Goodbye again

Last week we had a goodbye that was an answer to prayer. Not that we are typically praying for people to leave...

The answer to prayer was that an adoption was finalized. We are excited that a little girl can have a forever family and be re-united with her brother. The transition and goodbye was sad and heart-wrenching, but ultimately this is what we are hoping and praying for each of the children in our care. We had ice cream cones (and tears) for our little farewell celebration.

This picture sums up how we all felt, smiling when we felt like crying.

One of the JRM children had a birthday last week, so of course, we had a birthday party. (Due to CDA regulations, I may not post names, ages, or birth dates of the children, sorry!)

On Tuesday, we had another goodbye. Audrey and Allison traveled back to the US. Audrey had come with us when we moved and had been here for 3 weeks. Allison Shenk had come for the final week and traveled back with her. They have been severely missed, although we are adjusting to life without a built-in babysitter. The last evening they were here, we spent some time up on the roof enjoying the view of the bay.

Last evening for staff night, we had a picnic on an abandoned road by the airport. The runway is on one side, and the ocean is on the other.

Guineps (g-in-up) are in season.

They are a little larger than a grape and are sweet/tart. You break the skin (typically with your teeth) and suck on the fleshy fruit inside.

It has a large seed on the inside, so you don't get much fruit, but they are delicious. There are 3 guinep trees on the property (that I know of).

This week we will welcome another Auntie, as the changes at JRM continue. Pray for the children through all these changes. They can't express themselves the way we can, and these changes bring out some behavior issues. Also pray for the Aunties as they deal with the children, as well as all the changes. Thanks for your interest and support. Without you doing what you do, we couldn't do what we do!
Have a blessed week!

More goodbyes...and some welcomes

We had another goodbye this past Monday. Katy Eash finished her term here at JRM and moved back to Jesup, GA. We will miss her, but want to bless her as she serves Jesus there. Thank you Katy for pouring your heart into your work here!

A youth group from Greensboro, NC was here and did a day camp at the church we attend. The kids went several days and enjoyed it immensely.

On Tuesday we welcomed Allison Shenk from northern Virginia. She is here to visit for a week, then she will be accompanying Audrey back home this coming week. The girls have been soaking up every minute with them, and we are all dreading their departure.

On Thursday we welcomed Sheri Peachey from Belleville, PA. She will be serving at JRM as an auntie. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of her to add.

On Friday evening we took advantage of our babysitters, and Carrie and I had a date night.

We got to have some family time on Saturday, and we spent some time at the beach.

I will leave you with the sign of the week. This was outside the restaurant where we ate on Friday evening.

Keep us in your prayers, as each day brings a new set of challenges. Today, the power was out for 7 hours. We never know what the next day will bring, and this next week looks like it could bring some changes with it as well. Thanks for taking an interest in the work here.
The Stutzmans

Ready or not...

This past Monday we said goodbye to the Phil Otto family.  We only spent several days with them, but we learned so much from them. They held nothing back, and even though they needed to pack, etc. they always had time to answer our questions and spend time with us. Thank you for taking time for us!

We had a busy week, but I won't take time to write all the details. This property has mango trees everywhere, and we are almost out of ways to use them. They are delicious though. Every visitor to the property is required to take a bag of mangos home with them.  One of the girls' favorite jobs is to pick up the rotten ones off the ground (just kidding).

We celebrated Emma's 1st birthday and Sierra's 9th birthday with a party on Wednesday evening.

I have been enjoying reading signs here in Jamaica.  The way they use certain words are a bit different than what we would in the US.  To explain the picture below, you must know that GCT is the sales tax here.

I will leave you with this photo.  The dogs were jealous of my normal morning chair, and took advantage of it this afternoon.

Continue to pray for us as we face new things each day. We can try to plan, but we never know what each day will bring. Thank you so much for your prayers and your support! We could not do this without either one.

Have a wonderful week!

