The River!

Hello all!!  Things here in Jamaica are very nice.  It is a little warm, but that is no problem man.  I have sweated a lot since I have been here, but I knew coming in that I would.  One thing has been different though from the other times that I have come down.  Usually on those overly warm, and hot days, I cool off by going and taking a dip in the river out behind the mission house.  It is always a nice way to end a days work, and rinse the sweat from your body.  Since we have had so much rain, the river is higher than ever (well at least it is the highest I have ever seen it.  For those who have been here, the rope that is used as a swing, is almost in the water, which means the water is very high.  Since the water is so high, the current is very strong.  I got into the river the other day, only my second time since I had been here, to test the current and see if the team would be able to get in or not.  I could barely stand up in the current because it was so strong.  The team has only had the opportunity to swim in the river once since they have been here.  That is ok though, because we have the beach coming up on Saturday.

VBS has continued to go well.  I did not get a final count on today, but don't think we were to far north of 200.  It seemed like I was breaking up a lot of fights early on, but through the day it seemed to get better.  These kids really need to hear the love of Christ, and I hope they are hearing it.  After VBS, we came back and did some work on the medical center.  I got to play supervisor and inspector of the work that was being done within the facility today.  This was a nice change from my usual working hard position (although I did work some).  Tomorrow we have VBS again, and then they are planning on pouring some concrete in the afternoon.  The teams seems to be looking forward to that.

We had church tonight, and during the service I got to pray with Leon.  Leon is Pastor Brown's brother, and a man that I love being around while down here in Jamaica.  Most people can not understand Leon when they come down, but for some reason, I can stay with him when he talks.  He prayed for me tonight, and I for him.  It truly was a great time in the Lord.

It is hard to believe that I have been here for 7 days now, and that I only have 22 days left before I leave.  I am so enjoying my time, and hope and pray you (my family and friends) are not worrying for me as I am on this journey.  God is in control and is leading only as He can.  Thanks for everything and God Bless!!