And the lighting strikes at CCCD July 15, 2008

LITERALLY!

 

The lighting hit CCCDcampus! It was SCARY but very cool! It blew out the phone lines and modems all over the campus! We were without phones for two weeks and then for another two weeks with no access to the Internets! That’s why I wasn’t able to do my weekly updates. My apologies!

 

 

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings from Peoria! You read that right, I’m back in the States as of July 12th after staying in Jamaica for 5 1/2 months. It’s been hectic around here…visiting with a friend, and two days with my sisters who were in town from Joliet and California for the weekend. Now it’s just me back at my parents’ house. My parents are on their 5 weeks long journey out west since July 1st. So, I won’t be seeing them for another 3 weeks.

God certainly has used me in every possible ways, towards the children, the staff, the work team members, and even towards myself. It’s amazing how God could plan all this to work out! God is good, at all times!!

During the first 2 months, it was mostly spent on getting the feel of how things are done around the campus. Then I started to be able to feel comfortable with sharing some ideas, perspectives etc in regards to how children learn. Then the last month was spent on becoming more close with everyone.

The children…they thought that I’m a work team member and like those ‘one week team members’, I’m sweet and always letting them do whatever they want. Not me. I drew the line at when I need to be strict with them. The children were surprised at that. Even a student told me that the girls talked about me in the dorm one night, discussing at how they were surprised I got serious with them. They started to respect me then and during the last 1 or 2 months, they started to feel that they could confide in me with their troubles, or just to be their friend. Sadly, few have come to me feeling that they could trust me more than they could trust the staff.

The staff…. sadly, they’re divided into 2 groups, hearing and deaf. They feel the other staff are not easily trusted. I’m with the children all day, the evenings are spent with my adult friends. So, after while, they trusted in me and we’ve become personal friends. Oh, I wish I could share what they’ve shared with me. I’m always constantly praying for the staff everyday.

The work teams…. I’ve been blessed to have developed some friendships with some of the members from all over the states. They were able to ask me about my experiences, about some things I know about typical Jamaican life etc… and coming from a Deaf person like me, I may have opened their eyes on how it really is here in Jamaica. There was this one gal from Indiana who was here for the last 7 weeks of school, Krista mentioned to me how she felt that God has used me to be of a support system for her in regards to help her understand the cultures better etc…

And myself…. this experience certainly has improved my personal relationship with God. That’s the most important thing in all this. God has taught me about patience, humbleness, willingness, listening with caring heart and love.

As you can see, all this would have not been possible without your prayers and financial supports. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for everything!! Even the once-in-a-while emails, comments on the blogs, and personal letters sent to me throughout the 5 months certainly has been of an encouragement for me. Thank you again for everything!!

I have no idea what is in God’s plans for me in terms of going back to Jamaica. If not able to come back in September, my church has a Mininstry work team trip planned for October and I’m sure to join in on this trip. If God touches your heart to continue to give me the financial supports, gladly accepted! Email me if you need some more information on where to send the financial supports.

 

Blessings!

ON TO VICTORY!!!!

The JAMerican Gal

EXAM EXAM, EXAM and EXAMS! June 17, 2008

It’s the end-of-term exam week.

 

PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN TO DO THEIR BEST!

A New Week June 10, 2008

So far, this has been a much better of a week than last week! Thank you all for your prayers!  Yesterday I subbed for the teacher that I usually work with. She called in off from work so I took care of the class.

 

The Dance team…. They got 2nd place for the dance cagetory they competed in!!! Also they got an award for the best costumes! AND an award for the best dance teacher! CONGRATULATIONS to the Montego Bay CCCD’s Dance team!!!!

 

PRAY FOR:

*Students preparing for the end of term exams this week. The exams are next week. Pray that they’ll do their best as we all encourage them to!

*Pray for the students as they’d be heading home for the summer. It will be hard for some of them to be back at home. Pray for them.

*Pray for me as I prepare myself for doing a 30 minutes presentation at the CCCD teachers’ training week. 

*Pray for April Cox- she’s the wife of the Pastor who are staying here until end of July. She has shingles. She’s been staying inside her home for the last 3 days. Pray for her. I’m sure it isn’t easy!