Kevin

First Week

Based on the last post, you may think we are still at an airport somewhere.  We did arrive safely. The first customs officer viewed us and our 29 bags with suspicion and told us to go to another line where they would need to open them all. That line had a much more pleasant officer, who asked us several questions, then told us to go ahead. We were quite pleased with her decision.

The girls enjoyed their first time flying, and did very well.  Emma slept for much of the flights, which worked out well.

 

Notice that it is still dark outside, and the sunglasses had to be worn.

After leaving our Ohio home at 3:30AM, we arrived at our new home around 3:30PM. We received a warm welcome (no pun intended), and spent several hours getting settled in; however we were very happy to go to bed early.

Currently the time here is same as Central Time in the USA.  There is no changes for Daylight Savings Time, so it stays same year round.  So, in the summer it is same as Central Time, and in the winter it is same at Eastern Time. Right now the sunrise is around 5:45am and sunset is a little before 7pm.  We have found it easier to go to bed earlier since it gets dark earlier.

Carrie and Audrey spent the first several days unpacking and getting the house set up.  I spent my days on the road, meeting new people, and learning the locations of various important places. Driving on the left side of the road is something to get used to.  If you do try to turn into the wrong lane, the other drivers will be glad to let you know that you are doing something wrong.

Phil and Teresa Otto have done a tremendous job of mentoring and training us for our new role. The team of aunties here has been tremendous as well in helping us feel comfortable. This morning, we took Phil, Teresa, and their family to the airport for their departure. It was really hard to see them leave, but we thank them for taking time to help us along. We have really learned to appreciate them in this short time together.  Floyd and Ellen Yoder arrived this past Saturday and will continue to assist in this transition time.

A few items to pray for:
1. This transition/training/learning time, for us and the staff.
2. Building relationships with all the new friends we are meeting.
3. Learning the Jamaican culture and how to relate to it.

Thank you so much for your support, and your interest in our lives!
Kevin

Here we go!

As I write this we are waiting to board the plane at Port Columbus airport.  We have a 6am fight to Chicago, then around 9am we fly to Montego Bay. If you want attention, try taking 14 suitcases, 7 carry on bags, 7 backpacks, 1 stroller, and 5 children, and 3 adults through an airport.

Moving Sale Fundraiser & Support Info

This past Friday and Saturday we had a big moving sale fundraiser.  All items were sold on a donation basis, and the proceeds went to our support fund.  We were blessed with lots of donated items as well, including fresh cinnamon rolls on Saturday morning.

The girls and their cousins had a lemonade stand and bake sale as well.

The cupcakes passed the taste test; at leaa the icing did...

It was fun to chat with our friends, and we were blessed by everyone's generosity.
Many of you have asked about our funding and how much monthly support we have.  We have not been taking pledges or asking for monthly commitments, although we will need some consistent monthly support.  We truly believe that God will provide for us; He has been faithful in the past, and is trustworthy for the future.  We also realize that it is good to plan ahead, but we believe we will be provided with what we need.  If funds do run low, we may post an update to make you aware of it, but we believe that the Holy Spirit is the best fundraiser available.

Here are some of the "nuts & bolts" about our support:

Why are we raising support?

We will be serving as Field Director/Houseparents with Jamaica Relief Ministries.  This is volunteer position, and we will be self-supporting.  We will be provided with a place to live, as well as basic groceries.  All other expenses, including travel, will be our responsibility.

JRM operates a foster home for children in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and currently has 9 children in their care.

How much do we need?

We are projecting that our yearly need will average out to between $1200-$1500 per month. This will cover things like health insurance, airline tickets, school materials, family activities, as well as general living expenses.

How do I give?
Contributions can be sent to:

Stutzman Jamaica Fund

℅ Mark Beachy

PO Box 298

Plain City, OH  43064

Keep us in your prayers as we start packing up and wrapping up things around here.

Thanks so much for your support and for your input and interest in our lives!
Kevin & Carrie