Here I am

After 2 days of true manual labor, it still doesn't feel completely real that I'm here. But what does feel amazingly real is God. His presence here is in abundance. Since this is my first time here, I had only heard stories of what was to come, but nothing could have prepared me for what was in store. I honestly thought I was coming here to help the Jamaicans. Silly me, they have blessed me in sooooo many ways. First off, the beauty of God's creation is breath taking, likewise the poverty and dire straights that many live in is also breath taking. We went on a walking tour yesterday of Harmons. Seeing these people on their "turf", I felt like a tourist walking thru the zoo, taking pictures of people. It wasn't until I sat with a lady named Daffney who was washing her clothes in a bucket and scrubbing undies with a brush that looked very much like what we would use at work to scrub the outside of a boat, that's when I began to feel very spoiled. Daffney had a joy and contentment in her eyes as she talked with me about her family. I was inspired in my role as a mom. After lunch, P,B&J which by the way was the very best I've ever had. I was sent to a site with a team to begin constructing a house. I know others have spoke about JoAnn in their postings. Anyway, while we were putting up the walls talking about looking forward to dinner and looking forward to a shower, etc. I came to understand that all the things I look forward to, this moment is what JoAnn has been looking forward to. God truely spoke to me in that moment. You all know how much I love little kids and their were plenty surrounding us and helping in their own way. I too was showered with a styrofoam snow, which if you're wondering, the house walls are about 4" thick styrofoam with a fencing type mesh wire covering both sides then covered in concrete, anyway, one of my teammates showed the children what happens when you rub 2 scrap pieces of foam together. So, they snowed on me, Saying " Here you Merry Christmas". That was the best snow I've ever seen. Well, today I was assigned the same job site. But today, they knew us by name when we arrived, the joy and excitment in their eyes, knowing that we bring good to them. We are here to help, to love on them, to share Christ. Today, I had the opportunity to chat with 3 ladies about Christ. One lady commented, "I try to be good" which sparred the conversation about forgiveness and about how Christ has already paid the price. Again God was in abundance on this land and in these words today. Now, don't think for a second, that God hasn't stretched me though. Physically, I've held up walls, anchored walls, learned to use tools that I don't even know names for and today I even tried my best to spread on concrete. I'm pretty sure I sucked really bad at this job. I've hauled bucket after bucket of marl and mixed concrete. For all you doubters, I've got camera evidence to prove it. Not just my camera either. There is a little boy on our job site about Carter's age and I'm so reminded of Carter because this precious little boy wants to sit on my lap and be loved on. Mike, you would be so proud of me, I'm putting all the experience you've given me working along side you to use. And God has asked me to be a follower and just do what job I'm given without asking why or 2nd guessing. I'm thinking he's got other areas of my life in mind when teaching me this lesson. As everyone has probably noticed, I haven't and won't be posting anything on my blogspot. Amy is choosing a few people each day to write on our team site. So please feel to comment on this or any post, we are printing them out and sharing them here with who they are intended for. Nick you were on my mind last night, we had a music night in the courtyard and many of the songs they played are on your ipod, thanks for keeping me current on the music scene, I was able to dance with Jamaican's and not look like a complete fool. I love you guys sooo much and can't wait to get home to share more with everyone, but I'm savoring every minute I have here. Big hugs and kisses to Nick and Carter and especially to you Mike. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Love you all;
Mary Jo