Thursday March 23rd, 2006

Arrived at the Cincinnati Airport at 6am.  Met group at 6:15 and checked in at Delta.  Plan loaded at 8:25 and landed in Montego Bay, Jamaica 12:12pm.

Ronnie picked up our group while another two guys took our luggage via p/up truck.

Docked in Montego Bay just outside the airport we saw a cruise ship which had fire damage to over 100 rooms right there in the middle.  By the next week it had left for repairs.  The fire was due to a smoker's neglect.  One person died.  Locals said that the ship was sent back to Germany for repairs.

Stopped for lunch just outside the airport for Jerk chicken, pork and shrimp.  Yummy! After lunch, Jeff was propositioned once for drugs and once for a woman.

We then preceeded up into the mountains.  Roads of course snake around everything and are sometimes narrow.  Just like in Guatemala we saw the drivers will take unsafe chances on passing even around curves.  Driving is european style with the wheel on the left and driving in the left lane.

Passed many school children along the way with all of them in uniform.  On occasion we saw children picked up by a route taxi.

Vegetation noted on the road were bromelad, mother-in-law tongue and bamboo.

Homes have construction materials of either wood, block, concrete, field stone or all sheetmetal.  Sometimes a combination is used.

Arrived Mandeville at the Gallitzen House at 5pm.  The Gallitzen House was the missionary house where we stayed.  It had a common room containing a kitchen, dining table, and sofa.  This room was surrounded by bedrooms each with a bunk bed and single bed.  Three bathrooms were divided among the bedrooms.  A Chapel is across the yard.  The sound of trucks driving the winding hilly roads is 24/7. 

Sr. Naomi arrives to greet us and inform us that all cement for the home we were to build has been recalled or put on hold.  So instead we will pre-fabricate a home out of wood using a template at Ministry of Housing.  It is run by the Sisters of Mercy and we will be there on Monday.  Also, on Monday evening, the Bishop Gordon Bennet will hold an appreciation dinner for us.

We have a great house boy named Meeckus (King Meeckus) who will look after things for us.  He is 27yrs old and lives in the home next to the missionary house.  Meekus works at the Catholic Distribution Center.

Friday March 24th

We all gathered in the Chapel for songs by the Daughters of Mercy -Sister Claudia and Sister Dannie.  They work with two pre-schools, the pastoral and music ministries.

Back to the house for orientation by Sister Naomi who is a Beneditine originally from Colorado Springs.  Her story is that she won a cruise for 4 to Jamaica and has been here since 1994.

Introductions of the group: Left to right we have Kathy, Trish, Nancy, Caryn, Sister Patrice, Laura, Steve, Jeff, Jerry and Rick.
I had little doubt that we would all get along but at first I felt out of place.  My back definately was with all the bouncing around on the roads.  Jeff told of the time as a policemen being pushed off a bridge.  He too had back pain among others.  Jeff fought through his various pains each day with a smile and kind words.  This was his first time outside of his comfort zone and going outside the United States.  Laura, Steve, Sr. Patrice, Kathy and myself had been to Guatemala previously.  Nancy and Jerry were in the Peace Corp.  Trish works for the University of Dayton and has been many places but not sure if she has ever experienced this type of poverty and need.

Poor Tour:

Ronnie took us on his tour of impoverished families.  The first family we visited had what was considered a double house.  The single size is just 8' X 11' in size!  The kitchen out back was their original house.

We visited Richard with no legs.  He has some property in which he is able to grow sweet pineapple, sugar cane, banannas and some coffee bushes.  

Fr. Peter had heard of this man with no legs who had a drive to survive by farming and getting around with merely his hands and arms.  He petitioned the Catholic Housing Ministry to build a home for him.  Richard had lost his legs to diabetes.  Doctors and medicine is often not available for most of the poor.  Deacon Jeff of our group had brought him shoes in form of gloves to cover his hands.

Next we visited a family unit including a Father in-law who had a decent sized home, chickens but no feed for the chicks.  There was a fire burning on the property who someone else started.  Children were trying to stomp and swat out the fire.  She petitioned us for feed and mattresses for the beds.

