Many Thanks

I missed two days of thanks on Facebook but I have been counting my blessings all weekend.

1. Thankful for the many gifts/leftovers/hand-me downs that the Vrettos family gave us.

2. Thankful for time to visit with Jody, Nick, Guy and Ernie.

3. Thankful for the 10 days I got to spend with the Daniel Family.

More importantly I am thankful that God put us together at MTI and then on the same island. What a blessing our kids are for each other! Jodi is a great woman to learn from and lean on!

4. Thankful that God allowed me the strength to stay up and get my house clean.

5. Thankful the kids stayed up with me so they slept in.

6. Thankful that I was able to run my errands and take care of payroll before the kids woke yesterday morning.

7. Thankful that Jody V had diaper bags and quick hands in the van as I decided to toss my cookies, more than once.

8. Very thankful that my hubby took the kids to the pool so I could sleep off my carsickness.

9. Enjoyed and thankful to have one last Jamaican dinner with John G.

10. Thankful to have served with John G and wish him many blessings (even though he will be missed!)

11. Thankful for Progressive Foods (a new, very American grocery store).

12. Thankful and proud of my daughter who volunteered and did the dishes (we will not discuss the amount of soap used or water found outside the sink ;)

13. Thankful that our home is feeling more like our home.

14. Thankful to Aaron for helping me reorganize closets and cabinets.

15. Thankful that during our cleanup Aaron took two minutes and slow danced with me.

16. Thankful that I am so happy to be living in Jamaica.

17. Thankful that we can afford to have a big Thanksgiving dinner in 5 days!

18. Thankful that I get to pick up my mom in 7 days!

19. Thankful and filled with fun ideas as I look at all the craft projects the kids and I can do.

20. Thankful that my children are flourishing.

Thankful that God has blessed me!

Favorites from the Storm

Favorite Prayer Answered : Escapees Rufous, Queenie and Reese were found without any harm to Jamaicans or livestock!

Funniest Moment: Six Jamaicans in the back of the truck to look for Rufous. On the return trip-one Jamaican and Rufous in the back with five Jamaicans hiding in the truck. =)

Favorite Quote: "When the storm got really loud my prayers went on pause but then I started back again." -Audrey Black

Favorite View: All my children (Amoy, Richard, Tassia, Akba, Braylon and Audrey) sitting on the couch watching a movie by battery powered lap top. (My oldest Melissa was safe in Kingston)

Favorite Reminder: God is in Control! He is our protector and deliverer!

Favorite Dance: Aaron's happy dance when the electricity came back on!

My Mother's Child

I used to live with a woman, who woke early almost every morning to read her Bible. "If you do not purposefully make time for God, you will not find time for Him." "I miss my time with God, if I don't make time for it." Then this lady would write verses on index cards and place them in popular places around our home. "The Word is powerful, she would say." If you cannot tell by the tone, I used to think this woman was a little, mmmmm, over the top or maybe crazy!

Now, I have learned that she is smart! I find myself longing for quiet mornings, sitting down and writing verses for memorization. As I sat Tuesday morning reading my Bible, while everything was still and the house was quiet, I thought "I am my mother's child!"

Gold Fish, animal crackers and kiddie pools

After reading this some of you will think the heat has went to my head, others will have tears in their eyes and some will be saying "OF COURSE HE DID!" (and you can have tears too)

Aaron and I have said that our children's comfort food is gold fish (the snack that smiles back :) Every time we have ran low on goldfish a friend or family member has sent/brought us more. As I reached for our last box of gold fish, I debated on opening it. "When this box is finished, we will be out until the first of July," I thought to myself. Something in me (Holy Spirit) told me that God will take care of it, there will be more.

What a blessing to know that God hears us and sees our needs. Life has been crazy this past week. Aaron has worked 12-14 hour days all week, I have been busier than normal, kids have been with babysitters, we have not went to bed at our bedtimes and we are tired. I was feeling tonight like I was letting my children down- Not giving them enough stability, not giving them enough mommy and daddy time, ignoring them for other children and so on. God knows the cries of my heart! As I drove down the road close to tears b/c my baby was crying and he just wanted out of his seat and onto my lap, I felt God's peace come over me. Upon arriving at the mission house I am met by Marggy who has started my work for me (much appreciated!) and GOLDFISH, ANIMAL CRACKERS AND A KIDDIE POOL.

Tonight as the current team is packing up, they inform me that they are leaving a BIG bag of goldfish and a HUGE container of animal crackers. We have enough snacks to get by until mid July or later!!! God is such a provider.

