We are Protected!!!

So, after the 7:30 PM mass it has become routine that Ali, Alison and myself pray night prayer together and then walk home along the beach. It is usually 9:30 by the time we arrive home, and here in San Pedro it gets dark by 6:30. Being the non-tourist season, it is very quiet here except for the random citizens of Belize you see along the beach at night, many trying to sell things or just flirt with women. The other night we were walking home and it was pretty dark. We had just finished praying when we noticed two dogs had been following us for quite a while, one behind and one in front. They seemed pretty friendly. All of a sudden someone went by on a bicycle and they began to bark and growl, then went back to walking in front and behind us. We soon realized that they were acting like 'guard dogs' and actually protecting us. It was crazy! We were reminded of St. Dominic who during times of danger and attack would randomly have a guard dog appear and protect him. This has become almost a nightly event. The dogs even wait up if one of us slows down and if we're not staying together, and whenever we see anyone that looks at all dangerous they bark and growl. They follow us all the way to our apartment and then they take off. It is quite a relief to have such good company here!