FCC Jamaica Mission

DFW

2009-07-18T16:51:00.001-07:00

We have landed at DFW

Day of relaxing and enjoyment

2009-07-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

YeaMon….. Sorry just had to say it, the Jamaican’s say it all the time and it sounds awesome.

Today’s breakfast was served and hour later so the kids got to enjoy a little extra sleep. The breakfast consisted of Banana Pancakes, THEY WERE AWESOME. We then loaded the bus and headed to Ocho Rios for a day at the market and Dunn’s River Falls. We arrived at the market around 10:30 and the kids were off to try their hands at bartering and I must say they all made some good deals. We all ate lunch at Burger King and then headed off to the Falls. All I can say is WOW. All the kids climbed the falls at least once and several climbed them several times. It took about 45 minutes to get from the bottom of the falls to the top. Half the group went and spent the rest of the time at the beach after their climb. We were at the falls for about 2 ½ hours before we loaded up to come back to the hotel for our last dinner consisting of Jerk Chicken or Pork. The kids are enjoying a little free time before our nightly meeting then we will be off to pack for our trip home from PARADISE.

Our flight leave Montego Bay tomorrow at 3:05 and I’m not sure what time we land at DFW. The flight times and information has not changed. The kids will have access to cell phones when we arrive in OKC and they will be allowed to make calls on the way to Stillwater.

Keep us in thoughts and prayers as we make our trip home and we pray we don’t have to go back to Miami.

P.S. the kids all said THEY WERE REALLY REALLY REALLY HOMESICK AND REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO LEAVE THIS SAD DEPRESSING OCEAN FRONT VIEW!!!!!

Ok so maybe I’m telling a little lie :-) We will see you all tomorrow night in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.

Enjoy tonight’s pictures of our wonderful last day.

Thursday, Beach day with the ladies.....

2009-07-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

TODAY WAS AN AWESOME DAY FOR THE KIDS AND ADULTS. We started the day off with the finale day of VBS. Our number increased to 136 kids. The kids must have made a great impression on the Jamaican kids every kid game back and brought friends with them to learn about God’s grace. Just like all the past mission trips the kids we served fell in love with our youth. Our youth made so many new friends and several of the teens have a facebook and email address so there is a possibility some of the newly developed friendships can carry past this week.
Now, for a little “FCC Jamaican Mission” blog follower quiz…..
Here is the questions: What did the mission group eat for lunch today?
A. PB&J
B. PB&J
C. PB&J
If you answered PB&J you were correct.

After lunch 10 of the girls went to the infirmary to get 10 of the residents to bring to the beach while the rest of the group cleaned up the beach so the residents wouldn’t have to step on trash while walking to the water. The 10 girls who went to the infirmary had an interesting experience. When they arrived they had to help dress the ladies and also put depends on each of them. The rest of the group was able to have a nice swim in the water for 30 minutes while we waited for the ladies to arrive. When the ladies arrived the group jumped into action and took over. They either walked the ladies to the beach, carried them or assisted them by rolling them to the water in wheel chairs. The kids sat with the ladies at the edge of the water and assisted them by holding them up, massaging their backs and legs and even carried them into the water so the ladies could feel the waves splashing against them. I will add a few pictures to the post so you can see our kids at work, THEY WERE GREAT!

We took the ladies back to the bus and rinsed them off and fed them a Pattie, a Jamaican food, before we took them back to the infirmary. When we arrived at the infirmary the girls had to assist in stripping the ladies down and rinsing them off and then clothing them.
We went back to the hotel and had another great meal consisting of Red Snapper.

The kids are going to enjoy a free night at the hotel. Tomorrow we leave for Ocho Rios to go to the market area and then to the falls where the kids can play and have fun at the beach.

Culture night last night went really well and the kids had a lot of fun.

Tonight’s VBS picture is of Natalie, Rachel and Joy Fieldsend, Megan Ramsey, Justine Hall, Audry Memmott, Nicole Gumm and Keri Bruce

Day three, Wednesday Hump day

2009-07-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

This morning for breakfast we was treated to the national fruit, Akai, cooked with bacon. I liked it and I think most of the kids thought it was ok. We started day three of VBS I think the head count for was 120 kids. I was not at VBS yesterday but I was told by several today went better. The kids seem to really get a lot out of VBS, and by kids I mean our kids. The Jamaican kids are also great they need a little structure but they are great kids.

We came back for day three of PB&J. The group split up into two groups. One group went to the infirmary and provided water and soup to the residents. The group also painted the exterior wall of the men's ward and put painted a coat of primer on the inside wall of the men's ward. The other group went to a micro-farm and helped around the farm. The lady at the micro-farm raised pigs and chickens. She also grew several different times of fruits. The other group said they saw the largest spiders hanging above their heads. Their duties were weeded a vegetable garden and moved rocks from the garden to be placed at the slaughter house.

