The Eagle Has Landed

After hours in the Barbados airport, we just landed in Miami. While it feels good to be making progress, we find ourselves among, oh, maybe, a thousand of our closest friends from all over the world in the customs line. We have moved 10 feet in 20 minutes. Lord, give me patience...now! We have tried to think of clever ways of clearing the room however all of them would most likely extend our stay longer than we would like. Ha ha. We briefly saw a Pizza Hut being tested by its allure, but alas we had to move on. So the eagle may have landed but he is moving slow.  Pray for our patience and speedy course to nearest restaurant. Ha ha.  Still after these two weeks it is a small price for what transpired.  All great things come at a great cost.  It was true for David and the field he bought, true for us. Thanks for the prayers. Jeff
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A Quick Hello

Hey Jeff

How did you guys get through this morning? I hope that all was well and you are well on your way home. The kids are still sleeping and Shawn has gone off to work. Let us know when you get settled and say hey to everyone for us.

Bye
Have a good one :)

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Terminal Rummikub

Wade, Jennifer and me are engaged in a riveting game of Rummikub waiting for the check in counter to open. We got seats on the 3pm flight to Miami which cost us $5000 . Good thing I have a swamp corps credit card with some room on it! Some folks from the Barbados church were here and so the other 8 in our group went back to the hotel to sleep. We will check in the bags then go to the gate and meet them later.  We have another long layover in Miami as our flight  to Atlanta is at 10:45 tonight. Ouch! Well at least I have won two games in a row. More updates later.  Did I tell you Kim Williams has taken just under 6,000 pictures over the last two weeks and Matt our videographer got some really cool video and interviews. On to game three.  J

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No Camels Available!

So we rush to the airport and when we get here half of us don't have tickets: Rorabaughs, Williams, Cameron, Adam, and Barbara are stuck. Our tickets were dated July 16th on an email receipt dated may 11th but the agent today says our tickets were for last Saturday, not sure what happened.  Aaarg!  So here we sit trying to get on the only other flight later today. Right now there are only 8 seats on that flight. We may have to pay more (well someone will.). Anyway here we sit. I have been frustrated, angry (very), and despondent. Then I said to Wade we should pray and asked the ticket agent lady if she prayed and would she like to join Wade and me in prayer. She did and it helped. Not sure why this is happening. I wonder if Paul ever had issues like this: "I specifically asked for a two hump camel." "I am sorry sir. We have no reservation for you under your name. Would be you interested in this small donkey? Otherwise you will have to wait for the next caravan to come through." I can just hear Paul's reply: "I will wait.  BTW, have you heard about Jesus?" Ha ha. Anyway, it was all worth it. I can't begin to tell you what a great week we had...two weeks! I believe with all my heart the word was taught and people listened and we will see the fruit of it for days, months, and years to come. If I have to spend a little time on the floor of the ticketing booth at the Barbados airport for amazing things to happen then so be it. Although I must confess I am tired and ready to be home. Thanks for following our blog. What an incredible journal of faith and inspiration. Perhaps we should read once per month just to remember why we do what we do...or should do. Love to all. Pray for our travel to be safe and for some seats to open up. Jeff
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Edris' blog

The camp was so awesome. I went with two teens from St. vincent as a volunteer and observing the campers, I wish that I was sixteen again. The games are out of this world but the messages from the bible were so real and deep. Those teens were out of themselves which helped to make things easier.
Edris

Wild And Wacky Wednesday

  Wednesday night we had a blast.  The whole camp played Chief Mau Mau.  If you don't know what that is - well, you just have to hope you are lucky enough to see it someday.  All I can tell you is that we were loud, we laughed harder than we have all week, and a few special people got quite the surprise :).

Later in the evening the older girls were still up past lights out time (imagine that).  Sooooo, Sherry, Gail and I came up with our own method of letting the know it was time to go to sleep.  We snuck outside their room and we each stood by a window.  On the count of three we began yelling and banging on windows. The scared screaming reaction was awesome and it worked - the lights went out quickly and we were all able to sleep in peace and quiet (until the rooster began crowing).  Fun and fellowship is a big part of what makes camp special.

On a more serious note, there are people here from the islands of  St. Vincent (30 in the congregation) and St. Kitt (6 disciples with only one man).  I am getting to know the two woman who traveled with their campers from those two islands and I am convicted about my ungratefulness for the fellowship I have available to me at home.  I don't want to forget that I have brothers and sisters who long for the fellowship as have.  Jennifer

Cinnamon Challenge... And more challenges

Hello! Sam here reporting from 1st free time of Thursday.  We have had an awesome yet challenging week so far. If you're wondering about the title... well we just had 2 boys cabins try to eat a spoonful of pure cinnamon. Talk about gross and hilarious! Of course some of us counselors had to try this after the boys were done. Myself, Emma, Mack, Matthieu, Jessica, and Jill participated. Only Mack and I were able to swallow the cinnamon down, although it took us forever to get it down. Mack was hilarious, making ridiculous faces and squealing. Me? Psh I kept a straight face the whole time. Watch the video Adam took! Anyways, on a serious note, I have had a spiritually challenging week. Man the first two days I had to be extremely patient with the oldest girls. They had (and some still have) such hard hearts and disrespectful attitudes. However each day most have softened and come out of themselves. After the starlight devo many began to open up. Also I thought the older girls yesterday and one girl told me she related to me in about every way. Me her and the only teen disciple.girl there ended up talking for two hours and reading our Bibles. God sure is a lot bigger than me and showed me that when I rely on him to change peoples hearts, he is faithful. Keep praying for me and the camp, that God will be glorified and hearts will be softened. Peace and love!
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Open Hearts

Last day and I don't want it to end. The girls have just started being out of themselves and opening up. I am so encouraged by what is happening to their hearts and attitudes. They wouldn't talk to anyone the first day especially a girl their age telling them what to do and when to do it. But last night at the starlight devo, hearts were changed and eyes were opened to what can be and what was. They saw their selfishness and acknowledged their sin but not only that, they felt bad for it. I am so impressed at the maturity of these girls, they have grown so much in such a short amount of time and I'm excited to see what God will do with their now open hearts.

