My first trip to Jamaica involved a luxury hotel, gourmet meals and lounging by a sparkling pool. Boy, was this trip different! Bumping down the crude dirt road in our van and passing by shacks with animals tied up out front was my first taste of the real Jamaica and I was out of my comfort zone. 

 

Eight of us were there to rebuild the roof on the Battersea New Testament Church of God and Basic School. In my luggage were several bags of “sweeties” (candy) for the local children that came around daily. Many of the children there do not have a father figure in their lives so to have males around that gave them attention was very special. We often read books and quizzed them on words and numbers. One fifteen year old seemed to be on the same reading level as my first grader. I arranged a game of soccer with the boys on an overgrown grass field using mixing buckets for goals and a ball I had brought along since theirs was flat. We had to be careful to watch out for the goat grazing nearby. What a different world I was in!

 

What struck me the most was how I much I take for granted the things I have and are available to me. If we need to install a French drain at our house we call someone to come do the work; tthe Jamaicans pray they can find a shovel to start the job. When we complain about having nothing to wear in our closet full of clothes, the Jamaicans wore what they did yesterday.  This is what they know and do. We attended a church service on Sunday and what an awesome experience! There was so much joy in that room - their enthusiasm was contagious! These people rely on the Lord and give thanks for what they have. They truly inspired me.

 

I encourage everyone to go on a mission trip at least once. Not only are you helping a community in need, the experience and memories you take home are invaluable. I came back with a renewed sense of self, stronger faith, gratitude, and new friends.   I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone…you’ll be surprised at what you may find!

2010 Jamaica Mission Team: Nathan Brandon, Craig Buffkin, Elvin Carrero, Michael Hindman, J.T. Martin, Allen Roberts, Darryl Thompson, and Jim Wall