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More than 350 team members + 15 houses built + countless hours of lost sleep + 7 super fantastic awesome summer staff members + 2 incredible bosses + the support of hundreds + Caribbean sun + the thousands of gallons of sweat sweated + ONE AMAZING GOD = one priceless summer than I shall never forget.

This summer has had its ups and downs, its laughs and its tears, its hardships and its fun times but most importantly its memories. This summer has been like nothing I have experienced before. The memories I have made and the friendships I have formed is unlike anything I could have imagined going into this summer. It is hard to believe that this summer is coming to a close and that tomorrow I will be on a plane back to America.

It is amazing when you get seven children of God together under one roof for 11 weeks what all we can accomplish. I can honestly say I love my fellow staff members like my brothers and sisters. Being that they are my brothers and sisters we have fought and gotten mad at each other but in the end we still all loved each other and with that we were able to get through just about anything. I am truly going to miss them and what they have taught me this summer. We all had our quirks but because of it, we are who we are. I know God called each one of us by name to this community. It is my hope that this community will remember us.

I cannot wait to see all my friends and family back home. I have missed them a lot this summer and I know that they are excited to see me. I think the most challenging part of this summer will be trying to explain this summer in a way that people will understand what I experienced.

I just want to say one last thank you to all those who have supported this staff this summer. Without you, none of this would be possible; y’all are just as much apart of this as we were. Thank you for all your prayers and for everything that you have done and do for us. 

Austin

You'd Better Have a Game Plan!

Holy Cow, Words cannot express how much I am going to miss this place! We just returned to Harmons from our last weekend of the summer in Ochie. I can't believe I'm about to say this but I'm even going to miss the good 'ol Silver Seas! That little contraption you see there was my enhancement to our not so, well maybe, somewhat cool air conditioning during our stay last night. On a serious note, on the way home I think some things finally started to sink in... 1.) I've just spent an entire summer in a forging country serving my Beloved Savior (What an awesome feeling!) 2.) In just five short days I'm going to be leaving this forging country where I not only got to serve my Beloved Savior but some pretty amazing people as well. The great thing though is that those five days we have hardly any responsibility. Therefore we have MASS amounts of time to spend out with our mentos and the rest of the Harmons community. I'm so thankful for a little time to step back and let these people know how much they mean to me. It's hard for me to believe that I've just spent  2 1/2 months here but It'd be even harder to imagine my life without this experience now. I'm beyond grateful that God chose me to come here and I have no doubt in my mind I made the right decision making the commitment. As most of you probably know, the Won by One slogan is "changing lives by changing lives."  I'm certain that my life has been changed and I could guarantee you that several Jamaican's as well as American team members (and non-team members) have been touched by the very hands of Christ Himself. I cannot wait to come home and share with my family and friends all the stories and once in a lifetime experiences I have had throughout. One thing I am not completely prepared for are all the questions right away. I've heard several times this week alone in referring to going home, "You'd better have a game plan." It's gonna be a whole new ball game when I get back. God has done some serious transforming in me already and I know He will continue to reveal things to me for a long while to come. I'll be starting a new chapter in my life when I get home as a more mature Christian . I actually saw some great friends at the airport starting their own new chapter. Congratulations to Chris and Brittain Bright! I'm sad that I had to miss the wedding but so thankful I got to see them at the airport! They did however give me a little taste of home which made me all the more eager to get there! At this point Satan is attacking me with the fear of it all but God keeps kicking back with all the excitement I can't help but feel about sharing my story and reuniting with everyone! I just pray that this week takes its time! I'm going to miss alot of people! Love you all dearly! One more time....a HUGE thanks to each and every one of you that have supported me in any way! You are just as much a part of this as me!

Be Blessed

Mel  :)

A Piece of Cake!

Baking adventures!

For those of you who are not up-to-date on your Jamaican holidays, Saturday marks Jamaica's forty ninth birthday. Yep, forty nine years of this wonderful island being its own little territory, free from British rule. And for those of you who aren't aware, Jamaicans are extremely proud of their heritage. Extremely proud, as in ex-patriots flying home to visit family and throwing parties for the last week and a half. So I decided it would be awesome to have a small celebration at the Infirmary, where I have been spending much of my time this summer. The residents are not always aware of what day or even month it is, but nevertheless, I figured they would at least appreciate something small for this treasured holiday. So, with the help of my other staff ladies, I set out to make enough cake for 150 people. Together we made two giant cakes! They didn't necessarily look like something from Food Network, but I was confident that they tasted delightful. Today (we don't go to the Infirmary on Saturdays so the celebration had to be a few days early) we had the privilege of sharing the cake with all the residents. Some of them showed a lot of excitement while others were still groggy from their interrupted nap. I found myself having a growing sense of satisfaction as I fed these people just a tiny piece of cake. It took a few minutes for me to get past the fact that they were licking the icing off my fingers, but, in the end, I was honored to be a foreigner bringing them even just a little bit of joy at their country's holiday. I mean, who am I, a random white girl that comes to visit for 3 months of the summer and knows very little about being born and raised in Jamaica. Yet, as I was passing out a small, insignificant dessert to the residents, I found myself swelling with pride at having the chance to take part in a holiday that I will never truly be able to be a part of. The cake wasn't much, but if I was able to remind the residents of their heritage and renew the pride that they feel to be Jamaican, it was much more than what I was hoping for...

                

This week we have had the privilege of having 3 past summer staffers down here visiting their own Jamaican friends and family. It has been great getting to hang out with them and talk to them. One of the guys was talking with me about how I planned to debrief and say goodbye to all my friends at the Infirmary. My original plan was to not think about saying goodbye until the last minute and then to keep my emotions to myself and not talk about what I was going through...not a good plan. Thanks to him, I have changed my plan and have begun to prepare myself mentally for saying goodbye. Yes, it is hard to say goodbye to all of my friends here in Harmons, but I know I will see them again when I come back to visit. I cannot be so sure for my friends at the Infirmary; I might see them when I come back or I might not see them again until we are both rejoicing in Heaven. I am reminded of a verse in Jeremiah (29:11) that says "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Even though I would like to see the people I love when I come back down to visit, I know God has a much bigger and better plan for their lives. Whether it is here on earth or in Heaven, God will be taking care of them and we will be reunited some day! 

With love,

Sarah 

Lifelong Memories

Hey Guys,

                The summer staff has entered their last work week here in Harmons, Jamaica and there is only ten days until we leave. All of this seems to be completely bittersweet. I think we all miss our families and friends back in America, but we all share a love for the place that we have called home for the past ten weeks, a small village in the Manchester Parish of Jamaica known as Harmons. It is coming into all of our realizations that next Friday will be the last time we will see all of our friends here for quite a while. Everyone that we have shared our summer's with, growing closer and making lifetime friendships with will have to stay here while we travel back to the States. There is so much that I will miss when I leave here like dancing in the playfield behind the Harmony House, playing soccer every week with all of my Jamaican friends, and watching some of the Jamaicans interact with their own people at the infirmary. I have seen some incredible things while I have been here and I have been able to watch some of my teenage friends grow into men before my eyes. This has been such a great experience that I myself have been able to grow from and I cannot wait for the chance to come back and visit everyone here and continue developing our relationships.

