In and around Jamaica, W.I.

always knew legos were worth the money!

2012-01-25T10:02:00.003-05:00

I am a die hard newspaper reader. I buy the actual one and then there are many on my favorites tab! Every place we have ever lived and then national newspapers that I only get to purchase when I buzz through the airport! Really love newspapers. On the way to school we buy the newspaper from the same man on the same corner each day, Saturdays and Sundays too...(I think he may miss us when we are gone!) We are what you call loyal customers. He calls Den "Boss" or "Captain" or "Sir" or "Poppa". We love this guy. When we pass that corner throughout the day, anytime of day, he spots the car and waves. Renee laughs about our relationship! It is the same relationship we have with the security guys at any of the establishments we frequent. We are on a first name basis....well that is if our names are mommy and poppa!

An interesting article in today's Jamaica Gleaner. I guess it is something I knew since Ryan was a toddler! His Christmas and birthday money would burn a hole in his pocket till he could get to the store to buy another Lego set. The article speaks of a workshop taking place in Jack's Hill for youngsters to learn the complex study of robotics. They create their own design with Lego's. So cool. They have 35,000 pieces organized for easy use. You know come to think of it I think I may have vacuumed up that many pieces in my life!

The last paragraph in the article says "In another way, it's about developing a set of life long skills. Your logical thinking is applicable in any field, your problem solving ability is applicable in any field, your sequential thinking, procedural thinking, your creativity, your ability to work on a team with people."

Who would have thunk it. All those thousands of pieces Ryan used and has kept for his toddlers do more than just past the time. I guess they are toys with a lifelong purpose. How cool is that!

Beautiful January Jamaica

2012-01-17T16:54:00.009-05:00

This is our fourth January on the island. It is my favorite month of the Jamaica weather calendar! As I was driving today I reflected upon it again. There are cool breezes yet lots of sun. The mornings are cooler and the evenings are cooler. That is not saying much when the temps are very high anyway, however in January there is a difference! It is the dry season so no rain to speak of but it doesn't turn to desert. It is a beautiful month. Beautiful fruit and flowering trees, beautiful billowy clouds in the blue sky, an all around beautiful island.

I do think that when I return to Jamaica for a visit, I will choose January!

Christmas Chocolate

2012-01-05T19:08:00.003-05:00

Something I have always loved about the holiday is chocolate. Chocolate that I don't get any other time of the year. My mom makes the best fudge....but only at Christmas. Denny always bought a box of chocolate creamed centers....only at Christmas. Dad or Den always gets me a box of chocolate covered cherries....only at Christmas.

It's funny. I don't even think about or crave these chocolates any other time of the year. But Christmas comes around....watch out!

For 4 Christmas's now I haven't had Mom's fudge or the chocolate creamed centers, but this year I got a box of chocolate covered cherries! Dark ones that is....Dad and I only like the dark! Today I opened the box, so glad my luggage made it fine back home, I could have eaten 4 or 5 at once but I demonstrated a little self control and only had one....that is until I went back an hour later and had another. Oh man. So addictive! Who in the world ever dreamed up these things!

Jamaica is known for its jerk sauce and blue mountain coffee, not chocolate! Growing up in Pennsylvania just gives you a taste for chocolate. I remember as a little girl going to Hershey and drooling over the chocolate vats you once could get so close to. I loved the hershey kiss lampposts that lined the streets. After the factory tour you would receive a chocolate bar. Oh man that used to be the highlight of the trip. Just love Hershey PA. I hope it's not too far from VFCC once Den is on loan to the school. I just may have to make more than one trip to check out the chocolate town! Can't wait!

Merry Christmas from Jamaica....

2011-12-15T11:25:00.003-05:00

It is 80 degrees today. The sky is very, very blue. The Christmas breeze is blowing my clothes dry on the line. The birdies are chirping. I hear the sounds of a normal day outside with cars buzzing by, workers working, and taxi's beeping their horns!

And yet it is Christmas time. The plaza downtown has some Christmas lights up. I walked in one store that had some Christmas decorations down one aisle, but nothing more. I shopped in the grocery store this morning and there was nothing that would indicate it is Christmas.

We hear much about commercialism in the USA, but not here. We hear much about happy holidays versus Merry Christmas, not here. I haven't heard anyone in a store utter any of those choices.

I remember being very embarrassed our first Christmas here. When our college students returned from holiday break, I excitedly asked what did you get for Christmas? The response was blank, silent, they said uuuummmmm nothing. It is simply another day for a special 6 a.m. service with a Sunday dinner menu for lunch.

This year I sent the students a questionnaire and asked specifically about their Christmas day. We have 2 Haitian students and their responses were quite similar. I thought you would find it interesting to hear about Christmas from our students.

Grand Market is THE event for Christmas Eve. It is a block party in the streets. All the vendors are in the streets late into the night when they usually leave late afternoon since it gets dark. There is lots of noise, music, the smells of cooking in the street. Interestingly the items for sale are pretty much those that you would see anytime of the year. You purchase clothes or shoes and your food for the next day. Lots of drinking and partying happen. You may spend the whole night in the town square.

Christmas morning begins with a 6 a.m. service. It is not abbreviated but the normal length of time for a service. Some churches will share fruit cake and sorrel. It is a service to honor the Christ child.

Then everyone goes home to a big meal. The usual chicken and rice and peas but more than just that! Curried Goat, pork, ham, jerked meats,fish, sorrel, Christmas cake. One of our students said that for Christmas dinner most will use a knife and fork. I took this to mean that it is a more involved meal with everyone seated around a pretty table.

I found it interesting that a couple of the students mentioned that the grandparents are the ones that make the Christmas cake. Some also mentioned that on Boxing Day, December 26, the families travel to the family members that couldn't come on Christmas day to share more food. Some of the students called Boxing day family reunion.

Everyone of the students talked about how the home is cleaned thoroughly for Christmas and the front is painted. They change out bedspreads and curtains. It sounded to me like a spring cleaning.

Not one student mentioned the giving of gifts, however one student mentioned that they exchange cards.

The jist of Jamaican Christmas is family. It is all about the ones they love. On New Years the same and there is also a church service for New Years no matter which day of the week it falls on.

I know that Christmas trees are sold in Kingston, I haven't seen any where we live. I haven't seen any Christmas decorations or wreaths realizing that anything that is outside will be stolen, maybe that is why. Denny has a beautiful collection of Nativities from around the world. I haven't found a Jamaican one yet. When it comes to Christmas decos you just don't see many.

Christmas is Jesus' birth. That's it and isn't that what it's all about anyway?

No matter where you live, Merry Christmas!

in the cleft of the rock....

2011-12-13T08:55:00.004-05:00

Electricity is a luxury in Jamaica. Homes are not built for dishwashers, washers/dryers, air conditioners and the like. The sun dries the clothes, the breeze cools the room, mommy washes the dishes in cold water. People everywhere illegally tap into the electrical lines for bare necessities. So much so that legal action is rarely taken. Every once in a while we will see a billboard go up that talks about stealing electricity and that you shouldn't do it.

This mommy has hung out alot of clothes to dry in these past almost four years. Just the other day a little plant spoke volumes to me.

How in the world did a little plant seed lodge itself in the V of the clothesline pole? And better yet, how did it grow without being in the dirt of the ground? Life grows in the strangest of places. Today I came back from taking Renee to school and saw the most beautiful flower growing out of the rock wall out front. This too amazed me.

I began to think about the correlation of these plants to my spirit. Life is hard, harder for some than others. Each person has their element of "hard stuff" and it has gotten me thinking about how my spirit grows even in the depths of "hard stuff." Even in the hardest of times, I need to be aware that God is growing my spirit. There are times that one imagines that all joy, life, peace, calmness is gone. How can I see the treasure in the hard times? How many times can the situation look desperate and yet still realize that He is nurturing me with the light of His word, the water from His fountain, the soil (foundation) and depth of His love.

It just takes a little breath to be alive! One heartbeat and you are still alive. I don't know how long these plants will live in their conditions but for now their beauty amazes me....growing in the cleft of the rock and the metal pole!

....the Christmas breeze is blowing..

2011-12-10T11:33:00.004-05:00

A beautiful thing happens at this time of year in Jamaica. Not a beauty to behold but rather a beauty to feel.It is called the Christmas breeze. In November the breeze wafts its way down the Gulf of Mexico and across the Greater Antilles. It cools the ragged chain of islands that grow out of the ocean from the Florida Keys to the brow of South America. Because they blow every year during the Christmas season these trade winds are known as the Christmas breeze. They are fabulous.

Along with taming the temperatures they get you ready for the holiday! The rainy, hurricane season is ended and dry summer weather is on the way. What a beautiful thing!

There is really something psychological about living in an island and enjoying the warmth all year long. At times I have to stop and wonder, what month is this? I never realized how much my internal clock was programed to the climate until living in Jamaica.

When the weather changes in the states the wardrobe changes and the holidays match the season! Here I wear the same thing all year and since Jamaica doesn't celebrate the same holidays, my internal clock is off! However when the breezes start to blow, I do remember that it is Christmas!

tell your heart to beat again....

2011-12-04T10:48:00.002-05:00

I listen to television preachers on Sunday mornings before we go to church. I am so glad for cable...keeps us connected to the American way. This morning a story from Joel Osteen blessed me so much I want to blog it just so I remember it.

He told the story of a doctor who operated on a lady's heart. When the surgery is performed the machine does the work for the heart. While the surgery is happening, the machine is pumping the blood, after the surgery the heart is connected and should respond and function normally. In this case the heart didn't respond, so the doctor did the next thing and used drugs to get the heart functioning normally, that didn't work. The doctor proceeded to do what he would do next in this kind of case and that was to take the heart into his hands and massage it to function again. That didn't work. The doctor didn't have another plan, he leaned into the patients ear and said, "Mary, tell your heart to beat again." And thankfully when he did that, her heart began to beat.

The point of the illustration was to say, sometimes we are knocked down so badly, given a bad break, disillusioned, etc. One can be living but not alive. Sometimes we have to literally speak to ourselves and tell the heart to forgive again, we have to tell our heart to love again, we have to tell our heart to beat again.

I've been there, maybe I still am at times. So disappointed and disheartened at life's happenings. The questions and bewilderment can be so strong that you wonder if God even remembers that your heart isn't functioning normally. Today I am encouraged and though the pulse is weak at times.....my love and dedication is strong and that keeps me remembering that He knows, He records, He is there....or should I say....Here!

It's November 30! My day!

2011-11-30T07:49:00.002-05:00

I always thought i had a special birthday, tucked in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I loved that!

I volunteer in Renee's school library and the books are quite old. Libraries are hard places to fill here in Jamaica, books are extra costly and many of the books that the library has are from old estates and given freely. I label and shelve them when they come in.

This past week I came across one entitled, "Time Capsule/1956" which really got my eye since that is my year!

I learned some cool facts about what was happening around the world in 1956. The book is broken down into categories like National Affairs, Foreign News, People, Sports, The Theater, Music, Science and so on. It has really been a fascinating read.

In 1956 the top 10 television shows were:
1. The Ed Sullivan Show
2. The $64,000 Question
3. The Perry Como Show
4. I Love Lucy
5. December Bride
6. Talent Scouts
7. You Bet Your Life
8. The Red Skelton Show
9. What's My Line?
10. Disneyland

Looking at the list, I remember hearing about them or seeing them as a child except December Bride and Disneyland.

Another part of the book that captured my attention was a section in Religion. Apparently there was a question regarding Billy Graham and the validity of his message. The question in 1956 was, "Is ubiquitous Billy Graham good for Christianity?" Of course now in 2011 the answer is clearly yes. He was born in 1918 and by 1944 he was going strong. So by 1956 in his twelvth year of solid ministry people were beginning to take notice.

The article in the book I am referencing records that the Billy Graham debate was waxing hot in the pages of the Protestant weekly Christian Century.

It further states "An articulate anti-Grahamite is Union Theological Seminary's Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr thinks that Graham is a throwback to the Theological past. He said, "Graham still thinks within the framework of pietistic moralism." He thinks the problem of the atom bomb could be solved by converting the people to Christ, which means that he does not recognize the serious perplexities of guilt and responsibility which Christians must face."

I find this section of the book interesting in that even in "the good ole days" there were those who despised the work that Christians were doing. So many times we "wanna go back" to those days especially when we look at the state of affairs today. But I would presume that this "attack" against what Billy Graham stood for was quite intense even then just without the added input of CNN and FOX news.

Funny how when you look back in the time that you are born you are amazed at what was going on around the world, I was simply living, growing up, being loved, going to school, enjoying my family and friends....simply living. I am grateful for my "cacoon of care" my family is great! I am blessed!

Did you know that:? Part 2

2011-11-28T07:54:00.003-05:00

Some more interesting trivia!

1. Did you know that there are two major political parties, the Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) and whenever they are in conference or rallies the JLP wears green and the PNP wears orange? Hundreds of people in the same color.

2. Did you know that high schools are called college and colleges are called universities? So in reality Renee has already had 4 years of college!

3. Did you know that dancers dance with barefeet?

4. Did you know sliced bread is called hardo bread and it is quite firm and very yummy?

5. Did you know that many Jamaicans are afraid of the ocean?

6. Did you know that Jamaican music (Reggae) just makes you want to move your feet and in reality move your whole body even if it is Christian music?

7. Did you know that jewelry is made from beans, seeds, and nuts?

8. Did you know that the way to remove sea urchins spines from your limb is to soak it in urine?

9. Did you know most homes are built from cement?

10. Did you know that maybe that is why we hardly ever see a fire truck? just wondering!

11. Did you know that one reason for anyone in school of any kind wears a uniform is to get a better price from the taximan?

Did you know that:?

2011-11-27T14:20:00.003-05:00

Here is a bit of interesting Jamaica trivia. Enjoy!

1. Did you know that hamburg and hotdog buns are not precut?

2. Did you know that sixth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth grades take government exams and that the entire school year is dedicated to passing those exams? The sixth grade exams are called GSAT, the eleventh grade exams are called CSEC, twelve and thirteenth are called CAPE.

3. Did you know that milk is sold on the store shelf and kept in the cupboard until use?

4. Did you know that jerk is not a derogatory term,it is a sauce for chicken and pork?

5. Did you know that when tourists come they say that Jamaicans drive on the "wrong" side of the road?

6. Did you know that Rastafarianism is a religion?

7. Did you know that taxi cars have red license plates?

8. Did you know that there are no "self service" gas stations?

9. Did you know that you can be fined for driving through a rain puddle and getting someone wet? The fine is 5000 Jamaican dollars.

10. Did you know that a horn is a very important car instrument. A driver will use the horn to say hello, say goodbye, come ahead, get out of my way, hey what's up and many more expressions?

11. Did you know that shopping buggies never leave the inside of the store unless managed by a store employee, that means someone always brings your bags to your car?

12. Did you know you can also be stopped by a police if you flash your lights? If you flash your lights here it means come ahead and turn in front of me rather than GET OUT OF MY WAY!

forever grateful...

2011-11-24T07:56:00.002-05:00

Today is our fourth Thanksgiving day in Jamaica. Since it is our last year here I decided to make a "Miss" list! We have missed these things for four years but next year Thanksgiving sights, sounds, and smells will be in our house!

