Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Leaving Jamaica again; Whitehouse, Jamaica - Day 9

We got up early, showered and dressed.  We ate breakfast, cleaned up and finished zipping up our suitcases.  As we started to leave, Linda asked us if and when we wanted to take over her Jesus for Jamaica ministry.  We gently said that we would pray about it, but that we didn’t think that this was the place that God has for us.  We are pretty sure that she already knows that we are not going to be the ones that will take over.  And that’s okay.  We made lots of new friends on this trip, had many experiences and learned a whole lot.

We said our good-byes and headed off for the airport.  I wanted to leave in plenty of time to stop for one more meal of jerk chicken. Troy told us to go to the Pork Pit in Montego Bay.  So, that’s where we are headed.

It’s been a long and eventful trip.  As we reflect on our time in Jamaica this past week, we have come to a few conclusions:

*that we feel called to children and youth ministry.  That’s where we are going to have an impact and can make a change for the future.

*that we feel comfortable and feel peace in Negril and the western part of the island.

*that we really love and appreciate Pastors Richard and Nicola, their vision and their ministry.  We hope that we can partner with them in some big ways long term.  We appreciate their church and their leadership.

*that we love and appreciate our friends, Lynette and Tracy in Spring Garden.  Lynette has many connections around the island and through the Rotary Club.  Tracy knows how to build and has learned from his mistakes.  They are both a wealth of knowledge, understand us as Americans, and understand the Jamaican culture, too.

*that we have come to love and trust many Jamaican friends like Shorty, Troy, Paulus and others. We feel safe with them.

*that we can get all over the island without a problem.

*that we feel safe in Jamaica, are no longer afraid of just about any situation.  We still understand the need to be alert and cautious, as you would be anywhere, but we never felt unsafe or uneasy anywhere, even in Kingston that has a reputation of being a little more dangerous.

*that we are in love with the island and want to be here long term. We know that God is going to work it out, we just have to continue to take one step after the next and see where He leads!

*that the Pork Pit is GOOD!  And that jerk chicken all over the island is good.  And ice cream.  Don’t forget about ice cream.

*that it is a good idea to have snacks along at all times.  Several times we got hungry and there just wasn’t a place to stop to eat.  Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have a couple of bottles of water along.

*that we can trust and believe that God is leading us and that He will continue to open doors for us to walk through, as long as we keep stepping out in faith and moving forward.


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