The Jamaican Journal-Day 2-Saturday, June 14, 2008

We awoke this morning filled with anticipation for what the day might bring, and most thankful for a good night's sleep. I think there was some admission of the fatigue from the "rush" of Friday, but most of us fully realized just how tired we were when our heads hit the pillows for the evening. As we joined together for breakfast at the hotel, we were warmly greeted by our hotel owner, Siggy Fahmi. I have spoken with Siggy on the telephone a number of times. It is strange how we develop pictures in our minds of people as we speak to them by phone or communicate with them via email. Siggy was nothing like I pictured her. She is a German baroness who not only owns the palace hotel, but she is quite a successful artist. She is a commanding presence. She has owned some other beautiful properties in Port Antonio. She has treated each one of our groups with warmth and hospitality. She believes fully in the mission of our church's work in Port Antonio and affords her wonderful property to us at an excellent rate-with full amenities included. A most gracious host!

Needing to recuperate from the long day yesterday we had planned a "light" day of activity. Though we are excited about our work, it was good to look forward to a day to reenergize ourselves with fun and pleasure with our Port Antonio hosts. Following breakfast we made our way to the Port Antonio Baptist Church where we would be met with that grace-filled smile of Brother Thompson. Now remember we are in the Caribbean area and sun, beach, and fun are the orders of the day. Of course, it was raining, and raining hard. The water did not dampen our spirits or the spirits of our hosts either. My first sight at the church was a series of "grills" set up to prepare our much anticipated "cook-out" lunch. I went over and had a wonderful conversation with our chef for the day. His name is "PaPa." He obviously was an expert in the "jerk" menu and recipes. He showed me the chicken that we would be eating that day-it was going to be a veritable feast.

We went inside the church for a time of orientation with Sister Doilee. She is one of the matriarchs of the church as well as Principal of the Rural Hill Primary School. She is also a gifted church leader and a fine preacher from what I have been told. We enjoyed meeting her and many other ladies who would be preparing our meal. The young people of the churches began to trickle in as the rain continued to fall. Seeing the children that my children have been talking about and communicating with for two years now was a wonderful experience for me. It was amazing to watch the kids throughout the day as they mixed and mingled with one another.

Backing up-it was somewhat of a surreal experience to walk into the Port Antonio Church (and daycare) today. I have seen pictures of the work done by our work crews, but to actually see it was awe-inspiring. The great job that was done by each of these teams has transformed this church into an excellent facility. Excellent tile work, great painting, a new kitchen, masterful carpeting, daycare construction and code compliance, outside work on retaining walls-the list could go on and on. When I looked at each of the rooms I saw more than rooms. I saw ministry centers and opportunities for sharing Christ's love. I saw each of our church member's handprints etched across the walls and floors and ceilings. We have all invested in the lives of these people and let me assure you that the investment is bearing a great return today.

We finished our orientation and went to the beach-pouring rain and all, but we were going to the beach. The Port Antonio youth piled into our buses with us and some came in cars. When we got to the beach it was still raining, but starting to clear somewhat. The two groups of young people continued to mix and mingle so well. Many started to venture out into the ocean while others sat and talked. Before too long most of the kids were enjoying their time together in the ocean. Watching the kids together was indeed memorable. There was a great soccer match-three on three. Ryan Wilson, Sam Batts, and Joshua Brubaker against three of the younger Port Antonio youth. It was a great match. Great sportsmanship, great action, great speed, and great fun for all to enjoy. Watching the kids bond quickly with those they had never met was amazing. Shelema (a Port Antonio youth) and Sheridan Fromm quickly became master shell finders and gatherers. As the time at the beach continued more of the Port Antonio youth began to arrive. It was a great event together.

We arranged for the buses to return us to the church for our cook-out meal with the Port Antonio kids at 2:30 p.m. (Port Antonio is on eastern time though they do not adhere to Daylight Savings Time). You could tell that we all were getting a little bit "lunchey" by the time the buses came. We looked forward to our meal together.

I must tell you that we were not disappointed by the spread that the Port Antonio Church had provided for us. Jerk chicken, masterfully prepared. I had never heard of "jerk" preparation until our partnership with this area began. I had my doubts about my liking "jerk" chicken or pork since I am not a big spicey person. Brother Thompson told me this was the best jerk in the area-just right with the spices. He was right. I loved the preparation. We also had fried plantain (I am not sure about the spelling, but it was good-kind of like fried squash), grilled bread fruit (a little bit on the tasteless/bland side), and festival bread (kind of like sweet corn bread). I ate my fill and then some! To show you the graciousness of our hosts these ladies also grilled hamburgers and made French fries because they knew that some of the kids might not like the jerk. Awesome! The meal was topped off with fresh, and I mean fresh, pineapple. It was sweet and delicious. I needed a nap after such a wonderful meal.
Following our time of fun and fellowship at the church we came back to the hotel to allow the kids some "free" time to rest, swim, or just relax. Dinner would be at 7:30 p.m. delivered by Reverends Cannon and Flanagan who took a taxi ride into town to visit the local Kentucky Fried Chicken. Judging by the few scraps that we had left, we have some good eaters on this trip. Following our devotional and prayer time, we turned in early in preparation for our worship services on Sunday.

My observations from today…

1. These are some of the most gracious and caring people that I have ever met. There is a sense of genuine hospitality that is certainly one of the gifts of this church. As with any well prepared meal, I think these ladies enjoyed seeing how much we enjoyed the meal together. I went to our "chef" and told him how much I loved the jerk chicken and he beamed with pleasure at my pleasure. It is good to have the opportunity to affirm these people in how they minister to others. Could there be some in our church with a talent to cooking "jerk" (or, you name it) that God might use like he used this man today?

2. How can people with seemingly so little want to give so much? It seems that often we have so much and we tend to hoard, while these people want to give it all away-"it all" referring to what Christ has given to them.

3. It is SO good to put a face to names. People become real! In our high tech, media savvy world we have often distanced ourselves from the personal touch of meeting and greeting. Has that become a lost art?

4. Kids being kids! It's wonderful!!!

5. The politeness of the Port Antonio youth is amazing. These are some of the most respectful and kind children that I have ever met. They seem genuinely interested in meeting adults as well as being with the kids.

6. Again, as we travelled in the daylight today, the poverty of this area is overwhelming. Needs are prevalent as you pass each house, hut, or lean-to that is on the road. As Larry and I traveled in to the city tonight to get supper, it was amazing to see the droves of younger adults in this community going to town and in town on a Saturday night. "The fields are white unto harvest"…does that ring a bell.

7. Thank you for your children. They are a blessing to me and have been a blessing to the people of Port Antonio today.