* Continue to pray for the children, staff and me everyday!!!

Jammin’ Birthday in Jamaica!! June 3, 2008

Actually we weren’t jammin’ it up. Friday was my birthday. I was being secretive about that but only 4 staff knew it was my birthday. I begged that they do not throw me a party. Personally, I don’t like being in the spotlight, and also I know money is tight enough for them so I don’t need gifts from them. Just saying “Happy Birthday” means that they remembered and that means lot to me.

 

I woke up at about 6:30am and to my surprise, I had a text message from Reid wishing me a Happy Birthday and that he hoped I have a great day and may God bless me with many more years.

 

At chapel, as they just finished performing a program for the work team that was here through the week, Russell was about to close with a prayer but Reid interrupted her and said it was my birthday. So, I HAD to go up front. I of course tried to pull a trick on them saying it’s not today! It’s a wrong day. etc….  Miss Russell said that at least she wasn’t asking how old I am. Hahaha

 

They all started singing “Happy Birthday” to me….  they sang the first verse, then they usually sing “May the good Lord bless you” but this time Russell added something else which made it fun. Here’s the song they sang…

 

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Dear Amy,

Happy Birthday to you!

How old are you?

How old are you?

How old are you?

May the good Lord Bless you!

May the good Lord Bless you!

May the good Lord bless you

Many more years!

 

When they sang “How old are you?”

I answered “I don’t know” then “Only God knows” and then I said “only my mom knows”   Hahahaha  It was a good fun!!!

 

We didn’t do anything for my birthday. I got gifts from my family that were sent with Sue and Randy Sanders couple weeks ago. Also the OTV mission team chipped in on a gift for me. (THANK YOU GUYS!!!! That was so sweet of you all !!! Sue- please email me with Charnell and Eve’s email address. Thanks!) Overall, my birthday was a good day.

 

PRAY FOR:

ME- I’m kind of feeling a bit unmotivated this week. 

*And continue to pray that I reachout to the staff and the children daily. I noticed one staff, Andicea becoming close to me and confiding in me with some of the issues she has been dealing with. I think she sees me as a great example and wants to “copy” that. She’s been asking me questions and sharing. We say we are best friends. I say “my Jamaican best friend”. ;-) Pray that I continue to be a light towards her, that my actions and words is from God reaching out to her. But not only her but to other staff as well.  

*Also pray that I’d be able to come back in September.  

Dance team- they’re traveling to Kingston for a national dance competition. They left this morning at 5AM! Pray for their safety. Pray that they dance their best and that they do it FOR God.

Plattners Family- they found out they were not granted an extension stay in Jamaica, so they are to travel back home on Friday morning. They’ve been serving at JDV and Knockpatrick CCCD since May. Pray for their safe travel back to Peoria area. Also pray that they’d be able to come back to Jamaica soon. Keri had ideas and was ready to get started on those things and disappointed to not do them.

The Cox Family- they’re the family who are here at MB CCCD until end of July. Keith has been preaching every Sunday mornings which gives the staff a break from doing church services. It’s been good. Pray that the children will be touched by his sermons, change their hearts and give their life to Jesus.

Staff & Children- The staff… I think they’re like me, unmotivated these days. It’s probably just a burn-out thing. They’re ready for school to be done. They’ve been working on preparing the students for the end-of-term exams which will be in two weeks. Pray for the children as they are preparing for the exams. And also for those who has not yet accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.

 

PRAISE GOD:

Racquel- she’s a 8th grade student. After the 2 weeks holidays back in March, she didn’t return to school due to no financial for tuition. She returned yesterday. I’ve missed her. She was always very converstational with me, asking questions etc… It was SO good to see her. She said that her father still didn’t have the money but let her come anyway for the last month. That just was hard to hear. That’s why the sponsorship from America is NEEDED! Praise God she’s back for the last month. She said that she studied through the last two months at home, and remembered my encouragements, the things I taught her etc… she even hung on to some questions she had in mind to ask me. Amazing sweet gal!! It’s good to have her back.

