Home Sweet Home

Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts while the team was gone in Jamaica. The group arrived safely home on Wednesday night, and were in their beds by early Thursday morning. The return flight and travel through customs and immigration went well.

Here are some pictures from our trip. It represents only a small number of the total pictures taken (as I know some people had hundreds or thousands!) and the events that we did on the trip. But it gives you a little view into our time in Jamaica. I tried to get atleast a picture of everyone who went... there were alot of us!

Waiting in the airport for our flight to leave - EARLY Friday morning!

Both groups visited this nursing home, met the residents, and sang to them. A few of the ladies really liked seeing baby Keean!





Both groups visited many schools, and sang songs, did skits and puppet skits, to share Jesus' love with them.






Here is the workproject at the church... working hard!







We also worked on a cement project at the college and the girls stayed to work on this while the guys went to the church. The girls pushed their weight in wheelbarrows and shovel loads!







We also had a some fun times - visiting the beach, a safari river tour, and YS waterfalls...

Weekend....

Our team took the role of tourists on Saturday and found out what it's like to enjoy the beautiful nature of Jamaica. We were up and on the buses by 9am, headed on an hour drive to Black River (named because of the appearance of the river - the river is completely clear but the soil on the bottom is black). Our group took a river tour along the Black River, and saw some little and big crocs, as well as really pretty scenery and birdlife. Our guide assured us that the crocs had a Jamaican spirit - laid back :) We found a calm part of the river - no crocs in sight - and took a dip in the water. Not everyone did, but we had some brave ones! :)

After the river tour, it was time for our buffet lunch at a restaurant. Everyone was very excited about having a good restaurant style meal, and eagerly lined up, to find the same food that we had at lunch each day at the college - rice and beans, fried chicken and potatoes. There was some disappointment upon realizing that! But it still tasted good and there was also a great beef stew on the line.

Our afternoon stop was a 1/2 hr inland from Black River - called YS falls. We took a wagon ride up to the falls, and spent a few hours playing in the waterfalls and pools. It was a highlight of the trip and I'm sure you'll see lots of great pictures from that day! American food (though overpriced) was also available at the snack shop - Pringles, Doritos, and icecream cookie sandwiches - and it was like a little taste of home.

When we got back to the college, it was dinner time, and we had a great surprise - Pizza Hut pizza and rum raison icecream. Both compliments of our host Pastor Kingsley as a thankyou for the work done on the church. It hit the spot for those, again, somewhat tired of the Jamaican fare.

Sunday, we divided into two groups for church. Part of the team went to Bird Mountain church. They figured out that it was named this because the church was literally located at the top of a mountain, and the bus had to pass steep drops on narrow roads to make it to the top. I heard there were some who prayed the whole way up and down! The other group went to Independence Hall Baptist, where we went to Teen Time each evening and did the work project.

For those who haven't heard, I left Sunday afternoon to head back to the US, along with Keean, and Dr. Eggebrecht. He needed to return to Michigan to get his foot looked at, as it was not improving. I'm glad that I brought Keean home with me, since this morning he woke up with a fever of 102 and stomach problems. God knew we needed to be here to get the medicine he needs to get better. Our flight arrived into Chicago about an hour late (partly due to weather), and to St. Joe around 2:15. So hopefully 2am will be a projected return time for the mission team.

Today, the team was heading to their last school presentations, then into Montego Bay for shopping at the market and a visit to the beach. Andy emailed me about today and said, "We had a great day at the market and beach today and were able to stop at burger king for the kids which they loved. The beach was good and alot of people went out on the glass bottom boat and snorkel on a reef. At first the price was $20 and not many were going to go, but Tim got the guy down to $10 and he had a boat full." We had heard from Pastor Kingsley that a guy usually was at the beach to take people out in his boat snorkeling, so we were hoping that would work out for the kids. Sounds like some of their dreams came true.

Tuesday is a rest, pack, and clean day so that the team can head out Wed after lunch to the airport.

The arrival time for the team back to GCS is set for 2:00am on Thursday morning. If it will be after 2:30, we will initiate the calling chain to let you know of a change. Continue to pray for the team, as they spend their last days in Jamaica, for safety in travel.

God Bless and thanks for your prayers so far!
Mission team and Meghan

End of a good first week

Hello family and friends,

The time is flying by here in Jamaica... Here are some updates.

On Thursday, each group went to schools in the morning. Then the boys plus Rhonda, Melissa and Sarah J, went out to the church (about a 30 min drive) to pour the concrete on the roof of the new room. They took lunch with them and worked most of the morning and all afternoon to get it finished by about 5:00. The girls stayed on the college campus with Dr. E and Andy, and moved more sand, dirt and cement to the new roof addition here. Both worked very hard and had sore muscles from shovelling, moving wheelbarrows, and lifting buckets of concrete. Some of you moms will be surprised at what your kids can do when they put their minds to it!

