Lessons of God (Saturday)

An early start to the day (or a late ending to the night), packing the trailer with all of the supplies, stuffing last minute donations into already overflowing suitcases, and we were off to begin our journey.

We know we're supposed to trust in God on this trip but sometimes we forget that until we're tested. We arrived at JFK and attempted to check 20- 50lb bins, 20 suitcases, and 20 carry-ons full of medical supplies, donations, and other important things for the week but this year they told us we couldn't get the baggage fee waived. This is not what we wanted to hear since we were counting on not having to spend that amount of money on luggage. But by the grace of God we met an incredible Jet Blue agent named Faquan who had done mission work in college. He helped us, along with some very passionate begging and a few tears, convince his supervisor to waive the fees and we were able to avoid spending $600 that can now be used to feed the children. Lesson one- trust.

Going anywhere with 20 people can be difficult but add in international travel, no sleep, and some very thorough custom agents and we were very thankful to make it on to our bus and leave the airport behind us!

After a quick stop for some very delicious Jamaican beef patties, we finally made it to Sophie's Place! We settled in, unpacked, and most of the group headed right downstairs to spend time with the kids. For some of us we saw familiar faces, and for others they were meeting some incredible new friends for the first time. What was striking to some of us was the reality we sometimes forget- these kids are sick. Anthony, one of our favorite kids because of his impact on us in past years, was asleep in one of the back rooms which is not like him. We found out later that shortly after we first saw him he was taken to the hospital. We take for granted that these kids will be here year to year changing lives and it is easy to forget how fragile they are. We know that God has His hand on them and we need to believe that He will always be with them in their good times and their suffering. Lesson two- faith.

After a dinner of dumplings and Hardo bread we were treated to a very special concert by Fr. Ho Lung and Friends with Missionaries of the Poor. While the Jamaica humor and references to cricket were a little hard to follow the pure joy and celebration of Jesus Christ was amazing to see and be a part of. The name of the concert was "Praise Him" and the entire auditorium was so full of faith and passion and just overflowing with Joy in Him. It was humbling to be a part of and such a reminder that in all things including singing and dancing and laughing He is with us. Lesson three - praise.

It wasn't long after we got in the bus to come home that half the team was asleep. It was a long day but one full of trust, faith, and praise. We know we have so much more to experience this week, but day one certainly reminded us of why we are here. Until tomorrow...

Bridget & Michael (6th year, Co-Leaders)