--Ali Lynn(:

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What God Can Do With an Acre!

Today I made several observations: 1) the camp is being held on a 1-acre (I think it may be less) piece of property with a dorm style building which has 16 bedrooms, one kitchen, two great rooms, 7 tables, 100 chairs; an open grassy area 20' x 40'; a chapel with a capacity of 100 which we can't use (they are actually holding a funeral in it tomorrow for a fallen police officer - should be an interesting afternoon); and a grassy treed area with a dozen small shade trees on it affectionately called the Ninja Field; 2) the camp is getting louder everyday as kids are starting to be kids having fun, laughing, cutting up, talking, getting open, sharing, loving life; and 3) God is moving in the hearts of people: two Bajian girls came up to me tonight, hugged me ferociously while calling out "thank you, thank you , thank you!" I asked to what do I owe this honor and they said "for the camp and for helping our teen ministry. We are talking, laughing, sharing, and drawing closer than we ever have. This is great!" A mom here has already called and asked if she could be on the planning committee for next year; a group of middle schoolers (pre-teens as they are called here) prayed and thanked God for finding them in all that He made...AND my own son came up to me and said the last two weeks have been eye opening and he began to ask me lots of questions and expressed that he really wants to understand how to have a relationship with God and wants to read his Bible more. So much for my little bitty moments of fear and anxiety at the "place" we are having camp! When did God ever need much room to do BIG things...after all the acreage of the heart is endless. Isn't that where camp actually takes place. Keep praying...this IS going to change the caribbean. I stand in awe of what my God can do with so little space and a lot of faith! All my love, Jeff

Mack's Unnamed Blog

So this week I have had the pleasure of counseling at the camp in Barbados!!! It's so incredible to see how many hearts have been opened trials week. There isn't one kid who I haven't seen smiling. And I must say I've never been with a better group of counselors and workers.
I was able to teach the little ones about David and Goliath today and on how having trust in God will get us all past our biggest obstacles in our lives. And hopefully it will help a lot for them!
But guys let me tell you we had such an amazing singing devo today. The combination of voices bought a great amount of praise to God. And it all sounded so great! I wish you could have been here to experience it.
I appreciate all the help that has gone in to helping all of these opportunities to start swamps all over the world. Please continue praying for us!

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An Awesome Experience

I am loving Camp. This is my first time and as a parent I think this is great and should be done more often. This time is allowing me not only to learn more about my children but also about myself. I love seeing how the children interact especially the ones that are usually quiet and into themselves or even shy.

I would encourage anyone and everyone to experience this, it is awesome. My kids are learning lessons for life and I am seeing them grow.

Thank you Swamp for providing this opportunity for all of us and we look forward to next year.

From Barbados
Pur€Baj€
Gale Carter
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Camp truly is camp wherever you go

It's Tuesday night and today flew by. It's amazing what a great nights sleep can do for your day. The kids here have taken off with the challenges. In two days we've been challenged 4 times. It's been crazy and hectic but fun. Barbados has been a nice surprise compared to Jamaica. I love the Jamaican people but the Barbadian culture is a lot more inviting and friendly. The country is better taken care of so there's a safe and quaint feel about everything which you don't feel in the middle of kingston. So far I've thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Between the nicest hotel I've ever been to the beach and camp going amazingly things here are great. I do miss everyone though. Being on a missions trip without the usual huge group has been different and I can't wait to tell you all all about it. Pray for me to have physical energy as I am on my fifth week in a row of camp and pray for all of us to continue to have a great time at camp!

Cam  

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A Little Piece of Heaven

Growing up at camp, I learned about mission trips from an early age. Occasionally, if I was lucky, I would get the chance to hear others share about their experience. These stories were incredible and were always the highlight of my week. Hearing people break down and become vulnerable in front of a crowd was shocking to me. Their passion and love inspired me to one day dream of going on one these mission trips myself.

So, here I am.  After all those years of hoping and praying, I am finally here. Thank God! This has been the most incredible experience! Literally, a dream come true. It has been a blessing to spend a week with these people. They are so generous and so kind. One lady gave up a whole week of her vacation time to come help us at camp. It has taken a great amount of patience from everyone to fix the kinks in the schedule and get things running smoothly, but the kids are so great. I haven't heard one of them complain. In the end, we are all here for one purpose. We want to recreate camp to provide another safe environment to build relationships and worship God. It's only Tuesday and despite the change of location, camp feels exactly as it should, like a little piece of heaven.

I want to thank Jeff and Jen for giving me this amazing opportunity and let my parents know that I am safe and well.

Taylor Vance

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Emma's blog

Day two has been awesome already! It's only 1 and we've had a basketball challenge, ninja, four-square, and a bible lesson. The kids are loving everything, from making friendship bracelets to dodgeball. Bonding with them is easy- they listen to directions and are very comfortable to be around. God has really blessed the camp by giving us kids who are eager to learn and make new friends!

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Nick's experience at Barbados Camp

    It the second day at the Barbados Camp. There is a big difference between yesterday and today. People are starting to get the feel of camp. My cabin just got beat in basketball in a challenge and our consequence is wearing underwear on our head, so I am pretty mad. I am missing the people from Jamcamp. The food is definently better but there are a lot less people.  Hopefully this week will be just as good as the last. I am looking forward to being home though.