The last family today was a woman who one month after giving birth had a stroke.  It was obvious that one side of her body was contorted somewhat.  Doctors want $15,500-J for a cat scan before anything else could be done for her.  The group agreed to donate about $25US each to cover the cost.  An appointment will be set up for her in Mandeville and Ronnie will take charge of getting her there.  Outside on the street, children were cautious of us until Kathy sweetly coached them to approach.  Moments later they were posing for our cameras though shyly.  After reviewing the digital pictures with theses boys, one named Nicoli was particularly proud of his photo.

Nicoli posed like a pro and as the other boys watched, they too quickly lost their shyness becoming very animated.  We were now their new pals!

Traveling from point A to point B takes what seems to be about 5 or more times longer due to the winding and sometimes poorly maintained roads.

At about 4 p.m. we headed towards a special Lentin dinner in Manchester Parish.  The place was called Little Ochi's Fish House which sits on the Carribean coastline down near Alligator Pond.  

For about 50 U.S. dollars this group of ten plus Ronnie our driver ate like kings on plates of lobster tail, shrimp and red snapper.  

This was of course in total contrast to what we had seen and experienced today.  I wonder if this wasn't the intention.

All along the roads we see bars and road side shops and restaurants in each community.  Jeff asked Ronnie how the people can afford to stock these businesses?  Ronnie's response was: "they might work on a road crew or work out in a field, repair tires or something to get money for supplies. 

Most of us felt guilty about having such a good meal at Little Ochi's Fish House.  It made it easier to know that much of the fish came right out of the ocean nearby.   

Jeff and I took a walk just beyond the boundary of the restaurant.  A little boy walked up to us and said "Sir!" he then gestured maing circling motions around his stomach and then to his mouth.  We felt sick!  We were told not to give anything to people as they would come to expect it from visitors.

Saturday March 25th

Went directly to YS Falls leaving at 9:15 in the morning.  Each day we pack our lunch typically with peanut butter and jelly    sandwiches, banannas, granola and a few Jamaican sodas in a cooler.  We always bring our own bottled water.  There is a filtration unit at the house for this.

YS Falls is in St. Elizabeth.  It looks much smaller than what I've seen in pictures.  Nonetheless, the water is cool and refreshing!  Jerry and Nancy have been here before and they say that it has progressed over the years and is nicer now than when they first visited.  We had the day to ourselves until about 1 p.m. 

The way in to and out of the falls area is by a King's Island-like tram pulled by a farm tractor.  The cost was about $10 U.S. or $640 Jamaican.  The area appears like a rain forest.  The falls were tucked in a scenic little cove.  While the falls themselves were not all that impressive the water was most refreshing!

Jerry, Nancy and myself get back to our shelter for lunch before the rest of the gang.  Ronnie stayed back the whole time watching over all our things.  We shared with Ronnie how impressed we were with that woman and her family we visited earlier.  Nancy told of her savvy in putting her baby into the cooing arms of Trish and Laura and opened her home to us to show us how little yet simply they lived.  Showed us the chickens out back but without feed.   Ronnie at that point became extremely serious in his face and began to tell us of the corruption which prevents financial and humanitarian assistance from reaching the poor. 

"I'm not a political man !!" said Ronnie and went on to explain that the country had elected a woman president.  "They elected a woman president because the people of Jamaica are sick of the corruption of men.. and just maybe a woman could begin to make things right".  He went on to say: "We welcome missionaries because you bring smiles and hope of a better future.  It is through your donations and contact with the poor that you bring releif where it is sorely needed and hope of a brighter tomorrow".

 1:30
Left YS Falls to travel to Mary Help of Christians run by the order of Mother Theresa, Missionaries of Charity.  This is a home for the indigent elderly.  Upon arrival we attended services in a small chapel conducted by Father Francis originally of Montreal, Canada.  Fr. Francis sang in a beautiful voice which later he attributed to being a music teacher. 

