Happy Easter from Jamaica....

We are into my most favorite season. My mind is thinking of crocuses and daffodils, (my favorites) coming up in my Springfield house. Well it is not my house anymore, but the vision of it is still in my mind. The snow is past, the sun is getting hotter in the daytime, the tulips breaking through the hard ground and the glory of the resurrection is evident. I have so many wonderful memories of the homes we have owned because I always plant the same things!

On Sunday I will be envisioning Oak Grove Assembly hosting the Easter Sunrise service in the stadium. The trumpet trio waking the sun up as the stadium is filling with people from different denominations, the organ playing "He Lives," the excitement that everything shouts EASTER! The breakfast buffet at the Tower Club, new outfits, Easter baskets and the most wonderful message of the year....Jesus is risen!

Here in Jamaica there is no outward evidence of the Easter season. There will be no drastic climate change or chocolate Easter bunnies, typical (to me) Easter flowers and blooms, white eggs to boil and color, country hams, Easter egg hunts or musicals. There is no snow to be gone or cold, chilly, rains that turn into warm spring rains. There are no restaurants clamoring for your business or sunrise services.

As a matter of fact, last week there was no mention of Palm Sunday in the church we attended. There were no children running down the aisle, waving palms to the choir singing Hosanna! The pastor spoke of Mary and the Christmas story!

All is different when living in another country. Everything is an adjustment, especially for holidays...small sacrifice though when you are right where God wants you!

In Jamaica, churches traditionally have a Good Friday service in the morning and on Easter the churches are full. And that wonderful message is shared again...Jesus is risen!

There are food traditions of course, like bammy (a cassava fried biscuit type thing) and fish, chicken and rice and peas. But something I have seen in plenty this week is Easter bun! It is yummy! Many eat it with cheese.


Easter Bun

1 can evaporated milk
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 pound all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon browning (liquid)
1/2 cup mixed fruits

1.Combine milk and sugar over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in eggs and butter to the heated milk.
2.Combine all dry ingredients. Slowly add both mixtures and mix well.
3.Pour batter into a lined bread tin and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
4.Decrease the temp to 325 degrees and bake 30 more minutes until skewer comes out clean.
5.Cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
6. Slice and put a piece of cheese in between 2 slices!

Easter is my favorite time of year! In 1948 my daddy was saved on Easter when he was 12 years old. I often ponder if he hadn't been sensitive to God's call on that Easter day, what would my life look like today. I have a feeling it would have turned out radically different. Did the pastor know that Jimmy was going to give his heart to the Lord that day? Did the pastor know Jimmy was going to have 5 children and besides those children influence hundreds of other children through teaching and ministering in churches? Did the pastor know that Easter day in 1948 that because of Jimmy's dedication to Christ, the risen Savior, that hundreds of little girls lives would be changed through Missionettes? Did the pastor know that Bible college students in Spain and Jamacia would be influenced and people's lives be changed by the gospel?

Of course the answer to those questions is No! You just never know about the crowd that comes to church on Easter! From the smallest child to the oldest guest....God is working and prompting and saving and the ripple effect is great! Oh I love Easter!

Thanks Daddy for giving your heart to the Lord that Easter day in 1948 and raising me like you did...I am so grateful! So am I missing my son, family traditions, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and American Church...you bet! Am I missing the message of Easter...no way! I will be hearing it one more time and being grateful that we have a story to tell to the nations.

Happy Easter!