Visitors

We have been blessed with visitors this past week. I mentioned last week that (Carrie's brother) Zach & Allison Gingerich came to help us out for two weeks while Tammie (the teacher for our girls) is in Ohio. We have thoroughly enjoyed having family around! While Allison is teaching, Zach has been working on all the projects on my "to do" list. He is making me look good! :)

We also welcomed a group of five former aunties last week. The children were excited to see old friends who had invested so much into their lives. Of course, they also brought goodies for everyone to enjoy. We have enjoyed having them here, and getting to know them.

Another new thing we did last week was a visit for one of the children. We spent an hour or so at the CDA office during the visit. This is exciting, since this is a step in having a forever family for a child. We love these children in our care, but we realize that a permanent family for each one would be best.

On Thursday and Friday Chloe spent her time on the couch or in bed. She came down with chikungunya. By Friday evening she started to feel a little bit better. It seems that even after a person gets over the fever, etc. and is up and around, it can take a week or more to get their strength back. Some people have the joint pain continue for months. We feel blessed that the JRM children have been spared so far. One day when Chloe was in bed, this is how I found her (that's her feet that you see where her head should be).

Zach and Allison volunteered to babysit for us, so Carrie & I enjoyed a night out on Friday evening. The weather had been about perfect most of the week, and Friday was no exception. It was so nice to sit, relax, talk, and enjoy a good meal! The setting was beautiful!

We enjoyed our day off at the beach on Saturday, then went to the Pork Pit for some fantastic jerk chicken & pork (some of the best that I have had).

Sunday evening was a highlight. Brian & Kim Burke came to JRM, as well as some of our friends from Baylife Baptist Church (where we attend). Pastor Andrew and Brian led us in worship, and we had a wonderful time. Everyone was disappointed when it was time to get the children to bed.

After some delays in the schedule, the addition is finished, and Floyd and Ellen have officially moved into it.

Emma thinks it is big stuff to eat by herself.

Some things to pray for:
Continue to pray for health and protection from chikungunya.

Also pray for our safety and protection. It seems that crime is more prevalent between now and Christmas.

With the holidays coming up, our minds tend to think of our families who are elsewhere. Pray that we could lead the staff in making this a special and fun time with our "JRM family" without focusing on what we are missing with our families.

Thank you for the cards, letters, and emails of encouragement! It means so much to know that you care!
Have a blessed week!
Kevin

Sign of the week:

Jamaican Christmas Lights. What would you do?