Today (Friday) it was great to say that most of the manual labor is completed.
Group 1 went to a school of about 200 kids, and did the program. After a day of no batteries in the CD, group 1 decided they like singing better without it. So they sang and did their skits and the kids listened really well. At each school, we have been bringing a gift bag of supplies that we brought from what we collected. It has been fun to see the excitement of the students and faculty. And Jamaicans seem very open to Christianity, more than the states in many ways. They allow praying and talking about God in the public schools, and the teachers often get up after we are finished and encourage the children to think about what we said. It's really neat. Group 1 got a much needed 2 hr break until lunch after the school, then went to an orphanage near Montego Bay. All of the children were between 5-18, and we just played with them - balloons, beach balls, jump rope. Sang Won, Shawn, and Mike got tied up with the rope after the girls were done with it! Alli and Sarah E got very involved in coloring with the girls. They all played with the kids so well and made a good afternoon for them.

Group 2 went to a primary (elementary) school with ALOT of kids - I heard 1,000. They were in the middle of a courtyard, and had to use microphones for the students to hear them. It was one of their more difficult performances. Then they went to a baby home, for children in foster care waiting for families. There were about 60 babies there, from a year under. They played with them and held them, and brought lots of baby clothes and stuff for them. It was a touching experience! Then they got afternoon naps!

Ever had goat? We have now! For lunch today, Pastor Kingsley took us to his church, and some members of the church made us curry goat and chicken with rice and beans. (By the way moms, I'll just warn you that your kids will be ready for something OTHER than RICE AND BEANS, when they return! :) They've been great. We've had them for 1-2 meals a day along with other things since we arrived! But some are on overload :) Most people tried the goat and liked it. No goat soup though for those who went last time!

The last teen night is tonight. According to Liz, it's her favorite thing, and I've seen alot of the kids really making connections with kids. On Wed night there about 90 people at the church including our team, so there have been A TON of teens showing up for it. The kids have made some friends with the Jamaican teens there. It's been fun for them.

Tomorrow we are going all day on a "fun day" - the kids have worked so hard. They haven't really had any down time all week to even play basketball, they have been so busy. So tomorrow will be great. A river tour, lunch out, and a waterfall to visit. Pizza and icecream for dinner (don't tell - it's a surprise!). Sunday will be church in the morning and afternoon. Swisher says that he has done enough church for 4 Sunday because they spent 4 hrs in church last Sunday :) It's Jamaican style! But most of it is new for them and keeps their attention, or they are the ones up front because the team has been asked to sing, share testimonies and do their skits.

Monday they will visit a few more schools in the morning, then off to Montego Bay to the market and beach, and maybe snorkeling. We were supposed to go Wed but they worked on concrete instead. So they're looking forward to it.

Kristen and Kristyn have gotten their hair braided the Jamaican way - more girls to come! So be ready for them to look different when they return. Carter is feeling alot better. Dr. E is still struggling with his foot - pray for him if you think of it. I know I didn't mention everyone, but they're doing great. Very little stomach problems considering all of the new food we've eaten.

Well, the sun has been shining here. It's only rained once since we arrived, and it's beautiful. I hear that is not the case in Michigan. We'll enjoy it for you here! :)

Love to all-
The team
and Meghan

Mid-week update

Hello All!

I hope all is well in Michigan. Everything is going well here in Jamaica! The work project really picked up yesterday and today. The students have moved huge piles of stones and sand, and bags of cement, at both the church and college where we are staying. They are helping move these things to rooftops, to make new concrete roofs. One group began pouring the concrete at the church today. They will finish tomorrow. The other group got supplies in the right place and will start moving it as concrete to the roof tomorrow. The students have been spending the second half of the morning and all afternoon at the work sites.

In the mornings both groups have been going out to schools, nursing homes, and children's homes to do their presentations and spend time with people in need of love and attention. The students have done so well at adapting to each sitation. Often when we arrive, they don't know the sitatuation until we get into the school. The groups have performed outside next to highways, inside classrooms, for groups of 200+, at high school, elementary and little nursery schools. So they have adapted for each time.

The schools here have a devotion time each morning, so that is when we have been going to the schools to share our programs. We think we have it all prepared when we leave in the mornings, but that isn't always the case! Group one got to our first school on monday morning and realized they forgot the curtain for the puppet stage. We were able to borrow one from the school. On Wed morning, the same group turned on the CD player at the school and the batteries were dead, and the spares were not to be found. So they sang accapella and did soooooo great anyway! Group two performed at a high school for their first event, and decided to totally change the program to meet that audience, so they improvised and did great. They also went to a disabled children's home, and had a really impacting experience. They played cricket with a boy in a wheelchair, and pushed crippled children on swings, and just spend time with kids who needed love. Both groups also visited a nursing home already this week, and were able to sing to the residents and talk with them. Ultimately, we've really seen God working in these places, with working out the kinks, and in the responses from the students in the schools as we share with them. We're praying that our testimonies are making impacts on these students.