1. fall flowers
2. Christmas radio music
3. pumpkins sitting on the porch
4. my Springfield fireplace
5. nip in the air
6. if not snow flurries
7. turkey centerpiece
8. school break
9. Springfield turkey trot
10. sweet potatoes with cinnamon and brown sugar
11. turkey stuffed to the gills
12. Black Friday alarm clock
13. football hoopla
14. special friends
15. Thanksgiving services and sermons
16. holiday goodies
17. Salvation Army kettle
18. large garden Chrysanthemums from Jones Farm
19. stocked frig
20. eggnog with a sprinkle of nutmeg
21. indian corn on the front door
22. corn stalks with beautiful fall ribbon bows
23. dried leaves and Lexsigirl running in them
24. cider
25. donuts
26. candy corn mixed with cashews
27. sweatshirts
28. Uggs
29. apples and caramel
30. cranberry sauce
31. Ryan's miada
32. cranberry sauce
33. family fun
34. cooking
35. festivity everywhere
36. craft fairs
37. Silver Dollar City in the fall
38. Silver Dollar City in the winter
39. Silver Dollar City anytime!
40. Thanksgiving Eve Service
41. Branson Christmas shows with my 2 violinists and Miss Starla's group preshow!
42. punkin' pie
43. grapes
44. long scarves
45. mittens
46. drying the wishbone
47. leftovers
48. Walmart on Sunshine and ByPass
49. butternut squash
50. elastic waistbands

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day so I will have Thanksgiving thoughts in my heart for always...

The oddball of the family

2011-11-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

Not quite sure why I am the oddball. The genes in my family are to stay put. Born in an area, grow up in that area, marry and stay in the area, die in the area and the cycle continues.

Me ... I left Mansfield at 17 and haven't lived there since. How come? My siblings all live near my parents. My cousin's, nieces and nephews live there and I am the oddball.

I don't get it. Maybe I was adopted!! no....just kidding. I look like my mom and act like my dad so I know I am a "Hall" and have their genes! I am just not sure why my life is full of boxes and shallow roots. My root system can be easily pulled up without too much pain.

Maybe someday I will understand why Jesus required me to be on the run. On the run in a good way. Always another state, another country, another group of students that need the Seler touch!

When I married Denny we never talked about "student ministries" and never in a million years did I think I was marrying a professor. We started out in youth ministries which lasted 19 years counting the missionary journey to Spain to teach in the Bible College-a different set of students! Then we pastored for 3 years and then returned to student ministries again. Students in Latin America and now Jamaica. So out of 33 years of marriage, 3o years of student ministries. My goodness, never would I have dreamed it!

This weekend we have started "boxing" again! Packing up things to ship back to the states come June. We are not overly anxious, just has to do with "If you give a mouse a cookie!" Easier to pack than to find a new place for the shelves that sell!

I don't regret this "boxing" lifestyle, I just wonder why He chose me and not my sisters or brothers!

If you give a mouse a cookie....

2011-11-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

What a crazy weekend! The plan was to have a yard sale in the house. The plan was to pull out stuff we can do without and sell it quick as a wink. Didn't happen that fast!

One of my children's favorite book series was If you give a mouse a cookie, If you give a pig a pancake, If you give a moose a muffin, etc. The moral of each story is that whenever you have a plan to do something, that plan leads you to another something, and another step takes place and eventually it goes full circle, resulting in repeating the original step again, which, of course, leads you back through the cycle. The books are great!

That has been the story of our weekend. When we unloaded a bookshelf to place in the sale, we had to find boxes stashed in a hard to get to place, to pack the books. When we went for another item to sell, we had to unload my special teacups and saucers. Then we had to find the china boxes in a hard to get to place and so on and so on!

At one point Den said, "I am getting to old for this!" The next field we go to, guess what? Nothing is going but the shirt on our back!! We are too tired to keep lugging and unpacking and packing and yard saleing!!

Life is full of work, work, and more work. Hope Den has the strength to preach in the morning!

Hungry?

2011-11-03T19:46:00.005-04:00

Something I love about living in another country is learning the differences in speech. What we call one thing in America is called another thing in Jamaica. What we call one thing in Costa Rica in Spanish is another thing in Spain.

At Renee's school and at the A/G College a snack bar is called a tuck shop. Another term is a cook shop. One time I had to drive to Montego Bay to do an airport pick-up so I took a student with me for safety and he said "on the way can we stop at my auntie's cook shop?" I was expecting a restaurant with seats. I didn't envision something big but rather a place for customers.

Coming upon a little community, he said, there it is. Stop right here. Stop right here? Whatever is he looking at? It was just a little stop off the road and if you blinked you would miss it. Certainly not a place to sit and chat, but rather a take out kind of counter.

There is a construction project going on right here next to us. I love their little "tuck shop"! A little lady comes up the road around 10:00 in the morning and sets up shop. Many of the workers are transient workers. They see a project going on, ask for the supervisor and ask to be employed at least for the day. So this little lady decided to get in on the "groundfloor"!

Soup anyone??

Canned Green Beans...just what I needed!

2011-11-01T19:34:00.005-04:00

It's taken over 3 years to find a can but we did it! Here in Jamaica the price goes down if you buy 3 of one thing so I didn't just get one can, I got 3!

I have a theory, way off, but a theory nonetheless. Shopping in Jamaica has been a real experience and that is where my theory comes from. I think that the storekeeper in any town gets a catalog from Customs. He pages through to the item he is looking for and sees one hundred of that item for a price. Finding the lowest price for those 100 items he checks it and goes to the next item on his list. When those items come in, he only has one hundred of them. If they are great, so be it. If they are bad, so be it. The item goes on the shelf 3X the price he paid, with the custom price added to it and the transportation price to get it from the dock to his store, adds the GCT (government tax) to it, which is 17.5 on most everything, all other costs like paying employees to shelve it, cash it, carry it to your car and wha-la, the customer pays the piper.

Do you know someone always takes your groceries to the car for you? It is not just for a job and a tip, but rather to protect the buggies. You never see a buggy outside the store walls. They would be stolen. An employee brings the buggy to your car and he is the one to return the buggy to the store. Interesting isn't it?

One week we may find sour cream, and then not find it for a month. Moral of the story...buy it when you see it! And when you do find something you really need all of the stores will have it. You can always tell when the new shipment came in or at least when it cleared customs!

This is not little America. My friend called me and said, "Now Debby you need to go to the Dollar Store and pick up some of these. You will love them!" ummm I don't have a Dollar Store. "Well then get to your Michael's and you will find the same thing, you will just have to pay more." ummmmm, I don't have a Michael's.

Now to my green beans! There are lots of things I miss, canned green beans is one of them. We were in Kingston doing our grocery shopping and for the first time I found canned green beans, not a cheapo no name brand, but Libby's, french cut!! Oh I was so happy. We have eaten 2 cans, I think I will save the third can for my birthday!
I am so happy to that store keeper for going down the Customs catalog and finding Libby's. He made my day, my week, my month!!

Man I would love to go down to Customs and check out that catalog for myself and see what order I could place or maybe see what China is selling today!

What's in a name?

2011-10-29T17:32:00.003-04:00

It surprises some to hear that Jamaica has alot of corruption, violence, and danger spots. For the size of the island, it is quite dangerous. A couple of months ago there were 5 beheadings in a matter of a few days. We received again this week an email from the US Embassy cautioning us to be wise and careful and the email mentioned a specific area where there is an increase in carjackings.

This morning's paper reports an 8 year old died of a throat slashing right here in Manchester and her mother that is struggling to hold on in the Mandeville Hospital for the same reason.

So many sad things. A couple of weeks ago one of Renee's friends asked her at school if she had heard the gunshots the night before. We hadn't, however a doctor was shot right near to our home and today is in a coma, holding on. What brings it closer to home is that his daughter goes to Renee's school and the principal has asked the students to give her space and not bombard her with questions. The next day a businessman was killed in our town at his place of business.

Last Sunday a new prime minister was sworn into office. His name is Andrew Holness. I have been thinking about this country we live in this week, asking God to bring "wholeness" to the beautiful Jamaican people. Like every government, Jamaica's leaders need much prayer. If I were to report in this blog the state of the government as far as the public news goes, one would think, is there any hope? Thank God our confidence is not in government anywhere in the world, our hope is in Christ. In the meantime we persevere in training young leaders ministry concepts, courses and church administration.

I pray that this year our churches are packed with "lost" people in need of a Savior. I am praying that Prime Minister Holness will be "whole" and Jamaica will realize a new season of "wholeness". How we desperately need it.

Hats on Parade!

2011-10-17T20:11:00.016-04:00

Today is a holiday in Jamaica yet there is another national event that takes place every year on Heroes Day. It is the A/G Women's Ministries Convention. I love to go to take it all in! It is an occasion for sure!

There is something to be said about women coming together, leaving the babies at home, eating rice and peas and some chicken on the lawn in your finest clothing! Of course they don't sit on the lawn, they stand there. There is something to be said about corporate worship and preaching from the director in the morning and the superintendent in the afternoon. It is a spectacular day. This is the last one for me, next Heroes Day we will be living in Phoenixville, PA, on loan to VFCC, so today I wanted to get everything I could in my memory bank. I don't ever want to forget the excitement of these beautiful Jamaican ladies and their.... HATS!

As I watched the ladies today I kept saying to myself, ooooo I like that one! No, I like that one better! Then another one would go by and I would say to myself, oooo that one is the best! If they knew I was their secret fashion admirer today, I wonder what they would think!

Heroes...

2011-10-16T15:37:00.005-04:00

I have been thinking about heroes alot this week. Naturally so since the country is gearing up for another National Heroes' Day tomorrow. It is always celebrated on the third Monday of October. Heritage concerts and programs, parades and award ceremonies. It is a pretty special day here in Jamaica. Renee and Denny get a holiday from school and that is something to look forward to!

National Heroes' Day began in 1971 and it took the place of Queen Elizabeth's birthday, I wonder what she thought about that! Jamaica has named 7 National Heroes. They are Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Manley, William Bustamante, Nanny of the Maroons, and Samuel Sharpe. Each has an incredible story and it has been really fun learning about each one with Renee in the Jamaican school system. She knows American History and now Jamaican History.

This week in Renee's school there will be a Heritage program. Here is a photo of the national costume which is so beautiful.

As I think about the heroes significant contribution to Jamaica's society I ponder the contributions of heroes I have read about. Funny thing, heroes don't set out to be heroes. If you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, they respond, fireman, nurse, doctor, lawyer, truck driver and such. I have never heard a child say, I want to be a heroe. They may say I want to be like Michael Jordan because Michael is my heroe.

Heroes aren't born with a heroe gift. Heroes respond at the moment, right on time, in a crisis situation. The heroes of 9/11 didn't plan on being heroes that fateful day. Captain Sully didn't start those jet engines preparing how to save people's lives that cold day in NYC.

Christa McAuliffe didn't plan on being a heroe. She was a teacher/astronaut. If she knew ahead of time that the Challenger was going to explode, she would have chosen to stay with her husband and beautiful children on planet earth. Heroes are made in the moment, not born.

I love this particular holiday. It makes me ponder and meditate. It is not a meaningless holiday like some. I have some heroes. They haven't saved my life from drowning or rescued me from a fire, they have inspired me to be tough when it counts. They have pushed me to holiness and right living. They speak into my life when I see what they are enduring in their own personal lives. Heroes are worth looking up to. Funny though, real heroes don't want the credit, they just do what is right in that moment. Remarkable.

...it's feeling like a snow day in Jamaica!

2011-10-09T15:35:00.002-04:00

Today is the first Sunday in three and a half years that I was cold in church! It was a b-r-r-r-ry kind of 70 degrees! I am even surprised the thermometer hit 70! It feels like 60. I asked the hostess at church with the gigantuan umbrella what was going on and she said that it is simply a cold front coming through. It is dark, gloomy, raining cats and dogs. A typical October day from where I come! Of course the only difference is in the islands the windows are open and the chilly wind breaks through and chills you to the bone. It reminds me that next year when we live in Phoenixville, come October, we will be wishing for the island temperatures!

Truthfully it felt like a snow day in the Northeast! Let me tell you why. When we arrived at church there were very few cars. When we ran in through the rain there were maybe only 20 people in the pews. That is a common occurrence because we are in Jamaica and there is a time culture as in every country. The only difference was even by 10:30 the pews were quite empty. There was this feeling of how I remember snowed out services! Church not being cancelled yet a realization that few would be in attendance and those that are in attendance are feeling lighthearted, warm, and happy to be in church with just a few. You know on snow days there is less formality, maybe a little more music than normal and just an overall feeling of family. I counted 50 people in a church where we are usually sitting shoulder to shoulder and bursting at the seams with 200 or so. Maybe that is another reason I am usually so hot in church!

The worship was great, I may even say better than ever! It was an all male team. One guy sounded like Israel Houghton and another guy sounded like Andre Crouch! What a great sound! I was blessed. After an hour of worship the Pastor tagged onto the last song to go right into Communion. The song was "I am redeemed, bought with a price, Jesus has changed my whole life. If anybody asks you just who I am, tell them I've been redeemed!" The words are fantastic and so is the melody. Pastor Davis exhorted the few in attendance about the power of redemption and instead of serving communion at the end of the message he did it after the worship. One of those "snow day" kind of changes! It was great. He preached then and the only thing that could have made the service more special was if there was a fireside room where we could have had hot chocolate and cookies!

A great day to be in God's house but now I am glad to be home in my sweatshirt! B-r-r-r, let's make some hot chocolate and dream of a white Christmas!

Purpose in Prayer....

2011-09-25T17:12:00.002-04:00

Living in a country with deficient libraries brings me to my old books on the shelf. One of my traits, good or bad, is the non-love of reruns! If I see a movie, I don't need a DVD to rewatch it. If I read a book my custom is to shelve it or give it away. Since being in Jamaica from lack of bookstores and libraries, I find myself walking to my bookshelf quite often and checking out those old treasures!

Funny thing..I volunteer at Renee's school and work in the library. It is a room full of antique books unfortunately. This week the librarian asked me to start sorting! Throw out all the old books. Now that is something I can handle! Only thing is I found myself throwing more than I was keeping. Books from the early nineteen hundreds. Found many from the thirties and forties. I thought ok this is gonna be fun! I was especially interested to see which book I could find from 1914 (when the A/G was founded) then after that one, I was especially interested to find one from my in-laws year, 1919. Then I got excited about finding one from 1956, my year! It was a cool day looking at the relics. I read pages before I would toss them. So interesting the words chosen, the style written, the author's take on the subject. I really pondered over which year to begin the "Keep" pile. I chose 1970. Anything before that I threw in the rubbish pile. When the librarian came to check on my progress she asked, "what have you decided on?" When I told her 1970 she looked at me really strangely. After she left I thought, oh man, she probably thought why 1970 they are old too, she was probably born in the late eighties! But for me 1970 was just a couple of years ago, wasn't it?!

So back to my subject! I am re-reading E.M. Bounds (1835-1913) book on prayer. He was a powerful writer and I learn something each time I read the book. Is there ever a day when you don't have to pray...no way. Just when you think everyone is doing okay you receive another prayer need via facebook or a phone call. It is a subject that we as christians will never tire of. We can't. It is our mission. It is our mandate. It is our life. Praying 24/7.. sometimes with words, sometimes with tears, sometimes with thoughts, it doesn't matter how, it just matters.