Weekend with Jamaican! May 27, 2008

Sandra who is a new teacher at CCCD, replacing Ms. Frazier invited me to stay at her house for the weekend. Mainly, it was a way to improve her signing skills after being with me for 24 hours for 4 days. She certainly improved! But also it was an opportunity for me to get out of CCCD for the long holiday weekend. Most of the staff had gone home visiting their families for the weekend. Sandra knew I’d be so bored here. It was so nice of her to invite me over.

 

Thursday morning, she and her husband came to pick me up (they have their own van) and we hung out downstairs with Reid. She and her husband, Gary were deciding on a song to sign for at church. We practiced for a while. Then went to her house. As we pulled into their yard, we had to go in the back of the house. It was so dark! It was on a hill and very rocky. WOW! That was hard! I have somewhat a bad balance in the dark so rocky hill doesn’t help me get to the staircase easily. Made it with hanging on to Sandra. Now, the staircase… it was just wood…. maybe 6 inches long and 2 feet wide boards. AND the first 4 steps doesn’t have any railings! So, it was scary to go up there in the dark too. I felt like a 3 years old climbing the staircase, using my hands on the steps. Heh

 

First night, they gave up their bed and made me sleep in there. I felt sooo bad! I said I could sleep on the couch. But I wasn’t gonna argue with them. :-)   Got up at 6am. yikes! They came from outside into the bedroom bringing the mattress in to put under the bed. I thought…. they slept out on the vernada???!!!!  It’s like a balcony. Nooo, they slept in the living room. WHEW!!! Almost made me feel SO bad!  heh

 

We got up so early because we had to go to CCCD and pick up Reid and go out to Mandeville area. Gary’s family tagged along too. We dropped Reid off at a place then we went on to Gary’s Great-Aunt’s house. We all hung out at the vernada of her house all afternoon. They all ate sugar cane, shedding and cutting passing around canes. I had maybe 6 inches cane and that was it for me. Everyone else could eat one whole cane wihch is like 4 feet long!

 

Saturday, I woke up to no water to shower!! Gary got a bucket of water and brought to the tub. laid out a big bowl for me. It was for me to do a “hospital bath”. That was an experience. Something that they probably deal with so often.  Anyways, we just stayed at home all day. They practiced signing their song for church for most of the day. I sat on the beam of the balcony. It’s funny because I wondered why Jamaicans do that LOT! Hanging out at the vernada. I understand now why…. it’s lot cooler outside rather than being inside the little house.

 

Sunday, they were up at 5:30 am, trying to decide what to wear and all that! SO EARLY !!!  Heh

Went to church with them. The Pastor was back at church for the first time after 4 strokes, and he had been laid up for 4 years! He was back that Sunday, walking and talking a little bit. It was teary moment for everyone.

 

Afternoon was spent at home, again, they were going to perform Sunday night so they had to decide what to wear etc… took HOURS of deciding what to wear, wanting both to match. And they practiced few more times.

 

Evening…. waited for an hour to start church. It was supposed to be at 6 but we were one of the 2 families to arrive and no one else showed up until 7ish. Yikes!  The evening was sort of like a Talent Show. It was so funny! bunch of laughs!!! Gary was performing a dance with 2 other members and they all were just so funny!!!!  He can’t dance…. but his father was so shocked and stood up and said “WHAT?!? I never knew my boy could move!”  We all dropped laughing!!!!!!!!

 

I got back to CCCD at 10:30pm. It was a wonderful weekend!!! Oh, throughout the weekend, I got my “American Fix”. As weird as it may sound to you… It was being able to watch American tv shows and movies. They had cable tv. I even got to watch one of my favorite movies. I even watched commericals. Back in the States, I wouldn’t watch any commericals, I’d get up, go bathroom, get some snacks or a drink… or even flip the channels for a few minutes. But here, I watched the commericals and laughed at some of them. It was a good weekend.

 

 

Just for you DAD! May 22, 2008

(Background info for other than families) Every time my family and I go on a vacation, we ALWAYS find a cannon! And we have pictures taken with the cannon. It just because a joke in our family having to take a picture with the cannon. Well, at the lighthouse in Negril, I saw this cannon and had to have a picture taken with it.

