That's exactly what it's been this week - starting out good but breaking through the barriers to GREAT! For those who haven't read the book that our theme for this week was based upon, the premise is that "good" is the enemy of "great" - meaning that when you settle for good being "good enough", you will never make it to greatness no matter what you are doing. This team took that challenge to heart. The trip veterans stepped up in a big way and the rookies followed that lead to make this an incredible week. No injuries, no drama, no whining (well almost none) - as a leader I couldn't have expected better results. Lives were changed in Jamaica - for Jamaicans and Americans.
If you've been following this blog you obviously know someone on the trip. When you bump into them after our return home and you have a few minutes to spare, ask them about the experience and watch their face light up. Thanks for the support, both prayers and financial - I can't describe how much both are appreciated.
Joey was certainly missed by us and his Jamaican friends too. I can barely wait until he can be back here in Harmons. For now, the physical labor is finished for this team and we start our journey for home in the morning headed back to the loved ones at home. Don't expect us to be the same...
Mike
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bottom of the Barrel
In the five trips I've taken to Harmon's, this is the first time for blogging. Today several of us worked on the foundation for a future house. The woman we started this house for has had a run of bad luck, which I was very happy to be apart of God's new blessing on her. To build a foundation we had to dig an outline for the frames, move dirt, gather rocks, and mix the maul/cement/water together to lay the base. The dirt in areas had several roots we had to go through and in other areas was very hard. Her land had very few rocks and several of us had to walk further up the hill to find more, which were still difficult. We needed to use much of her maul to use as a cover layer before we poured the concrete, which meant we had less to use and a neighbor shared theirs. The water onsite was spent rather quickly, so our lady was forced to use her own drinking water. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. In fact, I just wanted to preface what we witnessed as a total God moment. Everyone pitched in and was able to get all the dirt moved and all the rocks were found. While we used all the lady's drinking water, I was very proud of my team who gathered all the water bottles and emptied them into her barrel and again neighbors also gave their valuable water. At the end of the day I spoke with Barry (one of the Jamaican workers). He told me that many times they have run out of maul or water. But today, we had EXACTLY enough! After reflection of the day, I am in awe of the way God uses everyone to help fulfill his purpose. I pray that He continues to provide this lady with exactly what she needs.
My Prayer to God
Heavenly Father I thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to love and serve the people of Jamaica. We have been reading Mark 10: 35-45 this week and I knew from day one you were trying to tell me something I need to change in my life. I know now it was no coincidence that you put me in the greenhouse pulling weeds all day long, you were trying to tell me what you are going to weed out of my life. You know how much I love to come and serve others here in Jamaica and how much joy it brings me, but you clearly reminded me that I don't always serve others at home with that same joy and that should be just as important as serving in Jamaica. I am so grateful that you are a God of second chances and I can show the people that matter to me the most how important they are to me and am happy to serve them with love. I love you Father and thank you so much for the teachable moments you give me.
-Connie
-Connie
The Best Blog Ever?
Dear readers,
Today I did many things such as building a foundation, eating at a local Jamaicans house, and having a small amount of fun.
I started the day out by taking a half a hour bus ride to my "service opportunity", aka work site. A group of about 11 Americans and I built a foundation for a Jamaican women and her three kids who were living in a house that was falling down, literary. After a fulls day of work everyone on our team split into groups of about 4, spread into the city and ate dinner at one of the local Jamaicans homes. I am sure that every one on our team can say that the chicken that we ate tonight is some of the best chicken they have ever had. Later, we all gathered and bought gifts from the local area at craft night.
Sincerely,
B.F.T. aka Dayton Thurn.
P.S. Sorry for not righting a novel.
Today I did many things such as building a foundation, eating at a local Jamaicans house, and having a small amount of fun.
I started the day out by taking a half a hour bus ride to my "service opportunity", aka work site. A group of about 11 Americans and I built a foundation for a Jamaican women and her three kids who were living in a house that was falling down, literary. After a fulls day of work everyone on our team split into groups of about 4, spread into the city and ate dinner at one of the local Jamaicans homes. I am sure that every one on our team can say that the chicken that we ate tonight is some of the best chicken they have ever had. Later, we all gathered and bought gifts from the local area at craft night.
Sincerely,
B.F.T. aka Dayton Thurn.
