Surprise!

It was the last week before school starts in Jamaica, so that kept us from getting bored last week. On Monday we had orientation with the three JRM school children at their new school. They are attending a Christian preschool in MoBay. In Jamaica it seems they send children to school as soon as possible. The first age group they call 2+. It it typically 3 year olds, but I have heard of children as young as 1 1/2 going to school. We (JRM) are only sending the older children this year. We do "school" here with the younger ones. Sierra, Jasmine, and Chloe are wishing for their school to start soon. We will probably start our homeschool on September 15.

Carrie & Ellen did some shopping for school uniforms, and Ellen sewed the skirts for the girls. There were also doctors visits and shoe shopping to do. I went to several stores to gather all the school books. The school gives a list for each student, then they need to buy and bring the school books (workbooks) along.

On Wednesday we had an airport run. Jen Martin from the Kitchener area of Ontario joined us on a short term basis. She will be helping out with childcare or wherever needed most. We are excited to have her join our team! (I don't have a picture yet)

The surprise came on Thursday late afternoon when the Monitoring Officer (think inspector) from CDA made an un-announced visit. She makes visits as often as once per month; some are announced and some are un-announced. Since we have nothing to hide and do things the right way, things went smoothly, and it was a good visit. We did change our plans last minute, and had Aunties' night out on Friday instead of Thursday.

Our family spent Saturday in Ocho Rios with the Brown family. They are still on the island waiting for a US visa for their new daughter, so we try to meet up with them regularly. The weather was unusual in that it was cloudy all day. It is the first day since we are here that we didn't see the sun all day. It did make it very pleasant to be outside. It is amazing that 85º and cloudy can feel chilly! We started the day in the craft market. After lunch we found a park with a playground and some fish ponds. The kids really enjoyed that and we let them play for quite a while. We then stopped at a small water falls that Dustin knew about. We just parked beside the road and hiked down about 50 steps. It was amazing! It is a very miniature version of Dunns River Falls.

About halfway back home we stopped at the Ultimate Jerk Center for some great jerk chicken. We had a great time connecting with the Browns, and it was a very relaxing day for us.

On Sunday after lunch, we said goodbye to a long time resident of JRM. We "graduated" one of the boys to another group home. It was sad to say goodbye, but we are excited about what his new home has to offer him.

Yesterday (Sept. 1) was the first day of school for the JRM children, and everyone was excited! Sierra, Jasmine, and Chloe were up before 6am asking if it was time to go yet.

The sign of the week comes from the park we visited on Saturday. I must say that it is the first park I have ever visited where hair braiding is strictly forbidden.

Have a blessed week!
Kevin