Until Next Time,

Evan Smith

A slice of paradise

In any location around the world the best places seem to be kept secret by locals and hidden from visitors. Being in Harmon's for as long as I have been you get the privilege of visiting some of these hidden treasures. One of the favorites is a river about 20 minutes away from the Harmony House. After being out on the work sites working under the hot sun all day, swimming in the river is like a slice of heaven. The water is crystal clear, ice cold, the only sound you hear is the jungle and the occasional outburst of laughter from up the river. Not to mention it comes with a tropical canopy keeping the sun at bay. It's also one of Junior's (my mento) favorite places to go. Since this isn't an all inclusive resort you have to deal with the occasional whiff of ganja or a naked Jamaican swimming by, but it's all part of the experience. There's really only two spots to swim, one down below with a few rocks to jump off of or if you walk up the river there's a spot to float around and a runoff that can be used as a cold Jacuzzi. It's also a great place to meet Jamaicans that never come by the Harmony House or even Harmons for the matter. With things winding down the memories from the river will be one of the many things I will take from here, I just wish I could take the river back with me too!

David

Stinky & Tired makes for a good summer!

Hey y'all!

I just hit my three week mark as of yesterday! I can't believe how fast the second half of summer is flying by! Pretty soon I will be landing in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh ready to move on with life, hopefully with a changed heart, mindset, and lifestyle. Even though the end is coming near, I need to remember that God is still working in my life and I need to be open and obedient to listen and respond to what He wants to show me.
I have spent the  majority of this summer sweaty, stinky, and tired. It's been awesome and I wouldn't change a thing about it (other than cliff jumping). And even though most of the staff have hit that mark of being tired and wanting to go home, we have really been challenging and encouraging each other to push on. We need to have as much energy and excitement as we did on the first week of the summer. Somehow through everything, God has given us the strength to keep going on with our work and loving the Americans and Jamaicans that we interact with everyday. It's going to be an amazing three weeks and I"m so excited to see what God is going to do through all of us!!
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and supported us throughout this whole process.
Remember, without Jesus in it, it's all in vain. Pray that there will be many opportunities presented in the time left to share about Him and to love like He does.

Kells

Coming to an end...

Two weeks from today I will be getting ready to get on a plane and fly home. It is hard to believe that this summer is almost over... 

I have learned a lot about myself and who I am. But as David put it we won't know how much we changed until we are back in our "normal" world. We have been hear for so long immerse in this culture with the Jamaicans, it is hard to tell how we have changed. I know how that I have changed but by how much or exactly how I have changed it will be sometime before I know that. 

This week has been a busy week for me. I have been working on the security camera system with one of the team members trying to make sure everything will work fine when I leave. I have been updating computers, trying to make easy step-by-step guides on how to do things and just trying to turn up lose ends. I feel like I have so much to do in so little time. But I know that all things are possible if you put your trust in God. 

Well that is all I have for today, Kelly should be posting another, hopefully longer, blog later today! 

Austin

Time's a Wastin'

Ok so I'm just going to be honest. I've been here for going on 9 weeks, with teams each week and little time to rest. I'm tired. I miss people. I want to be home. Why am I telling y'all this? I'm on a mission trip, life should be perfect; right?  Well after such an amazing and energized first half of the summer that's what I began to think. Here recently I've been getting really homesick and annoyed by silly little things; why in the world is this happening after 9 weeks ...of living (closely) with the same six people, working with youth, and not getting enough sleep? Well here's what God has been slapping me in the face with over the past 12 hours.... 1.) No matter where you're at you will still have moments in the valley. Just because your serving doesn't mean you're any less surrounded by sin and heartache.  2.) It's not about you Melissa. This gospel you are living isn't about your wants, it's about THIER needs. Thankfully this little selfish pity party only lasted a few hours and Glory to God in knowing exactly when and how we as His children need discipline. I've only got 18 days left here in the Harmons. I've got no time to waste in wishing I was back home, I'll be there soon enough. To you I ask for prayer that my patience will grow longer and the amount of grace I give to people become greater. I love you all and as I previously stated I miss you! Thank you so much for the support, encouragement, love, and keeping in contact along the way!

                                  My friend O.J. He loves the Rangers too! 

Be Blessed,

Mel 

My Little Giggle Box

Oh the sweet resounding sound of a three year old giggle! I have grown to LOVE my mento this summer! She has been a joy to be around! In getting to know her I have been blessed with getting to know her family as well! There are four kids in all and I get to see them all the time! They live right next door so all I do is pop my head out and there they are! My ultimate FAVORITE greeting of all time is her 3 year old sister! Nothing brings joy to my life like she does!  It doesn't matter how far I am... if she happens to see me no matter near or far she screams at the top of her baby tiny lungs "RAUREN COME HERE NOW! HUG ME UP!" It is the cutest thing ever. She sprints toward me and jumps in my arms... and then the little giggle box within her just bursts! She is quite the little ball of energy and I love it! My little cousin at home is just like her! All her sillyness, sass, pizzazz, preciousness, wildness, and sheer cuteness reminds me of my cousin Zoey! There is never a day that I don't have a Neesy story. I can always come home and share something that she did that was hilarious! I do believe that one of my favorites is the time she pooted on Sarah's head and thought it was the funniest thing ever, or the time when she  got out of her bath and was chasing me around her yard naked, or just anything and everything she does! It is all adorable! I only wish that I could bottle half the joy and energy she has and take it for myself. When I see her all I think about is how God calls us to walk as children of light. She breaths life! I am blessed to get to love on her and watch her grow. Through all her love, joy, and energy God has taught me so much about what it means to simply love and be a light in the darkness. Thank you God for my sweet Neesy and all her innocent childish ways!

Lauren

One Love

My brother, Demar

One of my favorite things to do when I get a free moment is to play with the Jamaican kids outside. I don't care if we are running around, playing a card game, or "romping" around as they call it. Actually, I have been told many a times that I romp too much...oops. Anyway, it has become a matter of me, Sarah, and them, Demar, Kiaeem, Jordeen, Asanya, etc. hanging out and having a good time. It is not the awkward American on one side and the Jamaican on the other.  No, I would like to think I am now a part of their group. Some of the best memories I have are ones of going over to their houses and simply sitting on a bed talking about trivial things or making jokes. I call some of my closest friends here my "brothers" (which is interesting because they are eleven, just like my real brother). I can honestly say that I have grown to love my Jamaican brothers just as if they were a part of my family. I couldn't imagine life without them.