E.M.Bounds writes a story that makes me pause.

"A friend of mine in Cincinnati had preached his sermon and sank back in his chair, when he felt impelled to make another appeal. A boy at the back of the church lifted his hand. My friend left the pulpit and went down to him, and said, "Tell me about yourself." The boy said, "I live in New York. I am a prodigal. I have disgraced my father's name and broken my mother's heart. I ran away and told them I would never come back until I become a Christian or they brought me home dead." That night there went up from Cincinnati a letter telling his father and mother that their boy had turned to God.

Seven days later, in a black-bordered envelope, a reply came, and it read, "My dear boy, when I got the news that you had received Jesus Christ, the sky was overcast; your father was dead." Then the letter went on to tell how the father had prayed for his prodigal boy with his last breath, and concluded, "You are a Christian tonight because your old father would not let you go." (page 82)

Our purpose...pray.
Our purpose...love people enough to take their needs as if they are our own.
Our purpose...pray about everything and everyone.
Our purpose...make prayer a priority rather than a last resort.

Prayer....not letting the prodigal go.....

Another special Sunday...

2011-09-18T21:40:00.007-04:00

Some days are really special. This one was. Denny was invited to preach at Top Hill Assembly. Pastor Millens wanted to hear Renee play her violin again. Sheldon, one of our students, called and wanted to go with us. Top Hill is his home church. He got a taxi to downtown Mandeville to meet us and we went on our way.

Today Pastor Millens was spotlighting the youth so needless to say Den felt in his element and preached a great message about the family. Renee played beautifully, as a matter of fact the pastor asked her to made a CD and he would be the first to buy one!

There was also another special element to the day. Today was baby dedication day and 2 babies were dedicated to the Lord. One of the babies belongs to one of our married night students. The night students come to the college on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it takes them 5 years to complete the program. Clifford is one of those students. A couple of years ago he and his sweet wife lost their almost one year old after surgery and so little Rebecca is pretty special. She will never replace Ruthie, but she is a blessing from God. So to see her dedicated today set a beautiful stage for Den to preach.

Another element is Pastor Millens. He is a gem. I have told Den many times I wish we lived closer to Top Hill! I would love to attend the church more often! The pastor is Jamaican but his family migrated to England when he was a boy. He had a business in England selling Jamaican products. Drugs were put into one of his shipments from here and he was thrown into prison although he had nothing to do with drug selling and the like. He was also a pastor of a church and the story is quite riveting. Today he gave me one of his books and I read it on the way home and seriously can't take my nose out of it. It is a testimony of God's grace and forgiveness. He was cleared of all charges in 2001 so it is a recent testimony. He then came back to Jamaica to pastor and I am so glad he did!

No Surprise There!

2011-09-16T09:53:00.004-04:00

Today's Gleaner responds to a CNN travel report that Dunn's River Falls is one of the worst top 12 travel destinations.

When we brought a missions team here in 1984 our free day was spent at Dunn's River Falls and eating at the Ruins. We saw it for what it was and enjoyed it. Nature at its best! Cool, clear water falls. Since we have lived here we have taken visiting family there and enjoyed it as well. It is one of those things that Jamaica is known for. If you don't have a shirt from the falls you just haven't had a complete Jamaica trip!

However, reading this report I understand how it made the top 12. There are some things that are just "givens" in the Jamaican culture. Since we live here we are used to those "givens" but when you are a tourist and not used to those "givens" uncertainty may arise and frustration step in.

There are going to be hagglers, there are going to be people in your face. There is going to be begging. There is a different English called patois. The impoverished and needy recognize that people who visit the falls are people of great wealth (in their eyes). Desperation will lead you to the tourists as will deception. A friend told me recently that in our town a particular beggar knows no other way of earning money and he has begged so long that he has a house and a car. He still goes "to work" everyday on the street to beg. Doesn't make sense does it?

So in thinking about the report this morning I wonder if we were down and out without Jesus and no means of support what would we do?

Den calls it culture shock confusion. Maybe people have to have an intercultural class before vacation!

Seaside Therapy!

2011-09-12T18:54:00.004-04:00

What a fantastic weekend we had! A few months ago our field retreat was scheduled for this past weekend because our stateside boss and his wife would be in Jamaica for a national meeting on Friday so after the meeting we would all meet in Ocho Rios.

Renee was so anxious to get through her school day because we planned to leave when we picked her up from school. We arrived at the resort around 5:00 just in time for dinner. It was great. Eventually everyone arrived and how sweet it was to sit around the tables and just BE, be with one another, be with people like us, be in a place where no one needed us, be with people with the same purpose and calling.

You would think that because the island is so small the missionary families would be together alot, but not so. Sometimes we don't see one another for months. One family has been here for a year and we had not met them yet. What a beautiful weekend for Renee to be a big sis to the two little ones that belong to that family!

Swimming, snorkeling, eating, sitting, laughing, crying, pools, ocean, sand, fun, fun! We had a Sunday morning service that was especially memorable. We sang and then our boss gave a devotional and then had prayer time together. It was so valuable to all of us. After a weekend like we just had, you kind of feel the energy to press on. You feel like others can relate to the struggles, the financial pressures, the work that is so great here in Jamaica. We encourage one another in the Lord. What a special time.

Friends that I have love going to the mountains and relax in solitude. Some I know prefer Disney and high strung activity. Some like to stay home and turn off the phone. What I like to do is go to the water. It refreshes me. The sound of the waves, the sun in all color and vibrancy, the magnitude of the sand, the never ending horizon, the shells, the sea life, it truly is a therapeutic place for my spirit! If only the Bible College was located on the seaside! Then I would be craving to go to the mountains for some cool weather!

Avocado season..

2011-08-31T12:50:00.006-04:00

Here in Jamaica avocados are called pears. We have 2 beautiful "pear" trees in the yard and an abundance of these beautiful fruit!

All this fruit led me to ask on Facebook last year at this time for avocado recipes which was successful. So along with the old recipes, this year Den went to the Internet for avocado recipes. This years recipes include a soup and a bread.

Well guess what! The bread is a winner and tomorrow we will see how the soup comes out! The reason I don't like to experiment is I hate to throw out something that is inedible! So when they are winners I have to share! The ingredients remind me of zucchini bread that is wonderful but I don't find zucchinis here so now I have a replacement!

Avocado Quick Bread
(allrecipes.com)

1 cup and 2 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons avocado
6 tablespoons buttermilk
6 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 tablespoons raisins
1 teaspoon orange zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour one loaf pan.
Sift together all dry ingredients in one bowl
In another bowl cream together butter and sugar will light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the mashed avocado.

Fold in the mixture into the dry ingredients with the buttermilk. Fold in the nuts, orange zest and raisins.

Put in loaf pan and bake one hour or till pick comes out clean.

This is a fabulous recipe, so go collect the "pears" that have fallen and enjoy!
The gardener for the property uses a big stick with a Y attached at the end to get the pears off the limb. It kind of looks like a great big slingshot!

The seed or pit looks like a brain to me!

Sunday...my favorite day of the week!

2011-08-25T00:18:00.009-04:00

Last Sunday we had a real treat. It isn't very often that you get to see another missionary in action. There are missionaries on the field and sometimes it is rare to hang out with them let alone be where they are on a Sunday! Gary and Peggy live in Kingston but travel the island in conducting HIV/AIDS awareness seminars. Gary is the preacher and Peggy is a registered nurse. Their presentation was tremendous and we are so glad we visited Top Hill A/G on Sunday.

The pastor was very brave and had them come and do their presentation on a Sunday morning. It was fantastic. They spoke to a full house. Interesting that the people didn't shy away from the subject but rather came out in full force.

AIDS has become an epidemic here on the island and thank God this pastor wants his people to become informed and more than just being informed, begin ministering to the people that suffer.

A side note, it was pretty cool that the worship team was dressed in purple and so were Gary and Peggy!

Here I stand..I cannot do otherwise....

2011-08-24T23:48:00.019-04:00

...And so began Spiritual Emphasis Week at the Jamaican Bible College. Who knew the year was going to start so great! Last April the director of the college resigned and I am sure that in any transition the students that would be returning were wondering, "What now?"

A/G Superintendent Pitkin was named the director a couple of weeks ago and the year has started off with a bang! To God be the glory!

Last night the new director preached a powerful message and tonight Denny preached another powerful message.

As I sat in both of these services I wanted to recommit my life to spreading the gospel and go back to Bible school! Oh to be 20 years old again!

The worship has been fantastic and the preaching tops. I want to share some photos and maybe through them you will appreciate what we have been experiencing!

Vinroy is the student president. A wonderful man of God with a bright future.
Please pray for the 48 students. Should Jesus tarry they all have a ministry to fulfill here in Jamaica and quite possibly to the far corners of the earth.

Under His wings....

2011-08-21T10:26:00.003-04:00

Under HIS wings
I'm safely abiding
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild
Still I can trust Him
I know He will keep me
He has redeemed me
I am HIS child.

Under HIS wings
what a refuge in sorrow
How the heart yearningly
Turns to HIS rest
Often when earth
has no balm for my healing
There I find comfort
and there I am blessed.

Under HIS wings
Oh what precious enjoyment
There will I hide
till life's trials are o'er
Sheltered protected no evil can harm me
Resting in Jesus
I'm safe evermore.

Under HIS wings
Who from HIS love can sever?
Under HIS wings my soul shall abide
Safely abide forever.

A new baby is on the way!

2011-08-19T20:16:00.005-04:00

When we moved to Jamaica we lived in a small town called Spalding. It was a real interesting little town and we have experienced much there. We left there 2 years ago to live in a town closer to Renee's school.

We still go to Spalding for different things since it is so close to the Bible College.

The Assemblies of God Jamaica is starting a new work in a section of Spalding called George North. It is an exciting time for the church here! Just like when a mom is waiting the birth of a new little one!

The tent was set up and the crusade began on August 7th. Each night a different established church in the area is responsible for the music and preaching. It is an exciting time for sure!

Pray with us that the community will be impacted and many will come to Christ through the new work. Pray for the Jamaican leadership that God will give them wisdom as they move forward in this endeavor. Pray that God will provide the pastor and people to work alongside. It is not going to be easy. It is going to be an adventure but God is building His church in these last days.

No more night....

2011-08-14T19:50:00.004-04:00

On August 11th another soldier went home. Paul Grabill was born the same year I was. When we were teenagers we were sometimes in the same circle in the Pennsylvania-Delaware District, back then called the Eastern District of the Assemblies of God.

Teen Talent was a competition to showcase our sometimes under-developed talent, not Paul's. He was a great pianist even then. The Eastern District Youth Chorale was a choir that we both traveled in. I have very fond memories of those days. Paul was the red-head at the piano.

He has made it home. When he left he was broken in body, when he arrived, he was made whole. I imagine him tonight conversing with the saints of old. He was a thinker, a conversationalist, and a Christ-follower. Who knows the hour? Maybe we will see him sooner than we think.

Dreaming of heaven tonight.....

Words & music by Walt Harrah

The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away.
It’s not a dream, God will make all things new that day.
Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell.
Evil is banished to eternal hell.

No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See all around, now the nations bow down to sing.
The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King.
Slowly the names from the book are read.
I know the King, so there’s no need to dread.

No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See over there, there’s a mansion, oh, that’s prepared just for me,
Where I will live with my savior eternally.

No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

All praises to the great "I AM."
We’re gonna live in the light of the risen Lamb.

Happy Birthday Jamaica! 49 years old.

2011-08-06T20:02:00.009-04:00

Well Jamaica is older than 49 for sure. I have studied her history but Jamaica gained her independence 49 years ago.

I am crazy for Independence day. Anyone who knows me well knows that I love Independence Day even more than Christmas. I love the weather of July 4th. I love the family being together. I love July 4th picnic food. I love patriotic songs and sermons. I love the celebrations and I absolutely LOVE fireworks. I wish I could have had fireworks at my wedding reception! I absolutely love Independence Day.

Since July 4 is my favorite holiday naturally I would love Jamaica's Independence day. It coincides with our wedding anniversary being August 5 and Independence day being August 6. We have lived in Jamaica 3 years and I would learn about the celebrations the next day on August 7 from the newspaper. We are not real big on event advertising around here in any arena so last year I saved August 7th's newspaper so it would be a reminder for me to get the family to Kingston at least in 2011 on Independence Day.

The 2010 newspaper Independence Day article gave the parade route and it said that it started midday.

That's easy! We left for Kingston at 10 this morning and just knew that we would be able to see the parade at noon. Noon is midday, right?. Nope! not to be. The parade began at 9 so we missed it. Then I learned when we got home this afternoon that there was a remarkable happening at the King's House. An event I would have truly loved. The prime minister spoke, there were musical items and of course the beautiful national anthem. I missed it.

However since we missed all the Independence Day happenings we made a happening of our own! We went to a new restaurant for lunch with missionary friends.

Usain Bolt is the owner of Tracks and Records. He is quite a man. There are many things that I don't like about unsaved celebrities but this man has something I like! His birthday! He shares the same birthday as my sweetheart Denny. August 21. Den is a tad older than he but Usain (the worlds fastest runner) was born August 21, 1986. From all I have read I have learned that he loves his country and he loves his money. Of course when you have that much, who wouldn't!

I am glad he invested some of it in this restaurant/lounge. We hit it at a good time. Saturday lunch! I am sure it has a different clientele at night! The food was terrific. The friendship was great. I just wish Usain would have stopped by on Independence Day, maybe he would have given his birthday partner a free meal!

Emancipation Day~ August 1

2011-07-31T18:28:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is a holiday in Jamaica. Click on the link to read the reason for the holiday.
Emancipation and the Emancipated

One Night at the US Embassy

2011-07-30T10:37:00.026-04:00

I am still so excited that I was chosen from the US Embassy Facebook fan list to attend the first ever facebook reception!

The process to be chosen was easy, just click LIKE on the US Embassy page and wait for the drawing of the names! How easy is that.

What impresses me the most is that the US Ambassador to Jamaica is thinking about the avenues that people use today and especially the young. You had to be 18 to qualify but I was so impressed with the young adults that were present at the reception. They are truly desirous to see the US/Jamaica relations be strong and helpful to each other.

What happened a year ago with the extradition of Christopher Dudus has left a bad taste in many Jamaican's mouths regarding the United States. Ambassador Bridgewater was appointed by the president 2 months after the violence in Tivoli Gardens. She came into a hot spot for sure.

Ambassador Bridgewater was born in Virginia. She is the daughter of a jazz trumpeter. Her staff introduced her to us last night with naming some of the famous songs he played. I thought that was really neat. Ms. Bridgewater has held posts in Brussels, Benin, Bahamas, Ghana, South Africa where she was a personal friend of Nelson Mandela. President Obama appointed her to Jamaica July 9, 2010.

It truly was an honor to meet her. She is a people person for sure! She loves to chat, loves to socialize, loves to smile, and loves to say positive things! I like that!

I received an email of instructions before attending the reception with the dress code, what would happen when we arrive at the compound, how to address the ambassador, and basically what to expect while there.

(Me and the beautiful American flag on the compound)

(a picture of the official invitation and the napkins with the American eagle symbol)

After arriving and presenting my passport and leaving my phone with the officers, I went through the metal detector, then I was escorted through a courtyard to the library. The library has all American resources and is available to anyone. There we were introduced to some of the public relations staff. Everyone was giddy! Everyone was laughing and talking and getting to know one another. I mean we are all friends, right?? We are on Facebook!!