The next petty thing on our list has been a blow up pool for the kids. It can be a little warm here in Jamaica and the kids love to play in the water. We cannot let them play in the hose or with a sprinkler because of the water shortage. So Aaron and I priced a small pool (you know big enough for 2 kids to sit in and can stay full of water) and were shocked when we saw a price tag of 38 US dollars. Sorry kids no pool :( UNTIL God has the team bring down a blow up kiddie pool. They were going to use it for VBS but did not. I think the poor woman was quite shocked at how joyful I was over a kiddie pool. Hugging her and telling her we had wanted one but just couldn't justify the price.

So all this rambling to say, God is taking care of us! He didn't give me more hours in the day, or a child that wasn't clingy but He showed me that what matters to me matters to Him. Seeing my children happy makes me happy and I know Sunday there will be some bright smiles when Daddy sets up the pool (I could do it tomorrow but I think Aaron will appreciate the excited laughter as well!)

Joy and Heartache

Over the past few weeks Aaron and I have witnessed both amazing compassion and heartbreaking distress. Sometimes staying focused on what God has placed us here to do, is difficult. Knowing that God sees all the pain and distress is comforting but confusing. I wonder how God can sit back and see these kids without shoes, without food, and mother's working their fingers to the bones to provide. Then I speak with a mother and I hear her joy as she says, God is good! The Psalms tell her to let nothing take her joy and she is determined to obey. I see two men (one of the men not even having his own blanket) give up their pay to assist another family. A family of 14 living in a 12x12 home that is weak enough to be pushed over by 4 men.

A woman at the gate needs money to purchase her child's school uniforms and books but I have to turn her away (we have enough money for 14 students and they are all accounted for). Aaron must turn a woman away who is running from a murder. The man chopped her hand off with a meat cleaver and it was sewn back on (swollen and bruised). We have promised six homes already this summer to "dire situations" and will try to find her assistance but cannot offer immediate help. Heartbreaking and disturbed we turn to God and offer the most powerful asset we have, prayer. Prayer is the one avenue that will keep us focused on God's work here. We cannot solve any of these problems on our own but with God we can help and we can give love.

Love, a hug to two children that just stopped by. A cricket ball to boys in the playfield, just because we want to bless them. A phone call to say, I was praying for your exams. A ride home because I know you are tired and walked 2 miles in the heat of the day. An invitation to hang out, just because I desire your company, no strings attached. I am humbled that God called me to this country to live everyday seeking ways to love. Love with my heart, my spirit, my physical touch, my talents and when others are compassionate, I get to share love offerings. The mother was correct God is good and I will not allow the sad situations over shadow the Love, Joy, Compassion, and Desire.

Normal?

Audrey had a babysitter (previous post), the next day she stayed with our neighbor Velna and yesterday she had a friend over for 4 hours, only to return and have two other children at the gate to play. To top things off we had a team arrive last night so I spent the afternoon making them cookies. Aaron helped organize the house a little bit and clean up as well. Yesterday felt like a "normal" Saturday.

The team arrived about 5:15pm and we were excited to meet them! 21 student/chaperones from Kentucky Wesleyan University. Braylon and Audrey took to them immediately! (I am always amazed that God created my kids with personalities perfect for this time in our lives!) Braylon got to play tractors with a few girls and basketball with one of the young men. Audrey was playing Boo! with some of the students within 20 minutes of their arrival. She also went on a walk and completed a puzzle with the girls. I can tell already this is going to be a fun week!

Please pray for this team as God uses them to do His work here in Jamaica. May they be blessed and be a blessing to those they are serving.

Just a day

Yesterday I had my first babysitter. Annakay was great and the kids loved her! Recommended by another missionary I felt comfortable leaving her for the day. After running errands in town, getting lunch for the crew, dreaming about my role here and completing student support paperwork-I was ready to see my babies!

We took Annakay home instead of getting her a taxi. On the way we picked up another girl who happened to be in the student support program (I had not met her yet). Sasheen is sweet and very patient with motor mouth Audrey! As I drove the windy, twisting, bumpy mountain road we passed other homes that I will need visit for student support. Driving through one area of the mountain, I was informed a principal had been murdered there the day before (insert lump in throat).

