New Year, New update

Writing this blog is kind of like organizing your desk, or balancing the checkbook. You know it needs to be done, but it is easy to put off. Then as time goes on, it starts looking a little overwhelming because it has been neglected so long. I do enjoy writing though, so it is not as much of a chore as cleaning up a disorganized mess.

We finally took another group picture in January, but with the way things change quickly here, it is already out-dated.

The last time I wrote was before Christmas. We had a wonderful time with our JRM family. We had sponsors who sent Christmas gifts on the container that we got earlier in December. Thanks to all of you who participated!

Some of Amber's family came to visit after Christmas, so we took advantage of their construction skills. We started a project of building a new nursery and sick room. Our current nursery had as many as 4 baby cribs in a space that was meant to be a hallway, so we thought it was time to have a bigger nursery.

It is now in the process of being painted, so we are almost ready to put it in use.

We also went to visit Mr. Ramford while they were here. We always enjoy seeing his farm, and he is eager to share his fruit, vegetables, and vast wisdom of which kind of plant is good for what.

The Skyline youth group from Canon City, Colorado was here for a week in January. They built a house for a family, and did some other small projects. They spent a day in Montego Bay doing some street ministry, and visiting several schools. We enjoyed having them here, and they were a blessing to JRM.

Jasmine, Chloe, Sierra, and Olivia have been going to French class and Kung Fu class on Saturdays at the church. They have been stretching their brains and their muscles! They recently started ballet classes as well, along with some of the children from JRM.

The annual associate board meeting is always the first weekend in February, and it is a big event for us. This year we were blessed to have 6 young ladies come to do all the cooking. We started the weekend with a work day at JRM on Thursday.

In the evening we had a banquet dinner, followed by some music and verses from the children and aunties at JRM.  We had a time of worship, then Pastor Andrew Pryce had an encouraging message for us.

Friday was the board meeting, then on Saturday we had a "fun day" in the Mt. Pelier community. This consisted of various stations for the children, such as face painting, ring toss, photo booth, card making, etc.

The school teachers cooked lunch as a fundraiser for the Blackburn Learning Centre.

We had family come to visit. Marcus (Carrie's brother) and Andrea and their son Bennett, along with Andrea's parents, Dannie & Laura Gingerich came to JRM for a week. We thoroughly enjoyed having them here, and the time went way too fast!

We visited YS Falls while they were here.

They also did lots of work around here. Marcus built a table from wood that was cut from the JRM property. They also did lots of landscape work and maintenance items.

We visited Mr. Ramford, and we tried star apple for the first time.

We found a car for when the girls start driving...

Emma and Bennett were together every waking hour.

Our gardener (also named Marcus) burned some charcoal for us. This is quite a process. First he piled up the dry wood, then he covered it with freshly cut branches and grass. Then everything was covered with dirt. We had to add more dirt, because as it settled, and we actually had fire coming out of the pile one morning when we checked it. After letting it "cook" for 3 days, it was uncovered and cooled. Some of the big pieces that didn't burn all the way through were put back in for round 2. It was an interesting process to watch.

Our goat herd also multiplied. The four mother goats each had twins, so we have 8 little kids running around. Joe the farmer has been busy!

We also had other changes with the staff and children. We had 3 children leave since I wrote last. We currently have 8 children, but we are expecting a call any day to have more children placed with us.

We said goodbye to Novella a few weeks ago. She served as an auntie for 1 year, and we miss her. Thank you Novella for serving and giving!

Marita arrived from Ohio and will be serving as an auntie.

Pray for JRM as we face all these transitions. Change is never easy, especially for the children. They have done well though, and I am sure it is because of all the prayers.

Also, a big thank you to those who made it possible for Carrie and I to attend the Inspire and Men of Valor conferences in Indiana. We really appreciate your generosity!

I will share several signs since it has been so long since I wrote.

I always enjoy when they write signs in Patois:

This is one of my all time favorites:

Thank you all for your support and prayers!
Kevin