At 5:00 we were then lined up to enter another part of the embassy and this is where we would meet her Excellency. The initial email said that it is proper to address her as Ambassador Bridgewater, Madame Ambassador or Your excellency. I chose to say Madame Ambassador.

When the photo op with the ambassador was concluded we then proceeded to the food table and drinks. Lovely callaloo quiche tarts, ackee quiche tarts, jerk chicken wings, tuna/chicken salad sandwiches, vegetable tray, festivals, fruit tray.

Everything was delicious and many times the ambassador was heard saying, eat some more. Keep eating! She was a beautiful hostess and made sure that all felt comfortable and "at home." I was so very impressed. I have been in way too many "stuffy" cold situations unfortunately. Those receptions don't go down in the memory bank as enjoyable. Last night was truly enjoyable with all strangers! wait, they are not strangers....we were chosen because we are facebook friends!!

The ambassador went to the microphone to answer some questions that had been asked. Some were government related, others were personal, like, "what is your favorite Jamaican food?" Her answer.....pumpkin, ackee and callaloo. No wonder the quiches were ackee and callaloo! Another question was, "where is your favorite place in Jamaica?" no surprise, she became very diplomatic as everyone began cheering their home town and she responded..the shores of Montego Bay, the mountains of Mandeville, the beauty of Portland, and so on! She knew her audience!

A gift was given to the person who had become the 9500th facebook fan! That was really neat. She received a Kindle reader with 250 books already loaded. That was a special moment and then after that they asked the ambassador and the 9500th fan to cut the cake!

The cake was the US Embassy facebook page! so neat!

Another surprise happened, when I left the large room and would enter the courtyard there was a reception gift for everyone! I was so happy to receive a mug and 6 postcards of the Obama family. I look at it this way. They are beautiful photos and wonderful prayer reminders, not cards that I want to send but cards to remember this moment of one night at the US Embassy!

There are over 700 photos posted on their facebook page this morning so below are a few of them!

Well time for Dunkin's coffee in my Embassy mug!

ouch..sea urchin stings are no fun....

2011-07-28T20:43:00.006-04:00

Having family and friends here on the island is great fun. Going to the beach and stepping on a sea urchin is no fun....so says Renee!

The poor thing is really hurting. As soon as it happened she got out of the water, seeing no blood I said, I don't know what the pain is but there is nothing on the bottom of your foot! Real sympathetic, wasn't I?!

A few minutes later the shooting pain was so great that Daddy took a look and saw more spine needles than he probably wanted to say for making Renee afraid. Den's sister had tweezers in the car so he was able to get some of the needles out.

We left the beach and went to change our clothes and did what we we could do for her. It was not a happy time. If you know the first thing you are supposed to do for a sea urchin sting you know why it was not a happy time!

When we arrived home Den put icthamol salve on it with a bandage and today they are beginning to protrude from her skin.

While sea urchins are some of the least aggressive animals in the ocean, they are nevertheless responsible for injuring numerous divers and swimmers who inadvertently step on their spine-covered bodies. Sea urchins actually have two different defense mechanisms. One are the spines that produce the puncture wounds and smaller, delicate seizing organs called pedicellaria that lie between the spines and release venom when they attach to something (or someone). Puncture injuries from a sea urchin may result in swelling, redness, pain, and infection, and multiple deep punctures may even result in paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. It is important to treat sea urchin puncture wounds right away in order to avoid complications. (How to Treat a sea urchin sting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2283966_treat-sea-urchin-sting.html#ixzz1TRzs2LQl

I am scouring the internet tonight to find out what else to do for a sting. So while I look, Renee has her foot in a basin of white vinegar. I mean at this stage of the game we will try anything!

They are so beautiful to collect and so painful to bring home in your foot!

sad times.....

2011-07-25T23:35:00.003-04:00

It is a sad day again in Jamaica. In the last week there have been 4 beheadings. It has taken the whole country to an awareness of the violence that is in the infrastructure of the island.

3 of the beheadings happened before Sunday. On the way to Kingston for Sunday morning service we picked up the Sunday Gleaner newspaper and there on the front page (above) was the notice of another one. This just blows my mind. I went into the service with this on my mind. There have been times when we have felt insecure here and at times have been afraid. Yesterday though, I went into the service not thinking about us but the beautiful Jamaican people who are living in terror, especially those in August Town.

Antioch Assembly of God was alive with worship, prayer and the word. It was a great service. When the church sang J-O-Y, nothing will steal my joy, I thought about the fear that the people in the church may have been experiencing yesterday in the light of the recent news. Then we sang Things are getting better, Things are getting better, for the Lord is on our side, Things are getting better, Things are getting better, Things are getting better.

How can you sing Things are getting better when everything looks bad? And it just doesn't look bad, it IS bad. But when the church went to prayer...oh boy. We prayed against the violence, we prayed against the work of the enemy, we prayed for the island to be turned back to God saving grace. It was powerful.

I am so happy we went to Antioch yesterday. God ordained it!

King of the wall!

2011-07-16T20:03:00.002-04:00

We live on a road that should have a sign, "Goats Crossing!" Of course most roads in Jamaica should have a sign like that. Wherever we go we see goats. Rural roads, town roads, city roads, the main highway that has a tollbooth, cow paths or your own driveway!

Goats everywhere. I never see bunny rabbits, nor do you see squirrels, but goats you will see everywhere!

Curried goat is quite tasty but that meal falls in the same category for me as eating rabbit. I just don't like to eat the animals that to me are pets.

My sister has had many a goat as a pet. So cute! I have had many bunny pets. Just can't eat um!

I think the goats should put up a sign that says "Don't choose me for dinner!"

Some surprises are so pleasant!

2011-07-15T11:38:00.009-04:00

There is a really neat thing about life and that is all the people you meet. My mom used to tell us "it takes all kinds to make the world go round." How dull our lives would be if we didn't have people in it!

We had another wonderful experience last night. At the beginning of the week we received an email from a gentleman who was in Kingston this week for his work. He wrote to the 3 A/G missionaries here on the island and asked if anyone would like to have dinner! What a pleasant surprise!

If you know anything about us you know we love to do dinner and we love to go to Kingston! His email explained why he was on the island, who his pastor is in the states, the church he attends and so on.

Den responded to the email and said that we would love to meet him and told him that we have a 15 year old, would it be okay to bring Renee. Denny also asked if had anywhere in mind to eat. Here is his response....let the girls choose! Now that is a real gentleman! I was so impressed and we were so anxious for Thursday to come and to meet Greg for dinner.

We chose the Devon House. One of our favorite historical sites and located in Kingston.

The Devon House Mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel. Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century. Daniel Finzi and the Verleys were the other families that resided in the area, however, both homes were eventually demolished to make way for development ventures including the construction of Abbey Court Apartments. Stiebel’s legacy lives on with the beautifully maintained Devon House, which was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. (http://www.devonhousejamaica.com/StoryOfDevonHousepg1.htm)

The restaurant was fantastic, the food delicious, and the company terrific. Greg told us his story of travelling for his work and making it a practice to contact missionary families and blessing them. He is so special. We absolutely loved our time together! He treated Renee so very special and made her laugh. We learned about his family and his church. We enjoyed Devon House ice cream! The night ended too quickly!

Taking a Leap....

2011-07-07T22:49:00.003-04:00

I took this photo as we were waiting at a red light in Grant's Pen the other day. It is a picture of where my mind has been for the last couple of months.

Ryan graduated from college May 6th. He had his resume out there, spent lots of time in prayer and meditation, pondered this way and that, but ultimately put his guitar and suitcase in the car and drove to New England. What did he have to go on? Sheer faith.

This photo reminds me of Ryan. Taking a leap from the last step into the unknown. He followed God's prompting. His ears heard walk this way and he did. The only thing he had to go on was what he felt in his heart. He had nothing to go on but God's leading. He is with a pastor's family that has open arms, open hearts and a wonderful ministry. He is happy. I am happy.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Island Living....

2011-07-07T21:35:00.018-04:00

We are now on the countdown for leaving Jamaica. In less than a year we will pick up and move to the next assignment. Just tonight Denny said, "One of the things I will miss is the weather." While we have lived here we always have open windows, except for the hurricane winds, of course. The home, the car, the Bible College, Renee's school, the breeze comes through the windows and gates. We haven't missed ice and snow at all, Renee misses the fall temps and pretty leaves but the ice and snow is something we will have to get used to again.

We live in the center of the island and in the mountains. We do not have the extreme high temps that Kingston and Montego Bay have, although it gets very hot here, but in comparison those areas are much hotter. When we have the chance to go to the beach we all get excited because we do not live near the beaches. For Renee's birthday we had planned a weekend in Montego Bay, it was cancelled because of the horrible weather we had that weekend. We rescheduled our getaway for the end of Renee's school year. So we combined birthday and completion of 4th form and went away! Sunset Beach had a great price and has a wonderful resort. Great fun. Water, kayak, dominoes, skipbo, sunbathing, swimming, good food, chess, checkers, pool volleyball, sand, beach, all around fun!

Here is a pictorial blog!

Bible College Ministry

2011-07-02T20:26:00.003-04:00

Tonight I saw a photo on a fellow missionary's page and Denny and I are in it. A photo from 1988. Is 1988 really that long ago? Where have these past 23 years gone? We look so young in the photo. Let's see that would put us in our thirties. Yes I guess it was a long time ago!

Seeing this picture took me way back in my memory bank. We didn't have Ryan and Renee yet, we had just left a successful youth pastor position, we had been through a very rigorous 11 month itineration cycle to raise the budget and we had spent one year in Costa Rica to learn Spanish. We were finally in Spain. Denny's original plan was to work with teenagers in France. But in December of 1987 we very excitedly landed in Madrid.

As I am thinking about our history tonight, I am trying to figure out why Spain, why the Bible College? Why missions? How do all the life puzzle pieces make sense? We certainly had no idea when we left Zion that we would be in Jamaica today at the Bible College.

All the things that you dream of don't always come to be, other things come in and take their place and new dreams are realized. Denny was not going toward a ministry of education way back in the early days of our marriage and then suddenly Spain changed our direction. Because of that one decision to go to Spain the rest is history! Today Den is coming down the home stretch of completing his doctorate of missiology. Teaching in the Bible College is where he is most fulfilled. I wonder if the professors he had in Zion would be surprised! I don't have to wonder, I KNOW they would be surprised, shocked would be a more appropriate word!

....busted...!

2011-06-30T21:37:00.003-04:00

Anyone who lives in Jamaica can appreciate this post! Driving is crazy, pedestrian traffic along the road is massive, taxi's go at breakneck speed and pass in the most dangerous places. Dodging goats, cars, people, and taxi's is ....well... let's say hair raising! The depth of the potholes are amazing and one of the driving techniques is to dodge the holes at any cost! It doesn't matter if something is coming at you are not. Rain puddles are treated the same way. Learning to drive here could be the greatest risk taking experience in one's life!

With the driving brings another element...policeman. It didn't take us long to find the spots that will get a whole lot of attention!

One day Denny was driving to the college and nearly threw himself through the windshield when he saw what he thought was a real, live, breathing officer of the law!

When we drove into Kingston this week Renee and I got to see Den's friend!! Whoever created Mr.Policeman was really creative. I suppose when Mr.Policeman goes for his job performance review he will get a raise for a job well done!

the funny things you find.....

2011-06-20T14:02:00.005-04:00

When we moved to Jamaica we brought all of the half used school notebooks from the kids previous years. We didn't know if the spiral bound ones would be easy to find in a developing nation. Renee has been in the Jamaican school system for 3 years and has used almost all of the recycled notebooks. So much so that the supply shelf looks kind of bare!

Being the student of all students she went into the closet to start her collection for September! She never gives learning a rest! I think that is a good thing. She pulled out a notebook that belonged to her brother. Opening the first few pages showed his drawing abilities, specifically his cartoon character drawing abilities! Wondering which school year this was, I flipped a few more pages to try to get an idea and came upon another treasure!

When we went to the children's parent/teacher conferences or school open house, I would always examine their desk and pull out a notebook to leave them a note. I would forget about it and one day later in the year, Ryan and Renee would come home and say "Hey Mom, thanks for the note!" Who knows, maybe they came upon it when they were feeling alone or having a tough day.

Seeing the artwork and the note would make me think it was one of Ryan's notebooks from Horace Mann Elementary School in Springfield, MO. When we moved to Missouri, Ryan went right into 5th grade. He went there for one year only and then moved to Carver Middle School. That was a long time ago! Today he is a college graduate! That notebook has been around for awhile! Funny the things that get recycled.

One of the difficulties in having children is not being able to recoup long ago days and actually having their hands in mine. Going to the playground, pool time, and moments in their lives when children do "children" things with mommy beside. Seeing the notebook has taken me back a few years!

I think I will add those pages to my scrapbook pile! Precious pages from long, long ago!

It's a new season.....

2011-06-19T19:45:00.003-04:00

Today is Father's Day. One of my favorite songs of all time reminds me of my dad. There are many reasons why I love my dad, but the greatest one is that he never rubbed my nose in wrong choices, wrong decisions, mistakes and all the negative things a kid does.
Once it was dealt with, it was over, not to be brought up again.

I wasn't a bad kid, just not a perfect kid. I wasn't a rebel rouser, just not a compliant child. I honor my dad today not just for who he is but for who he isn't.

My dad isn't a negative voice. My dad isn't a person prone to depression. My dad isn't lazy. My dad isn't a nitpicker. My dad isn't a man of unbelief. My dad isn't an angry man. My dad isn't impulsive. My dad isn't explosive. My dad isn't hateful.

When I was a kid I had terrific nightmares. The kind that would wake an entire household. I would always find myself in the hallway between the bedrooms. I would "come to" with the sound of my father's voice praying and pleading the blood of Jesus over my life. I became so dependent upon his prayers. When I became a young adult, the sound of my father's prayers soothed every crazy fear and dart the enemy would throw at me. Now that I am older, I am dependent upon his prayers......still. His prayers give me faith, they give me "a new season" hopefulness. His prayers encourage me to hold on, all negative things will cease.

My dad loves me. My dad loves Jesus. I love my dad. I love Jesus. I honor them both today.

I left my heart.....

2011-06-17T21:26:00.003-04:00

Funny thing.....I still find myself reliving our time in the states last month. I just can't get it out of my mind. It was a tremendous, uplifting, exciting, proud kind of month. Ryan's recital, VFCC Music Department chapel, Baccalaureate, Graduation, being in New England, Brooklyn Tab, Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. It was such a great time.

I heard a song in the Music Department Chapel that I had never heard before. It is so good. A guy's ensemble sang it. Gloria Gaither wrote it. I want to forever remember it. It is just one of those songs!

In 33 years of full time ministry we have experienced some real highs and some really, really low lows. Like everyone. It doesn't matter if you are in the ministry or not. If you are alive and breathing, you will experience crazy times. The rain falls. The sun shines. The clouds overtake. Hurricane winds blow. Floods drown. Fires burn. Rainbows appear. Earthquakes shake. This is life. This song reminds me that God takes us through all of it. The good and the bad. The pretty and the ugly. He is my "through it all" God. I am in His grip. I am safe.

seriously...how do they do that?

