Just one more

To my family, I was the first one to blog here on this trip & didn't realize I could get personal with my loved ones. As for you Tom sending my goats ... please don't the Jamacian people, although so beautiful, strangly do not have goats as pets but to eat & is very much a delicacy (if I even spelled that correctly). So please keep Jake & George sound. For my pooh, so glad to hear she's still with us. I was wondering if you broke down & finally let the horses in the house:). I miss Wyatt too & alittle Mac. My three kids, how I wish I could see your faces and touch your skin. The only thing that helps me be away from you are my dreams of you.I miss you all so very much but still not to shorten my trip, it has gone so fast I will dearly miss my new friends and Tom you would be surprised but it's the people ( three childen specifically & one grandpa) that I would love to sneak through customs. Tom my "long lost love" ( Jamacan's meaning for High School Sweetheart) thank you for my opportunity in this experience I forever love you and are greatful. All I ask is for you to come with next year.
To Cindy, Thank you for your encouragment,without your support things would not be the same.
Tell Mom, John Steph, & Donna Ilove & miss them this much............ Well they know how much.
Sheriee

Petula

This is the last day and probably the last post. There are obviously so many things I could talk about--the poor house, ladies night, the new faces and the old. There are many stories and I encourage you to ask those that came to share many of them. But I think I will share one piece of what God has revealed to me this time in Jamaica.

There is an 18 year old girl here named Petula. I met her last year and have gotten the privilege of spending time with her again this time. I saw her on the first night and got reacquainted. Petula is a Harmons success story--she finished school, doesn't have several kids from different fathers, and is working to make a living. She recently finished cosmetology school and is working that way.

What I love about Petula is this: every time Petula sees me, she slides up next to me, usually holding my hand or locking arms, and sits. That's it. She has very little to say and doesn't require a lot of words from me. She would be content to simply sit with me for hours. At first, this would seem awkward. What does she expect from me? Do I need to come up with something to talk about? But after the first night, she came back and did the same thing. And the next.

This morning I had an epiphany. Petula is an excellent picture of God. He slides up next to me and simply wants me to hang out. He doesn't want to hear my words (I really have little to offer). He simply wants to be with me and for me to be still.

Everyone should have a Petula. Someone who loves just to be with you. And someone who reminds you of how God is.

Other things have been phenomenal as well. God isn't bigger in Jamaica; we simply listen better here. I am grateful for the chance to walk away from "normal" life and be enveloped by a place that seems to have Christ all over it.

See ya when we return!

Lauren Malone

The house dedication to Kendese

MY LAST DAY IN HARMONS

How the week has flown by. I can't believe tomorrow morning we leave. How much we have learned from these beautiful people. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The question that was asked of me one morning was.... How does working for God satisfy me?
I feel most alive when I am doing things for other people. I love to serve and I love to love on these Jamaicans! They have taught me so much about being satisfied and content with what you already have and that we don't need so much stuff!!!! I am so humbled every time I talk to another person...

I will never forget Jonathan Stergeon. He is an older man in his 80s. We were on our orientation walk and he came down to the road and just praised Jesus like I have never heard. He told us how much he loved us and America. He was so cute! It just takes me back how open and honest they are.

We talked about the Good Samaritan one day. Who is our neighbor? The answer is anyone who is need and anyone that we can show God's grace to. We went to the "poor house" on Thursday. They are the ones that are full of grace. We see them as the "least of these," but to me, they know Who is in control and their hearts are bursting with God's love and grace!

We had Ladies Night last night. The ladies in this community are the ones that are the neglected ones. It was so much fun for all of us doing pedicures, nail painting, card playing, and jewelry making with them. They really seemed to enjoy it too.

I am going to close with this......James 2:5

Listen, my beloved brotheren: has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Becky Warren

last night

Hello Church Lady & Church Family,
This is going to be a very hard night for me!
There is so much to tell,but I well kept it short for now.
Last night we went and had dinner at Miss Violet home, and that was amazing
to spend time with her and for her to share stories of her family. This is something Won by one
does with every group that comes down and they call this Meals on Heels, because we walk to their home.
Today I was able to give my boots to a new friend named Noel, he was
so greatful ! God has done some amazing thing with all of us here, I am so thankful
to be part of Gateway Church.
I miss you Cindi & Megan & Roxy and Gateway family.
We will be home soon!