The groups all met back up at the hotel and we ate another great meal, spaghetti and meatballs. Tonight is culture night when several of the locals will be coming in and sings, selling baskets, braiding the girls and guys hair. It starts at 7:00 and I think it will be a great experience.

Today's VBS picture group will consist of Sondra Ladd, Maddie Young, Ericka Schaecher, Ryan Parker and Mckenzie Crawford.

Day two, Tuesday....

2009-07-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today was another great day for the kids. They started the morning off with the second day of VBS. Before we started VBS we were told the kids would probably be wild, crazy and we would probably have to break up a few fights. Day one was nothing like that, day two a little different story. By our estimates the group grew from approximately 50 kids to approximately 100 kids. The group today was a little crazier than yesterday’s group. They had to break up a few small fights and arguments. The younger group leaders learned if they kept the kids active with little down time the class would go smoother. Over all it was another great day at VBS and the kids did a great job.

After another great PB&J sandwich and fresh pineapple slices we went to the infirmary for another great day with residences. We broke-up into three groups so we could start our tasks. One group moved all the beds and residents out of one section of the men's ward so it could be power washed and cleaned. The task was very challenging because several of the men were bed ridden and the kids had to help them out of their beds and place them into wheel chairs. Several of the residents had not taken a bath in several days and most were wearing diapers. The kids did not complain once. The second group placed another coat of primer on the exterior wall of the men’s ward. The third group provided juice and Ensure to all the residents.

Today’s pictures will have the VBS group of Michelle Schaecher, Josh Snyder, Josh Allen, Arron Sharp, Rachel Snyder and Taylor Swanek.

Welcome from Galina Breeze St. Mary's Parish Jamacia

2009-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

I want to first say sorry for not posting last night.

We arrived yesterday on time and had no problems going through customs. You would think a group of 26 with four bags each would throw up a red flag, but no. Our first stop in the tropical island of Jamaica was ................ Burger King. We then took a two hour bus ride from Montego Bay to our week long home of Galina Breeze Hotel. We were welcomed by the staff and Interns. The first order of business was the rules while in Jamaica. We then broke into our groups and went over day one of VBS. After a short meeting the kids enjoyed the swimming pool while the adults sat around and relaxed. Everyone is to be in their rooms by 10:00 and lights are out at 10:30, except for my room and we had a little problem - lets just say one of the rules is not too much toilet paper in the toilet.

Day 2 wake up was at 7:00 and breakfast was at 8:00. We then left for the school where we will be having VBS for the next four days. We had approximately 50 kids show up today and everything went well. We came back to the hotel and had our lunch, PB&J with fresh pineapple. We left for the infirmary where the kids spent two hours with the residents. The kids were awesome and they did not hesitate at all to jump in and provide soup, juice and friendship to the people who are so unfortunate.

We arrived back at the hotel at 4:00 and a lot of us enjoyed a swim in the pool. We ate another wonderful meal prepared by the staff at 5:30 and we are then going to have a quick VBS meeting before enjoying the cool ocean breeze.

Here is what I'm going to do for pictures. Each night will have pictures of indivdiual VBS group this way all the kids will make the blog. Tonights pictures will contain Cassidy, Beau, Garrett and Lauren.

Day 1 1/2 down

2009-07-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

We are finally in our rooms in Miami (2:30 am). We will be leaving Miami for Jamaica in the morning at 11:00 am. The kids all have a great attitude and they are making the best out of a long long day.

DFW

2009-07-11T17:49:00.001-07:00

We have landed at DFW. The group is getting a quick bite to eat ( thanks to American airlines). Our flight leaves here at 9:00 for Miami......

Trip update

2009-07-11T17:47:00.001-07:00

We arrived at the airport to find out or flight was cancelled. We are now flying frim Okc to Miami via DFW. We will be staying the night in Miami and then leaving for jamaiac in the morning at 11:00...

We're off

2009-07-11T03:03:00.001-07:00

5:00 am is way tooooo early!!!

Packing meeting

2009-07-10T17:16:00.001-07:00

Sondra last minute instructions.

Flight update

2009-07-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Note that flight times have changed – we will be leaving from OKC flight 1099 at 8:40 arriving at DFW at 9:35 Boarding AA 1232 DFW 10:15 Arriving in Montego Bay 1:59. For this reason I have bumped the leave from the church time to 5:00 AM IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE BE ON TIME!!!

Don't forget our final meeting will be held Friday, July 10th at 6:30 – please bring ALL luggage (including carryon bags); fanny packs, back packs and pillows. We want to do a complete luggage check and make sure everything meets airline regulations.

Flight information

2009-07-02T16:40:00.001-07:00

American Airlines AA 1099
Saturday July 11th – 7:55 Oklahoma City/Dallas Ft. Worth 8:55/DFW 10:30 – Montego Bay 2:15

Saturday July 18th – American Airlines AA 1233
3:30 – Montego Bay – DFW 7:30/ DFW 8:40 – OKC 9:40

(Senior Girls – staying until July 19th)

AA 1233 Sun July 19th – Montego Bay 3:05 DFW 7:04/ DFW 8:30 - OKC 9:25

I will check with American Airlines on Friday, July 10th to confirm times and make sure there have been no changes – we will confirm times at the meeting/group packing July 10th 6:30 (remember EVERYONE must be present at this meeting – bring EVERYTHING you plan to bring to Jamaica – even your carry on bags).

