Highlights of the New Year

The cold winter weather in the north has a way of affecting us here in Jamaica as well. It doesn't necessarily affect our weather here, but it does affect the amount of visitors we have. We have only had several days in 2016 without visitors so far, and it looks like it will continue so until at least the middle of April. We enjoy having people here though because chances are, it is family or friends of someone here at JRM, and they are bringing goodies for us! It seems like Christmas throughout the year!

The Lynford Weaver family from Pine Grove, PA was here in the month of January. They didn't stay at JRM, but they were here working here almost every day. The roof on the mission house looks much better with fresh paint. They also painted the outside wall all along the front of the property.

Thank you for coming and blessing JRM!

When some of Amber's friends visited us, we enjoyed when they shared their musical talents with us.

There were some other new faces that came to JRM in January. We had two new children join our family, and now have a total of 10 children here.

Carrie has been taking care of the baby, so it has taken some getting used to short nights again! She has the new mom "glow" about her, and she is at her best when she is taking care of children.

Novella Fisher from Manheim, PA joined the JRM team on January 19. Welcome Novella!

The first weekend in February brought lots of people to JRM, as it does every year. It was time for the Annual Associates Weekend. My niece Rachelle Mast came along and surprised our girls. 

We had a work day at JRM on Thursday, then a banquet in the evening. We had some special singing by the staff, and worship led by Brian Burke. Sheldon Campbell of YWAM Mobay was our guest speaker, and challenged us to define our purpose and vision for JRM.

Friday was a "fun day" in the Mt. Pelier community where JRM sponsors the Blackburn Learning Centre, and holds a Bible Club every week for the students. The activities for fun day included making crafts, a photo booth, games, and face painting.

Then on Saturday was the annual board meeting to conclude the weekend's activities.

The children always enjoy when Sam gets out the guitar!

It was a fun weekend of getting to know new people, and re-connecting with old friends.

Our family attended a birthday party of one of the girls' friends from church.

Their ballet classes have started again, and Olivia gets to go this year too. They look forward to that every week. They also enjoy Kids Praise every Friday, and AWANA at church every Sunday evening. It is a good chance for them to cultivate friendships outside of JRM.

Last week I made a trip to Kingston to meet with the government office that registers charities. Two friends from church made the trip with me, and we enjoyed an American lunch at TGI Fridays!

We had a great day of connecting, and best of all, JRM is now registered in Jamaica as a Charitable Organization. That means we will not need to pay the 16.5% sales tax anymore.

I really liked the sign at the office where I had the meeting.

We recently took a group picture.

Please pray for Jamaica, especially this week as there is an election on Thursday, February 25. We feel safe here, but there is often some violence that goes with the election time.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

Kevin

Sign of the month: I think we all feel like this when we drive.