In his sermon he taught us what it means to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  During the service they sang many songs.  The congregation are from the home.   I took communion here today as I felt in my heart that God wanted me to open up and accept him physically and spiritually.  It has been a long time since I've received him through communion.  I shed silent tears during the service.  Communicated through my heart not my voice.  Projected from my soul and felt very much at peace here.   Who is Jesus Christ to you?  Your life will be affected by this question.

Almost 40% at the home are blind. 

After mass and exiting the chapel we were greeted to two german shepard dogs.  These two named King and Prince stood out from the many dogs we'd seen so far who looked to be all the same breed. 

Like so many of the women we've seen.  All the female dogs are pregnant.  We are told that women hope that a good man will marry them but it seldom happens.  This is why the country is that of a matriarchal society.  The women talk of this baby's father and that baby's father.

 The sisters gave us a tour of the elder home.  It was very clean and organized.  We are to return again to do some painting which needs done.

 Dinner tonight was at a roadside restaurant called the Jerk Center. Sr. Naomi brought along three kids who live with her.  The oldest was 31 named Jennifer followed by Michael 18 and we think his sister Mya 17.  The restaurant was close to Gallitzen House which was our base camp.

Sunday April 26th

Early morning mass with Fr. Peter who is originally from Kenya, Africa.  While the others took their seats in the church, I stood at the back to take pictures.  Fr. Peter greeted me before procession to the alter. 

This church has only 14 parishioners.  Children from the children's orphanage next door attended.  After holy communion, the younger children gathered into line for a blessing by the preist.  After mass Fr. Peter took us on a tour of his poor parish.


Here we are greeted at the road by a woman who had lost her Mother and Father.  She had a deformity of the legs which was passed onto one of the two children.  In her son, the deformity was extreme.  He walked on the complete side and top of his feet which would be the soft skin of the foot to you and I.  Her home had suffered damage from Hurricane Andrew.  The blue tarp she has keeping out the rain is rotting.

Went to a home along a swamp area.  There we found a pregnant woman, her husband and two children.  On their property was the only sign of government assistance according to Fr. Peter.  A newly built outhouse.

A tiny home on the hill above the swamp housed a Rasta family of eight.  

Inside this tiny block home where two beds to accomodate the 10 family members.  A short time after arriving, the husband rode in on a bicycle.  I asked him if he had been at work or visiting with neighbors.  He said "No mon, I come from the bush."  Thats Fr. Peter on the left in the dark blue shirt.

Here you see wooden home with no roof.  Another hurricane memory. Here lives an old man who is having trouble getting around and also seeing.  He needs to see a doctor but Fr. Peter does not have the means which to do so.  Father said he works at a shop part time to earn money to buy this man rice, beans and water.  The trouble is Fr. Peter points out, he has not been back to his kitchen to cook since he is having mobility troubles.

He tells us why there are graves on most folks property.  Many are afraid of the public cemetary.  They are afraid that duppies may haunt them, so they bury their dead at home where they lived.  Burial is very expensive for them at about $100,000JMD and while this man does have family, they do not help or support him.  Yet when he dies, they will come and bury him here.  $100,000 after death but $0 during life.  "This is the great tragedy of the living poor" says Fr. Peter.

 <-A typical kitchen
Fire with a piece of zinc over it as a hotplate.

After Fr. Peter's tour, we went back to St. Theresa, had our lunch and then picked up four children from the orphanage next door and took them out for a boat ride.

It was a ride on the Black River the longest river in Jamaica which runs all the way from the north to the south of the country.  It is called Black River because it looks black due to peat forming on the bottom.  The water however is quite clear as demonstrated by our tour guide when he dipped a plastic cup into the water.  

Our boat driver pointed out many interesting things.  "There are two variety of Mango Tree here" he says.  "Roots grow from the branches down two feet into the water.  Here on your left a large terminte nest within the tree. " 

We saw one alligator and a tree of Egret bird but for the most part the children just enjoyed being treated to some time away and to the loving arms of our group.

After the boat ride we returned to spend the rest of the day at an orphanage.  It is one of two orphanages run by Fr. Ronald Dessine originally of northern France.  After coming to Jamaica, he dreamed of having an orphange run 'family style'.