 

Here it is, for you Dad!  Love ya!!!!

OTV comes to MoBay!! May 22, 2008

The On To Victory! Ministries came to MoBay last week to minister to the children and staff at CCCD.

This picture was taken at the Pork Pit where I took them to eat some jerked pork/chicken.  (Front row L-R: Sue Sanders, Randy Sanders, Nora; Back row L-R: Eve, Charnell, and me) Eve is from Minnestona, and Charnell is from New York- and a very good friends of Lois Dungan, a board member of CCCD. 

 

It was a great week for me. I put myself out of the routine and put myself in with the work team. It was just what I needed! A break from routine. It did me good. It was a wonderful week. The children enjoyed learning the screenboards to help them remember the stories better about God’s creation, Adam and Eve, and Cain n’ Abel.

I rented a van for the week so this way the driver would continue to run errands and not go in between with taking us to places and all that. And as well as to give Miss Russell a chance to do her office work … giving her a break from juggling between jobs.  Saturday, (Charnell left on Friday, and Eve flew out late morning of Saturday) I took Randy, Sue, Nora, and Krista (She’s here for 6 weeks helping out at the school in the classrooms.) I took them to Negril which is about an hour drive. Went to see a lighthouse because Nora loves lighthouse and had never seen one upclose. So I made that possible for her! Then we hung out at the beach for the afternoon…. Randy and I rented a jetski which was a blast!!!! It’s way much better than jetskiin’ in the lake! (Sorry Cousin Nancy! but I still love jetskiin’ anywhere!) :-)  It was a blast!  Then after that, I took them to Rick’s Cafe…. there’s a cliff to jump off from!  55 feet into 20 feet deep of the Caribbean Sea! Now, that was AWESOME!!!! Nora and I braved this jump! There was a lower level to jump from but we opted for the highest one. 

This week, it was a short week at school because Tuesday was the Children’s Fun Day. We took them out to the Apple Valley. They had “pools” and pond to ride the paddle boats, fishing etc… The children enjoyed their day!! They were SOOOOOOOO tired the next day! And, School’s out today and tomorrow becuause tomorrow is Labour Day weekend. So, no school!

 Today, I’ll be going to a teacher’s house for a few days. She knew everyone’s gone home for the weekend and that I’d be kinda bored so she invited me to her place and hang out with her and her husband. That’s gonna be fun. She’s the newest teacher replacing the teacher who left back in end of March. She’s learning sign language. So, having me over at her house…. that’s gonna help her improve her signing skills I’m sure. PRAY for that!  Her husband even joined a sign class offered by Mr. Reid.

I apologize for not being able to blog for the past few weeks. Some of you have emailed me in the meantime. I’ve not been able to access to internet for two weeks before last week. Then last week, OTV team were here which kept me from checking emails etc…. and now I’m on a break…. I’m finally caught up on my emails and all that. My apologies but thanks for your patience in waiting to hear the latests.

 

PRAY FOR:

This weekend as I spend the few nights at Sandra’s house.

Children that they’ll get to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Staff/Children as most of them have or will be traveling home to visit their families this weekend.

“Aunt” Nancy…. this is an aunt of very close family friends of mine….I got an email on my pager stating that they had just learned that Aunt Nancy is dying of cancer and that it’s spread all over her body. She isn’t saved and the family friends are praying that she will accept Jesus Christ before it’s her time. This has been a constant issue with the family. Pray that God will show Himself to her and as well as comfort her in time of pain and all. Pray for the family as they deal with losing her. Im sad that I can’t be there for the family friends because they’re special in my life. But they know I’m here and praying for them during this hard time.

 

God Bless!

Miss you all !!!

Jamaica Crusade May 3, 2008

This weekend is the Jamaica Crusade at the Dump Bay in MoBay. The team of 300 people from San Diego area hosted this event. Last night alone, there was about 40 deaf people there! About 10 travelled from St. Elizabeth to this event. It was awesome! From 3-6pm, there were extreme sports… such as biking, skateboard, and dirtbike shows. They were pretty awesome. The dirtbike was the one I really enjoyed! After the shows, they all gave testimonies which I didn’t get to hear because there wasn’t any interpreter for this part.