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One in the same

It's amazing how even being thousands of miles from my home it doesn't feel any different. The people here are just like us: they've all got Beiber fever, they are all beginning to master the art of making friendship bracelets, and they have the same love for God. They are also so loving and friendly. Regardless of me looking completely different from them, I have never felt like I've fit in more. Honestly, this place feels like more like a paradise than just a camp. It's absolutely breathtakingly beautiful here. The humidity might be a tad higher than home, but my obnoxiously curly hair can take the hit. So, in summary, the people here are awesome, the scenery is gorgeous, and my hair is a mess. Keep us in your prayers!

Ashlyn Bennett

Can we shoot the rooster?

It is a beautiful morning in Barbados! The sky is blue, and I am watching palm trees sway in a cool breeze. I can't believe that we are here. We planned to get up early (6:00) to greet any early arrivals, but our friendly neighborhood rooster began crowing at 4:30 - can we shoot him?  The campers are beginning to trickle in and the excitement is building. We are all ready for camp to begin.  Even though this is my third Swamp Corps camp, I feel a little bit nervous. Jamaica was so amazing - can Barbados match what happened in Jamaica? Of course I know the answer - with God it will be just as amazing.




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Ready. Set. Go!

What a day! So good to worship with the disciples in Barbados. Kind. Loving. All smiles. And can sing! Got to meet some of the kids coming tomorrow. Just a great time.  This afternoon we went on a 4x4 tour of the entire island. Oh my gosh! So fun and beautiful. We picnicked by the ocean. Saw so much. Got to the camp and found out today that the camp venue had to be changed last week due to health inspection issues. We are in a retreat facility with a small layout...the whole property is about twice the size of the pavilion if that. We have a field, basketball court, netball court...about a half a mile away and the only way to get to it is walking down a busy, curve road. Ah no. So we are working on hiring a bus for the week to.shuttle kids back and forth. So many new things I can almost feel overwhelmed until I see the look in the American campers/counselors faces and I remember the joy of the campers. It is late and everyone is in their dorm room. Kids are coming first thing in the morning. We are all ready to get out of the gate!!! Thanks, Jeff more blog's to come.

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Speechless... But not really.

God continues to amaze me everyday. He is so creative, the sky is  indescribable. The birds are shades of colors that I would never think of putting together. The clouds are absolutely breathtaking. I want to pack them away in my suitcase and take them home with me. Everytime I look up all I can think to say is "thank you God." I can not explain how grateful I am to be here. the Barbados church of Christ was such an amazing experience. Everyone was so kind, friendly and welcoming. I felt like I had been apart of their church my whole life. Camp hasn't even started and I already feel like I could leave now satisfied with what I've seen. I am so excited to see how the rest of the week will go. God is amazing.

-Ali Lynn(:
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The Sky is Beautiful!

Emma and Sam here. We're currently sitting on the tile floor of the lobby, waiting for our island safari buses to arrive. The beach (and the sky!) is beautiful!!! Shoot, this whole place is beautiful. Church was awesome this morning. We got to meet several of the campers this morning. The singing was awesome and everybody was so zealous and encouraging. Random disciples walked up and hugged us and loved us. The sermon was inspiring and convicting as we studied the story of the prodigal son. Oh yeah, the sunset from the view of the plane was BEAUTIFUL. I got some great pictures. Anyways, camp starts tomorrow at 8:30 am (early!). We can't wait! Continue to pray that God moves in unimaginable ways through us and the kids. We love and miss you all!

That awkward moment when you meet Scottish kids at the hotel in Barbados...

After spending 3 hours just checking our bags in Kingston we finally made it to the terminal for our flight to Bridgetown, Barbados. We arrived around 10 p.m. to the most humid air I've ever felt. You could feel the water in the air. We got on our bus and they drive faster here than they did in Jamaica. All of us here that were in Jamaica were expecting a hotel like the altamont but when we pulled up to the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in we were all in awe. The crystal clear ocean is 50 feet from the pool that snakes around the entire courtyard. This is the tropical beach people in Georgia dream about going to. It's unbelievably beautiful!! After unloading our bags some Scottish girls took some fancy to ya boys cam and myself in the lobby. I was getting ready to throw down some braveheart quotes after they told me I sounded like forrest gump but decided against it. Everyone got situated in their rooms then met on the beach for a long midnight swim in the crystal-clear water of the ocean. the moon and stars were brighter than I've ever seen before! So far we'be been here less than 24 hours and none of it feels real. I'm already missing the Jamaica group so much, and ill make sure to tell yall everything that happens when I get home. I'm so excited/nervous to counsel a week of camp for the kids here. I know that god will work through us in amazing ways here, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us!! Pray that we all stay safe and that the trip goes well. Love yall!!!

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From Thrill to Chill to Still

What strange feelings. Normally I would be on this tired high travelling back with the entire group talking and reeling from the week. Today I find myself in the midst several new feelings:  major tired...am I allowed to use they word? Last night or should I say 5 hours ago we got 34 of us on the bus to the airport and that wasn't without a little drama as one bus didn't show up and we had to call another driver and wake him up.  Aaagh! Anyway got them away and back to bed.

So now I am sitting here thinking about next week and trying to not worry that it won't be like last week, not knowing what it will be like.  My head keeps telling me that this is not about me or the team but I am nervous and suddenly feel alone and afraid. Silly hey?

I told Jennifer and she in her wise self said we just need to go and worship with the church in Barbados and get hooked in and we need to rest. I am telling you so you can pray for me and the team as we go somewhere new. Pray for a calm and humble spirit. Pray for the spirit to work in a powerful way. Pray for the kids who are counseling that they will have much energy and meet the needs of the kids. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding. Pray that I can be still and know that God is God both in Jamaica and in Barbados.  Thanks for listening.

