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