Earlier this month we said goodbye to Rosetta Stoltzfus who returned home to Pennsylvania after serving at JRM for one year. Thank you Rose for your generous service to the children of Jamaica!
One day later, a new auntie, Amber Hochstetler arrived. She is from South Carolina, but we try not to hold that against her. :)
We also experienced some changes with the children. We added four children in less than one week. That makes for some exciting times! The aunties have done a tremendous job with all the changes happening. They have had to make some sacrifices, but they do such a good job of keeping the childrens' best interests in mind. We are blessed with a great team of volunteers!
Floyd & Ellen also returned to their home in South Carolina. We surprised them the weekend before they left with a farewell party. Duane & Verba Cross (Indiana) were here to help plan things, and Scott & Grace Hostetler (South Carolina) made a surprise visit for the weekend.
Floyd & Ellen don't enjoy lots of attention and would prefer to serve in the background, but we felt it was fitting to honor them for all they have done for so many people in Jamaica.
We hosted a group in the beginning of the month, August 4-11. They were from Dayspring Mennonite Church in Catlett, Virginia. We especially enjoyed that we had some family that came with the group!
They added two rooms to Miss Sophia's house at Mt. Pelier.
They also did some painting and some projects around JRM.
We spent one day passing out tracts, visiting a childrens home for handicapped children, and visiting the infirmary.
On their day off, we visited YS Falls.
We enjoyed hosting them and getting to know them. They were a blessing to JRM and the staff!
We recently had Case Conferences with CDA for the children in our care. We are blessed to have an excellent relationship with CDA, and quality people to work with. We are excited about the difference we can make in these children's lives.
A few things to pray about:
-These next several months will continue to bring changes with staff. Pray that we could work together as a team, and be aware of the attacks that the enemy wants to bring our way.
-Pray for the children as they get used to new aunties. Pray for the new children that they would feel safe and feel loved here at JRM.
-Pray for our family as we make a decision soon about our time here, whether to extend it beyond our initial commitment of two years (your input is welcome).
Carrie's sister Audrey recently announced her engagement, so we are excited to be attending a wedding in November. The downside is that we will need to pay for another set of airline tickets to travel. We also have some potentially sizable dental bills coming up. We have felt so blessed with your generosity in the past, and it is humbling to ask. Many of you have been regular supporters, and we thank you for that. If you haven't given in the past, would you consider? The address is: Stutzman Jamaica Fund, PO Box 298, Plain City, OH 43064. If you have Paypal, you can send it to truebuckeye@juno.com
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Kevin
Sign of the month: You never know what's coming your way!
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