Welcome Back

We've made it here! It was an extra long travel day yesterday, but the troubles seem so small now after a good night's rest, a hot shower, and a cup of exceptional coffee. I am tucked into our 'cafeteria', waiting for everyone to finish their morning preparations, and watching it rain on and off outside. It's quite a nice, reflective start to the week.

Not one person in our team of 33 was stopped or searched in customs. We all walked straight through, and all of our bags, and all of their contents, made it with us. Thank you for all of you that prayed for our safe passage! We stopped on our way to the hotel at Scotchies again, which is an authentic Jerk Stand. What a treat after traveling! We feasted on jerk chicken, jerk pork, pumpkin soup, festival bread, coconut water, and probably a couple of Red Stripes, too.

It has been such a blessing for me that as soon as I walked out of the airport, I have been receiving excited 'welcome back' greetings from so many of my Jamaican friends. It's really quite fun to see God at work building community amongst the people of this mission. I count myself so very blessed to be here, to be called to this work, to have the means and the ability to do it. What a gift it is to serve. I read this quote this morning from Chan's 'Crazy Love', "We naturally assume that if we look out for our own interests and concerns, we will be happy. But, people who sacrifice for others will tell you that seasons of giving are the most rewarding." Amen to that.