You should be very, extra proud of your kids! They truly left their hearts in Jamaica and they are taking some home with them.

All my love, Jeff
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In Awe!

Now that we are back at the hotel I am reflecting on the week. What a week!  The teens from Jamaica and the US combined have provided such a great model of love and fun.  I don't think I have seen so many tears and heard so much laughter since I was here last year.  The love and mutual respect, the sharing and the play, and the joy and the childlike hearts have served as such an example of the Kingdom.  I feel confident that our future is secure in the hands and hearts of these kids.

Wade
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Peace that Passes Understanding

Well, goodbyes are being said and tears are being shed here at Hampton School. I think I speak for everyone when I say our hearts were poured out like a drink offering here at camp. Earlier this morning, we had the Ring of Honor- for those of you that don't know, that's a time where we just encourage one another. One of my campers, Deidre, called me up. What she shared with me showed me how great of an impact I had on her without even knowing it- how amazing it is the way God works! I am so incredibly grateful for my cabin, too. After battling with depressing for about 2 1/2 years now (and only knowing about it for 6 months) I can say this is the most joyful and peaceful I have felt in a long time. God has truly answered so many of my prayers and I know he will continue to do so. So here's to Jamaica- goodbye! Bring on Barbados! :)
-Sam

The End of the Journey

As I began this journey, I was sad and scared to be leaving home; As we are nearing the end of this journey, I am sad to be leaving it all behind. I have stood back and watched these kids come together and love. Their stories of where they have been and where they are going is amazing. There are no words to describe what I am taking home. It isn't a souvenir I bought in a store.. but it is a changed heart, for I have experienced the true meaning of the scripture; "love your neighbor with all your heart." I have fallen in love with camp; but as one of the campers said, "its the people that make the camp," and I truly love the people. I am so thankful to have experienced all of this. This has been one of the most amazing times; My cup overflows. Gina Elliott

Until Next Year.

With Gladness of Heart

It's our last morning! We all have such mixed emotions about it. We leave great friends behind and bonds have been forged that will never be broken. This is a special place. We have done great things and changed in amazing ways. I have always said that I learn so much more from the teens than I could possibly imagine they learn from me. This has proven to be true hundreds of times here at JamCamp. As we sat at the Ring of Honor there were so many girls I wanted to honor. So many changes and so little time. As an adult I feel like I shouldn't be allowed to see this part of camp. Like I am sneaking a peak at something so sacred and if anyone knew they would ask me to leave. Seeing the kids in this way is simply inexplicable. There is so much I feel but cannot put in words. I continue to be so grateful to Jeff and Jennifer for allowing me to be a part of this. I know I am a better person for it. I just don't think I can ever do enough for others to equal what has been given me! To God be the glory. Tomorrow many of us will return home....to our families and friends and lives. But we will take all of our Jamaican family with us in our hearts. Such a bittersweet day!

Your Sister in Christ--Jenn Brown

Hudson's experience at Jam Camp

It being the day before we leave to go back to America, I am sad to have to see the many friends i have made leave to go back to St. Catherine, Kingston, or other Caribbean islands. Throughout this week i have learned many "tings" about the culture and the people in Jamaica. I have also learned many things about myself and how to interact well with others even though there is an ocean that separates me with these new friends. I am very grateful for Facebook at this moment in time so that i may be able to stay in touch with these incredible people. Having the starlight devotional last night opened my eyes to how vast God's reign is and how much mercy he has on us. Later on that night we had a rave full of awesome songs and awesome dancing. I pray that all who are wanting to go next year will see that this place is full of great joy.

Simply Unbelievable

It is already Friday morning and I wish I had the words to describe how this week has been. Tiring might be one: but I told all the Americans Monday that 'tired' was a dirty word and can't be used all week. I must confess I have used it in my room a couple of times...but only to Jennifer. ha ha. Rainy could be another word: it has been cloudy and wet all but one night; however, it has in no way dampened the spirits of the campers. We have played (even in the rain) and hung out; the only people the weather had any impact on was the Pryces and Rorabaughs as we made several contingency plans per day. After some thought, I think the only word fitting is UNBELIEVABLE: Each thing we have done every person has gotten into: the Bible classes - kids wanting to know more; the dancing (almost every day); the devotionals (I thought I was in heaven - literally - surrounded by the angels during the singing devotional. In the words of Sara Fick, "Shut up!!" It was...well...unbelievable.); dodgeball - Tuesday most of the camp played a two hour dodgeball game. Are you kidding? We had some people going to the nurse requesting Tommy John Surgery!; the grateful devotional was over-the-top...no one wanted to shut up. I can't really explain it...there was a spirit of thanksgiving like I have never seen. It struck me time and time again how grateful the J'cans were for this place and how they are growing to own their camp and realize its saving grace and the A'cans are moved by just being here and seeing that the Kingdom of God is truly about people loving people; the one day it was most beautiful was yesterday (Thursday). The sun shone all day with intermittent clouds and the wind, which has blown gutsily each day, was cool and refreshing. We got to play outside, do our trash-off with the younger campers (clean up the camp), play Swamp Ball - no injuries amen!! and the evening for starlight deco was fantastic: a bit cool with the breeze. We sat on a hill just outside the chapel overlooking the valley with the moon and a few stars above us. And the final dance party was absolutely unbelievable. We turned the dining hall into Club Jamaicanmedance. Turned out all the lights, had the music blaring, posted bouncers outside checking a guest list, handing out glow in the dark necklaces, doing security checks; you will be happy to note that everyone was on the list and made it in...and once in no one left...unbelievable! Each day we have been working on giving a classroom here at the school a total make-over: cleaned, scrubbed and painted. All the older campers took turns serving. I was with the older kids and we sang while we worked. It was a joyous time of helping someone you may never meet in a room we will never use. Their tireless efforts were fun to watch and experience. It inspired me to work hard. Monday morning we met in the room and looked around and talked about how as a team with serving hearts we can change anything. This morning we are going to gather in the room and look at the results of our efforts and just bask in the what a little heart and hard work can accomplish. We will finish out the day with a ring of honor this morning: I can't think of more fitting way to say good-bye than honoring each other and strengthening our bonds of love.