Although we still have three more weeks, my mind has been slipping to the awful, terrible, disgusting subject of...going home. I miss my American family so much, but I have grown to be so comfortable here in this beautiful community and don't want to think about going back to my old life in the USA. Which brings me to my next point... Our spiritual leader, Jim Newberry, actually prayed an amazing prayer during our retreat week that has stuck with me ever since. It went something like, "And be with our friends back in Harmons, whom we love so much. Friends who are no different from us, except they were born on the other side of the ocean". Hearing these words struck me. It made me really think about the fact that I could have just as easily been born here in Jamaica, like my new brothers. Only by God's wisdom and divine plan was I chosen to be born in Pennsylvania instead of a little village here in Jamaica. Some would say I was lucky to be born in the States. I wouldn't. I would say God had a purpose for me to be born in one country and fall in love with people in another country. He has a purpose for me spending my summer in Harmons.  I would say I am lucky to have two families; my biological family in the States and my other family here, 1500 miles from home.

With love, 

Sarah 

Murphy's Law

I have been calling this summer the summer of Murphy's Law due to all the surprises and curve balls thrown at us. It all started Saturday morning while we were on our way to Ocho Rios. We were happily on our way, some were sleeping, some were reading, some were just enjoying the ride and BOOM flop flop flop flop flop.... The bus had blown a tire. After we pulled over, our driver (aka Creamy) and some of the team changed the tire. It took about 45 minutes before we got back on the road. After that adventure everyone on the bus was wide awake and ready to get to Ochie. However there were two major detours we have to take because of road closures. We were traveling down the first one and traffic was pretty heavy because it was brand new, and the road that was closed was a major road. It didn't help that we had two tanker trucks slowly leading the way. We were crawling along at a slower and slower pace when we finally came to a complete stop. So we sat and waited for about half an hour before we saw all the drivers that had left their car to see what the holdup was sprinting down the hill to get back in their cars before traffic started to move again. The holdup ended up being the tankers blocking the road in order to make a turn. Finally we were on the move again! The rest of the day went on without any problems.

Sunday we dropped the team off said our goodbyes and drove down to get the first group of the next team. The summer staff jumped off and we waited for the first group of the next team ........................................(if the dots don't give it away, we waited for quite some time) Finally Loyd Jackson made a phone call and found out that the flight got cancelled and our group from California was still in California. The next group from Pennsylvania had a very rare holdup in customs so it took them just a bit longer to get out. We were on our way back to Harmons when all of a sudden a flash of lightning and then a giant................ Just playing, the rest of the trip went very smoothly and the team got here safely. The team from Cali got here this afternoon and the forecast the week includes rain, sunshine, and 100% chance of some changed lives.  This weekend has kept the staff on our toes constantly reminding us that none of our plans are set in stone. Part of the job is being quick on your feet and making light of bad situations. God has given us the abilities and gifts in order to do this. When problems arise we need to remember to have a God sized perspective, and trust that he knows best.

On a side note, it was exactly 1 year ago as of Sunday that I came down here for the first time. I had no idea what was coming :)

David

Jamaican Dance Lessons (Bustin' a Move)

Hello Again Everyone,

                Tonight was our Send Off night for the team, or for me my last chance each week to see the Jamaican's dance. I have made it an unsaid goal of mine to learn a Jamaican dance by the time I leave. So far this goal seems to be getting further and further from actually being achieved since I am a white boy from a small town in Texas with two left feet. I am starting to pick up bits and pieces of their style of dance, but to actually have a full dance down by the time I have left seems impossible. My friend Shakir, who I spend a lot of my time with, is a really good dancer and he is trying to teach me. Dancing is such a large part of this culture that I have found the ability to dance and dance well is an easy way to break barriers. So whether or not I get the dance down or not I will continue to try and fail because it helps me have an easy way to break through and converse with the people I spend time with.

                Once again I can't believe how fast this week has gone by. Tomorrow we leave for Ocho Rios and Sunday we pick up another team. The groups from FBC Orlando and Loudon Valley High School have been the perfect remedy to help the summer staff out of retreat week mode and back into life in Harmons.  These groups have been great about getting out and helping in the community and interacting with the Jamaican people. The summer staff has been here for a total of 48 days which feels like a long time when you look at the number, but I can't believe that we only have four weeks left here. Just thinking about that is a crazy concept to me because I still feel like I have so much more that I want to accomplish.

Thanks for Reading,

Evan Smith 

Well Hey There,

Yes it is about 1 AM here in Jamaica I am still up. As much as I wish I could go to bed right now part of my job is computer maintenance. Part of computer maintenance is updating computers. The only way we can have internet here in Harmons is via satellite. While I am very thankful we have internet satellite internet is a pain in the rear. There is a limit on how we can download in 24 hours. So we have to be extremely careful of what we look at and stuff like that. Well in order to do updates the satellite company offers a download zone between the hours of 1 AM and 6 AM. With me being the computer guy I get the fun job of staying up. I really do not mind it. I do it about once a week or so and it gives me time to reflect and look  back on the week and what all God is doing in my life.

This week team has been a great team so far. This team half of them are public high school students from VA and the other group is a group of college students from a church in Orlando FL. I love the dynamics of the college group working with the high schoolers. God has truly been in and among this team. It is so cool to see different relationships forming between the college students and high school students. The college students are able to provide a very different view point to a lot of the other students. They really work well together.

Today was a lot of fun though. This morning I went to the foundation work site. I got to work with the team which was a great time. They were really hard workers and really had a great work spirit. At lunch time I went and hung out with my mento for the afternoon. Nick is such a cool person. This afternoon we played a game called flinger? maybe... anyways it is basically extreme monkey in the middle where there is a tennis ball and two flingers throwing it back and forth. There is also 2 people in the middle. The object of the game is to hit the people in the middle with the tennis ball. After that we just hung out and talked. Overall it was a really good day.

Well that is about it for tonight until next time

Austin

Letting Go

Hey y'all!

I can't believe that retreat week is over and we are already working with our first group of the 2nd half of summer! Taking that week off was definitely needed. It was a great time to just relax, sleep, and spend some amazing quiet time with Jesus!

One of our retreat events was to go cliff jumping at Rick's Cafe in Negril. There are different planks/cliffs to jump off of all ranging from different heights. There are Jamaicans all around watching us "whities" take the plunge into the beautiful blue ocean below. Before I actually saw one of the high cliffs, I was planning on jumping off regardless of what the mature adult in me was saying, haha. However, as I stepped up onto the platform overlooking the 45 ft fall, (right after reading the sign warning us of injury and death...) I started to get that weird feeling in my stomach as I clutched the hand bars. I have been in these situations before and my normal response was to just step back and laugh it off. However, this time I wanted it to be different. So, I let go and jumped... Wow, that had to be one of the most exhilarating feelings. Just letting go of the ledge and free-falling into the ocean. The only problem was, I didn't land straight in the water.My body bent just a little bit so when I actually hit the water, it turned into a painful experience.