The boys rooms where inside a large bayoo-like home while the girls were in a newer structure across the yard.  The children gravitated towards us wanting to be held. 
Jeff played ball with a couple of the kids and I later joined in.  There was a mix of animals who seemed to roam freely on the grounds. 

The children did all seem to watch over one another.  We were told that for one or more reasons that these kids are unadoptable.  

Meeckus who takes care of the missionary house has a brother that lives in this orphanage.  Later we asked Meeckus that when his brother was 18 would he like him to move in and live with Meeckus?  Meeckus responsed: "I don't know?" as he shrugged his shoulders.

 Monday April 27th

Went to the Housing Ministry in Mandeville to build an 8' X 11' wood home by template.  The home's applicant is responsible for the foundation.  There is a monopoly on cement in this country.  The Caribbean Cement Company controls all.  There has been a shortage of cement due to the discovery of sub-standard production.  No one knows why this was allowed to happen and how many may have been affected.  

Quality control problems were allowed to go on for some six months before haulting production.  During the week we were there, amazingly only 215 complaints were filed.  A special committee has now been appointed to look into the incident.  The government has waived import fees for replacement cement temporarily coming from Venezuala, Cuba and Barbados.

Money for the materials was raised by the group prior to our trip and included Bill and Gail Earman.  A prior missionary group had cleverly devised a simple template for building the home.  It will have one or two windows and a door.

The wood was painted and dried in the sun.  When the foundation is completed by the applicant, this home would be transported to the site for completion.

Although we were not scheduled to see the location and receipient of this home, the sisters at the elderly home had a talk with Ronnie and he was talked into taking all of us to meet Angela and her two girls. 

Angela had a beautiful little plot with an overview of the land below.  Of course there is no power, sewage or other things that we take for granted.  Simply good shelter is what we are helping to provide for those in need.  Can you imagine being inside of a home pieced together with some scraps of zinc sheetmetal, stone and wood when it stormed?  Yet so many have to live just like this.

This part of the contruction was actually alot of fun.  Everyone in our group got along extremely well.  Sr. Patrice was most concerned with getting pictures taken of her in work mode.  She said that her friends didn't believe that she actually worked on these trips.  To friends of Sr. Patrice:  She works like a draft horse.  Just don't mess her meal time schedule!

Everyone did their fair share of work and then some.  Each person had abilities which they contributed each day.   Each day was successful both physically and spiritually.

Here we are posing in front
of a model home.  Once the
foundation is in place, what
we built this day will be trucked
up to the site and fully assembled.

This day was particularly hot though this wasn't the hottest time of the year.  At about 3 p.m. we left the housing ministry to return to our base  to shower and rest.  Tonight we are invited to dinner at the Bishop's home in Mandeville.  I'm not looking forward to being around this dignitary.  I've had too many unhappy experiences with priests of the Catholic Church.  Luckily none of those incidents involve the current scandal.  But to me, my stance is that a priest is just a man who chose a job in the church.  He should not be honored or pampered in anyway because he choose to do the work of God.  I've yet to see truly good examples of men in this position representing the love and soul of Jesus Christ.  As it turns out in parts of Africa, preist are treated like royalty. 

So we went to the home of Bishop Gordon Bennett. He was outside to greet us upon our arrival.  Outside in the back was prepared a reception of appetizers and drinks.  During his heart-felt greeting to each of us, we introduced ourselves.

Still unsure of the situation, I stayed aside and Ronnie talked with myself and Caryn.  We learned that Ronnie had left Jamaica for the United States when he was fourteen years old.  He come over with his Uncle.  Ronnie is a year older than myself and had not returned to Jamaica until sometime in the 90's.  He said that at first he was taken back by how little there was here.  Said he was used to having certain things in the U.S. and it wasn't easily available for him here in Jamaica.

Ronnie struggled with the decision of weather to go back to the U.S. or stay in Jamaica.  After spending money daily he realized he must get a job but this was no easy task in itself.  Luckily someone told him about the Catholic Distribution Centre needing some good help.  Cautiously he said that he applied.  On Wednesday he got a call from the Bishop himself.  By Friday he had a job.  Now says Ronnie, "I know that I'm to stay in Jamaica.  What I do here is important and it is a way to help the people in need."

