Erin's Jamaica Life

Teams

2012-01-26T11:16:00.004-05:00

This week we had 2 teams serving here with us at KP

The first team is from Dayton Christian School in Ohio.
They bring a team every year to work in our school leading
a teacher training for the staff. While the adults on the team
work with our staff the students take care of the
classes and our students.

The second team comes in some form twice a year. They
are the audiologist that have blessed us for years. Typically
Susie or John come to work with us, and bring a variety of
people with them who are willing to serve us for a week.
This week Nancy, Susie, and Mary were here working
with our students and staff.

Praise God for willing hearts ready to
surrender their time and talents to come and
serve with us!

The Life of Christ

2012-01-25T08:13:00.002-05:00

The team here this week comes every Jan.
They work really hard and preform some great
skits and songs for the students.
This one about the life of Christ I loved.
Good Job Team!

Hello.....

2012-01-23T10:35:00.004-05:00

Hello January, Hello New Semester, Hello New Students,
Hello Returning Students,
Hello Work Teams, Hello Board Members,
Hello Meetings, Hello New Work Teams, Hello Audiologist
.............................................................................................
Hi God:)
Thanks for breaking me of a focus on all the above and
turning it simply to you.
Thank You for the daily reminders to Stop and enjoy
the precious time I have with you.
Thank You for Blessings my life so richly
Here are a few of those Blessings:

Nickayla and Paris showing me their flowers

Jevaughn who always makes me heart smile. And today
He played the gentleman as he brought me a bouquet of
flowers he picked just for me.:)

Kingston 2012

2012-01-18T08:02:00.018-05:00

Meet the Gridley team 2012!
I once more joined this team in Kingston for the week
and loved every min of it.
(TONS of pictures were taken and all can be seen
at my share site. The link is at the top R of the page)

Sunday Morning Church Service

My Small Group for the week.
I loved getting to know each of them on a spiritual level

Apts. being tiled

hair flair ain't for sissys:)

digging out and getting rid of the old merry go round

pulling down and getting rid of the cement tower

welding a new stair well

painting the living skills apt.

pouring the tuck shop roof

painting encouragement on dorm walls

picking up a job as an ice cream sales man.

Fun at Ocho Rios!

Lighting the Fire One More Time.

Saying Good Bye:(

Thank You Jesus for This Team and the Blessing
They Are!

Celebrating the Holiday

2012-01-06T20:08:00.014-05:00

Colt hanging out by the tree

Freda and I playing Betty homemaker as we bake
Christmas goodies

Jax watching Aunt Jan play her accordion during the
Hinrichsen Christmas carols

Freda, Colt, and Adam

Ryan, Kensley (sorry babe its not the most flattering
picture of you), Nicole and Jax.

Mariah playing Christmas songs for us before we
opened gifts

The Davis Girls had a Christmas tradition of passing a ugly green purse each year. Through the years things were added such as gloves, ear rings, rings. etc. Then it was lost and we didn't see if for a few years.
Aunt Becki found it when cleaning out her house and this year Stacy was the lucky recipient of the green lovelies. I was the lucky recipient of the beautiful fake flowers that were once 'planted' in front of Grandma and Grandpas house when they could now longer work in the flower beds:). When they moved out of the house I cleaned some up and gave them to both their girls. This year I got them back and am now proudly displaying them in my kitchen:)

Christmas day was beautiful so after opening presents
most of us went outside. The little kids to play on the
playground, and the big boys to play basketball.

The nephews, niece and I all got Toms for Christmas

Adam, Kevin, Kyle, Tom, Ryan, and Mark

Nicole, Keri, Me, Kristen, Stacy, Christine

I am so blessed by my family!
Thank You God for Each one of them!

Happy New Year!

Catching Up With Those I Love!

2012-01-05T20:54:00.010-05:00

Jax (he won't let me call him anything but that:) and I

Me and Mr. Featherhead

Kenza Bee & I

Kates&I

Jaimie and I

Matt, T, & I

Lisa, Sarah, & I

Meg & I

I am Sooooooo Blessed by you ALL!
Thank You Jesus for These Blessings!

Merry Christmas Card!

2011-12-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

Pictures

2011-12-21T11:00:00.003-05:00

I have been trying to be organized with Pictures this
fall with my kiddos. Now that I am back in the states and have
a decent speed internet I have been able to upload the pictures
from this fall and they are all on my picture share site if you
would like to see whats up with the kids.
Enjoy!

So Far....

2011-12-21T10:31:00.007-05:00

The first few days back in the states consisted of helping to get
things Christmas ready,

Making forts and playing with the kiddos.
(this picture of Jax and Kensy cracks me up)

(the boys hanging out in the fort with their flashlights)

cheering on Coach while he does his thing.

helping to put up the outside Christmas lights.
and catching up with those I love!

WooHoo For Christmas and all the Happiness
it brings!

Fail!

2011-12-16T09:57:00.006-05:00

My Life!
And I LOVE IT! I am so blessed by my kids and I think this
picture is a perfect glimpse of my daily life.
The week(s) before I left I was painting 8-10 hours a
day, plus classes, getting ready for Christmas things,
and spending time with the kiddos. It was a little
busy:)

We have been also waiting for the 'ok' to get the sea
container out of port for months. On Tuesday we thought
FINALLY today is the day and drove to Mobay. It wasn't:(
so Chad turned around and went home planning on coming back
on Wednesday and I stayed in Mobay.

Since I was there. I figured I would hang out on the beach,
and did, until they came and kicked me off informing me the
beach was closed. Blake then showed up and we went to get
some food and hang out. It was really good for my heart
to be able to stop and catch up with him. It had been to long.

Wednesday morning Blake and I were back at the port to
try and get the sea container. We chatted with the dock
workers we knew, and watched the goings on of the day
and (I) never saw our container. Grrr!
Blake took me to the airport and I started my travel day to the
states. They finally got the sea container out at 6 that night
and delivered by 9. Sorry Guys!

While they were waiting I was traveling. And now I am
back in the states.
Sorry I dropped the ball letting you all know I was going to be
back. If you have free time and want to get together please
let me know and we will see what we can work out.

Blessings!

Deaf Sports Jamaica

2011-12-01T08:07:00.009-05:00

Saturday was a beautiful Jamaican day, and perfect for
the national sports day they help in Mandeville.
Deaf from all over Jamaica came together to compete in
different events. There was running, football, basketball,
and net ball. There may have been other too I just didn't
see them.

My kids competed mostly in the races so thats where I
spent most of my time cheering them on.

Kp color was purple. Mobay was the maroon, and Kingston
was Red.

Blake and Kirk were refs for the basketball games again this year.

The football match between Mandeville and Sav la Mar.

Monday morning the kids who competed wore their medals from
sports day to school. We had a big hoorah for them at the flag pole.
The kids 'trained' really hard for sports day and because of there hard
work they did really well.

things that make me smile

2011-11-28T15:46:00.005-05:00

When Sanieka comes out with 2 left shoes and for the life
of her can't figure out how to make them fit her right
and left foot

That some of the older boys LOVE to read Janette Oak books

and that Imari thinks he is big stuff because
he can swing on his head.

Kids and their quirks.
Got to Love them

What can I do with...

2011-11-18T09:26:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had a littles class coming in, and after a month
of going through Joseph I had not planned the next bible
story and craft for the kids. So I went into the store room
to see what we had lots of that needed to be used up.

This is what we had TONS of: 1) Lima Beans 2) Popsicle
sticks 3) hemp.
Praise Jesus that creative juices got flowing and this
is what we came up with

a 'sling' and a 'stone'

and here are all my little Davids ready to go out and
fight the Goliaths of the world!
(if you look close most of the kids while holding their
slings high have one finger/hand on their nose. Thats
the tactic I use to make sure I have their attention. I place my
finger on my nose and when I have all their eyes they too have
all there fingers on their nose so I know I have their attention.
Before I took the picture I was trying to get their attention:)

Go get em kids!

My Prince (s)

2011-11-17T12:34:00.008-05:00

Me and my Princes

Prince Damaine

Prince Roshane

Prince Jevaughn

Prince Sheldon

Praising God for these Princes!

Socks.... Check!

2011-11-14T14:33:00.002-05:00

This makes me laugh every Monday morning when the boys
have to line up to make sure they put socks on that morning.
The uniform is not complete unless you have socks on!

Happy Monday!

A Whirl Wind Trip

2011-11-11T19:38:00.016-05:00

This past weekend I jumped back to the states so I could
be in my friend Jenn's Wedding.
Before I left for MO. I made a pit stop in central IL
to enjoy a beautiful fall day with my family.