Despite the landing, God taught me a lesson at Rick's that day. Fear can cripple a person. It can keep us from trying new things and it can keep us locked up in this thing we call our "comfort zone". However, fear is not from God. He calls us to let go of the ledge and free fall into the unknown sometimes. We may not know what happens after we let go but we can trust that He will catch us. Sometimes we will get bruises (and won't be able to sit down in a chair), but the bruises are what helps shape us. Our story is sometimes embedded in the scars and we become stronger people because of them.

So even though I will probably NEVER go cliff jumping again, I can honestly say that this experience has helped me a little bit with overcoming the fear of just letting go and trusting that my Maker has my back.

Kells

Complete Forgiveness

Dearest followers,

Incase you haven't heard from the last two blogs, were back in "Da Bush!" aka, Harmons! This two days has probably been my favorite out of the six weeks we've been here. Being able to just go out into the community without any sense of responsibility is pretty amazing. It's what really sets this experience apart from the regular weeklong visit. Just tonight we had an amazing dinner cooked for us by a dear local Jamaican family. Getting to fellowship with the young couple and their children, seeing the smile on their baby boys face, assures me that I am right where I belong. This same moment (along with so many others this past week) made me think to myself... why me Father? Why in the heck did You choose me to come here? You created this beautiful island and paint this breathtaking sky for me every day. You, the God that made the ENTIRE UNIVERSE! Why did You choose a sinner like me? Thankfully instead of just leaving me here to wonder, my Creator let me in on a little secret a long time ago. GRACE! COMPLETE FORGIVENESS! Not only did He forgive me but then He turns around and trusts me in His mission to Jamaica!? It's crazy how this grace thing works, but its beautiful! So my principle in sharing this with you is that the next time you find yourself awestruck by where the Father has taken you, remember to shed a little grace on those around you. Well that's the next step in what God has been showing me throughout this past week. I've been given so much grace at times I didn't know what to do with it. Now I'm starting to understand....we can shed that same grace, complete forgiveness, on one another that the Father has poured out over us. To my loved ones at home, I love you and I miss you! Thank you to everyone for the love and support! :)

Be Blessed
Mel

whirlpool of DOOM

Well Ello,
Sarah already touched a bit on what we have been up to the past few days, but I wanted to share a specific story with y'all. So on Wednesday the summer staff ventured up to YS Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall with various entities to offer. At the falls you can simply marvel at the beauty, jump off a rope swing into the frigid waters below, zip line, and so on. We chose to climb them a bit and visit what I would like to call the funnel pool of doom. The staff walked along the edge of what was seeming to be a friendly little fall towards a nice looking whirl pool... This being my second summer on staff and revisiting these falls I knew it was a bit of a doozy, but little did others know this whirl pool wasn't so nice... As we approach the little pool the sheer force of the water swept me right in. I have never been so frightened in the water before. Around and around I went in the water under the not so friendly fall. I was trying to grab for anything I could. I finally made it back up for air and a good laugh! Now let me just say while I was under the water I was not enjoying it at all, but when I finally made it out it was quite the rush. I did find myself making it toward the more friendly waters afterwards. It was so fun sharing the experience of climbing on the waterfalls with the staff and jumping off. Like Sarah said this break came at a perfect time and YS Falls was the perfect ending to the break before we came back home. Later gaters!
Lauren

Our Holiday!

Well hello there! Long time, no blog! In case you were wondering why we haven't updated our blog recently, it is because we have been on a short vacation, or as the Jamaicans say, "holiday." And let me tell you, we were very ready for a break! The first 4 weeks of the summer were so awesome but we were all beginning to experience the mid-summer fatigue and frustration that comes with spending 24/7 of your summer living in community in a foreign country. So, needless to say, we were all so very thankful that Josh and Loyd had arranged for a week of retreat in a nice little hotel on the beach. We spent 3 days in Negril getting rest physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had the chance to catch up on some lost sleep as well as meet with our spiritual director, Jim Newberry, who really helped me think about what God is showing me this summer. I loved being able to really just have 20 minutes completely to myself where I could talk to God or just simply think about the last 5 weeks. Although I was somewhat sad to leave our beach front hotel, I was so pleasantly surprised at the feeling of contentment as we finally crested the hill back into Harmons valley...Home sweet home :)

Sarah

a unique sense of community...

There have been some truly unique experiences down here this summer. Today was one of them, and one that will not soon be forgotten. On the work sites the Jamaicans will break out in song randomly throughout the day to help make a long day under the sun go by a little faster. Today they were singing Bob Marley. You might think that this is a common occurrence but NO! This was the first time that Bob had been sung at the work sites all summer so I was excited, and wanted them to sing my personal favorite "Three Little Birds." The Jamaicans started singing and I was singing along when someone at the house next door (by next door I mean 100 yards away) starting singing (by singing I mean screaming) along with them. Then the house up the hill joined in as well. Now at this time I've stopped singing, and pretty much stopped working just to take in the moment. It illustrated the sense of community down here in one beautiful instant, and one that I will never forget,"Don't worry, about a thing, cause every little thing, is going to be alright...."


David

PS- The staff will be on a retreat this week in Negril, so there will be no posts for awhile. If you don't see any posts don't worry, we are still alive. We will be back after this quick break :)

Crashing Waves Make For Very Good Days!!

It was a strange last week in Harmons, Jamaica, but I guess that's only fitting for what has been a summer full of twists and turns. When the group was supposed to get here on Sunday and we had driven to the airport just to find out that their entire flight was cancelled we knew as a staff that it was going to be an interesting week. We found out on Sunday night that the group wouldn't arrive till Tuesday. We modified the week and the group was not able to go to Ocho Rios because they were arriving so late and we had so much work to get done. Josh came up with a great idea to treat the group to a trip to the south coast, since they would be working straight till Saturday afternoon. They wouldn't have the opportunity to stay in the Silver Seas, nor spend the entire day on the beach snorkeling or climbing Dunn's River Falls. At least they would have some beach time, and get the opportunity to do something that no other group had done this summer. The summer staff was extremely excited because only two of us had ever been to the south coast before and it would be a change from the routine of always going to Ocho Rios, even though we wouldn't have any recuperation time. Saturday afternoon we set out on about an hour journey in the two coasters (buses) down roads only fit for a bicycle. We were definitely going deep into the bush to Gutt River, a place where not many non natives had been to before. This wasn't a place you could just be driving down the road to as a tourist and think well this leads to a beach. No these were roads that, as a tourist, if you saw them you would immediately turn around and not want to get lost here. The brush finally let up enough that we could see a road to our left that we took right to the mouth of Gutt River as it met the ocean. Everyone as a group waded across the cold river to get to the beach. The sand was black and the waves were crashing in at about four to five feet high as the undertow matched the intensity of the crashing waves. Along with this being our first trip to the south coast, it was also the summer staff's first opportunity to spend the day with our mento's (Jamaicans that we are mentoring throughout the summer). It was a great experience to able to go to the south coast with the small group of eighteen people and our mento's. After we finished swimming in the ocean we all walked down to a swimming hole and jumped off rocks into the crystal clear water that you could see about eighteen feet to the bottom. Then we bathed in the river with our swimsuits on and got to save water for the Harmony House since water is such a precious commodity here and began to head back. On our way back the staff bus was able to stop at a water hole where Finley, the Medic, said that manatees show up sometimes, and wouldn't you know that a manatee was there to put the icing on the cake. The day went perfectly and was probably one of my favorite days of the summer so far.
Still Much More To Come,
Evan Smith

Lessons Learned

Hey y'all!

