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