Jax and I the only ones truly excited about the pile
of leaves to jump in.

Kens and I hanging out

Trying to get colt excited about playing in the leaves.

After a day spent with the family I went down to Taylor
to join in the wedding festivities.

Jenn & I at the rehearsal dinner

I got to know Kara...or she got to know me:)
over the weekend via a little game she
likes to play called 564+ questions. Ha!

hanging out before the wedding trying to keep warm
in front of the fire.

So excited that I could be apart of Jenn's special day
(yep I am sporting the side pony and I had hair flair
in for the first time ever:)

I loved getting to spend the weekend with David and Kate

And I got to see and catch up with Kates.
and a lot of others that I didn't get pictures with.
Such a blessing!

back on the road again...

on the way back to central IL after a great weekend

Thank You Jesus for the gift of this weekend

Family

2011-11-10T20:05:00.007-05:00

After arriving back on the island Monday afternoon.
I was thankful that I could stop in Mobay for a few days
after a whirl wind trip to the states

In MoBay I was able to catch up with Aunt Pam and Uncle Mike

The day started off rainy but ended beautifully!

and I loved that Tashi was able to come hang out with us too!

More Great Memories Made!
Thank You Jesus!

My bag is packed

2011-11-02T12:38:00.009-05:00

My bag is packed for my weekend jump... and as you can see
very little is actually mine. Mine is the small thing of cloths in
top zipper part:). And to think I thought I could get away with
simply taking a carry on. Ha!

Yesterday I also learned that this morning they would be butchering
Chickens. A story I remember hearing again and again while growing
up was about Granny Watson going out back grabbing a chicken snapping
its neck and plucking it to cook. So I wanted to try...at least plucking:)

The Chosen Ones!

the de-heading cone,
only a few of them flopped out of the cone and ran around
with out heads:)... I didn't take pictures of the gory part.

Ms. Gene dipping the chickens in boiling water (so they are easier
to pluck I learned) and handing them out to the pluckers.

(yes I know I cut off Ms. Gene's head but I didn't know how happy
she would be about me taking her picture so I took a "half shot"
in case she got on me then I could use that as an excuse!)

on my way to pluck my chicken

plucking away...

while Ms. Gene instructs me on how to do it properly. Not
at all as bad as I expected. My hands still stink but other
then that I would gladly do it again!

I love all the new things I learn down here!

Thank You Jesus for these opportunities.

Saturday!

2011-10-29T20:32:00.014-05:00

I love Saturdays... When I can sleep in!

Hello Friend. Thank You for helping me to wake up.
As I was waiting for the water was boiling so I could make my coffee
I thought I would start Taking pictures to document my day.
'To Do':

first 'to do' of the day was to finish scrapbooking my page for
Jenn and Josh's wedding next week. Its been FOREVER
since I have scrapbooked. So Fun!

carving pumpkins while making sure to use the inside of the
pumpkin and not waste it.

The bestie came over and wanted her hair like me and Laurens
So we took a picture:)

baked some pb cup cookies for our woman's bible study
tomorrow after church. Yum!

The finished products.
Lauren cut out 'Jamaica' with a heart where we live, and I
made a typical Jack O Lantern copying the face of Jevaughn
that always makes me laugh:D

Ran up to the library quickly to varnish the counter tops
while there was a break in the rain.

then came home to watch the Illinois game while

the cinn/sug/nutmeg covered pumpkin seeds baked in the oven
YUM!

I love that the last few days have been 'cold' enough here in
JA that I can bust out the jeans and sweatshirts.

:) A little bit of fall that makes me smile.

Thank You Jesus for Great Days!

O Boy!

2011-10-25T17:21:00.003-05:00

Meet Jevaughn.
95% of the time this kid makes my day just by
being himself. The other 5% of the time he is finding trouble.

Last night we were all out in the courtyard after the kids got done
with supper. I was playing with some kids when I noticed one of the
older boys who needed to pull up his shorts that he was trying to wear to low.
As I was debating going over and calling him out on it, Jevaughn
,trying to be sneaky, ran up behind him grabbed his back pockets and
yanked down his shorts. I started laughing and simply signed "serves you right"
when the older boy, who just happened to be talking to his girlfriend, whipped
around to beat whoever just dropped his drawers for him.
Hahahaha!

Movies

2011-10-22T16:52:00.003-05:00

Here are some movies I randomly found on my camera. Sorry two of them are sideways and I don't know how to change that. 1 video is of Imari dancing, then other kids jumping in. Imari loves to dance and constantly shows me his new moves:). One is of Jevaughn. This kid just makes me laugh. In that video it shows you just how much fun you really can have with an empty juice box:). And the 3rd video shows the kids playing with one of the rabbits...poor thing!
Enjoy!

I have noticed...

2011-10-21T22:07:00.007-05:00

That after school....

or around my house...

any time really if I am sitting down...

there is usually someone on my lap.

I kinda love that:)

and on days that I am really tired the kids are willing
to switch roles and hold me too:)

Thank You Jesus for the blessing of my kids!

4 Years

2011-10-19T09:34:00.002-05:00

Today, 4 years ago, I moved to Jamaica.
Praising God for this Blessing!

Mobay Weekend

2011-10-17T18:23:00.015-05:00

All last week it rained. Saturday Morning it was raining, BUT
A group of us loaded up the car and drove to Mobay for the weekend.
We drove in rain all the way there. Grabbed Port Pit for Lunch. YUM!
and by the time we finished lunch the rain had stopped and we made
our way to the beach.

It wasn't a typical sunshiney Jamaican day but it was hot, and
it was no longer raining!

this little guy was about the only one on the empty beach with us.

The water felt AMAZING! It was warm and where I spent the
majority of the afternoon.

we took a break from the water to burying Daphawn in the sand.

The next day was beautiful and sunshiney and we spent the morning
back at the beach.

AHHHHHHHHHHH! The Life!

Chilaxing in the ocean

Daphawn wanting a picture with Lauren

Typical Tashi! O' how I love this girl.

A perfect way to end the morning before going back to MV.

Monday we drove Blake, Tashi, and Daphawn back to Kingston

And while we were there we thought it best we introduce Lauren

to the original Devon House for Ice Cream! Yum!

Thank You Jesus for Great weekends with Great Friends!

Happy National Heros Day!

Best Friends

2011-10-12T22:11:00.002-05:00

Shout Out For Semaj!

2011-10-12T21:52:00.002-05:00

Meet Semaj.
She is a fantastic girl from our Kingston Campus that
will soon graduate and desires to go to college.
Her story can be found on Blake's Blog
@ www.blakewidmer.blogspot.com Under the title
"You Gotta Read This Q&A Post!!!
Please take the time to read this and pray about it.
Thanks!

A Day Away

2011-10-10T17:14:00.006-05:00

This is what I got to do on Friday.
Hang out in the pool and read my book.
It was nice!

After a few hours at the pool at Y.S. Lauren, Joanne, and I
went to Little Ochi for supper.

Thank You Jesus for Days to Run Away!

John 13

2011-10-07T08:54:00.019-05:00

Tuesday night -Thursday morning we had the privalige to host a
Samaritans Feet Team

They follow the teachings of John 13

And because they all signed they were able to share stories about
Jesus and His love to the students while they washed their feet and
presented them with new shoes.

This picture makes me laugh Sam was washing Tajay's feet
and Tajay just sat there watching him for the longest time.
Then he asked ( as you can see in the picture) if Sam was
Santa Clause:D

The process:

The classes came in and Joanne would give them a wrist band

Tim would measure their feet

and write their shoe size on their wrist band

they would sit down and someone on the team would wash
their feet.

and dry them while they looked for a pair of
shoes in their size

Glo would give them short foot massages.
Then we would give them shoes and they would be on there way.

some of the boys taking their school shoes to the dorms after
getting their new shoes from the team.

the older kids looking at the little kids new shoes while they waited
for their turn.

feet getting used to the cool water

Damian my water boy who kept bringing us
clean water to swap out as we washed feet.

I was excited to be able to take over for some of the team half
way through the students/staff. I loved being able to serve my kids
and those I work with in this way.

The entire Samaritan's Feet team.

Thank You Jesus for willing servants who follow your example.