2011-06-14T09:29:00.004-04:00

On my trips to Africa I would see people carry things on their head much more than I see here in Jamaica, but you still see it, especially in the rural areas. Mandeville is not considered rural but even here in town you will see people with their heavy load.

It is interesting that you don't see the young or middle-age but always the older citizens with their head load....seriously how can they do that?

Yes I know about the cap that makes it easier but I have seen many people without the cap, how does their neck handle it? How do their shoulders feel? How does their back stay up straight?

I think this will always amaze me.

This makes me think of the scripture in Galatians, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ." I wrote a sermon one time, making the difference between a burden and a load. The Greek word for "bear" is baztazo. It means to "to hold" or even to physically embrace. How can I physically embrace someone's burdens?

There is also a difference between burden and load. The load is the everyday stuff we all have to handle, like paying bills, feeling lonely, bad weather, the things everyone endures.

However a burden is different. Burdens are those unexpected things that get added to the everyday load. Like a tragic accident, loss of a job, death in the family, the things that come along suddenly and very unexpectedly.

Well, the sermon gives some how to's, but suffice it to say, whenever I see someone carrying their load I think of Galatians 6:2 and wonder how I am doing with carrying my own load and the burdens of others. Just a little something to think about.

Occupational Blessing.....

2011-06-08T10:14:00.007-04:00

Today I am happy to be married to a Bible College professor! Maybe I will be happy tomorrow too!! One of the reasons is that we eat dinner together. Reports say that a family that eats dinner together most evenings, tend to communicate more and bond on a deeper level. Reports say that parents are more engaged with the children and I would add, parents are more engaged with the children. Shared meals bring an anchor to the house.

Denny and I both grew up in homes where meals were spent together so it is not an unusual thing for us to raise Ryan and Renee in the same way. Time magazine published a report (June 4,2006) that reads, "Kids who eat dinner with the parents are healthier, happier, and better students."

For some cultures, eating together is simply "being" together without talking and laughing and communicating verbally. Something that surprises our Jamaican students is how much we TALK when we eat!!! That makes me laugh because I always think, Oh I wish they could have experienced the Hall family dinners. My brother is a comedian, the rest of us would laugh so hard at Marvin's antics and stories that today I wonder how we finished our meal! My mom is a great cook, we would have eaten dinner cold, I guess!

Because Den is a professor with set hours it makes our dinner time easy to accommodate. Renee's extracurricular activities are after school so it makes life real easy to eat together.

Today I am grateful for that. We have another tradition that we have set for our time here in Jamaica. We read a chapter out loud and play a game as soon as we finish eating, even before doing the dishes. Right now the book we have chosen is Max Lucado's Cure for the Common Life and the game of choice is Skip-Bo!

I found this article on line,10 Great Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family, written by Sheila Wray Gregoire.

It’s good for the body!
1. When families eat together, everyone tends to eat healthier. People who have frequent family meals consume more calcium, fiber, iron, and vitamins B6, B12, C and E. It could be because home-cooked meals are healthier than fast food and restaurant meals. (Source: Archives of Family Medicine)

2. Children tend to eat more fruits and vegetables when they frequently have dinner with their families. They also tend to eat fewer snack foods. (Source: American Dietetic Association) When we eat all together, we cook meatloaf with veggies on the side or we make stew. When the kids eat alone, we heat up chicken fingers. Not good.

3. Children in families who eat dinner together are less likely to be overweight (Source: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine). I think this is also because parents are watching what they eat! And when we snack in front of the TV, we eat way more than if we were sitting at a table.

Good for the brain
4. Children from families who eat meals together get better grades than their peers who don’t have lots of family meal times (Source: Lou Harris-Reader’s Digest National Poll).

5. When families eat together frequently, children have better language skills compared to kids from families who don’t have family mealtimes often. (Source: Harvard University) TV doesn’t teach language skills well. When we eat at the table, kids hear their parents talking to each other, too. It’s great!

Good for emotional health
6. Children of families who eat together report feeling happier and are more optimistic about the future, than their peers who have infrequent family meals. (Source: Lou Harris- Reader’s Digest National Poll)

7. Teenagers are less likely to use drugs, smoke, and drink alcoholic drinks, when their families eat together regularly. (Source: Columbia University) I read this study a few years ago and have quoted it frequently. When we eat dinner, we catch up with our kids. They know we care so they’re less likely to give in to peer pressure!

8. It may come as a surprise, but among Moms who work outside the home, those who have family mealtimes reported feeling less stress than those who had family dinners less
often. (Source: Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal) When we feel that our priorities are being met, we feel less stress.

9. The more often teen girls had meals with their families, the less likely they were to have symptoms of depression and suicidal behaviors. (Source: University of Minnesota) And fewer teenage pregnancies!

Good for family bonding
10. Eating together gives family members the chance to communicate and build relationships, something that both adults and children appreciate very much. (Source: Nutrition Education Network of Washington & Oprah Winfrey’s “Family Dinner Experiment”)

Some "intentional" choices are really good. So glad that we were intentional about eating around the table with Ryan and continuing the practice with Renee. It's not always easy if your husband is on call or works nights but being a college professor's wife is really convenient even when he teaches the night students, thanks Den!

Inspiration.....

2011-06-07T11:46:00.009-04:00

I am not sure who the author of this piece is but I give credit to them. Today this forwarded email inspires me to live without baggage, regret, and an overall unpleasant attitude. It takes work! None of these things come naturally, but with God's help I can be a pleasant aroma to God....and when I do that...I can be a pleasant aroma to those around me!

1. Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!"

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning.
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...
Never let the brain get idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
(and the devil's name is Alzheimer's)

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. (This one makes me really laugh, I have always been in trouble for laughing loud.)
Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6.. The tears happen.
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love.
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever..
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health.
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.

Lots can happen in 30 days!

2011-06-06T09:47:00.009-04:00

Thirty days ago we were in Phoenixville enjoying the time of our life! Thirty days ago Ryan changed his status from college student to college graduate! Thirty days ago Renee was wearing new clothes! That is a big deal. No shopping here in Jamrock! Thirty days ago we had already experienced Ryan's senior violin recital which was a great success! Thirty days ago we had already been to New England for three services and great times with wonderful friends. And today, thirty days ago we were at VFCC for the baccalaureate service and graduation.

We had prayed for a sunny day because if the graduation is not able to be held outside only a couple people get into the chapel. We were more than a couple, we were seven and we sure didn't want anyone that had travelled to have to sit in an overflow classroom and watch the screen.

God was gracious! It was a gorgeous day. Beautiful weather and not too hot where you felt you would be near sunstroke if you sat there much longer! A truly delightful weather day and a truly spectacular graduation day!

Ryan was a worship leader for the baccalaureate service and that was a highlight! He is in his element when he is playing his guitar and leading worship. Needless to say, our buttons were bursting. We are so proud of where God has brought him and also so proud of Ryan's obedience to follow the Lord's calling in his life. He could have gone many directions, but he chose to follow his passion and that is leading worship.

Ryan, in all reality started his music career when he was just a child! Little did we know back then that starting him in violin at the age of three would culminate in music being his career of choice. He could have become many things since he is so smart. He would have made an incredible lawyer with strong debating skills. He would be a great school teacher. He would make a great race car driver! The only field Ryan wouldn't have excelled in would be a medical field. Lots of stories there! But he chose music, or better said. Music chose him.

When he was a typical teenager, he gravitated toward the guitar. It is hard to be in the youth band with a violin! One of the youth leaders gave Ryan lots of attention on his first cheap, red and white guitar! Thanks Dalton! Because he played the violin for so many years the guitar came easy to him. He loved it. As a matter of fact, loved it so much, we purchased his Taylor guitar for his high school graduation.

When Ryan went to VFCC he was chosen for the travelling teams each year and this further solidified his passion for worship and leading. He developed in his skills, music and people, song writing, theory and ministry. His senior year found him on staff at a church in Phillie doing what he loves best....worship!

Ryan completed his bachelors in three years. We are so proud of his hard work and diligence. He saved alot of money that way and although some semesters were pretty tough with the class load, he did it. We are more than proud!

Ryan is the firstborn. His sister has learned alot long distance from his college experience. He really paved the way for her to understand a little bit better what it will be like and how hard you have to work to do it in 3 years. Knowing Renee, she will probably follow in his pattern! Ryan graduated from high school early as well. His first semester of college was when the rest of his classmates were finishing high school.

Now what? Many people have asked. In these past thirty days Ryan has put alot of miles on the car! He has gone from Phillie to Pittsburgh, Phillie to New York, Phillie to New England in search of "the place" and he has come to a real peace about Boston. He is following what he senses as God's direction and will be working a secular job (to pay for his apartment!) and volunteering in the church. He is excited to get "off the bench" and jump into the game. We remain his number one cheerleaders! God has great things planned, we are sure!

Thanksgiving already?!

2011-05-29T16:20:00.005-04:00

We left Jamaica to go to the states for Ryan's graduation 2 days after Easter and I just got back this week 4 days before Thanksgiving! Yup! It's Thanksgiving. By the way, last weekend was Labor Day here in Jamaica. Renee had Friday and Monday off from school. So we went from Easter to Labor Day to Thanksgiving all in a timeframe of a month!

After being in the states a month I must admit I have experienced a little culture shock in returning. I didn't realize the many things I had become accustomed to here on the island and then to be gone for an extended amount of time brings me back to some things that I sincerely forgot about. For example the horrible road conditions. Since I have returned home I keep hearing groans come out of my mouth when I am in the car. I had forgotten how bad it really is! It is like experiencing the road conditions for the first time.

Another thing is the high temperature! While I was in Phoenixville I wore long sleeves and a jacket most of the time. Even when I was inside I found myself to be chilly. Since I have returned to Jamaica I am soooo hot! I had forgotten how sweaty one can get in doing even basic chores around the house!

While we were celebrating with Ryan at VFCC, then travelling to some services in New England, then spending Mother's Day at the Brooklyn Tabernacle with my firstborn leading the worship!, then travelling with Ry to some more churches I got accustomed to U.S. style of worship. All of a sudden this morning in the Thanksgiving service I started to giggle as we sang:

"I am blessed from my head to my toes
I am blessed from my toes to my head
My hands are blessed
My feet are blessed
My lungs are blessed
My heart is blessed
My stomach is blessed
My liver is blessed
My kidneys are blessed
I am blessed."

Yup this morning everything in me got blessed! I am glad I got back in time for Thanksgiving! Oh I wish my house was full of family and a great big roasted turkey!

There was a guest speaker this morning. After he preached the sermon he gave a blessing to the congregation.I really liked the very last thing he said, " May every breath we take motivate us to worship."

That's what it is all about. Worship to Jesus in the good times and bad. Realizing that He is on the throne. He is unchangeable. He is unshakable. He is Unstoppable. HE IS.
Whether it be Easter or Thanksgiving, He is on the throne and after this month I have to say I am really glad about that!

Mannish Water for Easter........no, I think I'll pass!

2011-04-21T13:53:00.008-04:00

Okay, everybody that eats mannish water loves it! So why won't I try it?

Mannish water is not water at all. It is soup. It is sometimes called power water and is rarely on a restaurant menu but rather made and sold along the street.

Do you really want to know what is in it? Goats head, that's what's in it!

These precious little goats that I see along every road end up in a pot. Poor things.

Mannish Water

INGREDIENTS :

•Chopped up goat head
•Garlic,escallion.thyme,pimento seed, salt to taste
•Whole green pepper,black pepper,
•1pk. Chicken Noodle
•3-6 green bananas
•½ lbs.Yam
•3 small Irish Potato
•Flour for dumpling
•2 chochos (optional)
•1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper

METHOD:

1.Wash chopped goat head
2.Put in a large pot (pressure cooker best) with enough water to cover the meet
3.Add 3 teaspoons salt, 8-10 seeds of pimento and let cook and 5 crushed garlic cloves
4.Cook on a medium/high stove till meat tender
5.Add more water and and also 1pk. Chicken Noodle
6.Peel and cut up potatoes and chochos and add
7.Peel Green bananas (or cut off the top and bottom and slit in skin)
8.Add Peel and add Yam when bananas almost cooked.
9.When almost done black pepper,thyme,couple pimento seed,escallion, whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper (do not let it burst open) and let simmer
10.Serve hot

I love carrying my camera in this country, you never quite know what you may see along the way!

They are so cute....well at least along the road! How bout some curried goat instead?

We went to Kingston to try to find a small ham for the three of us for Easter and they are so costly that we changed our mind. Maybe mannish water doesn't sound so bad after all!!!

Happy Easter!

Bugs Bunny and the Assemblies of God!

2011-04-16T12:30:00.009-04:00

1940 was a very good year! Bugs Bunny debuted its first cartoon, Superman hit the radio. Franklin D. Roosevelt was our president and I bet you have to think about the VP. Tired of thinking....well his name was John N. Garner. Winston Churchill became Britain's PM and Hitler invaded Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Luxembourg.

Social Security benefit checks began and the first McDonalds opened in Pasadena, California. Something else big happened in our lives and Denny and I weren't even born yet!!! The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened, it was the first multi-lane highway. Man have we put in our itineration miles and money into that road!

The federal debt in 1940 was $50.7 billion, unemployment was 14.6%. The cost of a stamp was 3 cents. Gone with the Wind won the Academy Award and the A/G came to Jamaica!

1940 brought progress to this country as well. Bauxite was discovered. The People's National Party was started in 1938 so the party was in its infancy. The population of Jamaica was 1,228,000 persons. Jamaica didn't gain its independence from England until 1962 so I am sure the Anglican Church was strong.

Another huge development took place and the A/G still cranks it out today. The Jamaican sound system was born! Loud is the word! Funny that they both came to be at the same time!

When the A/G came to Jamaica it was only 26 years old in the U.S. pretty cool to think about!

This week we participated in the 71st General Conference of the A/G. In the U.S. we call it General Council. The A/G is 71 years old. There are 82 churches and 65 pastors in the island.

Because the A/G is small, the conference is held in the church that is located at the Bible College.

The conference is full of reports, elections, old business, new business, the general pattern of most business meetings. It was scheduled for 3 days and they worked so fast and efficiently that they adjourned last night and today became free. Love those kind of surprises!

One of the wonderful things about the conference being close is that the Bible College students are required to attend and to serve in all kinds of capacities. They are learning the ropes of A/G polity and also learning how to attend to people in all kinds of situations, housing, feeding, serving. They are indeed wonderful students.

I really can't wait till the day when I hear that one of our students has just been voted in as superintendent. I will be old and up in years but I know it will thrill me just the same as if I were seeing it firsthand.

At the conference they sit in the back. The pastors who are eligible to vote sit in front of an invisible line. The students sit behind the line. Maybe in the photos you can see them in their blue and white uniforms.

A big surprise took place yesterday. The Bible College Director read his report and then proceeded to resign. Whoa, that really surprised us. I wonder if the students were ataken back. Probably not. They touch shoulders with him on a regular basis. I remember in settings when pastors would be set to resign and people in the congregation would have discernment/a premonition that something was up. Maybe everybody had the feeling but us. Who knows!!!

This photo is of Director Kincaid, his wife Claire and the third person is Margaret the director that lives on site.

So here we are 71 years after the A/G was born in Jamaica. Wouldn't it be fun to talk to a founding member? I would love that kind of history lesson.