It is officially the end of week 3! Austin and I are chilling out around the Harmony House waiting for the next group and other summer staffers to arrive back from Montego Bay. This past week's group was amazing! There were 18 of them from Carmel Baptist Church in North Carolina. Even though we had to rearrange the schedule around this week, the team was in high spirits and were so cooperative. I am gonna miss y'all so much!!

There is a song by Relient K called "Failure to Excommunicate" and I cannot get these lyrics out of my head!
Jesus loved the outcasts.
He loves the ones the world just loves to hate.
And as long as there's a Heaven, there'll be a failure to excommunicate.

Jesus loves the outcasts... There is a woman at the Infirmary who has downs syndrome. The nurses do not know her name but they call her Becca. The first time I was there this summer, I just watched people's interaction with her. She would kind of just be passed up because she couldn't talk and if you approached her she would cuddle up like a ball on the floor with her head face down. Some of the residents at the Infirmary said things like "don't bother with her, she doesn't understand" or "she can't talk, so just leave her alone". They even have some mean names that they would throw out at her. Becca is an outcast. It broke my heart to see how they were treating her.. like she wasn't even a person. This past week, I spent the hour that we have there just sitting on her bed. Even though she couldn't talk and wouldn't look at me for like 30 minutes, I just rubbed her arm and held her hand and told her that I loved her. She finally looked up at me and got this huge smile and started laughing. She was mumbling words that I couldn't understand but she was communicating happiness back to me. In that moment, I just broke down and cried. To this world, Becca may be an outcast. But to Jesus, she is everything. She is His princess and He knows everything about her. He knows what she is thinking and the words that she wants to say but cannot express... It made me think that as a believer in Jesus Christ we are outcasts living in this world. This is not our home. We do not belong here. So, in all truth, we should be honored to be considered an outcast for Christ. I want to stand out and be bold for him no matter what the cost. So I want to throw a shout out to Becca and thank her for reminding me that I am also an outcast. And I hope she understands how much she is loved!

So, we only have one more week before our mid-summer retreat! I can't believe that the first half of the summer is almost over. Please continue to pray that the love of Christ will pour out from us Jamericans and that we will give Him the glory in all that we do and say!!

Kells

Can't Seem to Get a Break...

Well Hey Everyone!

Man it has been yet another crazy week here in Harmons. The team arrived this past Tuesday so we had to shift a lot of things around to make sure that they were able to get as much as the full experience as possible especially when it came to building houses. So we had to scratch Ochie this week so that we could work on Saturday to finish up the houses. Instead of going to Ochie though, we are going to the South Coast Saturday afternoon! I think this will be a lot of fun because we get to bring along our mentos! Speaking of mentos I just found out tonight that my mento was FIRST in the highest learning class once again! I was so excited for him and I am so glad that he gets to come to the Southern Coast with us to kind of celebrate all his hard work!

This team has been really great though! Although they are a little bum that we can’t do everything we normally do they are still great amazing people (plus they are from my home state of NC!) This team I feel like I have connected with the most with so far. Thursday night a couple of the team members and I just sat out on the back porch talking about different stuff like college, what’s going on in there lives, our weaknesses, just really good conversations. Then to our surprise, it started to rain! Then today it has rained on and off pretty much all day which has kept it cooler here in Jamaica. I think tonight is the coolest it has been in a while and the rain is still coming in and out with nice thunderstorms rolling in every so often. This makes it really nice sleeping weather!

Well that’s all for now folks till next time,

Austin

When we need... He always provides

Hi friends!

He's pretty awesome at catering to our desires, I would say that is one of my biggest lessons here thus far. Just taking a step back from the "busy" life and admiring the beauty of His creations. The other summer staff girls and I are going through 2 Peter together and we recently came across the verse "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (1:3). This verse really stuck out to me in making me think about how awesome and flawless His creations are. For example: God gave us water because He knows we need it. But He also made it so that when we mix it with stone it can make a house. The purpose of the house is to keep us sheltered from the rain. I know that's really simple but it's just crazy to think about how things work and when I ask myself why, there really is no other explanation than God. Now back to my previous statement "how awesome and flawless His creations are" Well the next part is going to hurt so either pick up your feet or put some steel toe's on. WE ARE HIS CREATIONS. One of the hardest things I know for me and for alot of my loved ones is simply accepting the fact that we are all God's creations. He made us in a perfect image. For those of you that are parents think about the first time you held your newborn baby, what are some adjectives you may have used. Perfect. Beautiful. Pure. Precious. That is exactly how our father feels about us. No matter what we've done or where we've been, He still thinks all of those things about each one of His children. It's hard to imagine anyone thinking of me in that way much less God who knows and sees everything including the desires of my heart. Eeeeekkkkk!! Yup, He still thinks I'm perfect! And you too! :) One way I've found it easier to start accepting the fact that I am His creation and I am perfect is to actually start trying to live like Him. Not just saying it after a good sermon in church or paradigm no, really really taking a step back and asking.....what would Jesus do? Haha it sounds corny but it's the truth! If we all know we are called to be like Him, let's be like Him! I know it's much easier said than done and I'm definitely being tested this summer but honestly it's made my life so much easier thus far! And here is the verse He slapped me in the face with on this particular lesson. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18). Beautiful! I love you all and I hope you're enjoying your summer as much as I am!

Be Blessed

Melissa :)

Well Hello Unexpected Adventure

Howdy folks,

Welp... so we dropped off a team to pick up another only to find out their flight had been canceled. Oh the  joys and surprises this summer continues to bring. Every corner brings a new adventure. From the accidents we had last week, to starting off this week teamless... It was so strange riding up into the mountains with only the summer staff, yet so peaceful. The pressure of learning names was absent  and in the midst of the quiet we were able to simply enjoy the ride. There was something so refreshing about riding in the front of the coaster looking around at all the beauty.

