Annual Meeting

Every year in February, around 40 people descend on JRM for the annual meeting. There are 12 associate board members who are invited every year, as well as others who interested in how they can be involved in the work in Jamaica. The guests start trickling in early in the week, and by Thursday the activities begin. Most of the guests have accommodations off site, since we have limited facilities for a group of this size.

We began Thursday (Feb. 5) with a work day at JRM. There were various projects, such as coating spots on the roof where there were some leaks, repair of electrical wiring, sealing a wooden stairway, cabinet repair, and various other things. Wesley Hershberger took charge of the projects, and made things happen. He is a tremendous multi-tasker. :)

On Friday, the group went to Mt. Pelier for a fun day with the kids from the Blackburn Learning Center and the community. There were different stations with activities for the kids.

There was a fundraiser for lunch to benefit the school. They cooked rice and peas (beans), jerk chicken, fried chicken, curry chicken, and cabbage salad.

Friday evening we had a banquet at JRM. We had some special music by JRM, then Brian Burke played music for us, and Pastor Andrew Gordon was our guest speaker.

Saturday morning was the board meeting, then it was all over for another year. It was a good weekend of re-connecting with friends, and making some new ones.

Thanks to all of you who make JRM what it is! We have a wonderful support team!
Have a fantastic week!
Kevin

Sign of the week:
This is not so much about the sign as it is the cattle that they have grazing beside the highway. There is a herd of cattle that they let graze in the ditch about once a month.

January Highlights

The days turn to weeks, and before you know it, a month has passed. I discovered that the longer I waited to write, the easier it became to put it off.

We passed the 6 month mark in January. It is hard to believe that we have been in Jamaica that long already, but it is starting to feel "not so new" anymore. It is starting to feel like home.

We celebrated New Years Day with a picnic by the pool.  We grilled burgers and hot dogs, swam, and played corn hole. It seemed more like a July 4th picnic than New Years Day.

January has been a month full of visitors. Benji Mast came a few days after New Years. We enjoyed having him here, although a lot of his time was spent with Tammie.

Sheri's parents, David & Hannah Peachey came to visit for a week, along with some of Sheri's friends.

Next was Rose's parents (Wilmer & Mary Stoltzfus), brother (Kyle), and aunt & uncle (Eli & Laura Weaver) for a week.

 Before they left we had family and friends from Ohio arrive. Carrie's mom came, along with Nicki's mom, and two of their friends, Mary Gingerich and Dorcas Kurtz. It is always like Christmas when visitors arrive. Not only do we get to be with family, but they bring us all kinds of treats and goodies. Carrie's mom will be staying for a month, but the others left on Friday.

These girls played and played and played and played together.

Becca's four sisters were able to surprise her when they arrived on Friday for the weekend.

So that only leaves Clarissa and Floyd & Ellen who haven't had visitors this month. We had a total of 4 days in January without visitors, and February is looking full as well. We do enjoy it though, as it gives us a boost to have friends and family come see us.

One Sunday evening we spend some time at the "airport beach."

We saw a huge double-decker plane land.

As we left, a beautiful full moon was rising.

We recently started doing a "Bible Club" for the school children at Mt. Pelier. Tammie has taken charge of that, and it usually consists of a story, memory verse, singing, games, and a snack. We have it every Monday afternoon after school.

We were also able to meet Loretta Fisher recently. She will be joining us later this winter. She was on a cruise this week that stopped at Ocho Rios. A group from the cruise toured Robin's Nest Children's Home, so we met her there.

Carrie held a baby that she wished she could bring along home.

Next on the agenda is the annual meeting next week. This is a large event bringing about 40 people to Jamaica. I will tell you all about it next time. Pray for us as we host the group, and that the vision of JRM could be spread!

The sign of the week is for the ladies. Who else would praise the Lord for a massive sale?

Have a fantastic week!
Kevin

Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

We had a festive, tropical holiday season in Jamaica! It started with Jasmine & Chloe celebrating their 8th birthday on the 22nd. They had a princess tea party hosting all the children.

On Christmas Eve morning, our family opened gifts.

Emma was so excited about her doll from Grandma & Grandpa Stutzman. Thank you!

That evening, we had a dinner together, then let the children open new pajamas to wear that night.

After they were settled in bed, the staff gathered again for an evening of games, music, a gift exchange, and a movie.

Christmas Day dawned bright and sunny.

Everyone gathered for a large Christmas brunch. We read the Christmas story, then the children opened gifts.

Since none of us had ever gone swimming on Christmas Day, we jumped in the pool in the afternoon.

The day ended as beautifully as it started.

We celebrated New Year's Eve on the roof, watching several fireworks shows in the bay at midnight.

Rose's brother Kevin & his wife Rosetta came to visit and joined us over New Year's. Our "visitors' season" has begun, and we are all excited about seeing family and friends!

As I reflect over 2014, I can see God moving in so many ways. There were good times, there were tough times, but I am excited about a new year; not because I think that everything will be good, but because I know that God is good!

I don't have a sign of the week, but I will leave you with this picture:

Have a blessed New Year!
Kevin