Momma....you're published!

2011-04-01T09:41:00.006-04:00

I am a magazine fanatic. I am having a hard time hearing that magazines can no longer afford production and that they are going online. I would rather hold the magazine rather than my computer! I love the paper, the colors, the photos, everything about magazines! I remember as a newlywed the first magazine subscription Denny got for me. It was a big deal, still love Good Housekeeping. I haven't seen one since living here in Jamaica but I do hope they are still on the shelf in 2012!

Yes, I am one of those shoppers that stands at the grocery checkout line determining which one I want to buy! People, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Farmer's Almanac!, Woman's Day, and all the rest.

I wonder why I love magazines so much. I really don't remember my mom having magazines when I was growing up. I do remember reading the Evangel on Sunday afternoons and the Billy Graham magazine when it came. Or maybe it was because I loved going to my aunts house just a couple minutes walk from our house, to see if she had her new Ladies Home Journal with the paper doll cut out page in the back. Oh I loved it when she would share those with me.

Magazines have always been a luxury to me, I could only pick one up if I had extra money. I was one of the excited ones when 99 Cent magazines hit the stand! That I could afford! I remember when all the food network chefs made their way into the printed page. Oh that was a great time of shopping! The way to my heart is not chocolate but a magazine subscription!

When we came to Jamaica I had my eyes on what magazines I would be able to find and I came upon a great one. I couldn't find it on a regular basis but when I found it, I would jump with joy. My fix was being fed with not only a magazine with recipes but one with a cultural education.

Much to my dismay last fall after not seeing the magazine for a very long time and understanding the economic difficulties they were probably experiencing, I decided to see if they were on line. If I had to resort to that so be it! When I got to their website I read that indeed they would be cutting back on hard copies. I was so disappointed I sent off an email asking where I would be able to find perhaps, old copies. Copies from the get go! Much to my surprise after sending the email, I received a phone call from the editor and what a special moment. I think I shall forever remember the call.

From the call I could tell that Grace was a beautiful lady, I could tell that she loves her publication and appreciated the fact that I did to. We spoke for a lengthy time and it was fantastic. I was so happy when I misunderstood what was on the website and the publication would continue. After our conversation, Grace said to me, "Would you mind to send me an email telling me what JamaicanEats means to you as an American living here in Jamaica?" I told her I would be more than delighted to.

Life gets busy and we went through the holidays and new year and I completely forgot about my communication to Grace.

Last night in Kingston, Denny and I went into a little store that we enjoy to pass the time while Renee was in her violin lesson. We were both in the magazine area of the store, while I was purusing the shelf, Den called my name and said Look! Yay, My favorite JamaicanEats magazine was in! I was so very excited. I hadn't seen one for many months! As he continued browsing in the store, I was anxious to see what was in the new edition. I opened the magazine and lo and behold my eyes fell on my name. It is so funny how I turned to that page and my eyes just saw something familiar!

My little letter to Grace had been published. I couldn't settle for one magazine, I bought them out! Well.....that is a little misleading, isn't it? The store had 3 copies so I bought them. I must find more though, I have more than 2 friends and family members that would enjoy seeing the magazine again. When I go home I take copies of it as souvenirs from Jamaica, the recipes and articles are great!

When we picked Renee up from her lesson, we showed her the new copy and told her to look at the index. After she read the blurb about the American, she turned to the correct page and said "Momma, you're published!" I just thought that was a great response. How excited we get about the little things in life, like seeing our name in a magazine! Seeing our name.....I feel motivated to develop a teaching on the value of seeing our name. When someone says your name instead of HEY. The scripture has alot to say about our name....being written in the Lamb's Book of Life, our name written in the palm of His hand, many times we live out the meaning of our name. Renee means, born again. Ever since she was born, I have repeatedly told her to live out her name.

Seeing my name in print made me appreciate the magazine all over again and especially my new email friend, Grace. I wonder what she thinks about her name! I will have to ask her!

Doesn't taste like fruit to me!

2011-03-29T11:32:00.009-04:00

Jamaica has some really good cuisine, ya know...jerk pork, well jerk anything is good. Rice and peas that are not peas at all, but rather kidney beans. Easter bun with cheese. Pumpkin soup and festivals.Escovietch fish, ackee and saltfish. Pattys and yam, boiled or mashed,I like it anyway it comes. Rock buns and guava jelly. Well the list goes on and on! Jamaica has some really good food. It also has great fruits, papaya, pineapple, mangoes and coconuts. Grapefruit and guava, bananas and lots of em. Lychee and cherries. Naseberries and otaheite apples. Star apples and sour sop. Watermelon, oranges and limes. Just about everything fruity!! But breadfruit....what is that?

It is said that Captain William Bligh brought breadfruit to Jamaica from Tahiti in 1793. Why you ask? To feed the slaves of course. Guess what? The slaves didn't like ,so it grew out of control and was used to feed the hogs. They eat anything. Reminds me of the commercial many years ago..give it to Mikey. Mikey will eat it! Those hogs...yup they eat anything. I have observed plenty of hogs and chickens in the back yard of the New Vision Children's Home.

Today, no breadfruit for the hogs. Some smart Jamaican said, wait a minute, let's figure out a way to make it yummy and start using the breadfruit on our table. Well, I can imagine it went something like that!

Today breadfruit is made a hundred different ways! Jamaicans roast it, bake it, boil it, steam it and make it into chips, they make it into porridge and even punch. They marinade it, pickle it and fry it, that's the way I like it! They use it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They puree it for their babies.

I'll never forget the first time I saw it. It was along side the road at a fruit stand and I couldn't get over the size. What is that? I asked. It is the size of a watermelon but certainly isn't a watermelon!

If you want the breadfruit for soup, you need to pick one that is young and light green with no brown spots.

If you want to roast one, you need to choose a dark green one. I wish I had a photo of the roasted ones. They too are really interesting, they kind of look like the brown coconuts ..only with an ashen hue to them. When I have seen them on the roadside I haven't had my camera!

Okay, so what does the breadfruit taste like if it doesn't taste like fruit? Jamaicans say it taste like doughy bread. For some reason I just can't get that taste. I think it is because I eat it with my eyes open! I taste potato maybe that is because I have eaten it fried and I imagine potato chip! Maybe I need to eat it blindfolded!

We are able to watch the breadfruit grow right here on our property. The tree is an evergreen and it can produce fruit for fifty years or more. When I see the fruit hanging down, I just wonder how in the world does it do that. They are so huge! amazing! Most breadfruit are seedless although there are many varieties with seeds.

As I have researched the breadfruit I find that it is everywhere even in Florida! It is in Key West and Vaca Key. The next time I go there I will have to see if it looks the same!

I can't end off a blog like this one without a recipe in case you have a bresheh tree in your yard! yup that is what a Jamaican would call the breadfruit, bresheh.

Porridge

1/2 medium fit bresheh
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 pints water
2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
3 ounces evaporated milk
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 ounce flour
Put water on stove and turn fire on high. In the meantime remove the skin and heart from the bresheh. Cut the vegetable, whoa, vegetable..I thought this was a fruit, into small pieces. Add pieces to a blender with a little water and puree. Add pureed ingredients to the boiling water and add salt. Boil and stir. To thicken the porridge add the flour. Add the other ingredients and sweeten to taste. Serve in a bowl with ground nutmeg.

Sounds yummy doesn't it. Come to Jamaica for some bresheh, that is if you don't live in Florida!

Bible College Students....ready for anything!

2011-03-20T13:16:00.011-04:00

This Bible College thing is really neat! The Jamaican Bible College has students who are pretty special! Two of our students are Haitian and the rest are Jamaican. A few of them were able to come to the service on Sunday with Irvin D. Clown and then to the house for some concentrated clown learning! We had a beautiful morning and then the time at the house was priceless. I love having them anytime we can! They light up our lives.

Andre, the brave one!

This moment was priceless. Mousa is one of the students that Irvin chose to volunteer. Renee went into the audience to find a girl and her dress matched his tie perfectly!

Cherley teasing Lolli!

Many hands make the work go faster! Lots of balloons waiting to be made into creatures!

After a Jamaican lunch of rice and peas, barbecued chicken, and salad, they took to the living room for a couple of hours of hands on training and teaching. What a great opportunity for the students and Irvin as well.

We love you Irvin D.Clown!

When clowns come to your house!

2011-03-20T12:19:00.007-04:00

What a special treat to host a professional clown at the house! Kevin Ross is a children's evangelist and is a true, blue, clown! He has a Mastors of Divinity degree from ORU and spends his life clowning around! He taught my Ryan tricks of the trade in years past and now teaches Renee how to be a clown, not that she needed much help! While Kevin and Uncle Marty were here, Irvin even got violin lessons! Funny how the mind of a clown works! What fun. What ministry. What memories!

The original message....eternal life.

2011-03-20T11:15:00.009-04:00

Sometimes life throws you a surprise and you reflect on it over and over again in your mind. Although this story is very sad, my reflection is the reality of eternal life. Let me start at the beginning.

On March 10th, Den went to pick up Irvin D. Clown and Uncle Marty at a meeting place where the pastor they had been working with in Kingston would bring them. They were with us for 5 days. Irvin D. Clown is no stranger to Jamaica. He has had ministry here over the years so he is an easy guest. There is no cultural adjustments when he is here. This was a special trip for him because he was able to bring a friend. Uncle Marty is 72 years old and had never flown before. He is a gem. We enjoyed having both of them with us for a few days. He just flowed with whatever was happening at the time and ministered with Irvin as though they had done it many times!

Irvin D. Clown's focal point in ministry is salvation. He has led thousands in a prayer of salvation and directed them to stay connected in the local church. He is a happy clown with a positive message. He has been a guest of ours over the years we served in the district office, pastored a church, and also on missions trips that we took from New England. Since we have been in Jamaica, Irvin has been with us twice. Our Bible College students have learned about children's ministry and especially clowning from Irvin.

Before Irvin's arrival, Denny had arranged for him to connect to Pastor Mullins in Hatfield. There would be ministry on Saturday, Sunday, and in the schools on Monday. When Irvin comes into a community, he doesn't sit in the church and wait for the children to come, he hits the road running, well at least making a lot of noise!

One of the special things about Irvin D. Clown is that he makes it easy for others to clown with him. Renee was trained by him! Our students are trained by him and he carries alot of luggage to outfit others!

On Saturday Irvin D. Clown, Uncle Marty, Lolli (Renee) and Den the videographer took off down the road from the church to "collect" children! Little did they know that Joshua would be one of the special guests on Saturday and then again on Sunday. Little did Pastor Mullins know that this would be the last time he would have contact with a special little guy called Joshua.

The services were great and exciting. It was all about the message....eternal life. I am not sure if Joshua was in one of the schools on Monday or not. I sure hope so! If he was, he felt loved by the clowns once again. There is just something about the love of Christ that people feel when ministers of all kinds come to Jamaica....even ministers that are clowns!

On Thursday of this week we received a tragic message from one of our students that is from Hatfield. Joshua was dead. Whoa...what? He met a tragic death when a gun was found and the bullet went straight to Joshua's heart. He was gone. Eternal life was his. We have learned that the church community reached out to his family immediately.

What a difference a week makes. Here today....Heaven tomorrow. There is so much to be said about reaching the children. There is so much to be said about Carpe Diem (seizing the day). There is so much to be said about reaching past the 4 walls of the church building. There is so much to be said about the effect of missions efforts made by people who sacrifice money, time, energy, care, compassion for another culture. There is so much to be said.

Click on the link for the article from the newspaper about Joshua's death.

Tragedy in Hatfield

Payless in Jamaica!

2011-03-05T10:24:00.011-05:00

I hesitate to title this post as Payless! In reality I should have typed PayMORE! A big deal took place this week in the life of Renee! Payless Shoe Source came to Jamaica a couple of weeks ago. There are 2 stores in Kingston and 1 store in Montego Bay with another soon to open there. After her violin lesson in Kingston on Thursday we surprised her with a Payless visit!

So what's the big deal you may ask! A 14 year old being able to walk into an American store, now that's a big deal! As we searched for the store we weren't real sure if we would actually come upon it or if it would be hidden in another part of town but we had success! Or maybe daddy would say ....bummer we found it!

Needless to say, with the prices here it is not a place we will be able to visit every week! I have to say it was SO exciting. To find an American retail store here even made me feel giddy!

There is even talk that a Payless could be coming to Mandeville (our town), won't that be exciting! You know what is funny, it is not a store I frequent too much in the states and with its move here I got so excited! But, anything for my girl!

Renee didn't ask to be a missionary kid and yet she has the perfect temperament for the job. She has gone without a shopping spree for a long time, well this wasn't really a spree! She could look for one pair. She had three styles that she was choosing between and just like that one pair was gone. A man in uniform ripped them out from under her....I guess he really wanted to buy them for his daughter. :(

Man, could we hope for a dollar store! just kiddin!

Here is a photo journey of her experience!

How much would you pay for these little white tennies? Here in the Payless they were $35.00....thanks daddy!

Poison in Jamaica

2011-03-05T07:23:00.020-05:00

Ganja isn't the only poison in this beautiful island. From December 1, 2010 through January 12, 2011 there were 23 deaths due to ackee poisoning. In 33 days 23 people died from the same symptoms. After investigation they found some similarities, 20 were men, between the ages of 25 and 44, they lived in the northeast parishes, they ate the national fruit. By the way the other deaths were children under 5. sad....

In 2010 there were 194 cases of ackee poisoning. Not all cases are fatal. If the ackee is eaten raw, or prepared improperly, the poisoning lowers the blood sugar to lethal levels. If one is suspected of having ackee posoning and it is detected quickly enough, drinking sweet fluids to get the blood sugar level up may save the person from death.

This national fruit always intrigues me. It has been said that the ackee was imported from West Africa in 1778 probably through a slave ship. The thing is though, West Africa doesn't eat ackee. No other nation eats ackee except Jamaica. Why did the slave ship bring it? Who would have thought to put a plant or a piece of fruit on a ship that you don't eat and I suppose with so many slaves and necesary supplies, why throw ackee on board? Mystery to me, unless they were bringing it to make soap. That is the only thing some West Africans do with ackee! It puzzles me. Denny always asks, how many people died before they found out how to prepare it and not be toxic? Good question. Another question to me is why was this poisonous fruit chosen as the national fruit and why is ackee and saltfish the national dish rather than jerk pork and rice and peas!

No doubt the fruit is absolutely beautiful in color and is very intrigueing. During the summer season the trees are full of fruit and the way the fruit hangs is beautiful but since this last surge of deaths the paper has been full of study and investigation on how these 23 died from the ackee.

After all, you can't live in Jamaica very long before learning that you never eat the fruit from the tree. You never buy it if the fruit is closed. This is one of those dishes that I like to have prepared at the Bible College by Vivian, our wonderful cook! She knows what she is doing. I have never tried to make it at home. I don't know what I am doing!

Recently the paper has been full of reports on what the study has found about these deaths. I have to say I was really surprised. I thought they would find that these 23 people ate at the same cook shop or they purchased their fruits and vegetables at the same market, or the vendor at the market was trying to make a quick dollar on bad ackee or something like that, or the cook opened the ackee by force, or the water that was used to boil the ackee was not discarded immediately, or that the ackee water was reused for the rice.

Interestingly, there was no connection to the ackee sold in tin cans.

