September also brought lots of changes here at JRM. Lots of staff changes and schedule changes always makes things a little more hectic. School started on September 7 for the JRM children. That means I am driving to town and back twice per day for school drop off and pickup. The children have adjusted to school and are doing well.
A few days before school started, we had an outing with everyone to visit Mr. Ramford at his farm. It is always enjoyable to try coconut water, sugar cane, and all the other things he is growing there. I always learn something new when we visit him.
We had guests here from Ohio to visit Nicki. Shelly Gingerich & Kim Hostetler came for a week, then Denise Troyer came right after that. Nicki was at the end of her term and was able to travel back with Denise on September 30.
Sheri Peachey returned to her home in Pennsylvania on September 21. Both of these ladies did a lot of the cooking, so not only do we miss them, we miss their good food. :)
On September 29, Lucinda Hochstetler (Indiana) arrived to serve as an auntie.
Along with Cinda, Joe & Ellen Shetler (Indiana) arrived as well. They are serving as Outreach and Project Coordinators.
On September 20, we passed an anniversary that we were not looking forward to. One year ago, we got the news that Carrie's father had unexpectedly passed away, and by that evening we were in Ohio. This year, we got balloons for our family and "sent" notes to Grandpa.
While most of us were doing this...
...this happened.
A fisherman was cleaning his fish on the rocks nearby. He had caught some Lionfish.
We spent some time at the beach in Negril, then we stopped in at the lighthouse, but it was closed.
Before school started, Chloe had the opportunity to be the "receptionist" at the Child Development Agency for part of a day.
In the last update, I had written about the decision before us about our time in Jamaica. We sensed an open door, so we have committed to be at JRM until the summer of 2017. Thank you for your prayers and input concerning this decision.
I had also written of some financial needs that we have. Thank you so much for responding and for the contributions that you have made that allow our family to serve here in Jamaica.
I realize that it is October already, and we have had some exciting times already this month; but you will need to wait to hear about it until next time. :-)
Sign of the month:
This person is more than willing to share his opinion of Montego Bay.
Blessings!
Kevin