A Test

2011-10-04T11:11:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday we had a test in church. After Damian completes his sermons, on whatever topic he has been preaching on, the church gets tested to see how much we all remember from what was taught. ( a teaching tool for the deaf to makes sure they understand)
Damian just finished up his series on "Magnifying God" and so yesterday this test was given:

Short Answer Questions:
1) What has been the topic we have been studying since June?
2)What were two examples used to demonstrate this?
3) What does magnify mean?
4)Who watches us as we magnify God?
5) How do you magnify God?
6) Who is a person that has an evil spirit and can tell the future?
(from the story in Acts where a slave girl was used by her master because she had an evil spirit but was then set free when she noticed Paul and Silas's good testimony and they shared the truth with her)
7) Who said "He must increase and we must decrease?"
8) How can we minister to others?
9) What does the word minister mean?
10) What was the theme verse used through this study?
11) People who live in the light do what?
12) People who live in darkness do what?
13) Where is the verse found about confessing your sins one to another?
14) Who do we need to shine our light for?

True 0r False:
15) We as Christians live among the world
16) Jesus Himself was the light of the world
17) Glorify and Magnify can mean the same thing
18) The guard at the prison was saved because he noticed Paul and Silas' good testimony
19) When Paul and Silas were in prison they complained to God and said "Why Me?"

Vocab/Spelling:
( for this part Damian would sign a word and then we had to spell it... can't really do that on a blog:)

21) increase
22) telescope
23) magnify
24) Paul
25) ministry

Then there was the bonus of a diagram a circle with a line down the middle half was shaded half was left alone each side had 3 lines coming from their side of the circle and we had to write in what each represented;
Light, God, Christians vs. Darkness, Satan, the unsaved.

At first when we would do this I would get so nervous but now I love the challenge of it to see how much I have retained... or how much I space out while in church.

Good Bye Friends

2011-10-01T12:48:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Tony & Cildas last day here with us at C.C.C.D:(
After around 20 years of working with the ministry they feel like God is telling
them its time to move on. They have been my guardian angles during my time
here, and I will miss them greatly. BUT I know that God's ways are far above
our own, and I am excited to see where God will lead them.

Thank You Jesus for the gift of these friends.

Getting My Hair Fixed

2011-10-01T12:25:00.007-05:00

Britani and I were hanging out one night...

when Nickayla and Paris started fixing my hair for me....

More hands started helping pulling my hair in all different directions...

Paris showing off the twist she is adding.... AND

Ta Da! The finished product

Beautiful Endings

2011-09-28T19:25:00.002-05:00

Today was filled with a lot.
One thing there was a lot of was rain.
As the sun set I caught the lighting through my widows and went outside to watch.
As the sun set behind the hills it started to rain again and when I turned to go home
I noticed the beautiful full rainbow that started behind the school, stretched across
the entire campus and ended at the road.

Thank You God for Beautiful Endings!

A Day Away

2011-09-26T12:23:00.008-05:00

For a few weeks now Tashi has been asking me to come down, but becuase of things going on it didn't work out. Saturday it finally worked out to run away for a day with Friends! I took Lauren and Ionda with me and we started out at the Kingston school so I could love on my kids there.

Daphawn, my resident Kingston photographer, took my camera and started capturing the time we spent there.

Daphawn and I +someones hand who wanted to let you all know that they love you:)

Once we left the school we headed to Rituals (Jamaica's Starbucks). Tashi and I are big fans of this place:) We all got our chillers and pastries then sat down to chat. This was Ionda's first time and he quickly became a HUGE fan. He went through two vanilla chillers before us girls finished one. And yesterday at church he was asking me when I was going back to Kingston because he wanted to go back for more coffee chillers:)

Tashi and I in our "nice" picture
I will not post the "typical Tashi" picture:)

After our coffee and pastries we went back to Blake and Tashi's house to play games. Blake had to drive for a funeral so was gone most of the day. He did make it back in the afternoon, and was able to fix some stuff on my computer for me (Thanks Blake). We chatted for a while then packed up the bus to go home.

Before we left we snapped a quick picture with those we love.

Praise Jesus for great friends that provide places for us to run away to and relax!

Proper Tea

2011-09-25T22:19:00.006-05:00

*This post must be read using an English accent* :D

Meet Joanne.
She is from England and is hanging out with us here at C.C.C.D. for 4 weeks.
She is a sweet girl that loves to share stories. I have enjoyed getting to know her and could sit and listen to her talk for hours.
Friday night we all had supper together, and Joanne brought her tea
(a must) and after supper we learned how to make 'proper tea'.

The Twinings tea bags from England

My cup of proper tea made with sugar and tea.
Joanne made my cup while I was taking pictures.
Yum!

Random

2011-09-20T22:07:00.007-05:00

Praise God for great finds. I took Lauren and Joanne into town the other day to do some shopping and I noticed these two books. The library is filled with books but very very very few having anything to do with Jamaica or the Deaf. So when I saw these I picked them up. Both books talk about islands in the Caribbean and has information about the islands

The kids found the new books right away and spent their library time going through the maps of the island point to where everyone in their family lives, places they have been, places they want to go, and arguing about who was right about names and locations of places:)

I have also started to introduce the classes to Farkel. Its an easy dice game that will help their math since you have to add to keep track of your score. Most of the kids come to the library and sit, or look at pictures. I am trying to get them to actually do something educational so we are trying games like Farkel and scrabble to get their brains working.

I had the kids in the library yesterday and Shanel was one of them. It also just happened to be her birthday. One of the boys called Shanel out of the library where she was hit with water and baby powder (a flour substitute) and the kids laughed and clapped that she was "gotten" for her birthday. Its a Jamaican thing to get made into a cake on your birthday. Usually water and flour are thrown on you to celebrate your day... sometimes an egg is tossed in there too.
After the girls covered Shanel there was powder every where. In the air, on the floor (I about wiped out 5 times trying to make my way out of the school), and all over Shanel.

Praise God for Days full of Randomness!

Rabbits!

2011-09-17T14:17:00.016-05:00

I think I have mentioned in a previous post that we now have rabbits here at cccd Knockpatrick. They started off on the farm and last week were moved up the the gated playground area.
The kids LOVE the rabbits. I have been trying to slowly get them used to them so when we did get them out they wouldn't smother them all to death...literally.
Yesterday we got out one rabbit to see how the kids would do. I told them if they got it out that they needed to let it just hop around and 'play'. They were not to pick it up.

They did good so this morning we took another step and got 6 rabbits out. Starting with 1....then 2... then 3... until we had 6. Then we found out that the white rabbit was aggressive with the kids and the other rabbits so we put that one back and just kept 5 out.

Damian practically crawling in the rabbit cages to get them out.

Matthew not to sure what to think... so keeping a safe distance

Shanel LOVES the rabbits and continually has one in her lap

Damian trying to sooth a very aggressive white rabbit

once the kids became more comfortable with the rabbits... the rabbits became more comfortable hiding under their cages....

until one of the kids would reach under and pull one out to play with:)

Paris tried to be bold and play with them... but she was still uncertain so she laid on the bench and would reach down to pet them if them came by.

Richard

Shanel, Romoye, and Matthew
(noticing going through pictures that Red must be the color of the day for these kids:)

The two black rabbits hung out under the table most of the time trying to stay clear of the sun that was very hot today. So the kids wanting to play with the rabbits climbed under the table with them.

Imari tried and tried, and begged and begged, and finally one of the older kids helped him hold a rabbit.

Moya

the older students came in after the littles made such a fuss to play with the rabbits too.

then it was time to close up the playground and put the rabbits away. I asked Sophia if she would put that rabbit under her away.... she was not having anything to do with that rabbit:)

Happy Saturday!

Meet Lauren

2011-09-17T14:04:00.002-05:00

This is Lauren, she arrived a week ago today. She will be hanging out with us for the next 10 weeks. Please pray for Lauren as she continues to settle in and find her place here at C.C.C.D. Knockpatrick. Thanks!

Bubble Thursdays

2011-09-15T08:09:00.010-05:00

One of the teams this past year brought a bubble machine that has just been sitting around, the kids have played with it a few times, but since it sits in a black plastic bag it goes easily forgotten with everything else going on. I was cleaning some stuff out before this school year started, and once more came across this bubble machine and a bag full of bubble toys.
So now Thursday on the playground has become bubble Thursdays... until the bubble supply runs out:)

the boys were the first on the play ground and instantly found the bubbles and started playing.

Richard trying to see how many bubbles he can blow at once.

Nickayla sitting beside the bubble machine trying to catch bubbles

Damian and Wadia with their bubble toys

WooHoo For Bubbles!

Happy Thursday All!

This Week in Pictures

2011-09-10T17:24:00.010-05:00

This week we all kind of just settled in. I got my schedule for the classes that would be coming in to join me in the library, but my only class that came last week was one of my pre-primary classes that came in for their story, and craft time.

