Jamaica Mission Team 2009

2009-03-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Day Fourteen

2009-03-02T07:58:00.000-06:00

It was our last day at Bethel. The group was pretty subdued on the ride to the church. Worship was lively and Pastor Gary gave the sermon, punctuated with many an Amen, Brother and Praise the Lord. Many tears were shed. After the final song, we took many pictures and many hugs and addresses were exchanged. As we all headed for the bus, Miss Colleen said, “Wait, we have cake!” So we stayed for fruit cake, took more pictures and gave more hugs. As we all headed for the bus, Miss Winifred said, “Wait, ice cream come soon.” So we stayed for ice cream cones (rum raisin) took more pictures and hugged everybody goodbye. When we got on the bus, Mr. Riley chuckled and said, “I think they want to keep you.”

Mr. Riley drove us to Montego Bay to spend our last night in Jamaica at El Greco hotel. (It has hot water!) We walked a few blocks and found Margaritaville restaurant ~ wonderful food and a two story waterslide going down to the ocean. Scott led the way, and even Pastor Gary and Wayne gave it a try. We watched the sun go down and walked back to the hotel. Some went to the swimming pool and some retreated to their rooms to have a bath or watch tv.

Tomorrow we leave for the airport at 11:30 and should arrive in Atlanta around 5. After a 2 ½ hour lay over, we depart Atlanta around 7:30 and land in MPLS just after 9. Katy and Wayne will be driving Luke and Ellie home and Cyn will be taking Annie to her house. Our phones will be working again once we land in Atlanta. It will be good to be back in touch!

2009-02-28T19:41:00.000-06:00

Day Thirteen

2009-02-28T19:15:00.000-06:00

Johnny drove us to Dunn's River Falls...a beautiful cascading waterfall spilling into the blue-green ocean, a gorgeous white sand beach, and shopping. We went with three young folks we met at Bethel: Simone, Pinny (Stephen) and Chavelle. Pastor Gary and all the youth got into a game of keep away - boys vs. girls - that lasted for almost two hours. After finding something to eat, Brian, Chavelle, Pinny and Simone went up the falls. It was a bit tricky, but the hardest part was getting around the massive groups of tourists all holding hands so they wouldn't fall down. it was a perfect day on a perfect post-card beach.

Our miss Annie got a marriage proposal today. A gentleman asked her to marry him. She thought he was joking, so she just laughed. When he said, "I'm serious", she laughed and responded, "No, I'm good." (It's OK Loree and Paul, we're bringing her back single...she just wanted to make sure this got into the blog today!)

We got back early, cleaned up and headed into Brown's Town for Chinese food. It was good, and we got to greet a few people we knew from the retreat center. Kinda like walking down the street in Akeley, only farther from home.

Brian had devotions tonight, talking about long term results from short term missions. it was good to talk about the impact we have had on the folks here and the impact they have had on us.

We also took a few minutes to talk about packing up and getting ready to leave. We talked about things we are looking forward to:
Stella – my friends and my family
Luke – my own bed, my dogs and everything, my family and snowboarding
Scott – everything that’s not here...hot water, Internet access whenever I want it, my own bed
Ellie – I don’t want to leave
Annie – my family, friends, school and a comfier bed and snow
Gary – a warm shower, my own bed, fellowship with members of the church and being able to share the trip with them.
Becky – I miss my friends at work, and hot water
Katy – my Mom and Joe and a hot bath
Wayne – me, too...a bath, taking to the kids and finding out if I still have a business or not.
Cyn – I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with folks at home and at work.

2009-02-27T18:14:00.000-06:00

Day Twelve

2009-02-27T17:47:00.000-06:00

Today was our last day at the worksite. We finished up a few painting things, and spent some time cleaning floors and polishing furniture. Mostly we hung out with the growing crowd of gathering folks. Sheldon, our work supervisor, traded hats today and became head chef. He prepared jerk pork and chicken, which was served with gunga peas, rice and yam. Tons of food, tons of people. Carlos (the Rasta guy) brought his guitar and sang. It did not take long for the tambourines to come out and for folks to get up and dance. It was a day of celebration, and of good-byes to those we won't see on Sunday.

Becky did devotions tonight, about sharing our faith through our actions. We talked about our highs and lows from the trip. Most highs had to do with making friends and "gelling" with the Jamaicans. Lows included feeling like there were not enough times of hard work, spilling paint, the goat soup and having to leave.

