Today was our last day of ministry. We again went to the Deaf School, Vacation Bible School and the Orphanage. Here are three stories from 3 students:
Jackson Seedott
Today, the second VBS was absolutely incredible. Even more so than the previous days, you could truly witness the presence of God in the excitement and joy of the kids. From being bombarded by hugs and "jamaican" handshakes upon our arrival, to the time we had to leave. I say "had" because all of the students, especially myself, wanted to stay there as long as possible. It was truly an amazing and humbling experience for all. After playing an intense game of "bully in the pen," a popular jamaican game that the kids actually taught us, we conducted a puppet show. Our story today was from John 6:16-21, the story of Jesus walking on water. After that we were off to small groups, where we collectively analyzed and discussed the story. Afterwards, for arts and crafts time, the students decorated and colored crosses made from popsicle sticks; the students really seemed to enjoy the craft. Following arts and crafts was more time for personal connection and playing with the kids. Today I personally had the blessing of meeting and interacting with a little girl named Amanda. She was nine years old, and has an incredible, one of a kind story. At the young age of nine, she had to experience the death of her father and live with her grandparents because her mom was in jail. Despite these horrendous trials no one of this age should ever have to face, she was arguably one of the most faithful 9 year old I have ever met. She truly trusted in the Lord with all her heart, and was, in every meaning of the word, fearless. Needless to say, the most difficult part of this time was leaving, as we all were having a God-given and blessed time. Unfortunately, the time came for us to depart. However, the staff of the school where the VBS was held requested to take a picture of our team to keep at the school as a memoir of our time spent with the children. After giving hundreds of final hugs, piggyback rides, and more hugs, we all loaded the bus and made our final departure from the school.
Kaylee McDougall
Today was another beautiful day in Jamaica. Today me and about 11 other people got the chance to head back to the orphanage for a 2nd time. Now if you think that leaving those cute little kids once was hard, try leaving them for a 2nd time! Do not get me wrong it was so great to get the chance to go back to see them again, but I felt this time it was harder to let them go. We actually got the chance, this time, to get to know the kids and learn why they were there. Today we learned the story behind these two little girls, Julia and Kristina. While we spent our time with them we noticed that Kristina had marks on her stomach. We found out that their mother used to beat both of them, so much it left scars on Kristina and broke Julia's leg(who by the way is 6 months old). Just hearing this story broke our hearts. Thinking how someone could put their children in that much pain is just astounding. Many kids in that orphanage are either in similar situations as Julia and Kristina or their parents are not around at all, like my friend Mackabee who I spent most of the day with. It really makes me appreciate having both of my parents so much more. Well, after a long, fun day of hanging with the kids it came time for us to say our last and final goodbyes. For many of us it has been the hardest thing to do on this trip. We all loved these kids so much we just wish that we could take them all home with us (but I don't think that AirTran would let us do that ) haha. Today marked the end of our days of ministry which means we only have 2 days left here in paradise. I know as a whole team we can't wait to see what the next days have to bring. Have a great day and we will see you all Saturday!
Jordan Filipowski
God has truly blessed all of the members of the 2010 Mission Trip to Jamaica. Personally, my eyes have been opened to observe all of my surroundings for anything that has God's blessing. Although I am not a man of words, my actions have praised God all the same. I had the opportunity to spend two of my ministry days at the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf, where I got to finish what I started. My first day there, on Tuesday, was the first day for any member to work there this trip. We started tiling the children's bathrooms, as the children are currently at home on Spring Break themselves. I'd like to say that tiling is very hard work, and my admiration goes out to those who do it for a living. Kudos on professionally doing such a tedious and delicate job that requires so much patience, of which I do not have much of. The progress that was made over the three days that we worked was something I will not forget. With at most three people working on the floor at once, the groups that worked cranked out two full bathrooms in three days, grout and all. I was not part of the Wednesday group, but I got to see the amazing work they did when I went to grout on Thursday. Oh how God was amazing today. Trying to finish the job, our materials were dwindling and uncertainty was sure to follow. Always having the opportunity to pray to our omnipotent, always listening God, I took a few seconds to ask that our materials would last out the job so we could successfully complete the tiling for those who knew God even with the inability to hear. And how our God comes through. He allowed the grout to last, which allowed us as a group to successfully serve Him through good deeds. Never in my life have I felt such an indescribable feeling as noticing the answer to a prayer in a short period after praying. I continue to thank Him for the opportunity He has presented and blessed me with that allowed me to make His name known through me. What's not to love about our Lord? Everything about Him is to be praised from the ends of the Earth by all tongues and all nations that He has created.
I ask that you would pray for safety as the team travels to spend a day together debriefing and loving each other. I also ask that you pray for the safety of our travel home, as we all return to our loving families who cannot wait to hear all of our stories. Glory to God forever and praise to Him in the highest!
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