I didn't have a story ready this week so we just focused on our craft.

I came across boxes filled with old printer paper, the kind that is all connected, so we pulled that out and made life size drawings of ourselves.

This is what I walked down the hill to each day. The kids waiting for me to switch into playground monitor role.

Me ruining Shanels attempt to take a self portrait:)

Davia

new to the play ground area this week... Rabbits!
The kids love them, and one of them is constantly running up to give me the play by play of what each rabbit is doing. As soon as we figure out which of the rabbits are the nice ones and which are the biters we will be able to get them out so the kids can hold and play with them.

Moya, Paris and I

Some of the teenage girls got my camera and became the models I know them all to be.

We are off to a great start!
Praise Jesus!

Meet the New Kids!

2011-09-10T14:31:00.006-05:00

My kids came back this week and my heart has been smiling ever since!
This year like all the others we had a few new ones join us.

Introducing...

This is Kimesha.
She is 16 and a transfer student from our Kingston campus.

This is Jevaughn and he is just starting school.

This is Imari. I already have a soft spot for him:) He is cute as can be but he is also very helpful and seems to be a good kid. They noticed his hearing loss at age 3. He still has some hearing, and continues to talk up a storm to anyone who is willing to listen.

Thank You Jesus for each of these new students. I pray that they are able to find their place in our family here, and that they will grow to be strong followers of you.

Prayer Meeting

2011-09-05T12:19:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow school starts for my kids here at CCCD KP (YAY!). So today the staff got together to have a prayer meeting to fully surrender the kids and all that is to come this term up to God for His safe keeping. Please pray with us as God leads us each through this term, and for all the opportunities that are presented to us to grow God's kingdom.
Thanks!

Home

2011-09-01T15:38:00.004-05:00

I am now back home. After a smooth but long travel day I arrived back about 5 yesterday evening.
Last night I slept for about 14+ hours, was praising God this morning for hot water and pressure, and for coffee in the cupboard this a.m. to help me feel half way human as the transition begins.

Tuesday night I stayed in Indy then just took a shuttle to the airport Wednesday morning.
Upon my arrival Tuesday night.

I was greeted by this.
Apparently everyday they pick one person to be the 'Guest of the Day' and Tuesday night that was me. I got upgraded to a nicer room, complimentary snacks, and mints on my pillow along with a nice note thanking me for choosing to stay there.

Thank You Jesus for unexpected upgrades and safe travel days!

Jamaica Reunion!

2011-08-30T21:58:00.009-05:00

The Saturday before I flew back I had the opportunity to join in on the JDV June teams Jamaica reunion! It was fun getting to see everyone and to enjoy a fun evening of just hanging out.

volley ball was played

and washers

and bags
(yes I know this is another picture of a washer game but I didn't have one of people playing bags)

then more volley ball under the spot light when the sun went down.

I got in a few games of bags but mostly I was sitting around catching up with those I love:)

to finish out the evening we had a bible study and share time of how we have grown since that trip this past June. It was so encouraging to see how God is continually working in the lives of those I love. For me, I thought it was cool how this was the group that started off my summer. They were there to encourage, support, and love me. To help give me the kick in the pants, and spiritual boost I needed to get through the craziness that was to come. And I made it! Praise God:) through 2 months of back to back teams, a wedding, then a month of nonstop go back in the states. To finish off my stay in the states I once more got to gather with those I love at the JA reunion and felt there encouragement, support and love for me once more.

Thank You Jesus for my Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

Eureka Fest

2011-08-30T21:22:00.011-05:00

Saturday Morning some of us

Ran....

and some of us rode...

To Eureka Fest!!!!!

We checked out the different booths

Listened to what the sellers had to say,
then we got balloons animals!

Colt with his monkey

and Jax with his Elmo hat that was just about as big as he was. We didn't have any trouble spotting him in the crowd:)

I love it!

Sunday

2011-08-30T21:01:00.010-05:00

I was thankful that on my last Sunday in the states my family could all go to church together. We all went to Ryan and Nicole's church for Kensley's dedication.

Kens' dedication

Then afterwords we all went back to Ryan and Nicole's for the afternoon. Once our stomachs were full the boys and I got down and wrestled out some energy.

Trying to hang on to two flailing boys:)

Jax getting my face while colt tries to sneak away...

and come step on my face...

Good times had all around!
Thank you God for opportunities like these!

Friends!

2011-08-30T20:31:00.011-05:00

What have I been doing this past month?
Enjoying a social life!

Hanging out with Ryan and his family

Meeting up with Sarah for Lunch

Catching up with Amanda as she crashed our JA reunion

I was blessed to spend I think just about part of every weekend with the beautiful Jenn

I loved hearing how God is moving and working in Megan's life.

Fun times with Freda (aka my sister Kristen)

Sunday morning pictures before church with my other family the Ringgers

Praising God for a few hours to catch up with Sadie one Sat. afternoon and meet her husband for the first time.

Loved my time with Meg and hearing about her ministries! What a blessing!

This is where I would have put the picture of me and Janice IF we would have remembered to take one.:(

And there were many more... I just didn't have my camera with me or those visits were posts themselves:)

Praise Jesus for Great Friends!

The Lakes

2011-08-15T09:14:00.012-05:00

After spending the weekend in Leo catching up with friends and going to Blake and Tashi's States Wedding Reception I headed up to northern Indiana to hit the Lakes with Matt and Tamara (and her family). I first went up to the lakes last year and it has become a place I look forward to going to now. Its SO relaxing! No expectations just lay around the water, or go out in the boat... do what you want to do... Its Fabulous!

I got there Monday afternoon and after hanging out with the Rabers for a while we headed out in the boat.

Tamara showing her skills while her nieces and nephews watch

After we took the boat out Tamara and I took the kayaks out. Later Matt and Jessi came by on the jet ski. I had my camera with me so thought 'perfect Matt can get a picture of me and T'. While I was trying to give my camera to Matt the hand off didn't go very smoothly and I ended up in the water tipping my kayak. I got it turned over but then Matt wanted to get the water out of it and the crazy process began:)

Jessi and I trying to be a counter weight while Matt lifts up the kayak on the jet ski to dump out the water that got in....

all of us now in the water then when that didn't work:) I was laughing so hard I was NOT much help at all.

Finally we got the water out, I got back in, and T and I took off back to the cottage.

Monday Night Blake and Tashi, Brad and Kates came up. Tuesday morning they were up early and out on the boat wake boarding. I stayed back at the cottage. Tashi was still sleeping and I was MORE then okay with taking my time to wake up. Plus I am a weakling and it was still to cold for me to go out on the boat:)

I was so thankful for a quiet morning to wake up slow, and catch up with Tashi.

We then walked down to Toms where we met the rest of the group coming in to grab doughnuts after a few hours on the water. We then all jumped onto the boat to enjoy a beautiful day on the water.

Tashi and I enjoying doing nothing while we float on a piece of foam:)
SO RELAXING!

I loved getting to spend time with these girls. I love them so much!

Thank You Jesus for perfectly relaxing days with Great Friends!

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-08-13T17:08:00.010-05:00

One of the first things I did upon my arrival back to the states was head up to Wisconsin to go on a family vacation. We met my Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and their kiddos there and it was so fun and great to see them.

Lots of stories read while hanging out in the condo.

Kensley was a babe and did great through the weekend.

Jax enjoying the pool.

Colton Loving the water

Jaxon showing me his 'guns' :)
Love It!

Colt being a little model. I'm surprised the kid stopped long enough for me to get this.

Praising Jesus for Great Family Time!

Back in the States

2011-08-12T17:08:00.005-05:00

Last week early Tuesday Morning we got up, loaded the bus, picked up Bunny our driver then held on and tried not to get sick as he very quickly drove us to the airport in Mobay. This was the only picture I got of the gorgeous morning. I put my camera away before I got too car sick trying to focus on taking pictures while Bunny was driving:)

This little stud was waiting with my Dad and Ryan at the airport when we arrived. What a fun surprise to be met by Jax, and it was fun listening to him chatter all the way back to Goodfield.

I also got to meet Miss Kensley for the first time and as you can see I was VERY excited. She is such a good baby and I have loved the time to hang out with her.

Colt has changed so much and its been so fun to play with him and see all his new tricks. This kid is so stinking smart and almost impossible to get a picture with. Especially when I am trying to take it when it was just us two... but in a cuddly moment I was able to quickly snap one!

Praising Jesus for Nephews and Nieces!