The evenings have been a really neat experience for the GCS kids too. Pastor Kingsley is our bus driver and coordinator for our ministry time. He also is the pastor of Independence Hall Baptist Church, where we have been doing the concrete roof. In the evenings, he has invited his youth group, and local teens, to come to the church and spend time with our group. They Jamaican teens lead some songs for us, which we are learning, and some we already know. Then the GCS teens lead some songs and teach them to the other group. Dr. Kohns speaks after that, and finally we play a game to get to know each other better. Monday night was a rock paper scissors tournament, last night was a beach ball war. For some of the GCS kids, it's been a highlight of the trip so far.

Here are some prayer requests:

- Dr. Eggebrecht hurt his foot on Sat. He went to a doctor in Montego Bay and got medicine and treatment. It is feeling better but still needs to heal more. It is hard for him not to be able to fully participate in everything. Pray that his foot will heal quickly.

- Carter Brown got a particle of metal in his eye yesterday and went to an eye doctor today to get it removed. He has medicine and should be healed soon. Thank God that we were able to get him treatment in a timely way (and didn't have to go to the ER).

- For safety on the worksites tomorrow since the students will be exerting alot of energy in the roof project. Since they are so busy with ministry in the morning, work in the afternoon, and teen time in the evening, they have the potential of burning out. So pray for energy and using their freetime to get rest and recover.

- For the ministry times, as these seem to be excellent opportunities for the kids to use their gifts of singing, speaking, and sharing. That God would plant seeds through these times in the lives of kids and adults.

- For our relationships with the Jamaican college students. It has been fun for the GCS kids to get to know the college students here, that they are living in the dorms with. The Jamaicans have been so hospitable. We are trying to be considerate also, considering we took over their campus with 40 more people :) Pray that we can consider others.

- Relationships on the team - it's hard to "live" with everyone for almost 2 weeks, and we've had our share of conflict resolving to do. Pray for the students and adults to be willing to continue the process of caring for each other, and working together on the trip.

Overall it's been great so far. The weather is awesome! We're looking forward to a "fun in the sun" day on Saturday at a river tour and waterfall, and hopefully a trip to Montego Bay to the market on Monday.

Love to all -
The mission team
and Meghan

We're Here!

Hello Friends and family!

As you hopefully heard from the calling chain, we made it to Jamaica safe and sound. The internet is not easily available as I had hoped, so I won't be able to update the blog very often. But I will tell you how things are going up to this point...

When we arrived in Jamaica, we first had to get through immigration and customs. At immigration, some of the groups were given a little bit of a hard time, but we made it through relatively quickly. But when we collected our bags and moved to customs, they wouldn't let us through with our mission suitcases. So we had to leave these with some of the adults and go through. Four adults stayed while the bags were looked through, and they finally convinced the customs officer that we were really giving the items away, so that we got all the bags.

We rode in 2 buses from Montego Bay to the college - with AC! It has been in the 80's, some sun, some mugginess, and it rained yesterday afternoon for a short time. The students have made friends with some of the college students, and played some serious games of bball and soccer (football here). Friday and Saturday we got acclimated to our surroundings and practiced for our times in schools. By Sunday morning, almost everyone is feeling rested and ready for more activity after our LONG trip here!

The food... rice and peas (beans to us) have been a staple at lunch, along with chicken or fish. Breakfast has been american style - eggs, pancakes or french toast so no complaints there! We've had some fruit (oranges, pineapple) for those moms worried about the healthy stuff. Evening meal has been smaller, bread and cheese with chips, but most of us have made it down to the local jerk chicken/pork shop for some local goodness. Even the "picky" eaters are finding something to their liking! :)

Sunday was morning and evening church, where the students sang and performed their pantemime skit. Today (Monday) was our first day out in the community visiting. Group 1 (Liz, Kristyn, Sang Won, Shawn, Steph, Alli, SEan, Easton, Josh, Sarah E, KRisten L, Mike, Nate, & adults) went to a nursing home. They sang songs to the residents and visited. They were surprised I think how much they enjoyed the experience. We've found it easy to understand Jamaican English, though the local dialect they speak to each other we don't get a word of!

Group 2 (Marga, Mel, Jess, Andrew, Taylor, Amanda, Claire, Ben, Carter, SArah J, JEnnelle, Clint, Ron & co) went to a high school with hundreds of kids who all watched from balconies, while they shared their testimony and sang for them. Then they went to a disabled children's home, and wow - that was an experience in loving the children. Some played with balls, while others just spent time sitting and caring for them.

We've already swum in the beach this afternoon. Beautiful and salty. We did some work around the college earlier in the day but are waiting for everything to be ready at the church project. Should begin tomorrow.

Pray for us that we are bold in sharing our faith, and also relational in spending time at the children's homes and nursing homes. Pray for the building supplies to all come as needed and safety on the worksite. Pray for students' relationships with each other, as putting 26 teenagers together can be an occasional source of conflict. :) Pray that we are being a blessing to the churches and college that are hosting us. God bless you! Love from the team - your kids miss you, I promise! :)

Oh- some geckos and an occasional cockroach have been visiting the rooms, but nothing that a good scream and a broom can't handle. :) And the evenings have been cool and enjoyable to sleep in...

