother's and sister's for support. Please keep him and his wife in your prayers. The surgery is expensive but had to be done. We'll find out shortly how it went. Please contact me if you'd like to donate to him and his wife to help cover surgery costs. If you email me we can make sure funds reach the family here. bjvista@gmail.com