2009-02-26T18:44:00.000-06:00

Day Eleven

2009-02-26T18:28:00.000-06:00

Back to the worksite today...we swept up the stuff left behind by the masons using hand-fashioned brooms made of what seem like corn-husks. We did more painting, finishing up the first coat on the unpainted areas in the back rooms. Lunch today was gunga rice and peas with salad and yams and chicken. We all had a notion that we would be hungry for most of the trip. We could not have been more wrong. They are planning a celebration feast for tomorrow, our last day of work. (No goat soup, please!)

Since there was no school today, we had a lot of kids at the church. At one point, they took out marbles and played a game in the middle of the road. All games are played in the middle of the road. It is so fun to watch them have fun with almost nothing to play with.

We spent some time yesterday making cross necklaces and bracelets to give away at the worksite today. Tomorrow we'll bring more.

Katy did devotions on Tues. on Jesus Standard Time - going with the flow - changing course as necessary. Cyn did them tonight about how we're here for a short time, doing God's work, but God will be here working long after we leave. We talked about things we would miss after we go...many mentioned the people, the weather and the food. Some will miss not having school!

2009-02-26T18:24:00.000-06:00

Day Ten

2009-02-26T18:10:00.000-06:00

Ash Wednesday is a National Holiday in Jamaica...the banks, libraries, schools and stores are all closed. After a morning of homework and tons of rain, we headed to the beach. Even though it rains in the higher elevations, it does not mean there is rain on the coast. Johnny dropped us off at Discovery Bay beach, near the point where Christopher Columbus made land. The beach was crowed with holiday folks, but the water was warmish and the sand was white and beautiful. There are no big waves in the Caribbean. We rolled up and down with the swells playing catch and watching the Jamaicans. After the beach we ended up at the same Jerk place we went to before, but this time it was packed. We downed three pounds of pork, three whole chickens and lots of Festival.

When we got back, Rev. Stephen Mullings and his family stopped by for a visit. The students got to visit with the 3 Mullings girls and the adults hung out at another table. Much laughter ensued. It was wonderful to send time getting to know one another.

After our visitors left, Pastor Gary led us in our own Ash Wednesday service. In candlelight, he asked each person to write down a global sin, a national sin and a personal sin that we, knowingly or unknowingly, participate in. We burned those slips of paper and used the ashes for our ceremony. We all left in silence.

2009-02-24T17:57:00.000-06:00

Day Nine

2009-02-24T17:43:00.000-06:00

Another worksite day, but this time it rained...hard. We spent most of the morning inside the small church talking, laughing and singing. Pastor Gary learned to make rice and peas while Becky and Katy leaned how to work a tambourine. When it wasn't raining, we watched the younger folks play a make-shift game of cricket and took a walk up the road to Miss Winifred's home. The painting on the inside of the worship space is all-but finished, and the mason work on the small room in back and the bathroom just has to harden and be painted. The outside is all finished. What a feeling of accomplishment! We will spend all our time here at the Bethel church. The Keith church needs a new roof/ceiling and to have the windows replaced...things beyond our abilities and time constraints.

Supper tonight was a sweet and sour chicken and pasta, mashed potatoes and salad. At the worksite we had chicken in brown sauce, rice and peas and slaw. We are definitely being well fed.

Tomorrow is a national holiday, Ash Wednesday. We will spend the morning on homework (2 students are totally done already and the rest are just about there) and then we'll head to the beach. We're hoping for sun!

A Letter From A New Friend

2009-02-24T16:16:00.000-06:00

Over the last past week I have enjoy myself with some great people, they are the work team from the USA. For the past week I've learn alot from these person. There are 11 peson from the group namely Gary head of the group he's a very nice person to being around, I teach him to cook rice and pease, Becky his wife very nice person, Kate and Wayne very social couple, Sandy a great person. Scott and Brian always reading but have time to talk and make new friend and they are good friends to have. Luke a humble person sensitive listen to his ipod and stuff he wants to be a disc jockey and I wish him all the best in the future.
Now the ladies (girls) they always be by themselves especially Stella I don't know what is wrong but she is a very nice person also Allie and Anna. I wish you guys also the best in the future. It was nice meeting you guys hope you enjoy the rest of the time in Jamaica peacefully.

Simone

Day Eight

2009-02-23T17:38:00.000-06:00

Every day is an adventure. On the way to the work site today we got a call from Rev. Stephen Mullings saying that if the students wanted to visit York Castle High School, it would have to be today. SO, Becky, Katy and Wayne got off at the work site and the others made a return trip to the retreat center to change clothes.