From Jamaica...
Meghan

PS - Keean is doing great in his first international trip, eating rice and peas with the best of them, and sleeping like a champ! :) xoxo

Info from Mon 3.23

We have officially met for the last time before our departure on Friday morning. Here are some things that we talked about at the meeting...

- Spending money: There will be a breakfast on the plane, but you'll want money for snacks/food at the airport, possibly buying some at the college, and a meal out in Jamaica (count on $20-50 for this depending on what you buy to eat). The falls has a zip line for about $30 if you want to do that. Hair braiding for girls will be about $50. Also, we will go to a market if you want to buy souvenirs. Overall, we are recommending $30-200 (depending on how many "extra" things you want to do and how many souvenirs you want to buy).

- At the college: The bathroom floors are slippery so consider flip-flops for that area. No mirrors so bring your own if you want one. Levis and Browns are bringing clothes lines to hang wet things on, but you might want to bring some clothes pins for hanging your stuff. It's humid so thinner towels will dry faster than thick ones. Claire and Alli are bringing hair dryers.

- Travel advice: Sleep on Thursday at some point if possible. Even a few hours will help you feel better. Also, plan to drink lots of water during travel (even on the plane), as this will help you recover easier from traveling.

Be at school at 1:30 Friday morning. We'll have ribbon for your suitcase. Wear your GREEN MISSION SHIRT for traveling - pack the other ones.

Airport/Travel Details: You are responsible for YOUR own luggage, including your mission bag. Your travel group is your small group. This will help us account for everyone more quickly than just counting. No joking about destructive things (bombs, guns, etc.) in the airport as this can quickly lead to trouble. Take care to be calm and listen during travel.

Chapel on Wed: Group 2 is performing during elementary chapel (9:00-10:00), and Group 1 is performing during high school chapel (10:10-11:10) this Wednesday. If any parents didn't see it last week and want to come, you're welcome.

See you Friday morning! :)
Call me if you have questions before then: Meghan 269-492-4786

Emergency Contact Info for Jamaica

Meghan's email: mvanlente912@yahoo.com
Feel free to email me with any information you would like passed on to the team or your child.

In emergency call:
Fairview Baptist Bible College
Merle - secretary who answers the phone
1-876-997-5545 (It dials out just like a US number, on my cell phone I didn't need any other numbers).

Here is the College's website if you want to learn more about where we're staying:
http://fbbc.synthasite.com/

Parent Meeting Information – Jamaica 2009

Leaving Friday, March 27
Be at school – 1:30 am (EST – Michigan Time) *Taking charter bus from GCS to airport*
Flight Information: Air Jamaica Non-stop / JM 70 Airbus A321 – 100/200
Depart from Chicago O’Hare (ORD): 06:30 AM (Central Time)
Arrive at Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): 10:30 AM (Jamaica is on Central Time – an hour behind Michigan)

Returning on April, Wednesday 08
Flight Information: Air Jamaica Non-Stop / JM 71 Airbus A320
Depart from Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): 04:55 PM
Arrive at Chicago O’Hare (ORD): 08:48 PM (Central Time) *Taking charter bus from airport to GCS*
Return to school – 2:00 am Thurs, April 9 (EST – Michigan Time)

COMMUNICATION WITH THE TEAM WHILE WE’RE IN JAMAICA
Calling Chain: Shelley starts by calling all of the people on her list. Each of those people call the first person on their list. Then each person calls the one after them on the list. If you get an answering machine, leave a message, then call the next person until you talk to someone who will continue the chain. This will be used for emergency purposes only, or to let you know if there is a major change to the pickup time at the end of the trip. Otherwise, I will email the mission email group about our progress, and you can forward emails to your family and friends who requested email updates. If you want to be added to the list, email me as soon as possible. Also you can check the blog for updates, as I hope to add to this often. It is highly likely that you won’t talk to your child while we are gone. If you have specific questions or concerns while we are gone, please email me as I can pass these on to your child (mvanlente912@yahoo.com). In case of emergency, call Fairview Baptist Bible College (our Jamaican residence) at 876-997-5545. Merle is the woman who usually answers the phone.

Shelley Hennen (424-5906) → Dave Brown (925-6233), Lindsay Eddy (468-4141), Bonnie Levi (325-6808), Sherry Swisher (782-7337), Cindy Wilkinson (463-8881)

Dave Brown → Dawn Eggebrecht (H- 428-6729; Call Cell 208-2096) → Pam McCoy (449-4923) → Bonnie Miller (925-1564)

Lindsay Eddy → Bump Enders (944-1371) → Jody Galens (621-3085) →, Lisa Hedman (944-4805) → Kathy Larson (429-3635) → Jack/Evelyn Dukesherer (927-3216)

Cindy Wilkinson → Tammy Hagger (637-5579) → Jim Price (876-2915) → Rhonda Hardy (687-0587)

Sherry Swisher → Ed Wainright (782-1943) → Beth Johnson (944-5095 - contact GCS) → Penney Kohns (556-9206)

Bonnie Levi → Mary Levi → Denise Hilliard (468-3595) → Nancy Holverson (449-0126) → Julie Zucker (208-8988)

Packing List Addition - Travel Money Belt

We suggest that students wear a travel money belt under their clothing to hold passport and money and any other important items. The following link shows examples of money belts to help you know what to look for:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=travel+money+belt&x=0&y=0

Usually you can find these at drug stores or travel stores. This is preferable to a wallet or purse to hold valuables. On the same note, students should carefully consider what "valuables" they bring and how they will keep them safe while traveling. If you have more questions on this, feel free to email me.