As we drove farther and farther down a side road, I could not believe that Annakay was willing to walk the entire length of the side road to come watch my children. As we headed to her home, I got to meet Annakay's mother, Aunt and cousin. We picked up Annakay's son (Akiele, 8 months) from her cousin. He is the cutest baby and soooo happy! He about jumped out of Anna's arms to reach Audrey. Audrey is very fond of Akeile and was happy to see him again. Next week we are hoping to have Annakay and Akeile over for the evening. Annakay has completed cosmetology school (with financial assistance from the student support program) so we offer her services (pedicure, nails, braids, massage) to teams and thus helping Annakay financially.

Annakay's home was cute, not what we would picture for ourselves but it had four walls, paint and a door! I am amazed at how sweet and happy Annakay is, with the circumstances she has/is facing. Akiele is such a smart and talkative baby......maybe all we really do need is love. Love from others and love of Christ!

Please pray for Annakay and her family. God has plans for this woman and I cannot wait to see them unfold!

This was not the initial intention of this blog post but as I type I feel lead to offer ways to help.

If you feel led to help Annakay or other students in the student support program here our ways!

1. Annakay can always use new nail polish colors, acrylic nails, acrylic powder and other nail accessories (then she can profit more when doing nails).

2. Annakay would like a stroller so make it easier to attend church. Akeile is getting heavy and it is a loooooong walk to church.

3. Books/diapers.....these items are expensive here in Jamaica and we would disperse them among many parents.

4. Financial support can be donated to CSI marked for student support program.

If you have more questions feel free to ask or email mommaintherace@gmail.com

Update

I have been debating what I wanted to say in my first blog from Jamaica. We have lived in Jamaica 2 weeks and 3days and I could write a book on life thus far.

• We are settled into our home
• I am amazed at the amount of furniture I can live without
• So thankful to Jamie B for leaving me with kitchen equipment!!
• Our puppy Roscoe is a God send for Braylon
• Our backyard is full of fruit (baby bananas, limes, cherries, apples, pineable and mango)
• Thankful for but adjusting to locking and unlocking the porch grill and outside gate every time we leave and return
• Blessed with a great neighborhood! One neighbor is known to "take care of unwanted strangers," another a vigilant watch dog and a lady who would bend over backward to help me.
• Aaron and I are learning our roles
• God will have to provide His amazing wisdom and strength as we fill the big shoes left by the Vrettos family and Jamie B.
• Met students and teachers in the scholarship program yesterday (I am going to love this job!)
• Enjoying daily devotions with the kids and homeschooling 4 days a week.
• Love the staff at the mission house!
• Teams are such a blessing and look forward to the summer
• God is doing amazing things with Project RAISE!!!
• I have learned to drive on the other side of the road
• Jamaican food is amazing! (proud of Audrey for trying everything!)
• Food is expensive!
• I have cooked more for my family in two weeks than I generally do in two months in the states.
• Thankful for God's provisions and helping me make food stretch.
• Its amazing how much water and electricity we wasted in the states
• I could go for a snowy mocha and cranberry nut muffin from Main St coffee in Farmland!
• A late night game with my family sounds awesome!
• Some familiar hugs would be nice

If you made it to the end of the list without being bored....you are awesome! God is awesome and doing amazing things in Jamaica and in our lives! If you want to know more about something leave me a comment or send me an email :)

Who really is the Dirt Bag?

Lately, I have noticed some commercials that really bug me. You have probably seen them-

the male actor is so in love with his possession (in some it is a beer) that he rambles on about how wonderful it is, tells of the great lengths he would go to obtain/keep the item. It is very obvious that his "item/product" is very important to him. Then he is speechless to his significant other; barely capable of muttering a few loving words and is not willing to go to any lengths for her. He obviously communicates to his wife/girlfriend that she has little significance in his life.

Dirt Bag! She is your wife, love her, make her feel important, the least you could do is give her as much praise as you give your beer!

I wonder how often I do that to God. I ramble on and on about me, I go to great lengths to keep my things organized. I express my love for my computer, cell phone, itouch by spending many hours each day with them. Then I leave a few words left for God. I tell Him I will get to Him in a minute. How important do I make God feel?

Maybe I am the Dirt Bag?

Island Time

We received disappointing news Thursday. Our expected departure date of 3/23/10 was pushed back. The next possible departure 3/25/10, MAYBE or 3/28/10 or 4/1/10 or well I am not thinking past that. The Jamaican government has not had time to review our documentation and without their approval we cannot get our Visa and without a Visa-no travel for the Blacks. Island time has its advantages (you can never be late) and its disadvantages (deadlines do not really exist).