Unless times change we will need to leave the church Saturday morning, July 11th 4:00am – we will be checking in 27 passengers and loading lots of luggage – there is no room for anyone to be late – everything will be packed and loaded but we need you here ready to roll.

Each person should plan to bring at least $100.00 spending money – money will be needed for breakfast and lunch on Saturday, July 11th and for lunch and dinner on Saturday July 18th. Money will also be needed for nightly snacks at the tuck shop and at the market place in Ocho Rios and for lockers at Dunns River Falls.

Senior girls will need to bring additional spending money for July 19th – we plan to spend the day at the beach, breakfast is included with our room but you will need money for lunch and dinner.

The group coming back on the 18th should be back in Stillwater by 11:30-midnight – the group on July 19th will be back in Stillwater about the same time on Sunday – if there are flight delays we will call and let you know.

All of this information will be posted on the website www.fcc-stw.org Children’s and youth ministry/Jamaica blog. Pictures and posts will be made daily during our trip.

2009-06-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

Check now and make sure you have your VBS curriculum booklet – there are several in my office. PRACTICE YOUR PART – IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING WHEN WE GET THERE.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER DAILY NOW – IF YOU ARE HYDRATED BEFORE WE GET THERE IS WILL BE LESS LIKELY YOU WILL BECOME DEHYRATED DURING OUR TRIP. GO OUTSIDE SOME EACH DAY – GET ACCUSTOMED TO THE HEAT.

Mark your calendars – Packing event (BRING EVERYTHING WITH YOU) and guest speaker Friday, July 10th. EVERYONE MUST BE PRESENT. NO EXCUSES!!!!! 6:30-FINISHED.

You do not need to pack sheets for our trip – only a light blanket – pillows are available BUT if you have a pillow you can leave in Jamaica bring it along. Don’t forget to purchase a fanny pack for your passport and permission to travel As well as a back pack – there are a couple at the church if you don’t have one.

Additional information will be posted so subscribe or check daily for new information.
Sondra

2009-06-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY – TRAVEL DAY
Orientation
Supper – 6:00 pm

SUNDAY
Wake up – 8:00 am
God Time – 8:30 am
Breakfast – 9:00 am
Church Orientation - 9:45 am
Depart for Church – Pastor Brown - 10:00 am
Lunch at Camp – 1:00 pm
KP Lessons
Preparation time for week
Swimming and Relaxing
Supper - 6:00 pm
Night meeting 7:00 pm

MONDAY
Wake up – 7:00 am
God Time – 7:30 am
Breakfast – 8:00 am
Depart for school – 9: 00 am
Galina Primary School - VBS
Lunch at site
Infirmary- Hydrate and paint
Return to Camp – 4:00 pm
Supper – 5:30 pm
Night Meeting – 7:00 pm

TUESDAY
Wake up – 7:00 am
God Time – 7:30 am
Breakfast – 8:00 am
Depart for school – 9am
Galina Primary School - VBS
Lunch at site
Infirmary – Hydrate and Paint
Return to Camp – 4:00 pm
Supper – 5:30 pm
Night Meeting – 7:00 pm

WEDNESDAY
Wake up – 7:00 am
God Time – 7 :30 am
Breakfast – 8:00 am
Depart for school -9am
Galina Primary School - VBS
Lunch at site
Micro- Business Farm
Return to Camp – 4:00 pm
Supper – 5:30 pm
Culture Night – 7pm (meet the locals)

THURSDAY
Wake up – 7:00 am
God Time – 7:30 am
Breakfast – 8:00 am
Depart for school – 9:00 am
Galina Primary School – VBS
Lunch at Camp
Prep for Beach
Depart for Infirmary Beach Day – 1:30 pm
Infirmary Pagee Beach
Supper – 5:30 pm
Night Meeting – 8:00 pm

FRIDAY
Wake up – 8:00 am
God Time – 8:30 am
Breakfast – 9:00 am
Depart for Black Sand Beach - 10:00 am
Black Sand Beach by boat and climb falls
Return to Camp - 4:00 pm
Supper – 6:00 pm
Close Out Meeting – 7:00 pm

SATURDAY – TRAVEL DAY
Wake up - 7:00 am
God Time - 7:30 am
Breakfast – 8:00 am (Bring luggage to breakfast for checkout)
Depart for Airport – 8:30 am
(If schedule needs to be moved up, we will do that for earlier departure.)

2009-06-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

The kids are packing food packets for the trip.

2009-06-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the home of the Official Blog site for the Jamaica Mission trip. Check back for trip updates and import messages from Sondra.