Expectations Surpassed

One of our great expectations for this week was to see the change and progress at Jacob's Ladder. After departing Sophie's early this morning to make the hour and a half drive, we were not disappointed when we arrived. Pulling into the driveway we were immediately met with the sight of four new cottages which we later learned were constructed with the blocks made from their very own block-making machine.

After morning devotions with the residents, we went for a tour of the 152 acres of property.  Our first stop was to visit the rabbits, pigs, goats, and sheep and the open-field gardens where they grow pumpkins, callaloo, and sweet potatoes to serve as a food source for the residents of Jacob's Ladder and the other apostolates in Kingston.  As we made our way up the property, we saw the aquaponics which were a new addition since our last visit in 2011.  There is a tank of breeder fish and other tanks of farmable talapia.  The water from the tanks is also used to grow kale, corn, and scallions.

We walked past the improved water catchment that we had heard so much about the plans for on previous trips. It was exciting to actually see the finished result, which was even more impressive than we ever imagined.  Then we moved on to the greenhouses which had doubled in number since the last time we were here when some of the greenhouses had been destroyed by hurricanes.  We saw the newly planted tomatoes and walked through the rows of sweet peppers.

The final stop on our tour was the new Care Plus Center of Excellence where the residents go for different activities throughout the day.  There is an arts and crafts room, a sewing room, a kitchen for home ec projects like baking, and a computer room. Every day the residents get to choose which activities they want to do.  There is a large stage at the front of the Care Plus Center for dance rehearsals. After afternoon devotion, we were treated to a dance show from Jason and Camille who were quick to learn some new moves from Kristina.  It was hard tell who was having more fun, but we're pretty sure it was Kristina.

For our work project, we split off into three teams to paint three different rooms. We quickly learned how difficult it is to paint ceilings.  Mark's face held the evidence.

After concluding our work day, we joined the residents in the Care Plus Center for movie night and makeovers. While some settled in to watch Smallville, the girls on our team set up with makeup and nail polish for makeovers for the ladies of Jacob's Ladder.  The ladies' faces lit up as they put on their polish, eye shadow, and lipstick of choice.

Every year it always so great to see the progress that Mustard Seed has made since we had been there last.  The growth of the organization from year to year is always impressive, but this year especially there has been an increase in the structure of the day-to-day activities of the residents that highlights the direction that the organization is taking to meet the specific needs of each of the children that Mustard Seed cares for.

We can't wait to see what the future holds and to be a "rookie" again next year!

Jordan (6th Year) and Meaghan (5th Year)