Fundraising Opportunities

There are three fund raising opportunities currently available to participate in. If you have not raised all of your funds, you should contact the person in charge of events and find out how to help. If you have your money raised, consider how you can serve with your teammates to finish raising the total...

Sat. March 14 - School Auction
The mission team is bringing desserts to be auctioned off to raise money for the mission trip. Contact Denise Ulrich ASAP (269-468-3279) if you are planning to make a dessert.

Sun. March 15 - Dinner at Price's church
Mrs. Price and Nate are putting on a dinner to raise money for the mission trip at their church Victory Tabernacle in Dowagiac. If you are available Sunday to help with food prep, serving, or clean up, please contact her. 269-876-6669

Sat. March 21 - Hosting breakfast and lunch at GCS
GCS is hosting a vaulting group to the gym for the morning and afternoon of March 21. Steve Levi is heading up the food for this event as a fundraiser for the mission trip. He needs help with food preparation and selling food from the cafeteria. Contact him at 574-850-2065.

Packing List

Packing List for Jamaica
All items should be packed, except the general suggestions are optional

For Monday, March 23 Meeting
Scotts toilet paper (4 rolls each)
Passports (to be kept at school)
Ministry Suitcase

Work site: (3-4 work days)
Work gloves
Shorts or pants
T-shirts
Work shoes (no open toes on worksite)

Ministry: (3-4 ministry days)
Khaki pants, capris or skirts or jean skirt
Ministry shirt (you will get 3)
Sandals or shoes
Maori Sticks (must be in your checked bag – no carryons)

Sunday: (2 days)
Nice clothes (girls - skirts/dresses; guys – dress pants, shirt, tie)

Other days: (relaxing at college, waterfall, shopping, beach – 2-3 days plus evenings)
Swimsuit (girls – one piece or tankini)
Shorts, T-shirts, athletic clothes
tennis shoes, sandals
watershoes for ocean
beach towel
Nicer outfits for evenings we meet with Jamaican teens (4-5 nights)

General Must Haves:
Travel money belt (for passport and money)
Bath towels & washcloths
Sheets, pillow
underclothes
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap (in a container), shampoo, deodorant, hair stuff, razor, etc.
Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, Band-aids
Prescriptions
Hand sanitizer
Water bottle
Sun screen and bug lotion
Bible, pen
Spending money, $30.00-$200.00
Photocopies of all ID papers placed in your carry-on (these will be given to you)

General suggestions:
Camera
Travel Umbrella
Snacks
Backpack
Alarm clock with batteries
Sunglasses or Hat
Flashlight and batteries
Flip-flops for showering
Small container of hand wash clothing detergent (wash it yourself if you have clothes to be washed)
Large plastic bag for wet clothing
Dirty clothes bag
Pajamas

Information about Jamaica

Jamaica Info...

Map details: Jamaica is directly south of Florida and Cuba. The length of Jamaica is about equal to the drive from St. Joseph to Ann Arbor. The width of Jamaica is about the distance from St. Joseph to Kalamazoo.

Historical stuff: Originally the Arawak and Taino people lived on the island. Columbus arrived in 1494 and claimed the island for Spain. The Spanish had forts on Jamaica and forced the people into slavery to get goods for Spain. In the 1650’s, the British took the island from Spain, and for the next 200 years, made Jamaica the world’s leading sugar-exporting, and slave-dependent nation. Slaves were brought from Africa, particularly when the Arawak and Taino population decreased from sickness (brought by Europeans). Today, 91% of Jamaicans claim African ethnicity, though the government is now trying to seek out those who are descendents of the original people to the island. Slavery was banned from the colony in 1834 (about 30 years before the same was true in the US!). Because of the influence of different countries on Jamaica, many Jamaicans today speak English patois (pronounced paetwa), which is influenced by British English, African languages, Spanish, and others.

Connection to Britain: Jamaica continued to be a part of the Commonwealth of Britain until 1962, when they became an independent country. However, they still call the British queen “Queen of Jamaica,” run a Parliament like Britain, drive on the left side of the road, compete in cricket internationally, speak English as the national language and have the royal anthem “God Save the Queen.” Since their independence, Jamaica has struggled to compete in the global economy and is considered a 3rd world country, meaning it is under-developed compared to the US and Western Europe in terms of economy, standard of living, education, health care, and industry. Jamaica is comparable to Mexico in its economic development, having a higher standard of living and more stable economy than many other third world countries.

Today, Kingston is the capital, and Montego Bay (where we’ll fly in) is another large city in the country. Crime in certain areas of the cities is extremely high, and the US government recommends tourists take extreme care to stay in designated areas and pay close attention to personal belongings. Theft is the main problem in tourist areas. Jamaicans can be aggressive, trying to convince tourists to buy items. Police can also be bribed to make decisions they might not otherwise. Therefore, it is important to stay with the group and use caution when dealing with Jamaicans not associated with the church or college.

Culture: Sixty-five percent of Jamaicans consider themselves Christians; this is close to the US, where 75% would claim Christianity as their religion. At the same time, there is a large Rastafari movement, which is a belief in God which focuses on African roots, and desireds a world of peace, love and harmony. Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley spread this message in his songs. One of Jamaica’s largest global influences is through music, since reggae and ska, among other musical types, started there. But Jamaica also competes internationally in football (soccer to the US) and running (big winners and world record setters in 2008 Olympics). Jamaicans tend to be event and people oriented, low on crisis planning, and generally not concerned about time.

Donation items

If you or someone you know is interested in donating items for the trip, to be given to Jamaican schools, orphanages, and ministries, please see the list below as a reference. If you have an idea other than the list that you have a question about, let me know.
Notebooks
Notebook paper
Pencils/Pens/highlighters
Folders with pockets
Crayons
Dry erase markers
Stick-it notepads
Bandaids/gauze/tape
Combs/Brushes
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Shampoo (screw top only)
Baby shampoo/soap
Soap
Lotion
Gifts for orphanage workers – comb, brush, lotion, face lotion
Diapers
Diaper rash cream
Wet wipes
Baby t-shirts/onesies
Children’s clothing/socks
Children’s books
Coloring books
Sports balls/equipment
Small toys – matchbox cars, blocks, hair bows
Flashlights with batteries
First aid items - Antibiotic ointment, gauze, cotton balls, alcohol, peroxide, antacids, aspirin, ibuprofen, flu and sinus tablets
Plastic reusable plates (divided into thirds – a school near the church needs 200 of these in order to serve lunch)
Church – building equipment (nail gun, cordless drill, circular saw, sander)
2 Puppets (to borrow or for the school to keep- for our puppet skits, check with Wanda Price for specifications on size/type)

Helpful details from the retreat...

Following is information that was given out at the retreat. That way you can check it out if you want to refer back...

Rules
#1 Follow directions explicitly; explanations might be coming…
#2 Sleeping areas are personal space; respect it and don’t go in if it’s not yours
#3 Be nice to each other; couples not too nice
#4 Electronic devices during free time only; school standards apply
#5 Be fully clothed for the situation you’re in

Info to know about going to Jamaica:
- You’re getting 3 mission shirts for the trip
- For going to schools and orphanages, you’ll need khaki colored pants, capris or skirt; or jean skirt
- For church, you’ll need nice clothes (recommended skirts/dresses for girls to fit the culture; guys – dress pants/shirt)
- You’ll want work clothes and play clothes, and shoes; and probably sandals for showers/beach
- Electronic devices are at your own risk and should comply with rule #4
- If rule #5 is an issue, we’ll find a way to fix it but you might not like it, so ask before the trip or bring extras
- Pack the normal stuff – sunscreen (please!), bug spray, bedding, towel (bath & beach), toiletries, water bottle, personal meds (Tylenol, pepto), spending $$ (for market), photocopy of ID papers, swimsuit
- 2 suitcases – one for personal stuff; one for mission stuff (max 50 lb. and 62 in. each); 1 carry-on (max 30 lb. 45 in.)
- The college asks everyone to bring 4 rolls of Scotts toilet paper along with you… you might use it 
- If you forget all else, you NEED your passport and your maori sticks!
- We reserve the right to send you home at your parents’ expense if you can’t follow rule #1

Other items we discussed this weekend:
- no AC at college but it's usually in 70's at night
- water shoes can protect your feet if you plan to go in the ocean
- mission suitcase to school by March 19
- passports to school by March 19 (copy will be made for you, and passport will go in lockbox to be given out the morning of the trip)

Fundraising Info

Because of changing costs due to a variety of factors (transportation, staying an extra day, etc), the cost of the trip has increased to about $55,000. The GREAT news is that God is still providing funds as we continue to pray and work toward our goal. We need about $15,000 more as a group. Whether you have raised the original amount asked, or not yet, we are asking that each team member consider continuing to raise toward the overall team goal.

As a team, we are doing a fundraiser! At the school auction, the mission team will be providing desserts to auction off. IF YOU CAN MAKE A DESSERT (fancy, cute, delicious), then we could use your contribution to this cause!! The school auction is Sat. March 14. Please contact Denise Ulrich as soon as possible if you are planning to make a dessert. Her email: tazium1964@aol.com

March Meetings

Upcoming March meetings...

- Thurs. March 5 7-8:30
- Thurs. March 12 7:30-9:00 (CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL SCHEDULE)
- Thurs. March 19 7-8:30 All Parents Invited
We will cover last minute questions/plans and have a presentation by team.
- Mon. March 23 7-8:30
We will pack the mission suitcases at this meeting.