I am not sure what Peter really felt nor the magnitude to which he felt it when he and James and John were on the mountain top when Jesus transfigured himself; however, I have a better idea as I have seen the lives of kids both A'can and J'can changed on top of this mountain in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. I have been reminded of what our purpose is in that we are to serve and love others and help as many as possible to change their characters and transform their minds to feel loved, to be emotionally safe and spiritually at home. The opportunities we get and the lives that we have as a result of how God has forgiven us and the decisions we make because of that truly make our lives UNBELIEVABLE. I thank each one of you for making this possible for your children and us. Pray for Barbados, for the campers and the counselors as we begin a new Swamp adventure. I wonder what word will present itself there? All my love, Jeff

The Unexpected is Often So Much Better...

So it's Thursday evening, the last evening of camp and this year's experience has been both familiar and completely different. Unlike last year, my appetite increased while here and I've had seconds and sometimes thirds almost every single meal (probably because they have fish every meal and if you've eaten fish with me you know how much I love fish haha). Camp this year feels exactly like swamp does and its made life a lot less stressful for me. But I've really enjoyed my cabin and the kids. I have 13-15 year olds and its allowed me to reach out and meet so any new people this year unlike last year when I was focused so much on the little ones. I just had a ton of fun playing swamp ball and I'm looking forward to the starlight devo and dance party tonight. I'm gonna be tired but I know I'll be having a blast. Found out that I'm going straight from Kingston to Barbados so I won't get to travel back to the States with everyone like I wanted but I know that Barbados is gonna be amazing. Swamp Corps is turning into more of a success than anyone could have dreamed and i'm looking forward to the next pleasant surprise God will give us in Barbados. Pray for all of us! Love ya, Cam

One Big Happy Family.

I can't believe I have only been in Jamaica for five days and I already feel like this is home. I think I feel this way because I am surrounded by my family. That is the kingdom for you. In less than a week, the Jamaicans and Americans have become apart of my family. My heart just aches thinking about leaving tomorrow. I don't even want to go there...

I am having the time of my life here at Jam Camp. Ahhhhhh. I don't want to leave!!!! There are so many things on my heart that I want to write about but I don't even know where to begin. Everything has been incredible, so I will try to just hit the highlights. First of all the weather and view here is breathtaking. The camp is surrounded by mountains that I can't even being to tell you how beautiful they are. There have been so many moments where I am actually distracted by this incredible view. I promise to take lots of pictures to show you all. I am counseling girls six and they have been so great. I have loved watching them grow this week and seeing them get out of their comfort zone. I have also loved how soft each of their hearts are toward all the lessons they have heard this week. It has been so much fun serving, laughing, and having fun with them. I am going to miss these girls. I am excited to see what God is going to do in their lives this next year. Oh and shutup! THE SINGING DEVO YESTERDAY WAS AMAZING. We all got to sing in this little chapel that is on the school grounds. I wish you guys could have heard it. I just wanted to stay there all day and sing. Also last night we got to have a grateful deco and it literally took us almost two hours to hear just a couple of things everyone was grateful for. It was incredible to hear what was on everyone's heart.

One of the things I have loved about this week is realizing that camp is not about the people, but about the spirit. I have witnessed this "camp spirit" this week in Jamaica. Despite our cultural differences, it has been life changing to watch all of us grow closer together. I don't see separate groups of Jamaicans and Americans, but one big crazy, fired-up family. And I love it.

Mr. Sonny, Ms. Carolyn, Ms. Debbie, and Mr. Erwin, I am so grateful for you all and miss guys a lot. I wish y'all were here to experience this. I have so many stories I can't wait to tell you about. I have been thinking about all of you constantly throughout this trip.

Who knew that when I stepped foot into girls cabin one my first week of camp twelve years ago that I would be counseling in Jamaica. I never dreamed that this was possible. We serve such a big God and I am excited to be apart of this. I am convinced that Swamp Corp is going to change the world.

See you all back in America on Saturday.

Love you all.

Sara Fick

kyle's expeirence with Jamcamp

These couple of days have been the greatest days to worship God and make new friends. Yesterday we had the best singing devotional ever, it actually brought me to tears. Also yesterday we had the best Grateful devotional, it lasted two hours and i got to share about my best friend Nick that I have been wanting to share about for a while. When we arrived in Jamaica it was about 10:30 because we had delays that weren't supposed to happen. Then we woke up and I was told that Nick and I were going to be counselors to 4 nine-year old kids, but then after having a whole day of fun and church in the morning we became campers that night again. The weather has been good we haven't had to feel the Jamaican heat yet because it has been raining. This trip has been an amazing experience from getting on the bus till now and the spirit is really moving everybody's heart. Now when I see an American I see a Jamaican right next to them and it is incredible to see. And Mom I know your reading this and I want to tell you that I haven't gotten sick and I'm getting closer to God. I miss and love you, also say hi to Alli and Scrappy for me.

JP on the Scene

Hey,this is JP reporting live from The Swamp. Okay, it's not the Swamp.Something better. Jamcamp 2011! This is the last day and we're gonna party it up! We might be doing the water war today since we haven't done it on any other day. We played Swamp Ball yesterday and it was awesome. People also expressed their gratitude. The Swamp Corps will be back with more updates. Ciao!