My initial reaction was one of sadness and disappointment. Just five hours earlier I had went through the emotions of preparing myself for the expected phone call "Your approved! See you on the 23rd!" I had the nervous butterfly stomach, the sadness of saying goodbye and the excitement of picturing myself boarding the plane. NOW those feelings are negated and left with uncertainty. The uncertainty did not last long, no we do not have a departure date but God quickly reminded me that He is in control! God knows our days, our hours, our minutes. While the 23rd was "our plan" God showed his grace and intervened. Changing our departure date to an upcoming date that is in His "ideal time."

An hour after all of these events this is what God painted for me (okay that sounds narcissistic) but I appreciated the reminder.

Time

Enjoying my TIME with family

Loving my TIME with old friends

Good use of TIME to speak with supporters

Appreciate TIME to handle financial business

Missing my preschool TIME

Need more Bible TIME

Want TIME to blog about the concepts God is placing on my heart

SURPRISE!

It was a perfect plan, nothing out of the ordinary- show up at the normal time and place for growth group, head up to the youth room b/c the kitchen "was occupied" and BAM! a room full of balloons, streamers, food and my closest friends/family. I am so thankful for my growth group family to realize how important this night was for us. Aaron and I do not like to say goodbye but the time was well spent. As Aaron and I sat on stage one by one our growth group members shared words of encouragment, memories, and sadness; we were humbled. We cried, we laughed, we cried some more. We were blessed by the graciousness of our friends. The intuition of Kimberly to know what we would need (something simple, good food, and time for grieving). We do not deserve the praise they offered but it was like vitamins for our hearts and mind. Reminders of the talents God has placed in us and reflections of how Christ has been growing us for this moment. I do not want to leave this group of wonderful people BUT I am glad that since I am leaving it is these people that will be praying!

The beginning of the end......

A chapter in my/our life is closing and a new adventure awaits. In the next 23 days we will pack up the house we have called home for 4 months, say goodbye to our co-workers/students, couch surf through parents/siblings and friends homes, attend our last gathering of the Branches of Farmland (as regular attenders), pack 3 heavy suitcases and say emotional, tear filled goodbyes-see you laters.

I want my goodbyes to be meaningful. When I say goodbye I want people to know that they have affected my lives enough that I am crying for them. I am so thankful to love and be loved that is is worth every tear, every sob, every ache to spend time expressing my feelings. This is not going to be an easy four weeks but it will be treasured and memorable.

I hope that my friends and family will share in the griefs and joys. Not hesitating to call and cry, stop by to say we will be missed. Life is full of seasons and as our season changes others' lives are changing too. We cannot say good hellos without good goodbyes. As much as I want to get on the plane and avoid the tears, I cannot. This is all part of the experience and I don't want to miss a God moment along the way!

YAY Duck- Our support is increasing! God is confirming our call! (AGAIN!!)

YAY Duck- Moved out a dresser and grill today (less stuff!!)

Yuck Duck-Dresser is for my niece that I will not see on the day of her birth or many other days throughout the year :(

YAY DUCK- My Dad cares enough he wants to see me off at the airport!

YUCK Duck-I have to say goodbye at the airport :(

YAY Duck- March 23rd is almost here!

Yuck Duck- Several Birthdays, Easter and Mother's Day will be here soon too!

Bring on the kleenex! The next four weeks are going to be a roller coaster!

Pair a what?

A great tool we learned at MTI was illustrated in the previous post. With all things in life there are YAY! and YUCK! moments. With the clean duck representing yays and the dirty duck resembling yucks we have a pair of ducks or PARADOX!

At times leaving for Jamaica is a YAY duck and other times YUCK! Today at work as I had preschoolers climb on my lap asking Ms Melissa to read, I was sad and thought of how I would miss these children and the joy they posses. Then I think of all the new children I am going to meet, hold on my lap, offer food to and mentor, I am then filled with excitement. The excited feeling does not take away from the sad feeling so I am left with tears and happiness!

Audrey is dealing with her own YAY duck and Yuck duck right now. She is sad to leave Farmland but has asked multiple times to look at the picture of her week "new neighbors." She is so excited to make friends with the families that will live down the road from us but she is so sad to leave her home in Farmland.

God's word shows us many times that one emotion cannot come without another:

2 Cor 4:17

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

1 Peter 4: 12-13 Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Psalm 30:5

For His anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

New Series

It has been brought to my attention that I need to look to the Bible for practical advice.

Some areas I will be reviewing include:

Grief/Loss

Womanly behavior/Loving Wife

Rest/Stillness/Sabbath

Raising Children

Bribery

Here is where I need help......do you have a practical topic that would be nice to scripture references for?