Soon dinner was ready and Gordon invited us inside.  He sat Ronnie at one end of the table and Steve at the other.  He chose the middle of the table for his own seat.  As the food came out he instructed everyone to take their plate to the buffet and serve themselves.  When each person returned, Gordon himself served the wine.

Rev. Gordon Bennet came from the U.S. having been trained by the Jesuits.  He served as a teacher and principal in another Jesuit school before he became an auxilary bishop in Baltimore, Maryand in 1998 and  he also served as the President of Loyola Academy in Los Angeles.  Gordon was also the Master of Novices at the Jesuit Novitiate. He was called by the pope to be Bishop over his own diocese in Mandeville, Jamaica in late 2004.  His post however had to be postponed due to hurricane Ivan.

I was struck by the wholesomeness of this man.  He was genuine, did not position himself above others, easy going, liked to joke (he joined in the fun with our poking fun at Sr. Patrice), made everyone feel truly welcomed and put us all at ease in his home.  It is no wonder that the man is a favorite preacher at spiritual retreats!

He tells us all that high schools are sorely needed in this country.  Because of this he says only about 1 out of 5 qualified students has the opportunity to receive an education.  Most drop out after the sixth grade.  This fact perpetuates the cycle of poverty as seen both in Jamaica and in Guatemala where several of our group has traveled.    Education is such a major issue in impoverished countries and is the key to a better future not only for the impoverished but for the country as a whole.

A couple elementary schools in the area are actually one room churches that double as schools.  This not only is not condusive to learning but make it equally tough for Sunday services.  

He also tells us that this is not a tourist area like in Montego bay.  Workers do not earn enough money to be able to live on.  Perhaps this is where the necessity of crime enters the picture.  Who would ever say that crime is a necessity?  Here is may be among the necessary ways one must survive by. 

The evening ending with him asking me to say a final prayer before leaving the table.  Stunned by his request, I spoke from my heart and all seemed to go well.  We took a group picture and then we were on our way back to base at the Gallitzen House.

Most everyone always went to bed by 9 or 9:30.  Jeff and I always stayed up till after midnight talking about everything.  It was nice to have someone get to know a bit about me and to share his life experiences.  He shared with me things about religion which I had forgotten along the way.  I think Jeff will make a fine Deacon of the church after this trip as long as he doesn't forget the experience and the people.  That is what I feel will make an impact and shape his future in the church.  That I feel is why he is here in the first place.  It is why we are all here.

Tuesday April 28

Went back to the home for the abandoned elderly.  We painted walls on the outside near the rear.  

Also the sisters had been after Fr. Francis to hang pictures of the stations of the cross in their church.  The church was originally an auditorium.  The home originally was an academy of sorts.

After the pictures where hung, the boss, the sister superior, the gentle, happy woman from India was like an excited little girl.  She called for other sisters to look at the stations of the cross all hung neatly along the walls.  "Fr. Francis will be so surprised!" she beamed.  That made everyone's day right there and then.

We will return to finish painting on Wednesday.  Fr. Francis was not around today.  Perhaps we'll be able to have some time with him tomorrow.

Left the elderly home all sweaty, odorous and with evidence of our painting work like badges on our clothes and skin.  Ronnie drove us to the St. John Bosco Home For Boys.  It is close to base but there was no time in the schedule for a shower before our visit.

St. John Bosco Home For Boys teaches various trades: Animal husbandry, Butchering, Catering, Horticulture, Wood and Metalworking.  It is run by a Sr. Mimi originally from Madeira near Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our visit was two fold.  To learn about the home and to serve the boys ice-cream.  It turned out not to be the ideal day according to Sr. Mimi.  A good bunch of boys had to be diciplined.  This we witnessed upon our arrival.  Several were having to sit on these large rocks ouside in the yard.  Some of the younger ones had to stand along the wall inside the room where we served ice-cream.

After the kids had their ice-cream, Sr. Mimi took us on a tour of the property, she showed us the goats, chickens and other livestock.  She took us to the catering dept. where we would enjoy pizza and later peruse craft items for sale made by some of the boys here and in the home in Kingston.