Gratitude

Due to weather conditions, we had our grateful devotional last night. We started around 8:30 and ended up going until about 10:20. Talk about being grateful. Americans and Jamaicans alike got up in front of everyone and poured out their hearts to each other and to God. Every devotional keeps getting better and better. Hearing people from the ages of 9-40ish talk about what has impacted them was an incredible experience. God is doing some amazing things here in Jamaica. For all of you who donated money, your money has gone further than any monetary value. (Please continue to be generous because this IS the work of God). Together, we truly are changing the world. This morning, Jacob and I (Stephen) got up at 5 am to watch the sunset. WOW. God has painted the mountains with thick, dark clouds. As we began to pray, we watched as he blew the clouds away and there was a perfect hole in the clouds for us to see the sunrise. Talk about inspiring. We were able to pray about God's marvelous wonders and the way he is able to impact people. His love truly does endure forever. It was an amazing time of prayer and I fell so energized for this last day of serving and fun. We have seen God work miracles....and this is just the beginning. We are dreaming big, and because of God those dreams are going to be achieved. Love you all and can't wait to see you on Sunday. Continue to pray for safe travel and that everything through customs and in the airports goes smoothly and quickly, and that we don't lose anyone. Miss you family!

Stephen

P.S. Dad, thanks for continuing to respond to my blogs, Love you :)

what an amazing time at camp.

Dancing at camp on stage with some of the other campers. Can"t tell the adults from the kids! What an amazing experience being here in Jamaica moon.
Wendy

Jamaica Forever!

This is Yoonju blogging from Jamaica!!! We are having such a great time! Unfortunately, the weather isn't allowing our star light devotional tonight but we are all hanging out in the dining hall and dancing to American and Jamaican music. I am so glad we all were able to come to Jamaica because I've made so many new friends. I absolutely LOVE my cabin..girls 4!! I am looking forward to continuing my friendships once back in the states. It's so great to be making friendship bracelets and seeing everyone dance...it genuinely feels like the Swamp! The consequences are so much fun to watch (like the love letters). My cabin lost a dodgeball challenge so we had to face our consequence at dinner. We were fed by boys 4 and 5 and we all ended up with food all over our faces. The lessons are so encouraging and helps me see life in a different prospective. Listening to Sara Fick and Emily Shapiro the past couple of days was very enlightening. I am very thankful to be able to talk to some people on a deeper level. I wish we could stay here forever! I love Jamcamp!

love letterssss and little girls

Hey y'all, Abbi Sartain here!!
I just wanted to share about what an amazing time everyone here is having. I've been on both Swamp Corps trips to Jamaica, and all I can say is that I am SO blessed. I started out the beginning of the week as a camper in the oldest girls cabin, or dorm, and I fell in love with all of the girls in there. All of the dorms are pretty small, so it gives you a wonderful chance to get to know individuals on a more personal level. I was, however, feeling a little discouraged about numerous things. Right as I was crying to Sara Fick something amazing happened! Ms.Jennifer Rorabaugh came to tell me that I was going to be a team leader for dorm 3! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! God sends encouragement at the perfect time! If possible, I fell even more in love with the 14-15 year olds in dorm three than I did the girls in dorm six. (If you're reading I STILL LOVE YOU G6!)
I'm so blessed to be able to take care of seven wonderful girls. I am being challenged daily, learning from my mistakes, and having an absolute blast.
I'd like to take this time to thank everyone who has made this possible! I cannot begin to describe the relationships being built between Jamaicans and Americans. Even more so, the relationships with God that are being sparked.
I'm sure I'll walk away with 2438743073 things I should have said, but I'll leave you with the fact that people ate with no hands, boys feeding girls dinner(shoving food in the face), and about twenty love letters. The Jamaican love letters are better than anything I have ever heard in America.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
-Abigail Sartain

Fun at Camp

hi im having so much fun and i'm safe and ok. Im in dorm 1and it is great. I made a new friend named Jill. Thanks for sending me to swamp mom and dad. Love you guise

Sometimes I Hang Glide on a Dorito

Heeeeyyyyy guyyyyysss. It's us, Brittany and Halie here in the wonderful foreign country of Jamaica mon! It's really exciting to be here and it's also really windy. But that's okay 'cause it sure beats the still Georgia humidity. The weather has been a little bit less than ideal but we made the best of it by singing and dancing in the rainstorm yesterday, followed by our very own slip 'n slide, or slip 'n bleed rather, in the mud. This morning we had a singing devo and our voices filled the chapel and the angels were most definitely present. Right now we are peeing in our pants at the sight of jerk chicken and fried chicken in the lunch line, a much needed break from goat and liver. We are keeping a close eye on our passports so that we are able to return home in a couple days and we wont have any repeats of last year. We have gotten our swag on in both American terms and Jamaican terms and Kyle Roepe continues to entertain us with his.....wonderful and artistic dance moves and we can't wait to share everything with all our loved ones and haterz back home. Peace out homies.

Live Report from our Jamaican Campers on the Scene!

Waa Gwaan?! It's Tonicia and Imani reporting live from JamCamp 2011! Woot! We would say that it's been amazing so far but that doesn't even begin to cut it. From extreme musical chairs to getting creamed in dodgeball [twice] to being spiritually challenged and enriched...the fun never stops. All these things are happening and it's only day 3! Imagine the last 2 days! We're gone for now but we'll be back with more updates. This is Imani and Tonicia signing off! :)

A Jamaican Birthday

So I know Halie blogged about this earlier so everyone probably caught it but this is Jacob and today was my birthday! I came in knowing that it would be a different experience but I didn't know just how much God was going to show me today.

