So the alarm going off at 6:00 AM this morning came a lot quicker than expected. we tried to sleep quickly last night...but the, um, youth (they shall remain annonymous) decided to socialize well into the night. but we're not bitter, we're better. no honestly we did get a good night's sleep and were well rested for the 6:45 bus ride to the school. the shower was the kicker this morning. it brought back fond memories of our time in Brazil. the fact that the water was cold wasn't a big deal. we were just wishing we could say that there
was cold water becuase of the lack thereof. there was only a trickle (and we're not exagerating). tomorrow aleks and i are opting for a bucket bath because there is more water pressure in our sink than in the shower, literally.
there was rush hour here in kingston this morning and the second bus had a little bit of difficulty getting to the school. but we all made it there safely to find 500 students and their teachers singing "father abraham" and other songs while waiting for the gringos (pastor luis' fond term for the group:) to arrive. pastor luis introduced the multicultural team as a melting pot from south florida. we each have to raise our hand for the country that we were born in: america, china, malaysia, egypt, brazil, serbia and mexico. ryan king led us in worship with "Lord I lift Your name on high" while we sang along and taught the kids the hand motions. chloe played beautifully on the viola which was followed by a drama with nicole, matt, ashley, danica, michael and james. this drama taught the students about the sinfullness of lying. the older kids did their musical drama. we were able to mingle with the students for about 20 minutes. we learned the jamaican hand shakes and in return our boys have passed on "touche" to the jamaican boys:) YEAH MAN! (pronounced ya mon)
10 people went to the juvenille detention center to share hope with those who are believed to be beyond help. we are now at the jamaica youth for Christ office. some are punching holes through walls and breaking boards...don't worry they are supposed to be doing this becuase they are knocking out a wall as their first construction assignment while others clean up after them. while some are using their brauns, others are using their brain. charlie and alain have been setting up the wireless network and a printing server here at the youth for Christ office. allowing us to keep in touch with you.
this brings you up-to-date, hopefully, on the team's activities for now. everyone is getting to know one another and learning to work together and BE FLEXIBLE. the schedule was thrown out of the crowded 28 seater bus window when there were, um a few more than that crammed in there leaving the airport. God has taught us so much already in the short time that we have been here and we're looking forward to all that HE is continuing to teach us. please continue to PRAY for us that we would be a blessing to these dear people and that we can share about the HOPE that we have in Jesus Christ.
we love you all and are thankful for all your prayers and encouragement. we'll update you whenever possible.
this has been brought to you by A
2: aleks and ashley
o ya HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! there is so much happening that we had forgotten that today is turkey day. although we did sing "give thanks with a grateful heart" on the bus this morning.
Matthew McColgan upon being baptized in the waters of "Ocho Rios." Together with dad, Mr. Jerry McColgan and Pastor Luis Alvarado.