Sometime this week according to Sr. Mimi, a fire was lit outside the property line but started quickly spreading towards their greenhouse.  They called the fire department but was told that the fire truck was down for repairs.  Sr. Mimi called out over 100 boys to help carry water from a tap in the greenhouse to the fire.  The fire department like the police are undependable in Jamaica.  She said that a few hours later someone from the fire department called to ask how the fire was doing!

Wednesday April 29th

Returned to the elderly home to finish painting the black accent marks on the white wall.  The paint although new was too heavily cut at the store with thinner.  It had to be painstakingly applied but even then ran like water. 

Fr. Francis was home today and he was back and forth from the home to our worksite cracking the corniest jokes and one-liners I had ever heard.  He was however adorable as our female missioners and the sisters would attest. 

One of the residents, a man by the name of Anthony was always around trying to lend a hand.  He brought us foam padding to kneel on and chairs to sit upon.  At one point Steve, Laura and Trish got into a heated political discussion. 

I watched Anthony listen in earnest and from time to time he made some amazing comments.  Listening to this man interact in the conversation reminded me that our elderly have so much life and wisdom to share.  That they too need to feel needed, useful, and have an ear to listen to their stories and life's experiences.  The elderly should not be forgotten.  They are a reminder of what we face, and an incredible body of wisdom that we should not turn away from.  This is why we are here.

A touch, a kind word and most importantly, inclusion is so important to them also.  No different than in you or I.  So why does anyone younger always dismiss these things so easily?  We always have, to a large extent, have we not?

Even Sr. Patrice who is a very big part of this mission reminds us of these things each day.  Hopefully more of us will come to realize, appreciate and be thankful towards everyone who has come before us now and in the future.

We broke for lunch and as a treat from the sisters, a meal was prepared and served.  Fr. Francis was dinner-time entertainment.  Trish, Jeff and myself hurried back to finish painting what we had started.  There was talk of a rum tour.  You see every day on the road we passed these rum tour signs.  I wouldn't go of course as money was about run out but it would be nice to see the others enjoy their time if in fact the tour was in the cards though definately not on our carefully preplanned agenda.

Today we were almost painfully aware that this was our last day before we had to take a long road trip back through the mountains to the airport and leave Jamaica and all we have experienced.

As luck would have it, Fr. Francis and the sisters were so happy with our time here.  Father called the local Appleton Rum Plant and said he had friends who he'd like to take on the tour.  They asked how many?  "Ten plus a driver and me" he told them.  After finishing up the paint of walls and also doors, hanging this and that and cleaning it all up, Fr. Francis led us on the road to Appleton Rum.

As we got closer to our destination, many sugar cane trucks passed us on the road.  The cane fields seemed vast and all week long we saw these can trucks on the road at all hours of the day.

Upon entering the Appleton property it became obvious that this was a tourist destination.  I was going to stay behind until I heard that the tour cost was not reduced for Fr. Francis but eliminated all together.  Yippee!!

We were assigned a tour guide who took us around the property learning a bit about the production and side products of sugar cane.  The property along the tour was designed like a museum with old parts and including donkey drawn cane strippers.

Appleton Estate is the oldest of all Jamaican sugarcane estates.  It dates all the way back to when the English took it from the Spanish in 1655.  It has been in continuos operation since 1749.  The factory can produce some 160 tons of sugar per day and the distillery 10 million litres of rum per year.

After the tour we were brought back into the tourist center which contained a bar, a lounge, gift shop, liquer store and sample bar.  Our tour guide introduced us to some 20+ Appleton Rum products before turning over the entire bar to us!  What a great marketing idea.  I took up position behind the bar and began serving.  My favorite tastes were that of Bannana, Blue Mountain Coffee and Coconut creme.

It was fun to watch everyone enjoy trying new things and eventually wind up in the liquer store to buy their airport carry-on cases.

It was raining when we left but Fr. Francis had one more thing he had to show us.  He was saving to build a proper church for his parish.  He took us to a site of a church which was constructed of termite proof materials and material that would last very long if it was given passage by the hurricanes.  