When I do discuss a topic and related scripture please feel free to throw in other scripture!

Giving is a try....

2 Corinthians 1:3,4

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (New International Version)

The God of All Comfort

³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Message)

The Rescue

^3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.

Held Hostage

Today I was held hostage by a terrorist group, I was forced to sit quietly in a small, dark area with 9 other Christians. We did not know how long we would be in this place but the gun shots, artillery, and terrorist soldiers right next to our hide out were frightening. Time seemed to stand still when flashlights lingered near the entrance of our hideout and soldiers banged up against the walls. I knew my children had been evacuated but did not know where Aaron was. I was chosen to evacuate upon the arrival of a rescue plane but quickly sent back into hiding when the mission was aborted. I then had to make the hardest decision of my life and help choose who from or group would be executed for the safety of the rest of the group. Tears flowed down my face as I heard the two men be ordered to the ground and a gun shot for each life. I pictured telling the wife of one of the men that his last request was to tell her "he loved her" and how sorry I was that his life was taken over mine. My thoughts quickly turned to my husband and knowing his leadership style if he was in a similar circumstance that he was dead because he would volunteer his life for the safety of others. Without having another moment to think the terrorist came into our hiding place and took two more victims. Within seconds there were two more gunshots and two more wives without husbands and four children without fathers. My body shook and the tears were flowing but I did not say a word.....was I next? Was I prepared to die?

Thankfully I did not have to make this decision, the simulation ended. Yes, the SIMULATION but it was the realest simulation I have ever been in. As I found Aaron in the group of people going through another simulation (similar to mine) I buried my head in his chest and cried. Upon gaining my senses I looked around to see most of the group was or had been crying.

What did I learn?

I was able to pray and praise God up until executions took place and then I was too frazzled.

My mind did not allow me to think of more than I could handle. I did not put any thought into my children other than knowing they were safe. Emotionally I could not handle thinking about what would happen to my children if I was not able to get them meals, if I could not tuck them, if I never saw them again.

There are women in this small community at MTI that can read me and care for me like they have known me for years not 1 1/2 weeks.

I love my husband and rely on him for strength.

Weekend that Was

This weekend was full of fun and adventure! We went to Focus on The Family (great great place), Seven Cliff Falls, a journey up the mountains and drove around Garden of the Gods (this is a place we will revisit). On Sunday we visited Log Cabin Church and that it was :) The people there were so friendly and welcoming. For lunch we went to Chili's with 4 other families and had a wonderful time eating and talking.

I am so thankful to have this time in Colorado. We do not have television or internet in our room and there is no cable throughout the entire place so there is large amounts of time spent building relationships. Aaron and I have had fun spending time with our kids, with each other and with all of our new friends.

I am learning so much about myself and how I view others. My relationship with Christ is growing deeper and I am often left pondering "How much more can I be stretched?" Stretching is a good thing but very tiring and at some points confusing. I am excited for the next 1 1/2 weeks and look forward to all that they have to offer!

2 Quotes From The Day

1. Integrity = The people who know you the best, trust you the most.

2. If you cannot thank your father for the way he loved your mother, you are from a dysfunctional family.

*Josh McDowell*

We are here!

We had a great trip, filled with many small blessings!

*Last night we met a very friendly hotel receptionist who gave us excellent directions to a different hotel that would accommodate our needs better.

*A flight attendant gave us lots of extra snacks, just because!

*On the small plane our row had the only vacant seat on the plane (more space for us :)

*Our kids were excellent! The slept the entire second flight, just in time to arrive in Colorado Springs :)

Aaron right outside our room

Braylon escaped our room and tried to climb Pike's Peak :)

It was tough but he is strong......

and he did it!

This is the playground directly outside our room! The weather is warm enough that the kids played for 1/2 hour today.

Zoomed in view of our skyline.

BORED in the airport!

I can tell that our time here will be filled with fun, love, laughter, tears, learning and encouragement. All the people here are amazing! Thank you to everyone who has been and is praying for us! Your prayers are being answered!

Back At It

With a long hiatus I am back to the blogging world!

So much has happened/changed since my last post so I will do a quick update

I love my job at Little Learners!

Braylon loves daycare and Ms Debbie :)

Audrey is a smarty pants (okay somethings have not changed)

We are leaving for Colorado Springs, CO in the morning for missionary training

Are departure date for Jamaica is tentatively scheduled for March 2oth!!!!!

More to come soon....