The idea of having a birthday out of the US was strange for me and, to be honest, I woke up with the mindset that I was just going to pretend like it wasn't my birthday at all and just enjoy it when I got home. Boy am I glad that didn't work out though! The Jamaicans have a tradition here of making the birthday person into a cake and, luckily for me they only had the flour since that usually involves eggs as well! I still have flour in my hair but it was pretty hilarious and I loved feeling like a part of the culture here. (Hunter Cook's birthday is in two days and you can just guess who plans on showing him the tradition ;) ) Besides this, I really tried to just be out of myself and continue thinking about the position as a counselor and not as a birthday boy and that is where God really taught me a lot. When you aren't making your birthday into a day of selfishness where you just get to do whatever you want (aka my last 20 birthdays), then you end up getting more encouraged than ever and not just feeling guilty and spoiled. I had an awesome day just getting to know my boys better, attempting to learn Jamaican phrases, and hanging out with the other counselors and the campers here. I couldn't have picked a better place to be for my 21st!

On a side note, I just want to thank my family and everyone at camp who gave me letters or wrote in the notebook that Sara passed around. I was SO encouraged reading it all during my counselor break today and felt so loved and encouraged by every word! You guys are the best and I love you all and wish you could be here in Jamaica to experience camp with us.

Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them coming! Relationships are being formed so fast and God is really moving in the hearts of all the Jamaicans and Americans here at camp.

Much love,
- Jacob R (MrJFreshest)

Photo Shoot with #yapeople

@scubadoooba and @dontfailthehale taking some photos on our "counselor break"

Let The Rain Fall Down

So far we've had an incredible day. it's yaboys @MrJFreshest (Jacob) birthday today so we kicked off our day singing happy birthday to him and some of the jamaicans informed us that the thing to do here is make a cake on the person...so we proceeded to throw flour on him, he had a good attitude about it :) about 10 of us just got back inside from playing in the rain. it was POURING! so we started dancing and singing in the rain. we had so many girls out there (the boys thought they were too cool to join in) but that was only the beginning of the fun. we then went to the area where we play dodgeball where none other than Emily Shapiro led us all to a slip-n-mud. by the time we stood up we couldn't tell what was mud and what was blood....(there were only a couple knee scrapes, nothing major.) we had a BLAST! but we then had to figure out how to get all the grass off all of us so that we wouldn't drag it through the cabin and clog the showers (see, us counselors, ALWAYS thinking!) so we got buckets and very patiently waited while it filled up from the slowest dripping of a spigot. eventually we got cleaned up enough to make it to the shower. and you'll never believe it, compared to the rain, the showers felt WARM! we were so excited! we got all warm and are now sipping on mugs of coffee and peppermint tea. yagirl has had an awesome time! ~Halie

From Uncomfortable To Ballin'!!

This is ya boy comin' at ya live from JamCamp XI! We are having an amazing time thus far. Yesterday was such an interesting experience for me. Camp is not a place I am used to feeling uncomfortable. For the first time ever at camp, I was the outsider. I couldn't understand what my kids or co-counselor was saying and what I did understand didn't really make sense to me. After expressing my insecurities with my boys (I have 15 and 16 year olds), God has really opened my heart. I have been able to connect with my boys and have so enjoyed the time we have had together. I played my first official game of futbol today. Had about 10 shots on goal but no goals, yet. I will score a goal in a futbol dominated country. The food has been awesome. There is no Mrs. Debbie here so there is no portion control... many people have thoroughly enjoy helping after helping. It has been so cool to see the young counselors grow up really quickly and I am already really impressed with a few of them. My co-counselor (His name is Gino) is going to be an incredible force here at JamCamp and beyond that. He has an amazing heart to serve the children and has a bright future leading the counselors here at camp. We all miss home but are glad to be doing God's true work. I specifically want to say that I miss my mommy, daddy, and the rest of my family! We will see you before you know it! Please keep us in your prayers and respond to our blogs, it's awesome to hear responses!

Stephen (Scuba) Goodwin

Thanks, Jeff

Swamp Corps

www.campswamp.com/swampcorps

706-818-5842

"Making Memories, Creating Character"

A Week of Firsts.

Hey everyone, this Creighton Arrington blogging. Well it's the first full of day camp and everything is just awesome. I really and truly am grateful for being able to get this chance to be here in Jamaica with the teen ministry. I really miss my family and I wish they were here with me right now enjoying the trip with me, however, there are other important things I have to worry about; the better word I guess is not worried but concerned about. What I mean is that this is the first time that I've ever been a counselor. Another first is that I've never been out of the country and even more I've never flown before. Going in order so far, counseling is great, the kids I have is fun and they seem to listen, follow the majority of the directions they're given; we have plenty of days to work on that. Being out of the country is definitely a different experience. However the flying, is certainly something I did not enjoy; I liked the second flight from Miami to Kingston more than the first mainly because it was night time by then, so I could not see anything out the windows on either side, and I got a pair of headphones from one of my friends so I could watch the inflight entertainment. Another first was that I was the first one in the group to get sick, I had a nasty stomach ache, but I'm fine now after throwing up last night; I got sick mainly because I was really dehydrated and I think one of the sauces I had yesterday, which tasted good to me, did not agree with my stomach. Finally, the last two firsts for this week, so far, is that my boys and I had our first challenge and dominated, and also this is the first time I have ever blogged. Hope everything is still fine over in the states and in a way I can't wait to get home, but I really don't want to leave. I will try to blog latter, bye.

DANCE PARTY!!!!!!

Tonight we started off just how we ended last year, high energy and a lot of sweat. First we danced in circles while playing musical chairs, were yours truly made it into the last chair (but it was hard, everybody was really working for it haha). Then after that everybody got on the dance floor; Americans and Jamaicans alike; but it wasn't long before you could tell whose who. And of course, we had total swag, playing both Jamaican and American music, everybody was happy. Now we just cant wait till the end of the week were we can really let loose! Love from Jamaica, Jessica Williams

It's their arrival time!

         We are SO EXCITED, words cannot even begin to express the amount of joy we have at the opportunity to be counselors here in Jamaica. Taking a tour of the grounds again this morning put everything into perspective. We can't wait to see the character building that will happen this week. We also can't wait to give our hearts completely to this mission and our campers.
        Being here makes us so grateful for God's artistic side. The view from up here in the mountain is ABSOLUTELY incredible. We  can see EVERYTHING! God is SO big! At night we can see the city lit up, and countless numbers of stars. It just makes us realize how small we are and how powerful God is.
        They're almost here. It's now time for us to take off our camper hat, and put on our counselor hat. It's time to give fully of ourselves. It's time to inspire, and get inspired. It's time for JamCamp 2011.

                                                                                    Love always,
                                                                        Jamie Perello and McCall Ponder

Bus. Road. Black Sand.

We have arrived at the restaurant where we are all waiting to eat. Naturally things are taking a little longer than we are used to but we are trying to adjust to being here. The restaurant (called Jack Sprat) is right on a beach with what they call black sand. The water is wonderful and is the perfect temperature. Some of the people decided to get in the water and swim while we wait for our food. We have been traveling a lot over the last few days. We have spent around 4 and a half hours on a bus and in and out of Juicie Patti (the McDonalds of Jamaica) where we all ate delicious beef patties. After we eat, we are headed up to the camp. The ride is sure to be a little more terrifying now that it is dark, but like everything we are doing, it is a fun adventure. Kids come tomorrow and after two days of traveling we're all ready to settle in and have JamCamp. Love and miss you all! Stephen G.

Progress Update: Eating Dinner by the Ocean...

That last post was written around 2:30 pm but didn't get posted until a few minutes ago.

We are eating at a restaurant called Jack Sprats by the ocean. Very beautiful. Some of us went for a swim in the ocean. Nice!

From here we will go the camp about 45 minutes away.

We are all safe and having a blast.

Jeff

"God is Good!"

Day one in Jamaica and...WOW! We worshipped this morning with the Kingston Church of Christ and there couldn't have been a better start for our trip. The music was on point and had half of us in tears with lyrics about God's power and providence. The communion today came out of Deuteronomy 4 and focused on remembering God's love showed to us through Jesus on the cross and to us personally when we made the choice to make Jesus Lord of our lives. THe sermon was out of Nahum 1 and challenged us as much as the communion encouraged us. We focused on God's righteous anger and how condemnation that coms from sin is a result of his justice. He offer us free love, but we must make the choice to either repent and feel his grace and forgiveness or stay in our sin and have his wrath stored up against us. As we sang today, "God is good...How could we let him down." Amen for being in Jamaica and worshipping with our brothers and sisters this morning! We're currently en route to the other side of the island so please keep us in our prayers that we can take the lesson to heart and fight to be righteous and ready to serve this week. Much love Mon! - Jacob R.

First Morning!

Our first morning is great. Breakfast was much more efficient this year! The coffee was so needed. It still amazes me how cordial and "proper" the waitresses are here. The parents are all doing well. We can't wait to worship with our brothers and sisters in the Kingston Church! Then we are off for an afternoon on the beach.

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Night, Night!

Finally in our rooms.  Hungry and tired. We didn't get to eat and our plane was delayed in Miami so we got to hotel at midnight our time. Proud of the kids as I didn't here one iota of complaining. Breakfast at 7am and then off to worship with Kingston church.  Hunters had a productive day as they held a marriage devotional for about 40 couples. Tomorrow they will meet with a group of parents while we haed to camp...well, we stop at a place called Jack Sprats in Treasure Bay where we will eat and play on the beach, then go to camp.  Thanks for the opportunity to be here with your children. They make me proud!!! Good night. Sleep well. Jeff
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Finally home. Cliche?

Jordyn Beaty and Emily shapiro coming at you live from the Jamaican bus. Just heard our first yeah man and im pretty sure were on the wrong side of the road.  Stomachs growling, lights blinking, eyes almost shut... Traveling is overrated. When everyone said we would shine a light in jamaica, we didn't realize it was because were so white. So.excited for camp Monday. America in the rear view mirror, Jamaica's future right before us. Blurry pic rough roads.
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Hurry up and wait!!

So its me Sam and we have been sitting on the plane for 30 mins. We sprinted or OJ-ed thru the airport to just sit here. Ah well God is teaching me to be patient I suppose... Well over and out until the next blog. Pray for us!

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OJing through the Airport

Sown we sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes because a skyward was broke. Walked clear across Miami airport.  Just made flight. Pilot knee we were coming. Jamaica here welcome!
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Planes, trains and automobiles

We can't believe that in only a few hours we will all be in the sweet embraces of our Jamaican family. All of the babysitting jobs, lawns mowed and the many months of only eating peanut butter and ritz crackers (college students) seem like such a small sacrifice compared to the overwhelming joy and excitement that we all feel now. We've taken over the airport with loud voices, swamp corp shirts and of course the terminal area is now an official napping area. Together we all form the spirit of camp, the light of the world , the swamp corp. Get ready world here we come.

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Ey kids, wanna ride on dee bus? ;)

We're on the way to the airport! The fab four (Abigail, Halie, Jacob, and Stephen) are comin at cha live from the charter bus! Can't wait for JamCamp XI and all the amazing things God is going to use us for! We'll keep you all updated on our trip. Thanks for all your support, love, and most of all prayers! We love you all! Deuces!!!
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