Hello everyone! Welcome back to my blog! 🇯🇲

Our first week in Jamaica has been SO good! We’ve definitely been working hard, and I am exhausted, but I’m feeling so blessed by everything we’ve gotten to experience so far.

Everyone on our squad has been split into different ministry teams, and each team has a different task. Some teams are working on roofing, some are helping at schools, and others are serving around the base. My team is doing what’s called “Good Will,” which means we have a different project around the community every day. So far, we’ve built steps, filled potholes, and we’re currently working on moving and jacking up a house! It’s definitely not the kind of work I’m used to, but it has been really cool getting to serve people in such a practical way.

One of my favorite parts of this week has honestly been seeing how much my team has connected. Since we’ve had to lead ourselves through a lot of these projects, communication and teamwork have been really important. I’ve seen everyone step up, encourage each other, and figure things out together. It’s been really cool to see how the Lord is using these experiences to bring us closer together.

And I have to talk about the food because it has been amazing. We have a cook who makes our dinners, and she is incredible. One day we had a community dinner, and I got to cook side-by-side with some of my squad members and a local named Omar, who owns a food spot close to where we’re staying. Getting to spend time cooking, talking, and connecting with people from the community was such a fun experience and one of those little moments I know I’ll remember. We had about one hundred locals show up to our community dinner, I got to play with some of the kids and I had such a fun time.

Yesterday we also had a beach day, which was very needed. After a busy week of working and serving, it was so nice to slow down, relax, have fun, and just enjoy being together. Sometimes I think I forget how important it is to rest, and I’m learning that rest is part of the journey too.

Most importantly, I feel like the Lord has been teaching me so much this week. He’s been teaching me to be patient, to get out of my comfort zone, and to slow down enough to notice the little things. I think it’s easy to focus on the big moments of this trip and forget that God is working in the small, everyday moments too.

I’m tired, burnt, and definitely being stretched, but I’m so grateful to be here. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for the rest of our time in Jamaica and to continue learning, serving, and growing along the way.

Until next time!