At the Work site...we painted A LOT. We had time to visit with the people we got to know better on Sunday and we sang some more. Wayne took one step too far and managed to get white paint all over one side of himself. This is white, oil-based paint, very difficult to get off in a place with limited supplies and no running water. (Did I mention there is no toilet at the site, either?) Everyone was very helpful, though, and he looked a lot more like Wayne by the time the bus came to take us home.

At the High School...it was end-of-term, so the students were all taking tests and doing final projects. We got to peek in the classrooms, but did not get to go down to the sports fields where the students who were done were gathering. Pastor Gary took us up to see the apartment building that other OC Ministry teams he had led worked on a number of years ago. It was bigger than he remembered and it was nice to see a project completed. We walked home in the rain. We spent the rest of the day resting and doing homework.

Supper was delicious - pepper steak, salad and really, really good potatoes. Everything disappeared. It went over much better than the liver and boiled plantain we had for breakfast.

Wayne led devotions tonight, focusing on the Cross. He told about Traveling Crosses, where if someone admires the cross you are wearing, you give it to them.

Homework and 1/2 a movie tonight.

Singing on Sunday

2009-02-23T16:37:00.000-06:00

And on the seventh day...

2009-02-22T20:15:00.000-06:00

Pastor Gary went to preach at the Keith church and the rest of us worshipped with our friends at Bethel. We sang, then sang, then sang some more. Then it was time to sing. Tambourines made us sing louder, but the clapping may have had something to do with that, too.

At one point in the service, the pastor asked if anyone had anything to share ~ and one by one folks got up to share words of greeting, words of encouragement and songs. Katy, Becky and Cyn got up and sang This Is The Day...and then the Jamaicans taught us two new verses!

Everyone's favorite part of the service was during Greeting Time when we all sang as we shook hands with one another. (Coming soon to an Akeley UMC service near you!)

Church lasted 2 hours, but we all enjoyed every minute. The youth were astonished that so much time had gone by. They thought it had been about 30 minutes! Many pictures followed and we were served water, juice and Spiced Buns.

Johnny picked us up in the bus and took us back to Keith for a birthday celebration for an 87 year-old member there, Mr. Hall. As a first course on this special day, we had Ram Goat Stew ~ made from the head, innards and hooves. The broth and dumplings were about all any of us could get down and the expressions on the faces of the team as they spooned up tongue bits, intestines and other unrecognizable parts said it all. This was followed by Rice and Peas (kidney beans and rice cooked with coconut milk), curried goat (the meat part) and fried chicken. The team decided that homework was a better option than sticking around to see what was next.

Scott did devotions tonight...about manna from Heaven and eating strange foods in a strange land.

It has been an amazing first week. We're looking forward to what lies ahead.

The team wants to send a big shout out

to all our friends at the Nevis School!

2009-02-22T19:01:00.000-06:00

Day Six

2009-02-22T08:15:00.000-06:00

Our long awaited beach day began early with a guided bus tour of Brownstown and Ocho Rios and points inbetween. Johnny told us about all the sites and many bits of Jamaican history and culture.

First we stopped at the Brownstown market a hoppin' place on a Saturday morning. The fresh fruits and vegetables were amazing. Johnny helped Pastor Gary pick out two diferent varieties of orange, a watermellon and some fresh bananas while the rest of us did other peeking around.

The next stop was at a craft-mart where the merchants made all of the wares and catered to the cruise-ship crowd. This was our first experience with the bartering process...and Annie was queen! She surprised all of us, even herself. We each came away with some jewelry, gifts and trinkets. The merchants were very insistent about having us come to see their wares and hard-sell was the name of the game.

After arriving in Ocho Rios we divided up to find food. The younger folks al wanted something familiar and found the Hard Rock Cafe. The others went for local food. We stopped in a few shops before heading to the beach. From there, those that wanted to do more shopping could and the others who wanted to hang out could do that, too. It was an overcast day with some drips of rain, but we had a good time anyway.

On the way home, Johnny took us to a Jerk center and we all had real Jamaican Jerk chicken or pork. (Pastor Gary's is good, but this was absolutely wonderful!!)

Luke did devotions about listening and finding opportunities to serve others.

2009-02-21T06:54:00.000-06:00

Day Five

2009-02-21T06:53:00.001-06:00

When we got to the work site today, there was plenty to do. We were able to start painting the outside wall right away. Today we really felt like we were making good connections with the Jamaicans, taking pictures, exchanging addresses, sharing music and lots of laughter. Scott agreed to have his hair braided by one of the ladies…he was such a good sport. (Ask him how hard she pulled and how much it hurt!)