On the way back to Gallitzen House, Trish broke out into song.  She has a very beautiful voice.  Everyone had a nice time thanks to Fr. Francis and Appleton Rum.  The Rasta have their bit of herb and most of the rest of the world have the spirits of the land.

Upon our return to Gallizten House, dinner for our last night was catered by the Bosco Boy's Home.  Meeckus stayed for dinner as did Ronnie and his daughter named Stephanie.  

The Sisters Claudia and Danni assembled us in the capel for reflection and thanks for our presence in Mandeville.  Sister put on music and asked that we reflect on our entire week.   I saw all the faces of all the adults we had met and of the children we spent time with.  It was tough not to get very emotional.  We had all been impacted by the people of this area, the great contrast between the haves and have nots and the overall positive spirit carried by most.

The Sisters said a prayer over each of us and dubbed us embassador missionaries of Mandeville.  With that we each received a wooden cross.

After this service we gathered back at the house and for the fist time the whole trip, everyone stayed up late to celebrate our experience though drink and stories, card games and thought writings.  No one wants to go to bed; our last night in Jamaica.  But eventually everyone except Jeff and I succumb to sleep. 

Thursday April 30th

Ronnie picked us up very early for the trip back to the airport.  As it turned out we arrived over the mountain roads with time to spare, so we stopped at a market in Montego Bay to look around.

Jerry and Nancy stumbled upon a talented artist.

 We also found men playing dominoes.  One young man engaged Nancy in conversation and told her what was going on in the game.

Just before leaving, two musicians were preparing to play in a little shelter that we sat underneath as relief from the heat.

It will be good to be home again safe in our own environment.  But I won't forget you Jamaica for all you've shown me and the people you've let touch my life.  I promise to show compassion where ever I travel even if just around the block.  I promise to lend an ear, produce a warm smile, to offer a hand and an open mind to all those I come across.  I promise to pray for those less fortunate than I, that education become available for all and that corruption be replaced with plentiful opportunities for the good of all your children.  I promise to continue to be your light however small or intense, so that one or more shall come to know you.  I pray for my fellow missioners, may they find that which you have chosen for them and your church. May they touch your people and be touched in return.

To Ronnie and Meeckus..

Thank you for taking such good care of us.  For being open to us and sharing a part of your life.  You each contributed to all the good things we bring back to share with others. 

To the singing Sisters Dannie and Claudia.. 

Thank you for driving me crazy loco!
Laura couldn't get your beautiful songs out of her head.  She really did try and remember the verses!

 
To Sister Naomi..

Thank you for facilitating a wonderful week for us.  This is a good missionary program especially for first-timers.  Christ walks alongside all of you as you point our eyes and hearts to the people in need.  We will be your disciples and talk of the people's needs where ever we go and to anyone who will listen.  Also, can you check with Sr. Miriam (Mimi) Krusling.  Her email is not working.
 

To Bill and Gail Earman..
Thank you for affording me this opportunity.  I have been praying for your family's peace. 

To Everyone Whom We've Met

Please verify the information here and let us know if we have forgotten anything or have a typo in a name or contact data.  If you would be so gracious as to contribute to this experience by your thoughts on this website, we will quote you within the content here!  Contribute?

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This site was created this site because it is often difficult to merely talk and share with someone these days without associated pictures, text and other information .

To my fellow missioners: It is my hope to continue to have a friendship with you beyond this trip...to share our experiences and help each other grow in Christ and in ourselves.

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Of Faith

Through faith 
we shall be made whole

May those who read this seek Christ..
Adhere to Him..
Abide in Him..
Make Him your all

Receive the message of this three-fold blessing when you hear:

"The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Gift of Gifts

If you hear and accept this blessing you will receive the Father's full protection, the Savior's smiling grace and the Spirit's countenance and peace. 

 Comments & Conversations

Feb 8, 2009

Father Peter Njoroge:

Halo and how are you?

 

just to let you know that i will be back in Jamaica on the 10th of this month if life spare.

 

Hope to keep communication going.

more later,

 

Fr. peter. 

Apr 9, 2006

Father Francis Dupuis: