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
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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
- 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
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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/
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)
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)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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.
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
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.
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.
Monday, March 2, 2009
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)
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 $$ (for market), photocopy of ID papers, swimsuit
- 2 suitcases – one for personal stuff; one for mission stuff (max 50 lb. and 62 in. each); 1 carry-on (max 30 lb. 45 in.)
- The college asks everyone to bring 4 rolls of Scotts toilet paper along with you… you might use it
- If you forget all else, you NEED your passport and your maori sticks!
- We reserve the right to send you home at your parents’ expense if you can’t follow rule #1
Other items we discussed this weekend:
- no AC at college but it's usually in 70's at night
- water shoes can protect your feet if you plan to go in the ocean
- mission suitcase to school by March 19
- passports to school by March 19 (copy will be made for you, and passport will go in lockbox to be given out the morning of the trip)
Rules
#1 Follow directions explicitly; explanations might be coming…
#2 Sleeping areas are personal space; respect it and don’t go in if it’s not yours
#3 Be nice to each other; couples not too nice
#4 Electronic devices during free time only; school standards apply
#5 Be fully clothed for the situation you’re in
Info to know about going to Jamaica:
- You’re getting 3 mission shirts for the trip
- For going to schools and orphanages, you’ll need khaki colored pants, capris or skirt; or jean skirt
- For church, you’ll need nice clothes (recommended skirts/dresses for girls to fit the culture; guys – dress pants/shirt)
- You’ll want work clothes and play clothes, and shoes; and probably sandals for showers/beach
- Electronic devices are at your own risk and should comply with rule #4
- If rule #5 is an issue, we’ll find a way to fix it but you might not like it, so ask before the trip or bring extras
- Pack the normal stuff – sunscreen (please!), bug spray, bedding, towel (bath & beach), toiletries, water bottle, personal meds (Tylenol, pepto), spending $$ (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
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!
- 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!
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