Great Expectations

Whether it's your first year or your eighth, everyone comes into the trip with some sort of expectations. This being our sixth and fifth times coming to Jamaica with Mustard Seed, we figured we knew how most things would go this week. Some things are the same like the running hugs from Chrissagaye and Donovan. Many things about Sophie's Place, our home for the week, are the same, but others have changed, more than just the added water pressure in the girls' showers. As seasoned veterans eager to greet the familiar faces we have come to know so well, we were quite surprised yesterday to learn that many of the residents have been moved around to different homes. While we were disappointed not to be greeted by our old friends at Sophie's, we quickly realized that these changes reflect the growth and improvements at Mustard Seed.

Another familiar part of our routine is attending mass with the residents at the church up the street. While the church, preacher, and choir were the same, our company was different. Lucky for us, this included adorable two-year old Rasheem. The two of us oh so selflessly offered to hold Rasheem throughout the mass. He rewarded us with at least two bottles of spit up, despite not even finishing one (seriously, where did it all come from?!) Even with a soaked spit up rag we wouldn't give him to the caregivers.

There are still some familiar faces at Sophie's like Duran, Tyrese, and Moses and we are quickly getting to know and love the new residents there and are excited to see our old friends when we visit the other homes later in the week.

Another much anticipated visit for the veterans is going to see the boys at Matthew 25:40. Last year, we had a very relaxed visit where we spent a lot of time inside watching WWE. This year, smiling faces greeted us at the gate as the bus pulled up. We wasted no time and let the fun begin. Lisa and Kristina read Captain Underpants to several of the boys, while Andrew, Mark, Mike, and Iryna played football, both Jamaican and American, with the boys. The afternoon passed quickly with sweeties, laughs, high fives (or ones in some cases), and hugs.

All of our expectations being met with surprises proves that every year you really are still a rookie.

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