Today’s lunch was prepared by the Jamaican crew - curried chicken and rice. We also got to taste Star Apples and Happles, a gift from Simone, one of the young ladies who attends Bethel. Afterward, we put a second coat on the front wall and did some major cleaning on the inside of the church getting it ready for Sunday morning worship.

Yesterday, Ellie led evening devotions about Mary and Martha, work and worship. Stella led tonight’s devotions, looking forward to the next mission.

It was the best day yet.

We are all looking forward to a day in Ocho Rios tomorrow…shopping and the beach will feel so good!

Phone Update

2009-02-19T19:45:00.001-06:00

Each time we believe we have found a way to call home, something goes wrong. None of our phones work from Browns Town. The students are all well and happy and things could really not be going any better. (Stella thinks we could be a lot closer to the beach, but besides that...). We will bring the phones with us to Ocho Rios on Saturday. We will call as soon as we find a way.

2009-02-19T19:38:00.000-06:00

Day Four

2009-02-19T19:22:00.000-06:00

Most of the team had an adventure last night. The retreat center has a TV, and we’ve been working hard, so it was movie night. We taught Miss Dell and Nadia how to make popcorn in a pan. After the last kernel was consumed, we turned out the lights – movie theatre style. Sadly, it was believed that we had left and the door was locked from the outside. What a surprise when it was time to go and the team could not leave! Luckily, Gary’s yells carried over to the dorm where Becky was, who ran to get Miss Dell who came to the rescue.

We were treated to corn meal mush (like cream-of-wheat) with sweetened-condensed milk, scrambled eggs and sausages for breakfast. Some of the team walked down into Browns Town to look in the stores and exchange currency. The exchange rate is 87-1. We went looking for post cards, but didn’t find any. We were able to get a coffee maker and some Blue Mountain coffee, making many of the adults deliriously happy. We also picked up some turpentine and a circular saw. Bare Necessities.

There was time for homework at the worksite. Young and old alike were interested in what the young people were studying. We were treated to a Jamaican lunch of yam, pumpkin, dumplings and “meat” – a stew. We did some more painting while the master masonry guys did wonders turning the rough walls into smooth surfaces. Many of the team will be worshipping with the folks from Bethel (pronounced Beth-el) on Sunday morning, while the rest will be at the church in Keith. Rev. Stephen Mullings has asked Pastor Gary to preach there.

Pastor Gary's friend from the last several trips, Johnny, came by to see him and to meet the rest of us at supper time. We were excited to hear that he will be riving us to Ocho Rios on Saturday for our first swim/shopping day. He had us all laughing.

Day Three

2009-02-18T19:11:00.000-06:00

We have been without coffee for three days, but are doing well. Most have discovered the joys of ginger tea or Milo, a hot chocolate drink. Breakfast was salt fish and fried dumplings.

When we arrived at Bethel church this morning, there was a whole crew of jamaican workers there setting up scaffolding and mixing cement to put on the walls. It was a real learing experience watching them do all the work by hand and using things that were laying around to make ladder steps, scaffolding and work tools. (Don't worry, we were not allowed on anything other than solid ground) Wayne helped put up soffits and the rest of the crew painted some. We were joined by many more Jamaicans today...we are drawing quite a crowd. Everyone is very friendly, and we're all still a bit shy with each other, but as the days go on we learn a little more about each other.

Annie led devotions tonight, talking about language barriers. While speaking with us, Jamaicans are gracious enough to use english, but with each other, it is a very rappid english called Patwa. Mostly we don't have a clue what they're saying, but it is getting easier.

From Katy~ every morning as we travel through the Jamaican hills to Bethel methodist Church, where we are refurbishing the 100 year old structure, I am blessed by the spirit of God's love moving through our team. The kids are adjusting very well and enjoying their unique opportunity. It's great to share this time with our brothers and sisters in Christ as we work, eat and laugh together, and even though we may have a little trouble understanding each other's words, we have no problem sharing the common language of Christian fellowship.

Day Two

2009-02-17T19:56:00.000-06:00

After a wonderful breakfast of Hillside Garden Surprise (spiced beans, okra, carrots and other vegetables) and bread and jam, it was off to the worksite. Bethel Methodist Church was completed in 1930. The last OCMinistry team put on a new corrugated tin roof. Our job today was to paint the inside of the church a deep bright blue - almost neon. Most of us were some degree of that color by lunchtime. Our supervisor's name is Sheldon. We were joined by members of the church, notably Miss Winifred and Mr. Kennedy. They joined us for a sandwich lunch after we understood that in Jamaica, young people served their elders. The students were very gracious and helpful.

