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