P.S. Sorry for not righting a novel.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Different Tired
Wow...what a day! I have done very little physically today, yet I am more tired today than any other. We have been reading Mark 10:35-45 and I witnessed service to others on more occasions than I can count...and that's just speaking of today. Today was our day to visit the Infirmary. When we got to Harmon's, Loyd mentioned that we would have the opportunity to spend all day at the Infirmary if we chose, in place of the regular hour and a half. Courtney, Olivia and I jumped at the chance. Much has changed in my life in the 3 years it's been since I last visited Harmons. I can't say the same for the Infirmary. Same smell, many of the same people wearing the sames clothes, looking at the same few decorations on the walls. Being in that place brings almost every emotion to the surface at once. It's an experience that is impossible to explain with words. Amy mentioned a quote that comes close to describing the atmosphere there: "To someone who has everything, Jesus means nothing, to someone who has nothing, Jesus means everything." It's truly amazing to see how very little the residents have, yet they are so filled with faith and love for Christ, it simply exudes from them. We read lots of Scripture, much of which was recited as we were reading. I witnessed Mark 10:44 "And whoever of you desires to be first, shall be slave of all." when one elderly resident bathed another one, in conditions that we would never consider fit for bathing. Spending time at the Infirmary is a blunt reminder to remove our preferences from our relationship with Christ.
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who had made you, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
And into His courts with praise, Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100
Janna
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who had made you, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
And into His courts with praise, Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100
Janna
Beyond Amazing!!!!
I had decided on the flight down that "amazing" was my catch phrase for this week, but I am finding that that word does not even come close to describing everything I have experienced. The clouds, land masses and oceans did provide an amazing view and there are more stars in the sky in Jamaica than anywhere I have ever been (Yes, it even beats out every sand dune I have ever vacationed to.) But the people here take me far beyond that word. We had the honor tonight to participate in the first ever staff night for the entire Harmony House staff, some of the hardest working people I have ever met, and I was floored at the richness of the bingo prizes given away. Five pounds of fish, 5 bags of concrete mix, a jar of peanuts, a four roll pack of toilet paper, all accepted with the most genuine smiles and fullness of joy. These are the items that our prized by our Jamaican family. These are the items that I take for granted. These are the items that have humbled me.
The last two days I have had the opportunity to work along two of the most incredible men. Ganga is legendary at Harmony House. The first person to begin teaching me and my closest friend so far. I have been blessed with two days working at the greenhouse alongside him and listening to his many stories. But the one who really breaks me is Stanley. Stanley overflows with joy, smiling every time you see him. He worked as hard as any of us at the job site, taking buckets of marl and dumping them into our sifter so we could remove the rocks from the precious powder used to mix concrete for the homes we are building. While I came down here wondering how my knees would hold up to the opportunities presented to me here, Stanley worked alongside me with legs weak from cerebral palsy. He did not complain once, not taking Advil every 12 hours as I am, and works with great joy, so willing to tell his story of how he gave his life over to the Lord when he was able to have a surgery done to help his legs. Scripture tells us in 1Cor 2:27-31
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that none may boast before him....Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." I am indeed shamed by this young man as he works harder and does more everyday than I can fathom. Praise God for showing me that.
There are many more stories of deepening relationships with my team meeting new people and being the hands and feet of Christ at May Pen. I would love to share the goodness of what God has gifted me with here, so please ask.
Doug, sweetheart. I miss you and the boys. I hope you and Mary are giving Levi some extra love from mommy. Raymond, honey, I miss you too. Tonight "Voice of Truth" was playing and I thought of you. I am so glad to have listened to that voice and come on this journey. It has been beyond amazing!
The last two days I have had the opportunity to work along two of the most incredible men. Ganga is legendary at Harmony House. The first person to begin teaching me and my closest friend so far. I have been blessed with two days working at the greenhouse alongside him and listening to his many stories. But the one who really breaks me is Stanley. Stanley overflows with joy, smiling every time you see him. He worked as hard as any of us at the job site, taking buckets of marl and dumping them into our sifter so we could remove the rocks from the precious powder used to mix concrete for the homes we are building. While I came down here wondering how my knees would hold up to the opportunities presented to me here, Stanley worked alongside me with legs weak from cerebral palsy. He did not complain once, not taking Advil every 12 hours as I am, and works with great joy, so willing to tell his story of how he gave his life over to the Lord when he was able to have a surgery done to help his legs. Scripture tells us in 1Cor 2:27-31
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that none may boast before him....Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." I am indeed shamed by this young man as he works harder and does more everyday than I can fathom. Praise God for showing me that.
