We passed the 6 month mark in January. It is hard to believe that we have been in Jamaica that long already, but it is starting to feel "not so new" anymore. It is starting to feel like home.
We celebrated New Years Day with a picnic by the pool. We grilled burgers and hot dogs, swam, and played corn hole. It seemed more like a July 4th picnic than New Years Day.
January has been a month full of visitors. Benji Mast came a few days after New Years. We enjoyed having him here, although a lot of his time was spent with Tammie.
Sheri's parents, David & Hannah Peachey came to visit for a week, along with some of Sheri's friends.
Next was Rose's parents (Wilmer & Mary Stoltzfus), brother (Kyle), and aunt & uncle (Eli & Laura Weaver) for a week.
Before they left we had family and friends from Ohio arrive. Carrie's mom came, along with Nicki's mom, and two of their friends, Mary Gingerich and Dorcas Kurtz. It is always like Christmas when visitors arrive. Not only do we get to be with family, but they bring us all kinds of treats and goodies. Carrie's mom will be staying for a month, but the others left on Friday.
These girls played and played and played and played together.
Becca's four sisters were able to surprise her when they arrived on Friday for the weekend.
So that only leaves Clarissa and Floyd & Ellen who haven't had visitors this month. We had a total of 4 days in January without visitors, and February is looking full as well. We do enjoy it though, as it gives us a boost to have friends and family come see us.
One Sunday evening we spend some time at the "airport beach."
We saw a huge double-decker plane land.
As we left, a beautiful full moon was rising.
We recently started doing a "Bible Club" for the school children at Mt. Pelier. Tammie has taken charge of that, and it usually consists of a story, memory verse, singing, games, and a snack. We have it every Monday afternoon after school.
We were also able to meet Loretta Fisher recently. She will be joining us later this winter. She was on a cruise this week that stopped at Ocho Rios. A group from the cruise toured Robin's Nest Children's Home, so we met her there.
Carrie held a baby that she wished she could bring along home.
Next on the agenda is the annual meeting next week. This is a large event bringing about 40 people to Jamaica. I will tell you all about it next time. Pray for us as we host the group, and that the vision of JRM could be spread!
The sign of the week is for the ladies. Who else would praise the Lord for a massive sale?
Kevin