David Skeen

Final Hours

Hello back home,
This is my first time blogging, so I hope I keep it interesting. With this being our last day I am excited to see my kids but extremely sad to say goodbye. I've spent most of the week hauling marl, but today I got to be in the store. It was humbling helping people find stuff that back home was our throw away items. It is amazing how you see and experience God down here.
The people have been so warm and welcoming and genuinely like having us here. Many of them want nothing more than some conversation and a smile. God is absolutely here and has showed me some amazing things that I can't wait share when I get home. Please give a big Thank You to everyone who has been taking care of my family and just let everyone that I love them.


Andrea Moore

Sex Ed in Harmons

I know that the above title is probably not something you were expecting to come from a mission trip. Well, that makes all of us. Today, I accompanied our middle school girls to the school. All three of us were assigned to the 6th grade. The morning went well, grading papers, hanging out with kids, etc. until after snack time the teacher began her lesson by writing something on the board. "The Reproductive System" As you can imagine, both 14-year-old heads swung back at me wearing expressions that said, "Veronica! What do we do??" It all goes downhill from there...



I will be the first to admit that this trip has not gone according to my plans -- as if anything ever did. I tried to stay outside as much as possible last year. This year I spent one day sewing (2,000 coffee bags. 2,000!), another in the store, and today, I went to the school. I have seen God in so many ways that I wouldn't have expected. There is more joy among people who have nothing than you would believe. God has shown me that sometimes a smile and your hand is the best thing you can offer someone. Above all, I love watching the team that God has put together enthusiastically do whatever needs to be done. The way they love on each other (sarcasm withstanding, of course) and love on the people here reminds me again of why I love Gateway so much. Thank you all for being my family and loving me more than I have ever deserved. I really wish I could find words to tell you all how much you mean to me.

But unfortunately, a game of apples to apples is calling my name.

Missing all of you from home, dreading classes, and wishing I could take Gateway to OBU with me,
Veronica

P.S. Vincent, whatever you are doing, stop it. Just kidding. I love you and miss you and tell Mom and Dad that I miss them as well. And, did you give Amy V the reference form I left for her? Ok, Amy, if you are reading this and you haven't gotten it then go yell at my brother. Ok. That's all.

to start out.... today some of the service projects that were done were as follows. hanging and building a door for the harmony house, "hallin' mall" busting up rock and rebuilding a house for a man named ricky. there os more than that but im just going to get to what god has really been showing me throughout the week. this week.... god has really been showing me what grace is and how easy we have it compared for the jamaicans here in harmony. like the otherday when we were hallin' mall there was a jamaican there who's name is "gonga" or patrick came up to scott and said to him that a remember what you said to me last year and they got to talking just like the typical scott would.... but then scott said that gonga really appreciated that scott still showed love to him even though he had been in jail and was having a rough time...... but ya dude its amazing in this warm weather and p.s. there is NO ring yet which is unfortunate.

The "Poor House"

