A Special Day

Today was another special day in Jamaica.  I say "special" because while there is no word to describe this experience, it is the closest one I can find.  We awoke bright and early and boarded our bus to head to Kingston to visit the Mustard Seed headquarters called My Father's House.  Just like the rest of the Mustard Seed properties, it was a beautiful place with the sounds of children echoing through the halls.  Our visit started in the gift shop where we had the opportunity to purchase pottery, ceramics, and banana leaf holiday cards made at Mustard Seed, the proceeds of which support the organization.

We were given some delicious Jamaican coffee and were able to have a nice visit with Msgr. Gregory, the founder of Mustard Seed.  As we have seen with the rest of his team, he was extremely approachable and welcoming.  After immediately recognizing the veterans of our team, he gave a warm welcome to each of the first-timers of the group, Jessika, Jen, Lindsay, and me.  A tour of the facility took us to the home of 96.1, the Roots FM.  This is Mustard Seed's community radio station and we were all happy to hear we can listen to it on the internet when we are back in New York.

Next stop, Jerusalem!, a fantastic compound with several housing developments, a farm with goats, chickens, two fish ponds with tilapia, a school, and a chapel.  Yes, it is called "Jersualem!", with the exclamation point.  Iryna, Jessika and I jumped right into our part of the project with our new friends Cedric and Dom as the muscle.  We were cleaning out one of the storage barns and our job was to separate the "good" from the "bad" doors.  It took us a few minutes but we got the hang of it.  We finished up the work project and headed to the chapel for midday devotion with the administrator of Jerusalem!, two residents, and our security escort, Bashy.

Andrew didn't miss a chance to eek out one last work project before joining the group for the end of our tour.  Then it was the time we waited for all day... time to play!  Jessika and I had a parade in the pavilion with a few of the kids while Iryna and Jen helped the Aunties feed the residents.  Jordan and Christina took every chance they could to visit with friends they have created relationships with over the last 7 and 9 years, respectively, that they have been coming on this trip.  We headed over to Martha's House and one of the girls, Monique, was kind enough to design me a beautiful shirt to wear tomorrow.  Lindsay was schooled by the children on how to make rubber band bracelets, happy with herself once she caught on.  One thing that has struck me each time we do arts and crafts is the pride the children have in their country.  They love to draw the Jamaican flag or the Doctor Bird, the official bird of Jamaica.  I have a new affinity for green, yellow, and black!

In our reflection tonight as a group we talked about making an impact on the lives of others.  While we all discussed the ways in which we like to think we impacted the lives of the children of Mustard Seed, we also believe that the greatest impact taking place this week is the one that they have had on us.  I am grateful for the Mustard Seed team and the residents of all ages we have met this week. Thank you to them for truly impacting me and reminding me of all the good in this world.


Britt (Rookie)
http://www.mustardseed.com/goto/NYC