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