What better to start off this week's post than with a weather report.
Not quite a "Blue Norther" like we used to call a cold snap in Texas, but it is certainly cooler than usual here this weekend. Earlier in the week, it was extremely hot, and when the humidity was figured in, it was well above 100 every day.
Two days ago.
You can see why the lower temperatures today are welcomed.
We'll enjoy the cooler weather we're experiencing at the moment and hope that it's not "batten down the hatches" in a few days. There are some bigger storms brewing out in the Atlantic; we'll see. We sure don't want to have the major flooding like back in May and June. A lot of people were affected by that and are still recovering. We hope and pray there won't be any tropical storms or hurricanes coming our way.
It's so unusual for us to spend a full week in Kingston and two in a row was unheard of, but we did just that again this past week. We had several meetings and activities, but they were all in the Kingston area. With the heat, we were fine with staying close to home and being in either our air conditioned truck or apartment as much as possible.
Major Initiative: Vision Project 2017
We are in preparation mode for a busy week ahead. We will welcome and host Dr. and Mrs. Hunsaker Tuesday through Saturday. Dr. Hunsaker is a vision specialist from Utah who is coming to provide training for some new vision equipment donated to Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and University Hospital of West Indies (UHWI) both located here in Kingston. We were able to meet with the partnering doctors at KPH to make plans for the training and the Handing Over Ceremony, and we have been able to coordinate all the plans with UHWI by email. We always appreciate the gracious assistance we receive from the professionals involved with these projects.
This past week, we also continued our work on a smaller project in the Hamilton Gardens community in Portmore. We were able to purchase some much needed kitchen equipment for a small community school. Everything will be delivered this week. Pictures to follow.
Since Independence Day falls on Sunday this year, tomorrow is a National Holiday. There is a Grand Gala at National Stadium today and tomorrow with parades and fireworks, but it's best for us to stay out of the way of the celebrating. The Jamaican people are very proud of their independence; as they should be. We certainly pray for prosperity and peace for Jamaica's future.
Jamaican Independence August 6, 1962
(We thought we'd share this historical video.)
As we begin our second year serving in Jamaica, we reflect on all the amazing and miraculous things we have been able to experience and be part of this past year.
Buddy's thoughts:
The opportunity to serve as Senior Missionaries in a foreign country has really opened our eyes to how deeply our Father in Heaven, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His church love all of His children. We are all precious to Him, and He is mindful of each of us. Our service to the Jamaican people has brought us into contact with poverty that is not understood by most Americans. But in their poverty, these wonderful brothers and sisters find joy in the things that matter the most. They are deeply religious, full of faith, and love their families. The struggles of life are just that, life. They give thanks each day for another day to be alive. When asked, "How are you doing today?" Jamaicans usually say, "All right, so far. I give thanks that I am alive; with life, anything is possible."
As we go about our days, let us be thankful for our lives, our faith, and our families. There is so much we take for granted; so much of our energy is expended as we chase after things that don't really matter. We need to take time to hug those who are the most important, take time to express our gratitude for life to our Eternal Father, and take time to serve our brothers and sisters in whatever way is best. This certainly will make a difference in us and in those we serve.
Until next week, we love you all.......
We completely agree with your comments about how the Saints and others who we consider living in poverty do not sink down in despair but look to the bright side of their lives. They thank their Father in Heaven and do their best to keep the commandments. I was surprised to see a comment by Sister Stewart on E/S Newton's blog. We are glad you are keeping up with what the others are doing. We just said goodbye to our latest group of Welfare couples who are leaving to touch the lives of people all over the world.
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