I’ll include a picture from the concert another time. The concert was awesome!! The Jamaican teachers from CCCD and JCSD volunteered to interpret the services. Tonight is another concert as well and some of us are going again! Lookin’ forward to another night of inspiration!

Jesse, from San Diego will be preaching the chapel at CCCD tomorrow morning.

PRAY FOR:  

Pray that there’ll be more deaf people coming tonight as well.

Pray for the two deaf San Diegoans as they volunteer their time there and outreach to the deaf community.

Pray for Jesse and Robert as they gospel to the children at CCCD.

BBW! May 1, 2008

BLESSED BUSY WEEK!!!

Last week was a very busy week. We were preparing for a fundraising event for Friday….  Fish Fry. It was alright. Not as good as we expected it would be. Only God knows why. It still was a fun day!  Immediately after the Fish Fry event at CCCD, we took all children to a cruise ship. They sell books etc… well, on this cruise, there was a team doing mission trip reaching out to the Deaf. They invited us to the ship. We watched a deaf/cartoon movie, “The Godman”  It was REALLY NEAT! Then had dinner. On Saturday morning, I visited with the Plattners Family for a short time before they headed off to Knockpatrick. And the team from the BookShip came to CCCD to do few light work around the campus. They also did some crafts and shared story of how to become Saved by using the cube. It was really neat!

This week… There is a team from San Diego, California, a team of 3 people. Nope, it isn’t my sister from San Diego! That’d be really nice though. ;-)    Anyways, this team has 2 deaf guys and a hearing woman. They are spending the week at JCSD- Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf. They came to CCCD on Tuesday to perform for us and do some arts and crafts. They were awesome! Today, they are providing a workshop on teaching Reading to the Deaf Children. They’ve invited our CCCDteachers to participate. We all are going! Exciting!  If I’m in San Diego area visiting my sister and her family, I’m gonna be visiting with Robert, Jesse and Michele as well!

This team is 3 of about 300 members, the rest are preparing for this extreme fun event out at the Dump Bay (by downtown MoBay) and they will have preaching, music, Jamaican Gospels etc…. and it will be interpreted!!!!  This takes place on Friday and Saturday.  PRAY that deaf people will be outreached.

On a sad note, Miss Russell’s nephew who was a 22 years old died from a gunshot. He was at a party and went outside, talking with some friends. Apparently it was a driveby shooting. She knew he wasn’t saved. She used this example to the children about the fact he hasn’t been saved and now he’s suffering in Hell.  Please be praying for Miss Russell and her family as they deal with the loss of her nephew.

PRAY FOR:

* This weekend, that the San Diego team will reachout to the deaf community at the Fest.

* Miss Russell and her family as they grieve for the loss of her nephew.

* On To Victory! Ministries Mission Team from Peoria, IL as they prepare themselves for their mission trip to MoBay CCCD on May 12-18th. Pray that God will use them to reach out to the students and staff here.

* Continue to pray for me as I am here everyday and that God will use me in every way…. to the children, the staff and as well as to the Deaf Community.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST! April 19, 2008

Please pray for the Huber Family. They’re a missionary family at the JDV,Jamaica Deaf Village. They’re a family with 5 children. Pam Huber was expecting twins and to be flying back to the States to have the twins  in June. However, Wednesday, she went into early labor and had the twins. The twins- Lauren and Lucas had to be in the incubators for oxygen. While stabilizing the twins to be transported to MoBay, Lauren passed away. Lucas is still being hospitalized.

 

This brings back memories that’s “too close to home” for me. A family friends of mine had lost a 2 months old daughter I had been babysitting 3-4 times a week for the whole two months. It was almost as if I lost family of my own. I know it’s got to be really hard on the family right now.

I met the family first weekend of April. We had a “church services” at the Plattners “home”. I got to meet the rest of the family for the first time. Such a sweet family, very nice children….  Pray for them all.

*Pray for the Huber family.

*Pray for Lucas.

*And Pray for the Embassy to allow him to go to the States without a passport.