Day 2

Above is a picture of our group. The Jamaican men are our drivers that we had for the week, and the other man who I thought looked like Morgan Freeman is the Jamaican man who helps organize the Bible Quizzing in the schools. Keep him, (Pete) in prayer, he is failing in health and is no longer able to help with this project. There are two others who have stepped up to the plate and will to what Pete has done for many years.
  Day 2:   I am sitting here having coffee, watching the sun rise and enjoying my time with my Lord. Kids are starting to wake slowly. As each one comes out here where I am sitting they carry their Bibles and sleepy eyes and they too begin their day with Jesus. What an awesome sight.
     Yesterday we started our journey at 8am. We loaded up into 2 vans for our ride to the mountains. Traffic here is awful, people everywhere. I was for sure we were going to hit someone. (we didn't) The first school was a small country school of about 250-300 students. Concrete buildings, man made chairs and desk that 3 students cram in to sit.
    Five of our students have volunteered to help with Bible Quizzing and the rest of were assigned to class rooms. Scott and I took on a class room who did not have a teacher for the morning hours. (she was taking a state required teaching test) We tried to help with their school work but we were not much help, we then pulled out our ropes and they were wide eyed as they heard us tell our stories of creation, sin and the love of Jesus.
    They were amazed at our illustrations and were eager to learn the ropes themselves. As we present a simple Gospel message using these ropes I, we, can only pray that we are planting a seed in the hearts of these young children.
    The group we had were in 5th grade. The work they were doing was equal to our 3rd grades. Once they reach 6th grade the children take a test that will determine which high school and university they will go to. If they do well they have a future, if not they will be labeled and put in jobs of poverty. They told us that the suicide rate goes up each march, right after taking this test. Sad.
    The kids love touching my skin. We are so white.  They kept touching my hair asking if it was real. LOL. They have no concept of our ages. They thought that the young man, Scott who was in the class with me was my husband. They asked many questions. "Do you dance?"  "No."   "Aren't you married?" "Yes"  "Then you have to know how to dance!"  I quickly changed the subject on this one. LOL
    We came back to our villa to have lunch, of tuna sandwiches, chips and fruit.  After lunch we broke up into our two groups. My group went to a large city school. Upon arrival we were introduced to the principal, (we give a soccer ball and pump to each school), and then a teacher took us to different class rooms where we would talk to the students. We felt that we were intruding and didn't really feel welcomed. After a bit we gathered up our group and squeezed into a small room to help the Bible Quizzers study and prepare them for Fridays tournament.

    Tonight we went to the beach to watch the sun set! WOW! Amazing! What an Awesome God we have!!!! Being away from the hustle and bustle of home is peaceful, relaxing and refreshing. Lord your are beautiful because you created beauty. In front of me is a vast sky, huge ocean, which is warm, and a little Jamaican  boy about 5 years old rolling in the sand and jumping in to God's swimming pool. Sweet, innocent, precious and loving.
   I am in Awe! I miss you Jack and Jacob, yet I know your are well. Having this opportunity to plant seeds, to be a blessing to these kids and adults is breathtaking and a privilege. Thank you Lord!
   Dinner tonight was Chicken, baked potatoes and green beans. Fruit. Time to get back for group Devos.