FYI

2011-07-31T20:54:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is my last day on the island before flying back for a holiday in the states. I fly out Aug 2nd and will be around for most of the month. Let me know if you want to get together. I would love to see you all!

Friends

2011-07-31T17:03:00.005-05:00

For the last few weeks with all the wedding stuff that was going on I was thankful for the opportunity to hang out with friends too.

Me and Kates

Tamara, Matt, and I

There were lots of other friends... but these were the only ones I got pictures with. Janice that means me and you in Leo:)

Thank You Jesus for a few weeks of having a social life!

Meeting Sanjay

2011-07-31T16:32:00.002-05:00

I had never met Sanjay (knowing of him only through what Blake had shared with me about him.) but knew him instantly when he showed up to Blake and Tashi's reception with grandpa's guitar. My heart smiled seeing him, but I wanted to cry as I thought of how much I miss my grandpa. Sanjay is blind but has taught himself to play both the piano and the guitar and I LOVE that he is getting good use out of grandpa's guitar. Sanjay played a beautiful song for Blake at the reception. I praise Jesus that I was there and able to listen to him play myself. After Sanjay played for Blake I was able to talk with him some and tell him about grandpa before we snapped a pictures together. As Sanjay played for Blake in my mind I could see grandpa sitting right there, I knew what his reaction would be as I could hear his laugh, see him slap his leg and say 'look at that!'

Thank You Jesus for this opportunity!

Blake and Tashi's Wedding!

2011-07-26T23:01:00.006-05:00

Sunday was such a beautiful Day! Blake and Tashi's Wedding Day was truly blessed. I am sorry I didn't want to post their wedding pictures until Blake and Tashi could see them first, but here are a few snapshot from the day.

Getting some pictures of Tashi before the wedding
Snapping a picture with Blake...

and the new Mrs. Widmer:)

Thank You Jesus for the gift of these two dear friends in my life.

I love you Blake and Tashi.

Blessings!

Saturday

2011-07-26T22:24:00.008-05:00

Saturday Morning we all met at the Open Bible Church in Top Hill for the wedding rehearsal.
Waiting for the rehearsal to start

all of the people involved at the rehearsal.

Once we were done with the rehearsal at the church we all drove/rode up to Mandeville for the rehearsal dinner.

Congrats Blake and Tashi! We Love You!

Listening to those they love sharing stories and advice.

Everyone hanging out at the rehearsal dinner

Kates and Ionda posing for a quick picture before everyone went home for the day.

Thank You Jesus for A Wonderful Rehearsal Day!

Friday

2011-07-26T21:45:00.010-05:00

Friday the girls and I loaded up the car and headed to St. Elizabeth for a day of helping to get food and the reception hall ready for the wedding!
Pauline and Kris cutting up chicken.

Pauline adding the spices and vegetables to the chicken.

Mixing the chicken, vegetables, and spices

Once the chicken was cut up, and bagged we took it over to the reception hall and started prepping for the wedding there.

Kates, Elizabeth, and Abigail made bread sticks for the wedding

These girls were troopers. They did a lot of improvising when they didn't have what they needed to make the bread sticks. And it was HOT and they worked in the kitchen for hours. They did a great job and the bread sticks were Yummy!

Stephanie and Janice cutting up tomatoes

Aunt Laural cutting up cucumbers

Janice tying ribbons to the back of chair in the reception hall.

The reception hall set up and ready when we left Friday:)

Thank You Jesus for productive Days!

Thursday

2011-07-26T21:28:00.004-05:00

Thursday morning we all got together to celebrate Tashi. We had a great turn out and so much fun at her wedding shower! I was so thankful for the house full of girls I had that were willing to help get things ready for her shower, and for Felicia who did an AMAZING job 'leading' Tashi's shower.

All the yummy food that we enjoyed at the shower

Tashi and all her "moms"

Tashi and I after a very fun shower!

Wednesday

2011-07-26T21:16:00.005-05:00

Bright and early Wednesday morning Tamara, Janice and I were up and getting food prepared for Tashi's shower on Thursday. Once we had the Cinn. Rolls prepared and in the fridge to set overnight, and the egg casserole prepared and in the fridge for the next day, and the cappachino muffins made and ready to go

... we all loaded up and....
went to Y.S. Falls for the day!
The group that flew in on Tuesday all got together on Wednesday for a fun day at the falls.

And Tamara and I finally got our picture at Y.S.:)

Thank You Jesus that everyone arrived safely and that we had a fun day to hang out and relax at Y.S. Falls together.

Girls Night

2011-07-18T13:46:00.003-05:00

With the wedding coming up I have gained a few roomatesfor the last few weeks. I have loved having these 'roomies'and last night for 'National Ice Cream Day' we went out for ice cream
and had a girls night together. It was Wonderful!

The girls involved in girls night
What we did that night.... we will never tell!

:D

2011-07-11T16:39:00.003-05:00

Janice arrived!!! and brought chocolate!!!!

Yum!

JAD Workshop

2011-07-11T14:05:00.007-05:00

Last week Monday I drove a group down to Kingston so we could attend this years JAD workshops. At first I was not that excited to go since this was taking up my only free week, and I only planned on staying for a few days of the workshops. After the first day, and really enjoying myself, I decided to stay for the entire workshop and it was totally worth it.

Everyday we started out with a main speaker, then broke off into our different groups to interact with different presenters on different topics. This was really good for me. I gained a ton of new information and awareness about things I had never even thought of before, and it pulled me out of my comfort zone (not something I always enjoy but I know is needed).

The following pictures are bad because I didn't use flash photography not wanting to disrupt the speaker but trying to be sneaky in getting pictures.

This was a demonstration Debbie and Tony did. Debbie was communicating through Austrialian sign (while her sister Sarah voiced pictured below), and Tony singed in JSL (Jamaican Sign Language) for all those who didn't understand Debbie's Austrailian sign.

A cute presenter I love waiting for her turn to speak while Sarah voices for Debbie's Australian sign.

The week was great but it was long and busy...

so this is how we felt/ended up most nights just sprawled out on the floor when we got back to Blake and Tashi's house. On the last night I was in Kingston I went to tell Tashi the shower was opened and she was cashed on the floor. (She doesn't know I took this picture:)

Praise Jesus for New Opportunites that help us learn and grow!

Meet Zetphen

2011-07-04T18:54:00.002-05:00

This past week I had a team from Zetphen Church in MichiganThey were a fun group that spent the week fixing our machines and giving our tractors tune ups, ripping up the floors in the team dorms, and pouring new concrete ones.

Good Job Team!

Meet the Team(s)

2011-07-04T18:48:00.002-05:00

This was one large team made up of 5 smaller teams. We had 3 groups from Florida. One consisted of a speech therapist, physical therapist, and another guy. a group from MTW, and one from Cornerstone Church. There was also some from New Jersey, and a few from Georgia.
I was thankful that even though we had a bunch of little teams that they all meshed and worked really well together all week.

This Ones With Me.

2011-06-27T19:36:00.002-05:00

I love watching my kids sing this song. So Beautiful!

Graduation

2011-06-26T16:19:00.010-05:00

Wednesday night I was excited the Tashi agreed to come and hang out with me for the night. Thursday she was coming up for Jordons graduation, and I was thankful that we had the night before to hang out and catch up. Yay!

Thursday morning we had our 2011 Graduation.
Our graduates:
Symonia, Yanique, Jordon, Lorenzo, Roniel, Christina, & Latisha

Hands in Praise

Yanique giving her speech.

Christina collecting her diploma and school gift

Jordon giving his valedictorian speech

Lorenzo and Symonia leaving the graduation ceremony

Pausing for a picture after playing family photographer for Jordon.

Please pray for our graduates as they are now out on their own. Please pray that they stay close to God, and that they are able to find jobs

Summer Holiday

2011-06-26T16:07:00.010-05:00

The kids have left on summer holiday and I miss them already.

Please pray for the kids their safety, and health while they are home on summer holiday. Thanks!

Prayers

2011-06-22T08:30:00.003-05:00

Please pray for the Hubers today. Today Paul is flying back to the states to transition back to life in the states before he starts college at Purdue this fall. Prayers for traveling mercies and a smooth transition for both Paul and his Family here in Jamaica would be great.

Thanks

Blessings on your day!

Skittles

2011-06-21T20:19:00.007-05:00

This afternoon our English intern Paul put on a mini sports day for the kids after school.

Today the kids learned how to play skittles a.k.a bowling

Jesimar trying to hit the skittles
Sanieka trying... but her ball ended just about where it stands in the picture.