It was a pleasure having the students at the retreat this weekend. Thanks for coming!

Weekend Retreat

Weekend Retreat Information
Meet at school at 6:15pm unless your group agrees on another location or time; It will take 40 minutes to get to Pretty Lake Camp from GCS
Begins: Friday, Feb. 27 8:00
** Meet at the Conference Center when you arrive
** Eat dinner on the way or before you arrive
** Pizza will be provided for a late night snack on Friday night
** Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on Saturday; breakfast and lunch are included on Sunday
Ends: Sunday, March 1@ 1:15 – After lunch
What to Bring: clothes, shoes, pajamas, bed linens, blanket/sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toiletries, Maori sticks, Bible, notebook, pen, pantomime skit script
Carpool Groups:
Dr. Eggebrecht – Andrew, Sang Won, Taylor, Josh, Mike, Easton (GCS to camp – back to GCS)
Mrs. Brown – Carter, Nate, Clint, Liz, Claire, Marga (GCS to camp – back to GCS)
Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich – Ronald, Kristyn H., Sarah J., Jessica, Amanda (GCS to camp – back to GCS)
Mrs. Wainright – Sean, Shawn, Ben (GCS to camp – back to Dowagiac if no cars at school)
Mrs. Enders – Sarah E., Melissa, Jennelle, Kristen L. (GCS to camp – back to St. Joe)
Mrs. Springett – Alli, Nate, Stephanie (GCS to camp)
Mrs. Price – Alli, Nate, Stephanie (back to school)
Directions:
From GCS – Take M-140 North to I-94
I-94 East to exit #66 Mattawan
Turn right on CR 652. Go 1.5 miles.
Turn left on 60th Ave. This turns into Q Ave. Go 3 miles.
Look for a sign for Pretty Lake Camp and a driveway to enter the camp. I think it’s on the right but am not sure. Follow the drive to the main parking lot at the end. The Conference Center is the first building on the left.

Important Information

For the retreat, I am beginning to plan rides to get everyone to and from the camp in Mattawan. We will carpool from the school after practices are finished at 6:00. Everyone needs to be to the camp by 8:00. This gives time to stop along the way and eat dinner if needed. I will post more information about rides and directions later this week. Please contact me if you are willing to drive students to the camp.

March 6 is our fund raising goal for having all funds to the school. If you have been given checks, please bring them to the school, or if you are paying your own way, please have this final total at school by that date.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Meghan and Andy at mvanlente912@yahoo.com

Flight Change Info

As you may have heard, Jamaica Air (our airline for the trip) has decided to change our flight. We are now returning on Wed, April 8, not on Tuesday the 7th. If this creates a hardship for someone, Jamaica Air will refund the flight money, but I have to notify them very soon. Because return flights from Jamaica come to Chicago in the evening, the team will likely not get home until late Wed. night. So please check your schedules for those working and plan accordingly.

Fund raising update - we have raised about $32,000. Our goal is $50,000 so please continue to pray about this, and seek out funds through letters, conversations, and any way you can think of. Because of staying in Jamaica another day, we need more money for lodging, so keep this in mind as you fund raise.

If you need Health forms to fill out, more copies will be available in the business office starting Thursday, Feb. 12.

Our Monday night meeting went great. Our pantomime skit had a good start!
Thanks for showing up! Next meeting - Retreat at Pretty Lake Camp starting Feb. 27. More info about rides will be coming soon.

Upcoming Meetings

Monday, Feb. 2: Students will meet in the gym after home room for a training session led by Bruce and Lori Burkett. The meeting will last from 8:25-10:00. The Burketts are puppeteers who travel and do presentations for kids. They will share puppetry skills, as well as general knowledge about engaging kids in presentations. Adult mission team members are invited to attend as well; however, I realize this might not be possible with work schedules. If you are able and want to, feel free to join us.

Monday, Feb. 9: Meeting in chapel room from 7:00-8:30. We will be working on preparing for the presentations at schools.

Feb. 27-March 1: Weekend Retreat at Pretty Lake Camp in Mattawan, MI. The training will begin Friday night around 8:00, after basketball practices, and end Sunday at around 1:00, after lunch. Team members should bring bedding, towel, clothing for inside and outside, Bible, pen and notebook. If you have any questions, let Meghan know. We can figure out car pooling from school if people are interested. We'll discuss more at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Health Information - Medicine/What to bring

Medicines you may need:
•The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
•Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter. Recommended - Pepto-bismol isolates the bugs that cause stomach problems, and then you flush it out of your system. If you use something like Imodium for diarrhea, it only suppresses it. Then it leaves the cause for the diarrhea in your system.

Other items you may need:
•Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information.
•Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
•To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:
o Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.
o Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.