There are many more stories of deepening relationships with my team meeting new people and being the hands and feet of Christ at May Pen. I would love to share the goodness of what God has gifted me with here, so please ask.
Doug, sweetheart. I miss you and the boys. I hope you and Mary are giving Levi some extra love from mommy. Raymond, honey, I miss you too. Tonight "Voice of Truth" was playing and I thought of you. I am so glad to have listened to that voice and come on this journey. It has been beyond amazing!
...I saw God today
Where do I even begin? I am BEYOND PROUD of this team. I know I say this every trip, every time...but seriously, to see God working in the hearts and lives of EACH person has been so HUGE and yet it has been in the simplest of ways.
Today I had the joy of serving with the House Team. It was really cool the way the 8 of us were able to jump right in and start serving with the Jamaicans right when we got to the house. There was cement slinging, some of it sticking on the walls...some of it...well, we won't go there...let's just say some of us, our gifts are NOT cement slinging! :) The patience of our Jamaican friends is overwhelming. They could of had the whole process done in an hour, yet they take the time to let each of us try {and not necessarily succeed} but they let us try and they encourage us as we go...I SAW GOD IN THEM TODAY. .I was given the name "RockStar" ...all because Bigga said I was not a woman, he said I was Jamaican by the way I mixed cement....hahaha! It was a great time! I had a great talk with Ralston, the man is so humble. He thanks God every time a team is sent here because it enables him to work and provide for His family...I SAW GOD IN HIM TODAY.
Today was the day at the Infirmary. We all definitely experienced the presence of God there. My friend Orville {for a year now I have thought his name was Oliver...oops!} was the 1st one I saw off the bus. I had brought some pics from last year of him to give to him...you'd of thought I had given him the world...as I walked around with him, I saw the entire team loving on those that don't get loved on all too much. I saw my team letting themselves be stretched and being the hands and feet of Jesus to these precious people. It was a sight to behold. I found myself looking for Patricia...she is usually the 1st one to greet us off the bus, she wasn't there. However, one of the workers overheard me asking for her and she called me over to tell me she wasn't there...in my conversation with her I thanked her for helping these people and her words struck my heart to the core...she said, "no, I am blessed, I CHOOSE to work here. I have always wanted to work with the elderly and it is a blessing to me to get to work here." WOW! She CHOOSES to be in that place. I had no words...I just took her hand {and Orville still had a death grip on mine} and just prayed and thanked God for her. I SAW GOD IN HER TODAY.
Let's just say....TONIGHT WAS THE BEST COURTYARD NIGHT EVER! Tonight's courtyard was Staff Appreciation Night. They invited the WonbyOne Staff to the courtyard {there was 41 of them} and they had a Bingo Night. There were prizes all along the way...give a ways and door prizes. Nick and Courtney were are Bingo Callers {and they did a phenomenal job...had the Jamaicans and Americans in stitches all night!} The thing that blessed my heart the most was the smiles on all the faces...seriously, to see someone get excited over Toilet paper, baskets of food, soda pop, calling cards, batteries...you would of thought they'd been given a million dollars...we were all so humbled by their gratitude! There were smoothies and ice cream for everyone...it was such a precious time! The grand prize was 5 bags of Cement...that Gloria {one of the cooks} won...you would of thought she had been given the world by her response! And then to top it all off...someone anonymously gave 1 bag of cement to EVERYONE who was there...I'm so glad Janna captured the excitement of that announcement on video...it was PRICELESS! I had brought the ONE bracelets {that Joey had given us at church} to pass out to my team. My thought originally was to give 2 to each team member {1 for them to keep, 1 for them to give a way} When we realized that giving things away wasn't going to work, I just held on to them...asking God how they could be used...wouldn't you know there was 41 Jamaicans there tonight and when Bobby and I counted the bracelets...there were exactly 41 in the bag...coincidence??? NOPE! The team lined up in 2 lines outside the courtyard, we prayed over the Jamaicans and as they left we were able to hug each one and give them a bracelet...thanking them for the impact they have had on our lives and the impact they are having here in Harmons...it was Amazing! I SAW GOD AT COURTYARD tonight!