No the report says the blame is to go to the weather. The weather of all things. In this beautiful island with sunny skies and puffy clouds, the ackee deaths are blamed on the weather!

Here is the report from the newspaper:

'Demystifying ackee poisoning'
Published: Saturday | February 26, 2011 12 Comments Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PASSLEY GARDENS, Portland:THE RECENT spike in ackee poisoning is being attributed to a lack of adequate sunlight which increases the levels of the toxin hypoglycin, which is found in the fruit.

This argument was put forward on Thursday by Seymour Webster, researcher and lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland. According to Webster, ackee poisoning mostly takes place during overcast and short-day periods.

"We are supporting the argument that radiance (light or heat) is important," he said.

"Sunlight does not have a direct effect on the hypoglycin levels in ackees, but does have a positive effect on the enzyme as it increases the catalytic activity of the enzyme so that the enzyme breaks down the hypoglycin," he explained.

"It can also be that the fruit, although left to open in its natural state, can still result in poisoning due to the lack of sufficient radiance."

Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, if not properly ripened, contains high levels of a toxin called hypoglycin.

The weather.....wow. I was surprised. Yes during that period we did have lots of overcast skies and black clouds. Yes the skies looked ominous, no we didn't go to the beach during those weeks, but I never gave a thought about the effect of the clouds on the ackee. I was only worried about getting my laundry out early enough to dry on the line, I never thought to worry about the ackee growing on the tree.

I guess it is true, the more you learn, the more you want to learn. The report made me to think, what else is out there to learn about what we digest. Den learned something this week. We see the sugar cane getting burnt off and then getting loaded on the trucks to be harvested. Did you know that you can produce 4 harvests of sugar cane from one planting. After the fields are burnt down, the sugar cane can grow again up to 3 more times! pretty cool. the fire doesn't affect what's underground....makes me think of how deep my faith is and the result of fiery trials. I am not destroyed but rather strengthened, well that could take me into a whole nother thought! I better stop here. Here is a picture of ackee at a roadside market where we bought bananas and grapefruit yesterday.

..the weather report...

2011-02-19T09:29:00.008-05:00

In Jamaica we live in "forever summer"....with just a little spring as Denny is quick to remind me. He likes to remember those plummeting temperatures into the seventies! And not to mention the hurricane and tropical storm season!

I love the weather. I love the seasons. I love the changes the weather brings, not only to the sky, and to the land, and to my feelings, but the fact that it is something beyond my control. When there is an element in life that I absolutely have no control over and I don't have to worry about the way it is going, that gives me freedom. That is a good thing! The weather just reminds me of that...no control!

Funny how in one day the weather can go from bad to worse, or from good to bad, or from bad to better or even simply be delightful all day long. The other day I took these pictures from my yard at the same time! On one side of the house the sky was gorgeous and blue, on the other side of the house the storm was brewing hard and in just a couple of minutes the dark storm clouds were going to take over the entire area and begin to bring rain.

It reminds me that I can wake up in the morning and never imagine the weather patterns that are going to dictate my day! It sometimes goes from puffy clouds and blue skies to even puffier clouds and blue-er skies and you hear yourself humming the old song...if it keeps gettin' better and better, if He keeps on pourin' it on....

But then there are other days when the blackest clouds turn blacker and you wonder how am I ever going to get through this one? All I know and what I am learning is God allows the weather to be what it is and many things indeed are out of my control. That is when I begin to hum....it won't rain always...or hear the saying in my head..this too shall pass.

It is hard to stay consistently faith-centered when life's rain is peltering on your head. It is so easy to slip and fall when you are running for cover without an unbrella. When life's car starts to slide on the wintry mix and goes out of control and panic sets in you realize you are not in control, but somebody is.

Every weather pattern God brings into my life is for my good and for His glory. This week Ryan sent me a song that has grabbed my attention.

"It may not be all that I had hoped for, and every dream has not yet been realized, but to see your face one day God I know,it's all going to be worth it."

valentines early.....

2011-02-11T09:48:00.024-05:00

Valentine's day is focused on using cards, candy, flowers, and gifts to tell the people in your life that you love them. To tell a stranger...well that's not supposed to be the plan. I haven't seen Valentines Day to be a big deal here in Mandeville, Jamaica. Many holidays are American generated and sustained. Since this isn't little America we don't see the commercialism. Denny and I can handle an American holiday to not exist but when you have children, well that is a different story. I can't just run to the local store and plan to find something on Monday morning for Renee. When you live in a different country you have to start thinking way ahead! Fun Fun!

We know that we are in Jamaica according to God's plan. We know that 4 years is a long time, but not so long that when discouraged you know just around the corner of another year you will be home itinerating all over again. Missionaries are an unusual bunch! A missionary can pack their bags and leave comforts and conveniences of home and plunge forward to the unknown. Missionaries can survive not having healthy budgets, they can live on a shoestring in a country that is very expensive. Missionaries don't have to use electricity and even have water every day. Missionaries can wear the same clothes and shoes for 4 years and not be bothered. Missionaries don't expect much in return, except that the burden to minister cross-culturally never lessens. Missionaries are an unusual bunch! A missionary can plug along without praise and "stuff" for a pretty long time.

So when a call comes out of the blue like the one we had it was pretty amazing! Let me tell you about it!

A week ago Den received an email from missionary friends in Springfield, MO. They said that their friends were going on a cruise and would port in Jamaica for one day and would like to spend $50. and bring a missionary something. "Would you have something in mind that they could bring you?" We were very surprised and wondered what it was all about. We were kind of perplexed as the missionary friends gave us the information. How do you call a stranger and say, could you bring me a can of shortening! There are just so many things that we cannot find here and our list could have been...well should I say interesting. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt like we should focus on Renee who never complains and goes without so many things and happenings like Youth group, camps, or regular teen-age things as a missionary kid.

Time was of the essence as this couple was going to be leaving their home in a couple of days to begin their vacation. So we began to toss things out there and thought of some things that would be nice to receive unexpectedly! The second evening after having this information I wondered, "what would make Renee smile?"

I thought of a valentine "Build a Bear" for Renee, a walmart box of candy for me and maybe a dvd for Den. We didn't expect all those things, just whatever they could find under $50. Things that we can't get here but things that would make us all giddy! Den called the couple the next day and because of the ice and snow in Dallas they were going to start their journey that day to get to Galveston. The wife said that they would do their best to find the items. I really wondered if they would be able to find a Build a Bear store enroute so I didn't say anything to Renee. I hate to dash expectations!

On Wednesday of this week Den taught till 1:00, Renee went to school till lunch time and we started our journey to the cruise ship!! We were so excited we could hardly stand it! We had no idea who the family was. We had no idea if this was really gonna work. All we knew is that we were to meet them in Montego Bay between 3 and 3:30 at the security area near the ship.

When we arrived we were not sure of where to go. So after asking the guards on duty and explaining why we were there, we planted ourselves in one spot and boy was it hot. Because we came upon an accident we were late. We could see 2 ships from where we were, we just couldn't get through the traffic to get there. We eventually arrived at 3:40 and didn't see anyone nearby waiting for us. So we waited and waited and waited. Unbeknownst to us, the couple was waiting and waiting and waiting in the hot sun somewhere else! At 5:00 one of the security guards came over and said, "there is the couple that is looking for you!" Here they come walking toward us! We were so excited and yet so humiliated that we were the cause of them standing in the hot sun for nearly 2 hours.

Here is the story! David and Carolyn attend Oaks Fellowship in Texas and a couple of months ago their pastor challenged the church with a campaign, ACT NORMAL, An Exercise in Compassion. The promo has this line.."It's moving compassion from niche to norm." The promo also says that ACT NORMAL is not only about opportunities but about action. It is taking compassion to another level in your personal life. Along with the idea of "doing" like raking leaves or volunteering at a pet shelter, the campaign includes spending $50 on someone that would come to mind during the yearlong challenge, such as filling someones gas tank, buying $50 of groceries for someone, investing in a soup kitchen, etc. Little did we ever realize that God had this little Seler family in mind when the pastor introduced the challenge. In the realm of life, such a little thing, but monumental for us at this time.

Missionaries can be very lonely people. They do a lot of cross cultural things and ministry, ministering in many situations, making many acquaintances but not having a "heart" friend, one who understands your culture, your framework, your background, etc. Missionaries can tend to be very guilt ridden. If I do find a Dr. Pepper and consider spending an outrageous amount of money to buy it, compared to how much it would be in America, I am not being a good steward, or like ice cream or something non essential and then compare the price of that soda to what an average person makes here and you wrestle with justifying the expenditure. Missionaries can live in disconnect. Family members just don't understand the dynamic of leaving everything to go somewhere that they have never visited and think that it is any different than America. For example, we don't live on an Army base where everything is shipped in for our comfort or what do you mean it takes a month to get the car inspected, what do you mean, you go to cash a check and the bank doesn't have sufficient cash, and the list continues with things people just can't understand until they are in the situation.

When something like this Valentine blessing happens, you remember...God does know my name and He knows where I live!

As we watched Dave and Carolyn walk up the road I noticed something in his hand but couldn't tell what it was. He said to Renee (as if he already knew her), "Do you know what this is?" Her eyes got big as he began to unfold that Build a Bear house box! She squealed as Carolyn pulled a valentine bear out of her tote bag! It was a moment to remember! This valentine blessing was just what the doctor ordered!

We then proceeded to a little Island Grill to give our new friends a taste of Jerk Chicken! Over our little snack, they didn't want to eat too much as they would be eating dinner on the ship, Carolyn pulled more goodies out of her bag! A box of candy, oh how I miss Hersheys, a Celine Dion cd and a Narnia DVD. We were silly, we were so excited. Then they began to tell us about the church challenge and how it had changed their lives. As a matter of fact, I don't think I will ever forget Dave saying, "This is our 18th cruise, how I wish I had blessed a missionary in those ports of call before." The next day they were going to port at the Cayman Islands and so guess what? Another missionary family was going to be blessed by Dave's $50 ACT NORMAL gift. We were the receivers of Carolyn's $50. I wonder if the Cayman Islands missionaries asked for something as trivial as we did. Probably not!!

When Dave and Carolyn shopped for us I doubt that she set out to make this our best Valentine's day yet, but she did it!! Another little side note, they were cruising with another couple and they wanted to be in on the blessing so they bought the candy for me!

Den sent an email thanks the next day and when I read it I cried. Den told me that when he wrote it, he cried. Dave and Carolyn had no idea how dry our ground was, how desperately we needed to sit and chat. How they blessed Renee, wow, they were there with her and still they will never realize what they said to speak into her life. Here is an excerpt from Den's email to these wonderful people.

".......I don’t know that I will ever forget the smile and joy on my daughter’s face as you asked her about a simple cardboard box. Her squeal of delight was so obvious. The two of you gave her a very special moment and even more a long-term memory of her experience in Jamaica. Thank you so much. Your speaking into her life the words of encouragement as you referenced your daughter and Quentin and Elizabeth’s girls and their education was equally special. She is in a very significant life formation time as she sorts out her future – your words were so welcomed.David and Carolyn, you will never realize how much your kindness, generosity and presence meant to this missionary family. We will cherish the memory – thank you."

Well... to say that valentine blessing surprised us, encouraged us, and gave us love is an understatement...thanks Dave and Carolyn!

They wanted a photo in front of the STL car!

Renee and Shortcake enjoyed the journey back to Mandeville!

Happy Birthday Ryan! You're 21!

2011-02-02T07:54:00.035-05:00

Children's birthdays have really special memories especially for moms that have a good pregnancy, are surrounded by a supportive family, have a good delivery, are tended to by wonderful doctors and nurses, moms who see the excitement and tenderness in the eyes of the new daddy....for so many new moms things turn sour and turn into a trial, but for me it was a wonderful day! Today, 21 years, Ryan was born!A great day!

Ryan was always wanted. Denny and I were married in 1978, Ryan came along in 1990. We had experienced many ministry settings to his arrival. We were associate pastors in Illinois, then were youth pastors in Massachusetts. We were missionaries in Spain, then we returned back to Walpole as youth pastors once again, then Ryan came! Little did we realize when he was born in that month of February that God was setting things in motion for us to be asked to be Youth and Christian Education Director for Southern New England A/G come May. But when Ryan arrived, we were youth pastors in Walpole, one of the most dynamic churches that we have ever known even till this day. The people in the church were the welcoming committee for his birth as well as my parents and my sister Janine and her husband.

Ryan wasn't due on Feb.2, but for as long as my fatherinlaw knew I was pregnant, he said that I was going to have a boy and he was going to be born on his birthday! I said, "I don't think so because the people at church say I am carrying a girl and first babies never come early"! I was due closer to Valentine's day so I knew that my fatherinlaw's wishful thinking had to be mistaken!

On February 1 I became quite ill and just didn't feel right. Janine called me from work to see how I was doing and I told her. She called Denny at the church. The day went on, I was feeling pretty rotten all day. That Thursday evening, my parents came to check on me and Dad started timing the contractions. When mom and dad left, probably around 10:00, the contractions were 7 minutes apart. I couldn't rest, I couldn't really lay comfortably, I remember telling Den to go to sleep and that I would wake him if need be. Around 3:00 in the morning I woke him and he called the doctor. The contractions were getting closer and more consistent so off we go to the Norwood Hospital. I remember thinking, could this really be it or will they send me home. I had never gone through this before, how was I to know!

When the admitting nurse finished the paperwork, I was still thinking maybe this was a false alarm, I mean I wasn't even due yet! The only time that it hit me was when the nurse gave me the johnny to change into! As if it were yesterday I remember the exchange! She said, "honey you are going to have a baby" I said,"TODAY???" She said, "oh yes honey that baby is coming today"! I said, "but wait, I can't it's my fatherinlaws bday!!!" and then of course I told her why I said that. I love my fatherinlaw, but I had told him he was wrong for at least 6 months, he couldn't possibly be right!!! Somehow I knew that if he was right on the date, he would be right on the gender! The only problem was, what would we do with the name Brittany Shannon! We had only picked out a girls name!

Today I am looking at Ryan's baby book and reminiscing that wonderful day! Jen Schlosky bought me Ryan's baby book! I can't throw out the box it came in, I have notes written on the box as well! After we came home from the hospital I was in the emergency room 3 times. During those difficult days, Mema and Pop Pop and Aunt Janine helped Denny with Ryan and Jen Schlosky tended to me! She is such a nurse! I will forever be grateful to my family and my friend Jen, there through thick and thin.

So many people to be grateful for. I remember them coming by, bringing food items and care, support for a new little family that had a very sick mommy. People spoke into our lives and prophesied over Ryan. Christian Life Center was a very special place because of all the special people. When I look at the book and see the Shower page, my oh my, so many people with so much love! I still feel overwhelmed 21 years later. I guess this isn't a baby book but rather a mommy book!

Ryan, you and your sister are the joy of our lives. For 21 years and 9 months more we have spoken Jesus into your life. I remember things that we told you when we couldn't see your face. I remember reading the Word to you when you couldn't yet see, I remember playing music for you when you didn't yet know what music was. You were so loved before we even knew you.

