The Jamaica Journal-Day Seven-Thursday, June 19, 2008

I want to begin today's journal with one final note from yesterday's experience at the Port Antonio Infirmary. You all know how articulate and impressive Jordan Paynter is, and I wanted to share with you his thoughts on his experience yesterday. Jordan has been such a fine role model for our young people this week, and has the ability to interact so well with all of the kids-no matter their ages-that we have encountered this week. Jordan writes, "Today we went to see the Port Antonio Infirmary. I remembered it from last time, but today I had a completely different experience. I came away with a wonderful feeling of hope. Although the residents had various handicaps, each of them wore the same thing: a smile. As I walked around talking to them, I realized they are still very much alive; maybe not so much physically, but spiritually. While we were singing songs such as Amazing Grace, Precious Lord, and Soon and Very Soon, they began to sing along with us. Even in their old age and failing health, they had beautiful voices and memories. They knew the words. And that is why I have hope: the one thing they still have is a song in their heart. I want to be like that one day. I want to be ready to see the King of all Kings. I want to be ready to dance before the Lord. I want to share in their knowledge and peace. For though I probably have more intelligence than they ever had, especially now, I know that they have something that I do not have. Their wisdom and readiness far outdoes that of my own, and I only hope I can share in their knowledge before I die. Then and only then will I have lived a full life." To read something like this from the pen of one of our young people gives me such great hope-I know it does the same for you also. I am very proud of Jordan for his spiritual insight. I think that he has far more "knowledge" there than he thinks, and that knowledge will only grow as he continues to grow in the Lord.

Our day today got off to another early start as we had our breakfast and made the short drive to the Port Antonio Infant School. This event was not originally on our schedule for the week, and there was a little bit of wondering what our group might "do" at the Infant School. Remembering the terminology is important as it relates to the schools in Jamaica. An Infant School would be a school for three years olds through six year olds. As we drove up to the school, we could see that this was going to be an exciting event. The bright smiles of the children greeted up gladly at the gate to the school and clung to us until we said our goodbyes. You would have all loved to see this program! The youth did a couple of their more "upbeat" songs, but the real hits for the kids were the "sing along" songs. I cannot remember the last time that I have seen such a large group sing "Father Abraham" with all of the motions. It was fantastic! We also sang "Deep and Wide" and interjected a new verse that I had never heard that was sung to us by the teachers and their kids. "Jesus Loves Me" is the same in any language with kids of this age as they vibrantly shared from the depths of their small bodies their love for the Lord. It was a most memorable experience. Following our concert together we attempted to make our way out of the large one room school house. Well we did not make much progress at all as the kids kind of "mobbed" our young people as we "greeted" each other in song as we departed. Plenty of picture taking went on outside with the children as we prepared to depart. These children love to have their pictures taken and with the advent of the digital camera where you can see the picture right after it has been taken only adds to their high level of interest. We finally were able to make our way out of the school to the buses and the buzz among the young people was just how much this stop on our trip meant to them.

From the Infant School we made our way to the Errol Flynn Marina. Brother Thompson had met us when we arrived at the Infant School and he would be our host for the remainder of the morning. He gave us a quick tour of the marina, which used to be the docking point for the large cruise line ships. The view across the harbor area is quite spectacular. Following that brief tour, we made our much anticipated trip to the market. Brother Thompson, the retired Chief of Police for Port Antonio, talked to us all about the "do's and don'ts" of shopping at the market. It was good to have our friend to lead us into the market as he demands a good deal of respect in this community. As soon as we entered the market we encountered "Rock Bottom." I had heard about Rock Bottom from previous ventures to this city market. He is all and more than advertised. He will not be undersold (and in reality will not let you leave without haggling over the price with him). He told us all that he would love for us to come every day to the market. In essence, the market is a place for barter for the best price on anything that you see, and they have it all. The young people seemed to enjoy this experience very much and many treasures were collected at the market.

Following a quick lunch at the church, we decided that we would spend the remainder of the afternoon at beautiful Fisherman's Cove. This beautiful inlet beach is fed by a river/stream that flows directly into the ocean. The water is crystal clear and quite cold that comes from the stream, thus the beach water is really cold as well. As you go out into the ocean the water remains cold and then suddenly it becomes typical lukewarm beach water. Nevertheless, the beauty of this place is breathtaking. The young people enjoyed several hours of free play, and play they did. We returned to the hotel with sufficient time for all to freshen up and shower as we anticipated our closing event of "Cultural Expressions" at the Drapers Church.

"Cultural Expressions" really cannot be described with words; it has to be experienced. Basically the program consists of the three circuit churches coming together to share with their American friends the fullness of the culture of Jamaica. Musical selections, dances, skits, monologues-you name it and it is on the program at Cultural Expressions Night. The music was quite upbeat using once again the tambourines, maracas, drums, and keyboard. The small room literally shook with excitement as all of the instruments came together. The fellowship dance numbers and songs were big hits. Someone even spotted a rather large American minister being captured to dance in front of the church (I was not as bad as Ron Chadwick and don't let anyone tell you I was!). The program ended with an all-church fellowship dance. I am working on how we can do this at our next service. Stay tuned! Of course, it would not be Cultural Expressions if you did not feed your stomach as well as your heart and soul. The ladies had prepared a meal native to their country for us to enjoy. I was proud of the kids for not saying "oooh" at anything. They allowed the hosts to fix their plates and they graciously took what was given to them. The food was good, but was far outclassed by the warmth and love of these people who were our hosts for the evening.

Our evening closed as we returned to the hotel for our time of devotion. Reverend Grant and the deacons of his churches came and shared a worship service of communion with us. I will close my week's reflections tomorrow with my thoughts on this worship service and the impact of this week on my life. The Friday post may not be up until Monday, but rest assured it is coming! I hope you will stay tuned.