We are all having the time of our lives...God continues to break us and He is molding and shaping us into what He wants us to be! We are learning so much about serving with Joy! Thank you so much for all the encouragement cards...every day, someone is relating a Scripture that someone has given them to how it applies to that day...your words are speaking loudly into our lives!
Love to you all!
~Laci-we've decided to flour Dayton in your honor on Friday...hehehehe!
Joey-all the Jamaicans are asking about you and several have told me to tell you they are praying for you!
Serving with JOY!
~Amy
Today I had the joy of serving with the House Team. It was really cool the way the 8 of us were able to jump right in and start serving with the Jamaicans right when we got to the house. There was cement slinging, some of it sticking on the walls...some of it...well, we won't go there...let's just say some of us, our gifts are NOT cement slinging! :) The patience of our Jamaican friends is overwhelming. They could of had the whole process done in an hour, yet they take the time to let each of us try {and not necessarily succeed} but they let us try and they encourage us as we go...I SAW GOD IN THEM TODAY. .I was given the name "RockStar" ...all because Bigga said I was not a woman, he said I was Jamaican by the way I mixed cement....hahaha! It was a great time! I had a great talk with Ralston, the man is so humble. He thanks God every time a team is sent here because it enables him to work and provide for His family...I SAW GOD IN HIM TODAY.
Today was the day at the Infirmary. We all definitely experienced the presence of God there. My friend Orville {for a year now I have thought his name was Oliver...oops!} was the 1st one I saw off the bus. I had brought some pics from last year of him to give to him...you'd of thought I had given him the world...as I walked around with him, I saw the entire team loving on those that don't get loved on all too much. I saw my team letting themselves be stretched and being the hands and feet of Jesus to these precious people. It was a sight to behold. I found myself looking for Patricia...she is usually the 1st one to greet us off the bus, she wasn't there. However, one of the workers overheard me asking for her and she called me over to tell me she wasn't there...in my conversation with her I thanked her for helping these people and her words struck my heart to the core...she said, "no, I am blessed, I CHOOSE to work here. I have always wanted to work with the elderly and it is a blessing to me to get to work here." WOW! She CHOOSES to be in that place. I had no words...I just took her hand {and Orville still had a death grip on mine} and just prayed and thanked God for her. I SAW GOD IN HER TODAY.
Let's just say....TONIGHT WAS THE BEST COURTYARD NIGHT EVER! Tonight's courtyard was Staff Appreciation Night. They invited the WonbyOne Staff to the courtyard {there was 41 of them} and they had a Bingo Night. There were prizes all along the way...give a ways and door prizes. Nick and Courtney were are Bingo Callers {and they did a phenomenal job...had the Jamaicans and Americans in stitches all night!} The thing that blessed my heart the most was the smiles on all the faces...seriously, to see someone get excited over Toilet paper, baskets of food, soda pop, calling cards, batteries...you would of thought they'd been given a million dollars...we were all so humbled by their gratitude! There were smoothies and ice cream for everyone...it was such a precious time! The grand prize was 5 bags of Cement...that Gloria {one of the cooks} won...you would of thought she had been given the world by her response! And then to top it all off...someone anonymously gave 1 bag of cement to EVERYONE who was there...I'm so glad Janna captured the excitement of that announcement on video...it was PRICELESS! I had brought the ONE bracelets {that Joey had given us at church} to pass out to my team. My thought originally was to give 2 to each team member {1 for them to keep, 1 for them to give a way} When we realized that giving things away wasn't going to work, I just held on to them...asking God how they could be used...wouldn't you know there was 41 Jamaicans there tonight and when Bobby and I counted the bracelets...there were exactly 41 in the bag...coincidence??? NOPE! The team lined up in 2 lines outside the courtyard, we prayed over the Jamaicans and as they left we were able to hug each one and give them a bracelet...thanking them for the impact they have had on our lives and the impact they are having here in Harmons...it was Amazing! I SAW GOD AT COURTYARD tonight!
We are all having the time of our lives...God continues to break us and He is molding and shaping us into what He wants us to be! We are learning so much about serving with Joy! Thank you so much for all the encouragement cards...every day, someone is relating a Scripture that someone has given them to how it applies to that day...your words are speaking loudly into our lives!
Love to you all!
~Laci-we've decided to flour Dayton in your honor on Friday...hehehehe!
Joey-all the Jamaicans are asking about you and several have told me to tell you they are praying for you!
Serving with JOY!
~Amy
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