Supper was spaghetti and meatballs, but not anything like Minnesota. Afterward, we were all invited to Rev. Vivette's home to listen to Jamaican music and to dnace with she and her daughter, Nadia.

Here are some notes from the team...

Annie ~ Hey Mom, Dad and Ellen! Things are going fantastic here and I wanted you to know that I'm fine. I hope things are doing well at home. I'll see you guys in 13 days! Love y'all, Annie.

P.S. I already got burnt (and yes, I used sunblock!)

Ellie ~ Just wanted to say I had an AWESOME day! And I'm really loking forward to tomorrow! I love you! God Bless, see you soon. Love, Ellie

P.S. I got tan on the first day!!!

P.P.S. Mom, I'm fine don't worry I love you with all my heart...:-)

Stella ~ I just wanna say I'm very happy to be here and I can't wait to come home and tell you all about the unforgetable journey with some unforgetable people. I love you and see you soon.

Day One

2009-02-16T19:08:00.000-06:00

Three o'cock in the morning came very early (the girls were all up at 2:30!) but we were all ready to get on the shuttle at 4 - along with a lot of other folks and a lot of luggage. Everything at MSP went well and the flight to Atlanta was uneventful. After a quick layover, we were off to Jamaica!

After landing, immigration/customs got tricky for a minute or two, but everyone did really well and we all made it out to meet Reverand Stephen, Kevin and Riley, our driver. The bus ride to Browns Town took about 45 minutes, over highway and narrow roads, but Riley took very good care of us.

We got off the bus at the Hillside Retreat Center and what a wondrous place it is. We are in the care of Reverand Vivette, who is so very gracious.

She showed us our rooms, explained the rules, took us on a tour of the center and fed us a lovely dinner of Fish and Food (really!) We ate Bunga Marya (a local river fish), yellow yams, tomatoes and dumplings.

Everyone is feeling pretty tired but excited. We are all looking forward to our first day of work tomorrow. We'll start at Vauxhall, finishing up what other teams had started and then move on to Keith.

Please remember us in prayers as we move on to our projects and explore the wonders of Jamaica.

We're taking tons of pictures...!

Leavin' On A Jet Plane

2009-02-15T16:05:00.000-06:00

Today's the day! The team is on it's way down to the Cities and will fly out very early tomorrow morning. We will be staying at an Anglican Retreat Centre. We will be flying out in 4 degree weather and landing in Jamaica in a sunny 80. Excitement abounds!!

2009-01-18T08:40:00.000-06:00

Spaghetti Dinner

Friday, January 30

5-7 pm

AkeleyVFW

Join us for our final fund raiser!

Thank You

2009-01-04T17:12:00.000-06:00

As we get closer to our goal,

we want to thank all those who have given so generously

of their time, talents and financial support.

Your assistance and prayers means so much to the team!

Plans Are Coming Together

2009-01-04T16:40:00.000-06:00

After many months of fund-raising, we are getting very close to our goal...and now know exactly where we're headed! The plan is to have the group work on refurbishing two small Churches, namely the Church at Keith and the Church at Vauxhall. It will include some cement work on walls some painting as well as getting a bathroom functional at Vauxhall. It has always been our prayer to be sent where we are most needed.

With a month and a half left until we are to leave, plane tickets have been purchased, packing lists have been made and the excitement is building.

Kick-off Sunday July 13, 2008

2008-07-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

What a great morning! The Jamaica Mission Team was presented to the church. We were able to explain our goals and invite the congragation to pray for and sponsor us. The team had a great time making and serving "Jerk on a Stick".

There are several ways to support the team. First and most importantly we desire your prayers. There is much to do before we ever leave home and the mission will not end after we return. We fully expect that every member of the team will be changed by this experience.

All donations are welcome and appreciated. We have two special giving levels:
Sponsor - $50.00 - $100 After the trip, you will be invited to a meal & talk presented by the team.
Supporter - $101.00 or more After the trip, you will be invited to a meal & talk presented by the team and the team will select a Jamaican memento for you.

You can "Flamingo" your friends:
For a donation of $20.00 the J.M.T will place a flock of pink flamingoes on the yard of the person of your choice - all very confidentially. The flock will be accompanied by a sign and a note explaining the project. The pink flamingoes will remain on the lawn for a week. If they want the flamingoes to fly away sooner, they will have to pay a $10 relocation fee.