Sunday, October 30, 2016

Jerk chicken with rice and peas (peas = pinto beans). 

We did it! We ate at a Jamaican cook shop for the first time. We were in Spanish Town to deliver some things to the elders there, and since they've helped us out several times, we wanted to buy them lunch. They introduced us to one of their favorite places just down the road from the church building. We have been a little nervous about buying food from one of these restaurants, but we trusted the elders' choice and were not disappointed. The food was quite good. 

This week we had the joy of delivering some audio/visual equipment as part of the final stages of a preschool project. The kids and staff were so excited. While Buddy and a young man on the staff (the principal's son who is waiting on his mission call) were setting things up, I had the fun opportunity to read and sing with the kids. When I first sat down, several of the little ones came over to touch my hair and skin. They were very curious about this faired-skinned, gray-haired lady. There was a little bit of competition as to who would get to sit closest to me - of course, I loved every moment.

They're watching Barney - a universal favorite. 

It was the only DVD available at the moment, but we were told 

they would have some educational videos to watch soon. 

 Some of the kids were much more interested in watching the video 

than getting their pictures taken. 

We also delivered some stepping stones to this school a couple of weeks ago so they wouldn't have to walk in the mud out to the kitchen and the rest rooms. They did a such cute job of laying the stones.  

We love the little part we are able to play in the fulfillment of such projects and especially being able to hear the heartfelt expressions of gratitude - not to us, but to Jesus Christ - for the answers to their prayers. That is exactly as it should be.  

Otherwise, this week was not as busy as previous ones have been. We are at the point of waiting for several partnering organizations to get back to us regarding projects. We of course continue to use our time seeking out ways we can help the great people of Jamaica. 

Today, we attended Sunday meetings at the Spanish Town 1st Ward. We enjoyed meeting new friends and look forward to future service opportunities in this community. In the Gospel Principles class today, the lesson was on temple work and family history. One of the fine elders led a good discussion, but it is difficult for investigators and even many of the members to understand and to relate to the blessings of the temple since there is no temple here in Jamaica. The closest temple is in the Dominican Republic and few have had the opportunity to travel there or to any temple. We pray every day that the time will soon come for a temple to be built here so everyone can have the eternal blessings afforded by the temple ordinances. During almost every Sacrament meeting we've attended so far there has been a confirmation of a newly baptized member or an announcement of an upcoming baptism. We are excited to see the Church growing here and know that in due time the Jamaican Saints will have the blessing of a temple in their midst. 

Thank you for your continued love and support.