Sankeer having fun with skittles

all the spectators waiting their turn to try.

Praising Jesus for oppturnities for my kids to learn new games!

Last Week In Pictures

2011-06-20T17:29:00.018-05:00

Last week I was blessed with a social life and it was so much fun!

Here are some pictures of the events of last week

Brad and Marvin framing the cross beams
Lindsey and Nelson setting the grid to pour the footing for the curb.

Fixing the mule

Making rebar cages

Darwin breaking up rocks on the drive way.

Jaimie and Lacey filling boxes to mix concrete.

Jaimie and I

Norm making sure things are set right

Nelson running away from the attack of water.

Austin setting the blocks on the curb.

A meeting of the minds to get the mixer pulled apart.

I loved watching those I love on the team hang out and love on my kids.

putting in new fence posts.

Chris and Cole filling columns

Amanda having fun with the kids at Hanbury Homes.

Jenn and I

Mixing concrete by hand when the mixer broke.

passing buckets full of cement up to fill the cross beams.

pouring the cross beams.

Good Job Team!

I praise Jesus for each one of you!

More pictures on the shutterfly site

So Blessed!

2011-06-19T16:00:00.002-05:00

This past week I was blessed beyond words by this group.

I was so thankful I was able to join them for the week. My

heart needed this group. They loved me,

encouraged me, and humbled me.

Thank You Jesus for sending each and everyone of them.

More to come on my week with Ted's team I need to

sort through the pictures first:)

Meet New Life Deaf Fellowship

2011-06-19T15:46:00.003-05:00

This is New Life Deaf Fellowship. They came to us from Texas

This group was made up of Deaf, skilled signers, or Deaf Ed

teachers. I was over at JDV for most of the week with Ted's team

during their stay but there were a few times I was able to jump

over to KP for a few hours to spend time with the team.

Big Tree is a Chinese Ginip tree and produces fruit only

every seven years. When I was with the team this past

Tuesday I noticed that for the first time since I have been here

there was fruit growing on the tree.

Meet Kensley

2011-06-19T10:05:00.003-05:00

Praising Jesus that I am once again an Auntie!

The Beautiful Kensley Alayna Davis blessed us

with her entrance into this world on June 8th.

Yes I know I am late in posting this BUT I didn't have

a computer that I could upload a picture on or blog from.

My heart overflows with Joy that she is here, and breaks

that I am not there to love on her in person. Praise Jesus

that He can love her so much better then I and is always there

with her never leaving her side.

My Apologies!

2011-06-14T11:25:00.002-05:00

FYI I have not been updating because a few weeks ago I disobeyed God

when He called me to be still before Him. It was raining and I was

stuck inside most of the day, but I still had my computer to keep me busy

and work that I could do on that. So I did. Refusing to be still

before Him. Then I woke up Sunday a few days after He called me to

be still, and my computer didn't work. It wouldn't turn on, it couldn't be

fixed. It would need to be sent to the states.

Okay God. I'm Sorry. I will come and be still before you.

Praise God Ted's team was coming on Friday and a replacement

laptop came that I can use until I come back to the states in Aug.

So, thats why no update. I just got this new computer, I haven't been

able to put my pictures on it, and Ted's team is here so I am enjoying

a social life for a week!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Thank You Jesus!

Praise Fest

2011-06-03T19:34:00.020-05:00

Wednesday morning we drove to Mobay for a few hours at
the beach:) and to watch the Mobay kids perform
at Praise fest.

After we got our lunch at pork pit (Yum!) and before we
went to the beach we stopped at Dump Up Beach
(nice name huh:) to check in and see if we could help
out at the C.C.C.D. booth. They had everything covered
so off to the beach we went for a few hours.

The concert started about 5:30 and it was raining and with
all the umbrellas up I couldn't see a thing so I went and
talked my way up onto the sound booth in the back to get
some pictures.

This is Anthony Evans. He is a good guy I got to hang out
with as I rode along to pick him up from the port. I was
going for the coffee stop at rituals but it was fun getting
to know him a bit.

Here are the Mobay kids signing/signing "Arise My Love"
with New Song.
LOVE IT!

(you can see all the umbrellas up)

The rain eventually passed and it became a beautiful night.

the concert went late into the night. After singing, preaching,
more singing, and more preaching. There was WWO wrestling!
It was a little random but they had a wrestling ring set up to do
a wrestling demonstration then previous wrestlers
Lex Lugar and "The Total Package" shared their testimonies.

Thursday a group from Cruise with a Cause came up to
the Mobay Campus and put on a presentation for the students

there was pantomiming

and testimonies shared

Then the students performed the skit/song again

I love this picture of Mario. I think it totally shows
his personality.

(more pictures on the shutterfly site)

More Pictures

2011-05-31T10:32:00.001-05:00

I forgot to say that I have more pictures of the hike on my shutterfly site if you
click on the link at the top of the page . Also I finally figured out how to
get all the sports day pics up there too... a few months after the fact:)
Enjoy!
Blessings.

Blue Mountain Hike

2011-05-30T17:51:00.021-05:00

We have been planning a Blue Mountain hike for months.
It started in Jan.... and because of busy schedules 5 months
later we were finally able to go.

Saturday afternoon I met up with this group in Kingston
and we drove up to the "2nd base" of the Blue Mountains.

A little before 5 we parked loaded up and took off for the
summit. Holy Cow... I am out of shape!

walking up to the 3rd base

part of the trail

the last picture Sat. night as we took a break to enjoy
the view before we walked the last leg to our camp arriving at
around 10 to try and sleep for a few hours.

We were up and hiking again at 2 Sunday morning
to reach the summit by sunrise. The boys were ready to go...
Tashi and I were ready to go back to bed:)

now the pictures get out of order

hikingstopping to take pictures

more hiking....

Plants we passed

Mountain Views

The Sunrise

Made it to the summit at 5:05 a.m.

stopping for a pic on the way down

Working my way down to the 3rd base

At the 3rd base and getting ready to walk the last leg
back to the bus to take us home.
and back to the bus around noon on Sunday.

Praise Jesus for a great safe weekend of hiking!
Praise Jesus that today I am Not sore:)

Mmmm... Summer!

2011-05-27T17:52:00.004-05:00

I had a few mangos around and one night last week had the
great idea to make a mango milkshake... Yum!

That got me thinking of growing up and helping out at Granny's
or just going over to pick and eat strawberries from her patch:)
If we were lucky she would tell us to bring the strawberries we
collected in and she made us fresh strawberry milkshakes.
Yum!

Today as I was running errands and getting things ready for
the monthly birthday party I ran to the store to get soda for
the birthday kids and on my way in a man was selling these
beauties. While shopping for the soda I thought to myself
okay... if the strawberries cost... this much... I will get some.
I got the soda and went to talk to the man about getting some
strawberries. We chatted for a while and of course they
were not what I had set in my head I would pay... just a bit
more:) so I got myself some strawberries! Yum!

I also got one of these. I am told its a strawberry plant but
I am clueless about plants so I could have bought a weed
and am now attempting to grow it:)
As I was driving home with the party things my strawberries
and plant I got to thinking. I don't know plants at all... what
if I just bought a ganja plant and am going to attempt to grow
it being clueless to what it is. I looked at it more closely once
I got home and I am pretty sure its not ganja.
If I don't kill it first we will see what we get from it!
Heres praying for a green thumb!

Happy Labor Day

2011-05-23T20:14:00.005-05:00

Today is Labor Day in Jamaica, and Yes its a national holiday
down here so most people are off work, BUT instead of going
to work at their normal jobs people do acts of community
service around the areas they live

For example: the picture above.
There were multiple little crews of guys mixing cement
and filling pot holes in the road. They then put big branches,
flowers, or cement blocks over the areas so cars would not
drive over them and mash them up. I also saw some giving
a fresh coat of paint to the cross walks and other road markings,
and here at KP people came in to plant fruit trees for us.
We now have new mango, apple, grape, and leeche trees!

What did I do on this Sunny Holiday?

I went to the beach for a few hours.
(Our goal was 4 hours but God knew that with the old
sunscreen I used that 2.5 hours was all my whitey
body could take before getting miserably burnt.)

with these fun people. Then we went to Jack Sprat for
pizza before heading home.

Thanks Jesus for Fun Day!

Black River Safari

2011-05-22T16:27:00.019-05:00

Thursday Morning at breakfast Dr. Buzz and fam. informed me
since they would probably finish up with the kids that day that
Friday they wanted a free day. Okay I thought, I will just take them
to Y.S. like we do all the other teams... only problem was Y.S. was
closed since it was holiday weekend (Monday is labor day) so
we started asking around for different options they could do since
they really didn't want to go to the beach. The Black River Safari
was suggested and thats what they decided to do.