So much to say

Well, where do I begin? First off, I am so grateful to Gateway Church for allowing me to join in with their team and their family. I have learned so much from each one of them but most importantly, I have learned that the Body of Christ far extends the 4 walls of each church out there....I have seen the Body of Christ united here not just with their church but with all the believers joined here for one purpose...to Glorify God! Today has to have been one of the best days for me so far, every day has been great, many life lessons learned, many new relationships formed, and many memories that I will forever cherish. This morning I spent the day in the "Store", a place where people can come and shop for the donations that we brought down with us...(Kathy, your baby stuff met many needs, I took many pictures... thank you and miss you!) I had the opportunity to help several men and women shop for clothes, school items, shoes, suitcases.....it was awesome to connect with them, learn their story, and invest in their lives personally. One lady came in the store at the end of the morning session and was crying, at first, I thought Laci and Connie would help her, but then I was asked to help her too...after learning her story, her home burnt down 2 days prior and she was there to get needed items for her and her 2 girls. She was so thankful and gladly accepted the things we put in her trash bag crying the entire time...she needed double sheets, we only had twin, but she accepted them gratefully. Laci, Connie, Susan, Becky and I prayed with her before she left and walked her to the end of the drive to catch a taxi. I thought on my way back to Harmony House...what if that was me? How would I react or respond? God gave us all an opportunity to be an extension of His arms, mouth and love to her. Praise God! This afternoon I was on "marl haul" again...which has become my favorite service opportunity. I was able to get to know my team on a deeper level, nothing like carrying a 30 lb. bag of rocks on your back...good times! I am learning so much here, and am thankful for every opportunity. I know that the full extent that God is trying to show me is yet to be learned and will come with time. There is no way to process in one week all God is showing each of us. I again, am very thankful for this group and am going to miss each one of them!!!Gotta go, the bus is about to leave me!!!! love to my Homey's and my roomies too!!!

love you Mom and Dad!!!
Amy Hayward

Pictures of our first day

What a great day we're having in Jamaica. I've been blessed to have been on the "house crew".We've been sifting what they call Marl to make the concrete, which is what they put on the side of the house. They say its hurricane strength and should withstand anything that comes its way. The house gets two windows and two doors with a metal roof. The size is 11x14, the perfect size. The home owners are so appreciative and is excited to see it going up and they have been waiting a long time. This mission trip has blessed me probably more than the people we're here for. God works in many ways and I'm sure we'll see the fruits of our labor many times over.

I'm so blessed to be a part of the group to be able to do this together.



Hey guys I'm thinking about you in K.C.



Love , Kelly G.

My time in Jamaica so far has been very moving. Here's what I've observed so far: The people here have less in their whole house than some of us have in one room (some don't even have a house), but they are proud of the little they do have. I have also met some people who have a sweet heart for Christ. I spoke with a young man last night who told me "I am poor, but there are others more poor than me. I thank God for what I have." This is from a man who can't afford to send his children to school and doesn't have the education to find steady work. I'm humbled by his attitude of contentment and convicted by many of the things I allow to cause me discontent. I'm proud to be a part of a group of incredible people on this trip who have sacrificed so much to be here to serve others. I highly recommend that anyone who is able to get away for a few days to serve others. I am receiving more than I could possibly give.

Mary, Ian, and Isaac: I miss you all very much. Daddy will be home soon.

Vince

It's so good to be back!

First of all, let me say what a blessing it was to arrive in Jamaica with 25 people completely UNEVENTFULL. For the most part, we literally flew through customs. Thank you Jesus!!!
From the second we left the airport, while looking around at many familiar sights, it felt so right! Unlike returning to your favorite vacation spot where everything seems still so foreign, there is something about returning here where God shows up in HUGE ways. Or... is it that we slow down enough to LISTEN? That's one of the things that I was most excited about coming back. To hear what He has to say and take the time to see HIM in everything. Every LITTLE thing. The feeling of being right where He wants you to be feels so...in the Groove.
After touring the village we came back to the Harmony House and had PB&J and then split off into 3 groups. We all had different "serving opportunities"! Some went to construct a house, some went to "haul marl", and some sorted donations for the store. It's amazing how our team is already so unified and ready to be obedient to what God has called us to do. I can't wait to see what He will do!
Could someone please tell my husband and boys that I love them and miss them already!
Love ya Mon!
~Laci

Words can't describe

Everyone told me, "I can tell you about it, I can show you pictures, but you will never know the impact til you see it with your own eyes." I thought it couldn't make that big of difference but what an eye opener. Today a group of us,by hand, hauled this substance called "marl" from the bottom of a hill to the top where someone will some day start to build their home. Who knows how long it took them to save just for what will end up being their foundation of a 11x16 home. Before they start they will need to save up enough money to begin construction. I have seen some of the most beautiful people here & their hardships...seen with my own eyes, maybe you should too.
Miss you all very much,
Sheriee Rusk