Josh stayed behind in Montego Bay; thus allowing us ladies to take the necessary potty break (he doesn't like to stop). With Papa Creamy at the wheel Mel, Sarah, and I were able to relieve our bladders.... The only issue was, about the time we really had to go was when the only the thing in sight was sugar cane fields. So into the fields we went. The three of us ladies trudging through the field to try and find three sacred, little, hidden places to go potty. We found three suitable spots in the field and did our thing. The best part was when we all finished and our white heads began to pop out of the field like blooming daisies. We of course all began laughing like crazy... I was laughing so hard that I didn't realize the giant sugar cane leaf I pulled up with me in my britches until Sarah brought it to my attention, and then we began to laugh like crazy all over again. Back into the coaster we went and continued on our little journey. It was wonderful!

So here we are in Harmons with no team... WEIRD! We found out that they won't be arriving till Tuesday night so we shall see what surprises this week holds! So far we have had a dance party with the Shaffer kiddos and are now watching Lion King! Life is looking good! Oh and did I mention that the girls get to have a sleep over with sweet Aisha (little Shaffer)! So far this week is looking grand!

Love love love,

Lauren A.K.A. Popita

Oh, What a Night

"There's been another emergency. Go wake up the doctors." It was about 12:15 am Thursday morning. My fellow Summer Staff and I were slowly saying our goodnights and heading to bed one by one when we got the news that a young Jamaican man was coming in to get sewn up from a bad cut. Won By One To Jamaica has a live- in doctor here at the Harmony House, and he raced out after receiving a call that a local man was injured badly. His grandson, Eli, was the one that ran upstairs to let us know that the situation was not looking so good and the doctor would need some extra help. So, flashlights in hand, we went downstairs to wake up the kidney doctor and the ob/gyn that are thankfully here with The Crossing Church this week. Although giant cuts are not in their particular area of expertise, their knowledge and help proved to be invaluable only a few hours earlier when a young boy had cut his finger very badly. Startled from their sleep, the already tired doctors jumped out of bed to wait for the man to get here. He had fallen through a glass coffee table and had a giant gash in this left shoulder.  As the car came up the driveway, we opened the gates and made sure they got the young man inside. Since none of us have any skill in stitching up open wounds, we headed back upstairs praying that no other emergencies would come up. We had enough excitement that day to last the whole summer, let alone just one night.

                As I was sitting in our staff room thinking about what was going on downstairs (and how much I would have liked to watch them remove the glass from his shoulder) I was reminded of what I want to do after college. I am going to school to become a physician's assistant, and would LOVE to be able to someday sew up people when emergencies come up.  Whether it is in Jamaica or some other country, my ultimate goal would be to have a free clinic where I can help people who need it most. God blessed us greatly this week by sending down very capable doctors during a time of freakishly uncommon accidents. Someday I hope God will use me and my education to bless others as well.

Peace,

Sarah 

We're on a mission from God...

One of the essential skills required for summer staff is to handle unique and often times flat out ridiculous situations. I was preparing to lead worship the other night in the meeting room waiting for the team to finish reflecting on what they had experienced that day when one of the dogs (Casey) came up to the stairs next to the meeting room. She was barking and howling, disturbing the meeting, for what seemed no good reason. So I got "the look" from Josh which meant "shut that dog up before I go old yeller on it" and I went to investigate what her problem was. I go over and try to shoo her away and she runs down the stairs and starts barking at a tree. I go down to  look at the tree (granted its dark) but still there's nothing, and Casey is still whining in the background. She starts digging at the base of the tree and barking, and at this point I'm verbally telling her to shut up (as if she understands me). I finally sit down and scratch her back, ears, and belly to quiet her down and then went back up and started to play a song. About half way through the first song I start feeling sharp pain on my upper back and right shoulder. It felt like the acupuncture session from hell. So after butchering that song I look at my shoulder and I then had an epiphany as to why Casey was whining. She had been digging into an ants nest and was covered in very angry ants that were attacking her. Well those very angry ants crawled onto me when I tried to quiet her down. After I understood what was going on, I calmly brushed off my shoulder and proceeded into the next song trying very hard not to utter the words that were going through my mind. I was able to get through the next two songs (It wasn't pretty) and then run up the stairs and tearing off my clothes. Whether it be last minute changes, breaking up fights between kids, or leading worship as an insect chew toy you must be ready to roll with the punches.  For our mission is a worthy cause. It's not easy or comfortable. Instead it is sweaty, dirty, painful, and so worth all the sweat, blood, and tears. God has given us this mission and EVERYTHING we do is to glorify him and further his kingdom here in Harmons.


Hugs and kisses
David

Rain, Rain, Finally Went Away!

Hey Guys,

We just finished our first week with a group and now its on to the second week with hardly the chance to take a breath it seems like. The first week had its fair share of miscues, rearranging, ups and downs along the way. Overall, I thought it was a great week. The groups that were here stepped up to the challenge and even though the week started with a torrential down pour, they were able to build two houses and two foundations. Everyone pulled together, staff included, and got the work that needed to be done accomplished and more importantly we had our first group here building relationships with the Jamaican people of Harmons. I felt like when we got to Ocho Rios that I hit the bed and fell asleep instantly. I spent most of my time while we were there recovering the energy that I had spent the week before so that I could do it all over again this week. I feel like this might turn into a routine thing for the next two months that we are here. Our group just got back to Harmons with our second weeker’s who are from Missouri. They seem like a very good group from the short period of time that I have spent with them and I hope it turns into an incredible week. This week is a little different because all the students have parents with them so it will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out but I am excited about the possibilities for growth that this week could bring and the impact that they could have in Harmons. For those of you who would like to I would ask you to pray that God gives the staff strength and endurance throughout the summer because we know that we can’t make it without Him, and that the work that we do and the words from our mouths are what He wants for us to say and do this summer. Thanks so much for your support. More to come soon, over and out.

Evan Smith

Hands and Feet

Hey y'all!

So today was the last work day for Gateway Church & Olathe Bible Church. I can't believe that Week 1 is almost over! For us Summer Staffers, it was crazy busy as we were all learning our jobs but I must say it was a great first week and I am definitely looking forward to the rest of summer! Because of my job I didn't really get a chance to get out on the worksites this week, however I did get a chance to go with the team to the Infirmary on Wednesday. There is something about that place that just breaks me every time. It's a very emotional experience. Not only do you see pain and suffering but you also see joyful faces and hear people singing hymns to Jesus. It's the hardest, most amazing thing that I have ever experienced.

Later that night, I was talking with one of the younger students on this week's team. We were sharing our stories from the Infirmary and it made me realize that when Jesus walked on Earth, that places like the Infirmary is where He would be spending His time. He would share his love and compassion with those beautiful people. I think it's a natural human response to shy away from what scares us. Most of us would not choose to spend our free time in a place like the Infirmary. It's dirty, stinky, and makes you feel extremely uncomfortable. But we are called to be Jesus' hands and feet. We are called to reach out and love His people. I think it's one of the hardest yet most satisfying experiences if we allow our barriers to break down. To love people and to let people love us. To live outside of our comfort zone and be radical for Him. I am reminded of that lifestyle every time I step into the Infirmary. To have the opportunity to go every week for the rest of the summer is truly a blessing. I look forward to sharing some stories with y'all as the summer progresses.