Friday morning was beautiful as we loaded the bus and drove
to Black River. I had never been before but Praise God I found it
easy enough. Finding the safari took some time though as we
drove through Black River... didn't see it, had to turn around
and ask directions before finding ourselves at

Ire Safari!

Once on our pontoon we went out on the river and our
tour guide, Omar, started giving us the History of Black River
it was the first city in Jamaica to get electricity, it even had
electricity before New York City, because something was found
at Black River that was used to make ink.

As Omar was giving us his spiel on the history of Black River
our boat kept moving closer and closer to these trees FULL of
egrets nests, also part of the tour, and as he continued to talk
about Black River and the egrets, we got closer and closer to these
nests and all these birds. As you can see from the picture (that was
not zoomed in on) we were close and the entire time I was telling
myself don't freak out... don't freak out... don't freak out... don't freak
out. Finally his spiel about the birds was done and we moved on.
Thank You Jesus!

There were lots of cool plants. I liked the water lilies,

and these mangrove trees. They are so cool
in how they grow down towards the water
and they just keep branching off and growing
until they reach the water. And they just float
and tangle themselves together so they don't fall
over. Very Cool.

Then we saw some of these

American Crocodiles are common on the Black River
it looks like our tour guide Omar is getting his arm
eaten when really he is just "playing" with the croc
while he feeds it chicken parts:)

He had names for all of the but I don't remember what they
are.

The safari wasn't really what I was expecting... more like
an enjoyable and relaxing boat ride for a few hours.

Praise Jesus for New Experiences!

Dr Buzz

2011-05-21T10:55:00.012-05:00

Dr. Buzz, Sharon, and Stewart came to give my kids dental
care this week
Typically we have 2 dentists but only Dr. Buzz could come
this year. Praise God prayers were answered and more
kids then not had clean reports on their teeth, so everyone
who needed extra care (fillings, extractions, root canals) got
the care they needed.

Dr Buzz

Stewart doing cleanings he is stuyding to follow in his
father's footsteps and become a dentist too.

the kids continually looking in the windows as the dentist
worked.

My part in this crazy week

I got to call the kids needed for their dental check ups and
make sure they were "bibed" and ready to see the dentist

get the kid's folders out with dental records ready to look
over, and little bags packed and ready to hand out to
everyone who came for a cleaning/exam

I got to sterilize trays and set them up for whatever procedure
was up next, and just be around to interpret or do whatever
was needed.

one of the last procedures of the week was on Richard. As you can see from the picture on the right he had half of one of his front teeth knocked out. Dr. Buzz performed a root canal on Richard and then was able to reconstruct the missing part of his front tooth. When I gave Richard a mirror to show him what Dr. Buzz just did his reaction was priceless. It made my heart smile so big, and once he left I went and stood outside the door to watch him run around and show all his friends his "new" front tooth.

Praise God for willing servants!

What Do You Do?

2011-05-17T19:21:00.009-05:00

People asked me all the time
"What do you do?"
A team left a picture cd so I was able to use some of
their pictures to show you a little of what I get to do with teams.

I get to document, organize, and distribute all the
donations that the teams bring in.

interpret for teams

take them down to big tree for a Jamaican cookout

showing them how to make dampers
to cook over the fire

and I sit on my counter while I have my girls braid
the teams hair.

There's a little more to it but it's a small glimpse

Its a rough job but someones got to do it:)

Moon

2011-05-16T21:06:00.004-05:00

tonight the moon was Amazing!

so I took some pictures:)

I hope you have a great night!

Fixing Hair

2011-05-14T12:18:00.002-05:00

On Saturdays the girls get their hair combed
out, washed, greased, and re braided.
A few weeks ago I was helping Britania
when this picture was snapped.
Apparently neither Britania or I wanted
our picture taken and I did a really
bad job trying to block the picture:)

Happy Saturday!

Nice Shades!

2011-05-13T16:49:00.010-05:00

Today for club time the kids in my craft club and I
made some us some shades!

Fabian

Richard and his busted lip
this afternoon he got another futbol in the face and
his already swollen lip is now doubly swollen:(

Damion

Paris and Tajay

Kyle and Wadia
After this picture Wadia decided to use her shades as
a bra. Ha!

Britni

Thank You Jesus for Beautiful Sunny Days!

Education Week

2011-05-13T16:30:00.010-05:00

Last week was education week. On Tuesday our kids came back

from Easter Holiday. On Wednesday it was teacher's day so
all our Teachers were taken out for the afternoon and I was
too busy with the team and supervising all the students to
take pictures:)
Thursday we had speakers come in to share with the kids.

Pastor (I don't remember his name) came to have chapel
with our boys.
Tashi was sent from JAD (Jamaican Association for the Deaf)
to speak to our girls on "How to Become a Lady"
and "Self Control"

Rian Gayle was also sent from JAD to speak to our boys.
He had about 6 topics that he talked on. I know one
was "Self Control", and another was "Deaf Rights",
but I don't know the other topics.

On Friday it was Children's Day/Open Day

For Open Day Rachel taught the kids about cued speech
and the kids set up displays of their projects from this year.

these are the 4-H projects our kids made and won trophies
for at the last 4-H competition.

The kids then had a special afternoon of movies and ice cream
and were all given a small gift.
During this time I was busy running again and was not
able to get pictures:)

So Long Sony Cyber Shot

2011-05-09T13:17:00.006-05:00

Thursday was a rainy day and so I had my umbrella with me
when I went down to hang out with my kiddos.
They had lots of fun with the umbrella....

until there was a big dispute about who got to
actually hold the umbrella

thus started the fussing....

and they ran the umbrella back to me.

The kids had been using my camera to document this all
as you can see from the great pictures of this post:)

They use my camera almost daily and they know to keep

the wrist strap on their wrists so they don't drop it.

so far the "keeping the wrist strap on the wrist so the
camera is not dropped" has worked great. I
was once more reminding Paris to be careful
with the camera as she switched it over to Wadia's care

Once Wadia took possession of the camera she
took this lovely picture above of one of the kids
pulling on my nose.
And as she turned to walk away she tripped over
someones legs and down she went with my camera on
her wrist.
My lesson learned it doesn't really matter if
the camera strap stays on the wrist of the kid
if the kid goes down with the camera:)
It was a good go almost 4 years and this is
the first busted camera!
And now that means I get to look for a new
point and shoot!
If you have one you just love let me know!

2011-05-08T16:38:00.002-05:00

To all those Mothers out there that I love...
Happy Mothers Day!

Meet On To Victory Ministries!

2011-05-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

This team was made of of people from South Dakota, and
Minnesota. They were a fun bunch of hard workers, and by
the end of the week I think they would be okay if they never
saw a bag of cement again. Through the week they did a lot
of demolition, filling and pouring concrete!

Great Job O.T.V.!

It need a go clicky clicky (said really fast and with a Jamaica accent)

2011-05-04T15:50:00.003-05:00

This is what the car ends up looking like the last few
times I have tried to start it. I learned some cool tricks
with a screw driver and the battery to try and start it, and also
how to hit the starter to see if that works. When both of those
options stopped working I asked Mr. Lewis to take a look and
he fixed me up with a new battery.

After the car would start our next step was to get the
air conditioner fixed. Since we have been getting rain about daily
now its hard to drive without it because the windows fog up so bad.
So I would drive and get wet keeping the windows cracked so the
windshield would not fog up or I would drive and continually
need to be wiping a clear spot so I could see out the windshield
and drive. Once I informed Mr. Lewis of our next problem that
needed fixed he popped the hood and I started the car
while he looked under the hood. He then called me over and
informed me "dis ting here... it need a go clicky clicky when
yu start di car.... it na a go clicky clicky..."
(the above said quickly and with a Jamaican accent
you can try it at home if you like:)
He then looked at me for some kind of response and all
I could give him was "okay".
So that explains it the a.c. was not working because it
wasn't going clicky clicky:).

Thankfully Fitzroy (Mr.Lewis' contact to fix the a.c.) was
able to come up this morning and after a few hours of him
bending over backwards I came up the hill to the car running
and the a.c. working!

Praising Jesus for a working car!

Mid Morning Mango

2011-05-02T12:51:00.003-05:00

YUM!

Welcome Mango Season:)

Friday Friday!