Many diseases, like dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:
•Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Health Information - Immunizations

Dr. Eggebrecht is the medical person for our trip. He has researched recommended immunizations and other medical information for the team. If you have any questions about what immunizations you need, please check with him or your personal doctor. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) looks at the diseases that are most prevalent when recommending immunizations for travel to other countries, and Dr. Eggebrecht used this site to learn about what is currently suggested for travel to Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

1. There are some immunizations that are suggested to get for travel to Jamaica this spring. Please look into these early so that you have time to get this taken care of.

2. At the last meeting in Jan., everyone was also given an explanation of vaccinations and other important health information. Here are the highlights. If you want another copy, let Meghan know. I can email documents to you.

3. Immunizations for Jamaica in 2009: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid

4. Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. **Make sure tenanus shot is current as we will be doing construction work**

5. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Info about Hep A vaccine: This is a 2 shot series. The first must be received at least 2 weeks before the trip and the second is to be received 6-12 months later. Hepatitis A vaccine is offered through Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor for $30 for adults (over 18 years old), $12 for children (thru 18 years old) if there is no insurance coverage or $30 for children with insurance coverage. This fee is charged for each shot of the series. You may schedule an appointment for Mondays from 9-11:30 am. The Niles office of the Berrien County Health Department is open for immunizations by appointment from 9-11:30. They may also have some evening appointments 4-7 pm on January 16. Call Dawn Ford at 684-2800 to schedule. The Hartford office of the Van Buren County Health Department is open for immunizations on Thursdays from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm. No appointment necessary. They recommend getting the immunizations from your own doctor if you have insurance coverage for them. If you have Medicaid, they charge $3. With no insurance coverage, they ask $20 for each injection of the Hepatitis A.


6. Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

7. Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in the Caribbean, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

Info about Typhoid Vaccine: Not available from the Berrien County Health Department, but it is from Scripts Pharmacy. It is $80 for the oral which is given as a pill every other day for 4 doses. It must be completed at least 1 week ahead. It is good for 5 years. It is a LIVE preparation. The injectable is $80 + a $35 administration fee. It must be done at least 2 weeks ahead. It is good for 2 years.
From University Medical Specialties: They will give it to established patients meaning that you would have to have a "travel" appt. with the nurse practitioner (~$75) to receive either the oral or the injectable. If you choose the injectable, they would then waive the administration fee. Their fee is $68 for either.

Raising money for the trip

Money is coming in for the trip, but slowly at this point. As of the last count on Thursday, we had $27,000 out of $50,000. So we still need to raise a large sum as a team. For those of you who have already raised your portion, consider how you can help your teammates. I want to urge EVERYONE to continue to fund raise. Consider sending more letters, sending out reminder/update emails or letters, calling close friends and family, remind church supporters... We are going on faith that God will provide, but this means spending time praying about it, and allowing God to prompt you to be intentional about your part in the fund raising process.

Thanks for your hard work already in this area. So many people don't get to go on mission trips, and for many, giving to your trip is a way to be involved in God's global church. So asking others for support isn't just about you, it's about God's mission to support our Christian brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Keep up the good work!

T-Shirt Design Ideas Needed

We are going to order T-shirts for the trip soon. If any talented and creative team members want to design a logo for the trip, let me know, or give me ideas/sketches by our next meeting on Jan 22.

If you're trying out a design, remember to include - Grace Christian School or GCS; Jamaica 2009; Living the Love

Financial Update

Exciting news on fund raising for the team... as a whole team, we have raised about half of the total amount needed. This is exciting, as God is really working in people's hearts to give to our trip. Thanks to everyone who has sent out letters, and those who have given so far!

At the same time, we have a long ways to go to raise the full funds for the trip. If you haven't sent out letters, or need help with fund raising ideas, let me know as soon as possible. Remember, you are responsible for raising your funds - don't count on others to raise extra for you.

At the Jan. 8 meeting, updates were given to each team member with a list of donors and amounts. Parents, feel free to ask your child about this so that the students take time to say thank you to those who have given money toward the trip.

Meeting Dates

Mission Team members,

Please plan on attending mission meetings on the following dates. All meetings are at the school except the retreat. The meetings are mandatory for all going on the trip. These meetings are important for practicing for the presentations at schools and orphanages, as well as learning concepts that will be helpful (and even essential) on the trip. If you cannot make it, please let Meghan know by email or phone before the meeting. Thanks!

Thurs. Jan 22 7:30-8:30
Mon. Feb 9 7:00-8:00
Weekend Retreat: Fri. Feb. 27 8:00 - Sun. Mar. 1 1:00
Pretty Lake Retreat Camp Mattawan, MI
Thurs. Mar. 5 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 12 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 19 7:00-8:00 INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Mon. Mar. 23 7:00-8:00 (Change from original schedule)Packing meeting - mission team

Where we're staying

Check out the website below to see pictures of the college where we are staying. On the Jamaica Link website, under the partners section, there is also information about two of the orphanages we might visit (Robin's nest and Copse).
http://www.jamaicalink.org/involved/partners/fairview/tour.htm

Welcome!

In an effort to communicate more effectively with team members and parents, I am going to use this site as a place to post information and share as much with everyone as possible. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or post questions for the group that I can answer for everyone's benefit.