To everyone back home reading this: I miss y'all and love y'all so much!!!!!!!!!

Kells

Getting our Hands Dirty

Hello Blog world,

George and I 

Yesterday was pretty good day I must say. The team went to the Maypen infirmary  and it was really cool to see the team interacting with people that have different disabilities, both mental and physical. I did some interacting too and met some pretty amazing people. For those who do not know the infirmary is unlike anything that I have seen back in the states. The living conditions may be rough but the joys and happiness that we bring to those people is indescribable. They inspire me so much cause of how much hope and joy we can bring to them by just sitting with them, praying with them, and reading the Bible with them. You can truly see God working in this place. At times I found myself with no words to say to some of these people which was tough. I wanted to say something but I had no words to say. Often times I would just ask if they had a favorite Bible verse or something they wanted me to read and more times than not they would just say "Pick one" or "Any of them" and so I would read them a few different ones. One guy I talked to, George who was in a wheel chair and missing a leg and he really made me appreciate what I was doing in Harmons. He said that we (American's) bring hope and it was really amazing to hear his words and it really help put things into perspective. He just kept thanking me and it just really meant a lot to me.

Well today the weather was a lot better. I actually saw the sun today which hasn't been seen in quite some time! I decided to go to house number 1 work site which was a lot of fun. I got to spend some good quality time with part of the team that is down here plus it was fun working with some of the Jamaicans. For the first part of the morning we had to haul some marl, which is used to mix with the cement to make concrete, to where we were working which was hard work but fun. There were times where us "American's" couldn't really do that much so we play riddle games and other stuff. It was cool to just hang and work with them.

I am having a great time here in Jamaica. It is hard to imagine that it is only the first week and I have already learned and made so many great memories. I have met a lot of people and are forming deep relationships with people. It is so great to be able to spend a summer to really get to know people and to sit and talk with them and not have to worry so much about that time factor. I can say "Hey lets finish this conversation tomorrow." I am missing a lot of my friends and my family at home but I know God is guiding me and along this journey with me which I find so much comfort in!

Well that is all for now, until next time,

Austin

PS Kelly and Sarah are SUPER AWESOME people! 

My Birthday!!!

Ello everyone,

So....apparently being floured on your birthday in Jamaica doesn't involve any pretty Jamaican flowers. Notice the spelling....yep it's just baking flour thrown on your head. Why? I'm not so sure, but it was a fun experience. I'm so thankful for such a loving team that made me feel just as special as I would at home with my family and friends (even though we've know each other a total of 11 days). It was a great day to say the least. I got to attend my first Jamaican Church service, which was an awesome experience. Clinton the pastor here at the Harmony House is a man that truly lets the spirit speak through him. It's a beautiful thing. I spent the afternoon lounging around listening to the rain until our first team showed up around dinner. After dinner was our UNPACKING PARTY!! My first actual job experience of the summer. Though somewhat stressful it was tons of fun...for me anyways. I'm pretty sure the teams that had been up since 3a.m. wouldn't have agreed. Never the less it was a pretty sweet day to turn 20. I'm so so thankful to God that my birthday fell on a day I would be here. Having a birthday at home is great but being here knowing I'm serving God and celebrating a day that signifies that I'm growing up in Him with eternity to look forward to was something I just can't quiet explain.

 As for today, we took a walking tour of the community in the rain. The teams were just awesome, I didn't hear a single person complain about having to walk or the fact that they were soaking wet by the time we returned home. As I stated on here before my job is organizing and helping out with the store. So, today we went through bags and bags and bags of clothes only to fold them and place them in suitcases, run them upstairs and organize and reorganize (sorry girls). The girls I worked with were without a doubt hardworking. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to view this experience as a staff member...somewhat in the background. My first trip this past January was an amazing one to say the least and I'm extremely grateful for it! But getting to see things from a staff point of view is completely different. Last August when God had the plan for me to start my leadership in 2:42 (FBC Stephenville's college ministry) I was terrified that people wouldn't accept me as (what I thought at the time was supposed to be) superior to them. I thought to myself that I could never break out of  my quiet reserved self and become a strong confident leader. Very shortly into my leadership I learned that leadership isn't all about what you can say and do. What grew my leadership most my first year was sitting back and watching the people in my group handle situations along with them growing in their faith. In my short time here in Harmons I have learned much more. That leadership is about working alongside people and more so guiding them into also becoming leaders (or for the paradigmers, first followers). We are all called to lead. Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19 "therefore go and make disciples of all the nations.." Correct me if I'm wrong but to me the words 'MAKE DISCIPLES' means to lead people. To work alongside them in their walk with Christ. I guess what I'm trying to convey in this message is that once we have been lead by someone, ultimately the Spirit, we are then called to go LEAD someone else (even if we are the shy quiet girl from Texas). We are all called to lead each other.  I love you all dearly! Have a great week! :)

Be Blessed

Mel

 Oh and p.s. the Rangers also shut out the Indians on my birthday :)

Best. Day. Ever.

The 2011 Summer Staff!

Hey Everyone!

This is Austin Fodrie writing to you from Harmons, Jamaica! This is our new Summer Staff Blog that we will be updating regularly to share with you our experiences, reflections, and great times that we have here in Jamaica.

To start off let me introduce myself. Like I said earlier my name is Austin Fodrie. I am a Junior at Appalachain State University in Boone, NC. I am a Computer Information Systems major with a minor in Supply Chain Management. I am 19 years old turning 20 this summer. This is my second time to Jamaica with my first time being a few months ago over spring break. I had such an amazing experience and really felt God calling me back to this place this summer so I decided to apply and well here I am! This summer my "job" is being an assistant to the local Jamaican pastor Clinton O'Conner. I will also be doing all the technical/computer stuff this summer thus I get the awesome opportunity to set up this blog!

I have been having an absolute amazing time so far and we have only been in Jamaica for a week. It is such a different experience being on Summer Staff than it is just coming for a week. I have already met many new people and started deep friendships. I am thrilled and thank God every day for calling me back to this place. The 2011 Summer Staff is SUPER AMAZING and I (so far) couldn't  ask for better co-staff members! So far it looks like it is going to be a super great summer filled with wonderful memories and great times!

It is hard to believe that this staff has known each other for only a week now and to just see how close we are is truly amazing. I have seen God working with us every day. Each staff member brings something new and different to the table. We have over 350 students and adults coming over the next 10 or so weeks and we cannot wait for the first team to arrive June 5th!

Peace and Blessings

Austin

  

Hi friends!