2011-05-01T09:43:00.005-05:00

This was the result of my Friday which consisted of
sitting in a truck for about 16 hours as we drove
all over the island.
How I got this massive bruise.... I honestly don't know:)

Friday Morning Blake and I left Mandeville about
7 and drove to Mobay to distribute the sea container.
We made good time on the drive and they let us into port
with no problems. We sat beside our sea container for about
an hour then Chad arrived to inform us that after talking
to Maxwell (the guy who gets our paper work done at the
port), and Mr Gordon (our broker on the island) We were
not going to get the sea container today. We could sit by it for
as long as we like... we just couldn't open it and distribute the
contents inside:)
So we drove to Mobay for a lunch at Wendys!

Since we had the truck and Tashi had things to be moved,
from her mom's house in St. Elizabeth to their new apt.
in Kingston, we decided to surprise her and move her things.
From Mobay we headed to St. Elizabeth, and loaded up the truck
Jamaican style (I took lots of pictures... they were just all on
Blake's camera so I don't have them to post). After we were
loaded we prayed asking God for traveling mercies and
that everything would stay in the truck (Praise
Jesus they did!),then made our way to Kingston.
It was fun being able to surprise her:)

Thank You Jesus for days that don't go like we think
they will but are more wonderful because of the
doors you open for us!

Praising Jesus!!!

2011-04-30T15:52:00.002-05:00

Its raining!!!

Its coming down so hard and so loud! I love it!
Thank You Jesus for the Rain!

Happy Easter

2011-04-27T16:48:00.008-05:00

Easter Sunday I got to attend church at Open Bible Church
in St. Elizabeth. As I sat and "heard" the Easter message
my heart smiled, I had been able to talk to my family and nephews
before church and the only thing that was missing that makes
it really feel like Easter was yearly hearing the song
"Up From the Grave He Arose".
Then just as church was finishing up I heard "He Arose...
He Arose... Hallelujah Christ Arose!" The church next
door was singing "Up from the Grave He Arose"
and my Easter was complete!

After church we took Easter Pictures

The Beautiful Bent family that I had the privilege
to spend the weekend with.
(Tashi I picked THIS family picture just for you!:)

Me and Tashi

Everton my new friend (what he is signing) and I.
Blake wanted a picture with him so I took there picture,
then he wanted a picture with me so we took a picture:)

This is a little part of the Easter service
at Open Bible Church. Because some people
sign JSL and some are Country Signers there
are always two people up front one signing in
JSL and one signing Country sign so everyone
gets fed by the message shared.

To start off the Easter service Everton came
up and shared with us the Easter Story. He
never went to school. Doesn't read or write,
BUT he knows his bible. He shared this story
in church then during fellowship time after church
he continued to share story's from the bible with us.

Wedding Photographer

2011-04-26T14:07:00.010-05:00

This past Sat. I got to play wedding photographer.
I didn't know these people but a friend asked me
to take the pictures for her brother's wedding
and I was thankful I could help out a friend.

I was given a program when I arrived
(of course I was the only whitey) and thus
learned the names of whose wedding I was at.

Meet Shava and Rohan

Their wedding party did a little dance as they entered.
The bridesmaid walked half way in where the groomsmen
met her, she then pinned his flower on and he bowed, then
he gave her her flowers and she bowed, then they did a little
twirl dance move and hooked arms to walk the rest of the way
down the isle.

I tried to get as much info on what was "expected" of me
before the wedding but they just kept saying
"your the photographer" so I spent the entire time walking
around getting different shots (along with everyone else
who had a camera:) There was another photographer there
and I feel like he felt he had to compete with me a little as
I would walk around talking shooting and when I would
turn around he was there trying to get the same shot.
After the wedding when I had a chance to talk to him and
he found out I was a missionary and not a photographer:)

the pastor during the service... yep I was standing right there
beside him feeling a little odd doing so to get pictures,
but there where about 5 others with point and shoot cameras
getting up in his face for pictures too so I didn't feel to bad.
I liked his style. The white silk suit was nice!

Rohan and Shava during the message part of the service.

After the wedding we went up to the old governors estate in MV
to take pictures. This one makes me laugh as it just reminds
me of a classic Jamaican pose.

Because the wedding started an hour and a half late
I had to cut out on pictures early so I was able to get back to
St. Elizabeth in good time, but I was thankful for
another Jamaican experience and an opportunity to help
a friend.

Little Ochi

2011-04-26T13:37:00.011-05:00

Friday Morning Blake, Tashi, and I drove down to St. Elizabeth
to join the Bents for the Easter weekend. We went to the
Open Bible Church for Good Friday services, then spent the
afternoon at Little Ochi.
Little Ochi is a famous sea food restaurant on the island. I
enjoy going even though I don't like sea food. This time
as we were leaving (wish I had seen it when we first arrived:)
I saw a sign that read "Now Serving Fried Chicken!"
I'll have to remember that for next time.

Little Ochi

supper options for Friday night

S.B. Tashi, and Pauline choosing their supper.

While supper was cooked I walked around taking pictures

people selling the fish they caught, and Robbie giving
me a wave as the picture was taken.

looking down the beach one way

and the other way

Still waiting for our food...
So Tashi jumped around the table taking pictures
with everyone sitting at the table.

Thank You Jesus for Good Days Like These!

Surprise!

2011-04-21T17:03:00.003-05:00

Meet John. I have had the privilege to love on this little
guy most Sundays since his birth since his mom comes to New
Life Church and is also apart of our single woman's bible study.
For weeks I had heard rumors that I was possibly John's
god mother, but I didn't think much of it since his mom
never talked to me about it.

about 2 weeks ago we had a "We Love You John" party
since he just turned 5 months old and we had not yet
thrown a baby shower for Shyvonne. We still wanted to
have some party for her to let her know we are there to
love and support her so we came up with the
"We Love You John" party. While playing a game at the party.
the question was asked "who is John's god mother?"
and all the ladies signed "Erin!"
Surprise! I'm a god mother and I didn't even know it:)

John sharing his smiles with me while showing off
his two teeth.
What a Stud!

My New Morning Routine

2011-04-19T13:51:00.004-05:00

With the kids on Easter Holiday and no work teams here
In the mornings I now love to go out ...

crawl into my hammock...

and relax while having my quiet time.

Praising Jesus for this Break!

Please pray for Gawayne too.
He is only student whose parents have
not come to get him yet.
We keep trying to reach his mother,
but as of yet she is not answer her phone.
Thanks,

Cricket

2011-04-18T19:50:00.007-05:00

Cricket is a game that I have watched my boys play for
years and I am still clueless to what its all about.

the boys recently made some new....I don't know the technical
name, but its the thing that goes behind the batter that
the pictures try to hit, and have been playing cricket
regularly ever since.
In my limited understanding I know that...

we have the bowler aka the pitcher

and the batter doing his best to protect the wooden
thing behind him by hitting the ball away.

Then Odaine made this rolling catch and all the boys started
running and jumping and shouting... then the game was over...
and I have no idea why.

Still so much to learn!

Meet Highland Park

2011-04-11T16:17:00.002-05:00

This is the 2nd time I have hosted this team. They are a
great group from Michigan and I had a lot of fun with them.
At the end of the week Tony (our construction guy) informed
the team at the beginning of the week he didn't have very high
expectations from their team but they proved him wrong. :)
He later told me this team came in second to an A.C. team!

Shes Back!!!

2011-04-11T12:10:00.011-05:00

Last week I was blessed to have Tamara come and visit.
She was on spring break and I was on my last team of
a long stretch of continual teams. I love having her around
because she is so easy going and doesn't hesitate to jump
in and help.

Tues & Thurs she jumped in and helped read stories
to my little's class that comes in for story/craft time.

Wednesday Blake, Tamara and I went to Mobay for the day.
We started at the beach:), and ended up at the Mobay
school so she could catch up with friends there.

Thursday she chauffeured me around so I could run my
errands for the school and team.

She did a great job driving...only scaring me once:)

Friday we hosted the team on their free day to Y.S.

Last time we all went to Y.S. Matt was with us. So we
took a picture of us missing him to send him.

Saturday was a rough day as I had to tell her bye,
But I Praise Jesus for the time I had with her!

Praising Jesus that as I blog it has been pouring rain
for about the last hour! I hope it keeps up all night!

Jumble Sale

2011-04-10T18:07:00.004-05:00

Praising God that last Sat. we had a very successful
Jumble Sale. My phone started ringing before 6 a.m.
the morning of to prepare for the big day.

We started with an apt. room filled with donations to sell,
and ended with just a few boxes. So thankful for all that
we were able to sell as we raised money for the school.