It's Melissa! I'm super excited to be writing you all from the Harmony House here in Jamaica!! First of all to those who have supported me I want to say a big THANK YOU and I love you soooo much! Now for everyone who don't have a clue who I am; My name is Melissa Bulman, I am from Stephenville, Texas, where I attend Tarleton State University. I'm majoring in Human Sciences, which is basically just a fancy word for home economics. Yes I'm going to college to get a Mrs. Degree. 

Anyways I am currently 19 turning 20...today! This is my second time to Jamaica. My first being earlier this year in January with three amazing groups from Go Now Missions (students from all over Texas), FBC Nacogdoches in Texas and Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. By Thursday of my first trip I  felt God calling me back for the summer. Through a series of completely God led events I was accepted to come back and serve as Summer Staff! Although I had a few apprehensions about returning for such a long period of time;  I was more than comforted by not only the Father but also great leaders and an amazingly unified staff. My summer job for my stay in Harmons consists of lots and lots of clothes! For those of you that know me, you know I LOVE it!! Yayy! I will be helping the teams unpack all their donations when they arrive on Sunday nights, then organizing and such throughout the week.

The store will be a little different this year so there are no Summer Staff actually working in there but I will be the one helping the two Jamaican women Kurline and Cheryl, basically just getting them what they need.  Welp, I'd say it's gonna be a pretty amazing summer and I'm excited to see what all God has in store for everyone involved! We will be keeping you updated on here! Please continue praying for the summer staff, the American teams coming in weekly, and the Harmons community! Thanks everybody!

Be Blessed

Mel

Hellllloooooo Summer Staff Blog followers!

My name is David Ek and I am absolutely ecstatic about being able to serve here in Harmons. I am a 22 year old from Lees Summit, MO. I am attending University of Central Missouri studying finance and economics. I need to thank everyone who helped me get here and helped prepare me for this adventure. I received overwhelming support and wouldn't be here without you guys!

Last summer was my first time down here and had a life changing experience. As soon as I got back home I started to consider applying for summer staff. It took me 3 months to finally decide that I was going to apply. One month after the application process Loyd Jackson called me in the middle of one of my final exams saying," Well David, unfortunately I have some bad news for you..... you're going back to Jamaica." I still blame him for bombing the rest of that exam.  Now I am here as the worksite coordinator and worship leader. I have only been on staff for 10 days and already feel God moving in this place. I can't wait to share all the joy, heart break, shenanigans, and powerful experiences here in Jamaica with all of you!

Stay tuned,

David

Hey y'all!!!

My name is Kelly Luteran and I am the old one on staff (aka Grandma). I am 24 years old and am from Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers (aka the greatest football team in the US). This is my fourth time coming to Harmons, Jamaica and I feel so blessed to be a part of the 2011 Summer Staff. Since we met at the airport in Kansas City, our team has bonded so well and I truly believe that God's hand has brought us all together to serve this summer.

This summer I will be working as the "Assistant to the Director" and will help to keep things organized around the Harmony House. For those of you who know me, know that making lists is one of my favorite things to do, so rest assured that it will be a fantastic summer. Thank you to everyone back home who has supported me throughout this whole process. God is absolutely amazing and I am so excited to have this opportunity to share life with the people of Harmons and the Americans that come down to serve. Please keep us all in your prayers and that everything we do and say will be to the Glory of God!

In Him,

Kells

             

Hey Guys,

My name is Evan Smith and Kelly is the oldest girl but I am the oldest guy and even though I may be balding I won't be allowing anyone to call me grandpa. Besides wisdom comes with age right? Anyways I am 23 years old and am still attending Stephen F. Austin State University because of a late transfer. I will be graduating this coming fall with a Bachelors in Applied Arts and Sciences with a focus in Criminal Justice. I am from Nacogdoches, Texas.

My first time to Harmons was in December of 2009 where I had the opportunity to have my eyes opened about just how differently people lived in other parts of the world. I felt so ignorant after I left about my views of the hardships and struggles that other countries go through on an everyday basis. My time here changed me and ultimately helped make my decision to come back and work on summer staff. I have been blessed with the support that many of my friends and family were willing to provide so that I would be able to experience what God has in store for my life, and to allow Him to use me to do his work. I am honored to have been given this chance to work together for Christ with my fellow staff members. We all met a short time ago, even though it feels like we have known each other for a lot longer since we are rarely separated throughout the day. They all seem like unbelievable individuals so I expect God to do big things through us this summer. We all need your thoughts and prayers that we are able to stay strong throughout the summer.

More to come,

Evan

Hi there!

First of all, I would like to take a few minutes to introduce myself and then I'll get to the fun stuff.  My name is Sarah Means and I am from the wonderful town of Punxsutawney, PA (yes, we're the ones that go out in the woods in the middle of the night to see if our famous groundhog will predict spring to be just around the corner). Anyway, I am 19 years old and attend Lock Haven University. I am going to school to eventually become a Physician's Assistant and will hopefully use my hard earned knowledge somewhere in the mission field. A few hobbies of mine include music, reading, gymnastics, and visiting my Jamaican friends.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to be on Summer Staff two years in a row. Originally, I was unsure if I was going to reapply for Summer Staff again or if I should stay home and work. However, I came to Jamaica to visit for two weeks in January and that trip pretty much gave me my answer. Harmons is home, and I felt God calling me back. So here I am, spending my summer with 6 other amazing college students. In one week, we all came together from our various walks of life and quickly became family.

This summer I will be taking groups of Americans to the Clarendon Infirmary for a chance to visit and love on the residents. The Infirmary is a care facility for physically or mentally disabled people that is poorly funded and lacks some basic necessities.  Most residents do not get visitors very often, if at all.  I must be honest, when I was first assigned my job title, I was very nervous about  being able to guide the American students in connecting with the Jamaicans. God has calmed my spirit and now I am super excited about being a part of showing God's love to some of the most deserving people in the world.

Please keep us in your prayers as the first team of the summer is arriving and we work hard on trying to make everything go smoothly and for the glory of our Lord.

Much love,

Sarah

Howdy y'all!!

Well I guess since everyone else took the time to introduce themselves... I should as well. Welp my name is Lauren Danielle Blackmon. I am originally from China Spring, Texas. I recently graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Orientation and Mobility. I spent my last semester in Kansas City, Missouri doing an internship at Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. I found out just before I left the states that I will be working there full time starting in August.

This is my second year on Summer Staff and I couldn't be more blessed. I am so thankful for this wonderful group of people I get to work with. We are already close, and I can't wait to see how God shapes and molds us as we continue to live in community together here in Harmons. 

I shall be working along with Evster this summer planning activities for courtyard. I shall also be working with sweet Kell doing hospitality. I am really excited about how God is going to grow me through these jobs.

Thanks so much for taking the time to follow the staff in this blog. I hope we can keep ya interested as we share stories about what is going on in our lives here in Jam! Love y'all bunches! God bless!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! After being on Summer Staff for a year previous to this summer, I finally have a pet name: Popita. And I Love love love it!

Lauren