I found some really neat things in your book! One of your first Bible crafts, some Christmas wrap from Mrs. Harper, pictures and cards you wrote for your daddy. This book, though small in comparison to other books, holds treasures that can never be replaced. I remember my mom always said, "if there is a fire, grab the baby books". Now I know why she said that. Everything about your birth and growth is worth remembering and keeping! As a matter of fact, I assisted God in making a miracle today 21 years ago and I don't want to forget it!

It is so easy to appreciate you and to love the memories you have given us, Ryan. You grew up to be such a fine man. Of course we have had disappointments, who hasn't? Of course there were times when you could have made better choices, who hasn't? But for every one of those, there have been a hundred wonderful choices and wonderful decisions. I always said to you, "make your daddy proud, both of them"! Today both your earthly father and your heavenly one are proud of who you are and so am I!

The envelope with your hair from your first haircut is also in the box. Why do moms save hair??? It is so light compared to what your hair color is today! Isn't that funny?

I found a letter from the Sturbridge School Bus, telling us what bus you would be on and what time it would be at the bottom of the hill. Boy those were tough times letting you go. I remember crying for most of the morning! silly me. We are so possessive of God's gifts, aren't we! I said I trust God, but did I really? Worrying about the safety of the bus, worrying if you would remember your backpack, worrying about the drivers on the road that would be near the bus, worrying if you would fall asleep and not get off :), worrying about the bullies near you, worrying if you would be the bully :), worrying about YOU, my precious treasure.

I wish you a happy 21 honey. You are a man. You know what is required from being a man, responsibility and all that stuff. I am proud that you graduated from High School. I am proud that you went to Bible College and are soon to graduate, I am proud that you had a paying job when you were a teenager. I am proud that you are a capable driver. I am proud that you work hard at your craft. I am proud that you are your own person, I am proud that you pray. I am proud that you write. I am proud that you want what is best for you. I am proud of your choice in friends. I am proud that you are my Ryan. I am proud that you are a Seler. I am proud of how you treat your sister. I am proud that you want to lead others in worship. I am proud of YOU.

an unusual combo...

2011-01-26T12:10:00.003-05:00

For a long time now, my favorite subject to preach on is prayer. A discipline we cannot live without. A habit that keeps us completely in communion with Jesus. Praying with one's voice, praying in the Spirit, praying silently, praying with groaning, praying the Word, praying the Lord's Prayer, praying with others, praying by yourself. Praying over your husband, praying over your children, praying in every room of the house, praying over schools, praying over the news, praying, praying, praying.

The older I get, the more I realize that when I don't pray, I really am functioning in my own strength, not HIS. I can't live without prayer. As a matter of fact, I can't make it without people praying for me. On the flip side people are relying on me to hold them up in difficult times.

The most important thing I can do for my children and husband is to pray. The most valuable thing I can do for our ministry is to pray. The most important thing I can do as an American citizen is to pray for my country and leaders.

I received President Bush's book for Christmas. I also received, around the same time, David Leatherberry's Afghanistan, My Tears. Dangerous combo!

President Bush, a war president has an interesting take on Afghanistan and David Leatherberry, a missionary to the same country confirmed what the president wrote but with a twist! Jesus working on the scene, Jesus saving the Muslims, Jesus doing a work that will last. I like to read a few books at the same time so as I was reading these 2 books simultaneously you can imagine what happened.

When you are a christian, it is very normal to see everything through the lens of what God can do in any given situation and this leads to prayer. Although there are some nasty and unpleasant words in the presidents book I would recommend reading the book to lead you to prayer. Reading Afghanistan, My Tears is a great choice. But be careful...it could change priorities and lead you to some intense prayer.

...don't toss it out...send it and bless em!

2011-01-16T16:10:00.002-05:00

Had a great thing happen on Saturday. I went to the mailbox! Now that is monumental around here! I haven't seen anyone in Jamaica with a mailbox outside their house. Post offices hold everybody's mail. You can rent a little space street side, accessible anytime, day or night, or if you don't rent a box you stand in line. A clerk pulls out your last name initial bundle and you can wait for a looooooong time for her to find your mail. The line will wind out the door most times of the day.

But the reason post office visits are few and far between is that finding a place to park is impossible. If I am alone I have to get at least somewhat close for other potential problems that I won't mention here, so, to say the least, I usually don't worry about the mail too much. Most of the time if we do get mail it is usually for the landlord!

But Saturday...well, the reason I went was to check and see if a Christmas card arrived that a friend sent from the states on December 7. That card wasn't there but something really special was!

We started our ministry in Illinois and that is where Den was licensed with the Assemblies of God, but shortly after that sojourn we found ourselves in a church that was meant for us! We Pennsylvanians, fit into New England and spent most of our ministry there.

Back to the Post Office. We received a letter from a dear friend who was part of the ministry of Christian Life Center. Joyce retired this past fall from her employment and found herself at home full time. Being home more now, she is going through things that have collected and instead of throwing out this treasure, she sent it to us! She wrote this for our farewell many years ago. When I look at even the paper it is copied on, my mind immediately traveled back to the CLC office, the copier room, the pink paper we used for so many things. My memory walked through the offices, the foyer, Den's "Snoopy" office, the sanctuary, the beautifully muraled nurseries. So many things drifted into my mind over a beautiful piece of mail.

For those of you who have heard about our CLC days you will laugh. For those of you who experienced those years with us, you will be brought back to those days when everything seemed so RIGHT. Enjoy and...thanks Joyce, you made our day!

Debby and Denny...
They're from CLC
She plays the piano
Youth Pastor is he.

We love them both so
They've been here five years
But now they must leave
We will shed many tears.

We've all been so blessed
By the things they have done
Their work with the youth
And the souls they have won.

They both went to Zion
A Rhode Island place
And before that, the Air Force
Was Denny's home base.

The state of Pennsylvanis
Was birthplace for the two
In small towns alike
They were raised in a pew.

Six brothers, Two sisters
Was Denny's large clan
With two each for Debby
The Hall household ran.

They came here to Walpole
From a town in Illinois
Their ministry since that time
Has truly been a joy.

They worked so very hard
For Speed the Light's big day
While Denny drove around
Deb walked the whole long way!

The Speed the Light Marathons
Were worth all the tears
Since First Place in District
Was ours for all five years.

The puppet group started
Under their watchful eye
Bringing joy to so many
On the very first try.

Those cute little puppets
So funny and bright
"A little bit of Sonshine"
Was shining His light.

Their first trip was special
To Sunbury, PA
Barbados came next
And led them to pray.

Their hearts were so touched
As their next trip was made
That Mexico sunshine
Seemed almost like shade.

And then came Jamaica
The puppets came too
Which all led to Belgium
And a world-wide review.

And speaking of talent
Which is all heaven-sent
Our Denny revised
The Teen Talent event.

As a pastor of youth
Denny sure made the grade
He counselled and nurtured
And perfected his trade.

He's known in the District
As the Youth Leader rep
With ideas and promotions
And energy and pep.

The Youth Staff will tell you
He trains them just right
He always looks forward
To "Youth Alive" night.

And Debby herself
Is quite special, ya know
Her musical talents
Have blessed our hearts so.

"His Own" is the group
Of singers she started
Made up of young teens
Who were so tender-hearted.

They sang for us here
And they traveled around
To nursing hones, churches
And toured with their "sound".

She once taught piano
But stopped such a pity
She then went to work
For our own Dr. Chitty.

She played for the choir
And accompanied them well
And taught little children
To sing clear as a bell.

Well, so much for that
We've told you enough
Of awards and achievements
And all that good stuff.

The time's finally come
To say "see you later"
We know in our hearts
That your next step is greater.

"We love you-We'll miss you"
We say through our tears
But we're praising the Lord
For the last great five years.

And we know He is wiser
For moving you on
To a far greater calling
Even though you'll be gone.

As missionaries now
To a world far away
Please know that our prayers
Will be with you each day.

And as you depart
To the vastness of Spain
We know that our loss
Is that country's gain.

"Good-by and God bless you"
As you tread foreign sod
We say "Vaya con Dios"
May you "Go thou with God".

Cooking Class - #1

2011-01-13T18:33:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but I gave my firstborn his first "Pennsylvania Dutch" cooking lesson. Maybe he has graduation on his mind. Maybe he is thinking of getting his own place soon, maybe he....well maybe he thought it was time to learn how to make a staple in our home for his almost 21 years of life!

I didn't grow up on Pot Pie but as soon as I became a Seler I had to learn fast! My motherinlaw taught me how to make a Seler favorite. I was making pot pie for a long time before I became acquainted with the Cracker Barrel Restaurant where you can get really good Pot Pie. I was making Pot Pie long before I ever had my first dinner in Lancaster where they serve really good Pot Pie.

I have to say I am really proud that I can make it as good as my motherinlaw! At least that's what they tell me! Since I have been a Seler I am forbidden to put pineapple and cloves on my Christmas or Easter baked ham because if I do that I can't make Ham Pot Pie the next day! One can make chicken, turkey, beef Pot Pie, but the all time favorite in our house is ham Pot Pie.

For all of his life, Ryan has watched me make the pot pie squares, but this time I got to watch him and it was a treat! I must say, it sure was delicious and turned out just like Nana Seler would have wanted, not too thick and not too thin! Just right little Bear!

As a matter of fact, during the lesson we talked about Nana alot and sent some messages heavenward hoping that she could see her #14 grandchild receiving his Pot Pie lesson.

Ryan has a few dishes in his repertoire so it was time to have his own apron instead of using his dads!

..save the Ryan fund.....depleted!

2011-01-10T19:56:00.015-05:00

Coming to live in Jamaica in 2008 without Ryan was tough. I have to say going to live anywhere without out one of your "God" gifts is tough. He was in our every thought, our communications, our dreams, and most of all our intercession. The three of us missed him so much, at times it was almost debilitating. You know like times you can't get your breath for the tears of missing someone so much. We have managed with God's help and have grown accustomed to celebrating his accomplishments from afar.

One of the things we did upon moving here was to start a "save the Ryan fund." We began collecting our silver coins in a little piggy bank and every now and then when it got full we would transfer it to the big glass jar. Sometimes when missing Ryan we would pull out the big, glass jar from its' secret hiding place and count it. Little did Ryan know that we were saving and little did he know that he was going to tell us what he wanted to do with it upon his last student vacation here!

One time during one of his VFCC breaks, we told Ryan about the fund and asked him to think about what he would like to do with it. It didn't take him long to tell us that he wanted to go to "The Ruins" in Ocho Rios with it and have a special dinner. After that announcement we knew we would have to get serious about our fund! We saved with intention and discipline. We all couldn't wait to go to "The Ruins." Even missionary friends have contributed to the "save the Ryan fund!"

The first time Denny and I went to "The Ruins" was in 1984 when we brought an AIM team to Jamaica and for our day off took the team to Dunns River Falls and ate dinner at "The Ruins." I remember it being a very special time and the team saying this is where they wanted to either be married or at least honeymoon! It was one of those very special teams and memories in my mind. Funny thing, I never heard that anyone of them returned to "The Ruins" except us!

When we were here in 1984, we would have never imagined moving here in 2008! This was not a place that was on the radar screen of our lives. To think that one of our children would have her high school career here would have really been quite unimaginable but here we are!

This past Christmas break for Ryan was the planned time for us to celebrate and use the "save the Ryan fund." We anticipate him coming back to Jamaica, but the timing will be different. Ryan graduates VFCC in May and will change his status from college student to full time employee, wherever and however God orchestrates. We will not be able to claim him for holidays and school breaks! Seeing him for our last 18 months here could turn out to be sporadic...so this was the appointed time! Oh we were so excited!

On December 27th we loaded up the car with beach paraphernalia, our bags and the "save the Ryan fund." On to Ocho Rios! The second day of our stay found us at "The Ruins" with its cascading falls and beautiful outdoor atmosphere!

Steak is not something that is easily found in Jamaica. We have tried to eat it even at an American establishment like T.G.I.F and it is horrible. We have tried to purchase it from a meat supplier and that is not something we will try again. We stick with chicken. But at "The Ruins," you find none better. Chef Sam Shum knows how to do steak! So Ryan and Den had steak and Renee and I shared the surf and turf. Renee had the turf and I enjoyed my favorite surf..lobster. What a treat. We dined like royalty. From appetizers to desserts and it was all scrumptious!

Ryan has gone back to college and we are into January. I guess as is typical, one ties up all the loose ends from Christmas and gets life back in order! So today we went to the bank to pay our rent and while there Den asked about all this silver! Now that we have spent it we need to make it usable cash! Since we don't have an account here in Jamaica we were finding it impossible to find a bank that would take these coins, might I say, a whole lot of coins! Eventually we found ourselves asking a man in town that sells us watch batteries. "Do you have need of silver, can I sell it to you?" He said that he has so much from people buying things at Christmas time that he couldn't help us. So that got Den to thinking, I guess we could bag it and use it at the grocery store or to get gasoline or even Renee to buy her lunch at school! Oh boy I was thinking, you can use it to go to the store, but I'm not pulling out a baggie of coins, no way! I have too much pride for that!

So tonight we found ourselves bagging coins! We have one more place to check and see if they will take it, if they don't....well let's just say, Den is going to be doing the shopping!

I was just thinking, next time I go out the door, Den will say, Debby, do ya have your wallet? I can respond. Yup, stuck my driver's license in my baggie!

..all for you Ryan.....all for you!

..a kid thing...

2010-12-23T23:07:00.006-05:00

Denny and I have a collection. A big collection. So big that most of them are in a storage unit in Pennsylvania. This collection is so important to us that we notice when one is missing or out of order. Both of our children are already claiming parts of this collection when we pass on. My dream house has a room dedicated solely to our collection. If we were weathy people there would be no end to adding to our collection.

The collection....books!

One of my favorite categories is Christmas Children's Books. I love them. I only buy one a year. Last year one of my gifts from Ryan was "The Polar Express." It meant so much to me that he gave me something I really wanted! No matter how old you get, you are never too old to read a children's book.

Last night's selection was "A Red Neck's Christmas," I read it out loud. When everybody laughs at the lines, it makes my day! You can never get to old to be read to! There is something calming about being read to. My mom is an avid reader, my husband is a voracious reader, my children loved to read while growing up.

Today I opened my book for this Christmas season and Renee and I really enjoyed it. The cover is misleading a little bit. Although it is about Santa, the story is about a little girl Holly and since it is Christmas Santa is in there somewhere!

When my children were growing up one of our favorite activities was library night. We would dedicate a night of the week to simply reading. No music, no television, no friends. Just reading our books.

Of course going to the library was always a regular routine. We would bring home literally bags and bags of books. Such treasures.

Being a reader develops critical thinking, good spelling, increases the vocabulary. Stimulates the imagination and can take you all over the planet without buying an airplane ticket. We have ministered in so many countries. The one thing we always buy is a book about the country we are in. That has become another special collection.

Since our passion is the ministry and preaching, we are continually made aware of how important reading is to a speaker. We can always tell when a preacher does not spend time reading. Reading is an important element in being a life-long student and learner. Reading outloud is also important. How distracting it is when people stumble over reading the text outloud to the congregation. It is such an important discipline. Disciplines can be just a natural overflow of your life or they can be very tedious and unwelcome. Either way disciplines are critical to our behavior and character development.

Well from a kid's thing to preaching....how did I get there?

Merry Christmas!

memories of Christmas goodies....

2010-12-22T11:41:00.005-05:00

I really miss my Grama Hall and my Grama Niles. Grama Niles died when I was 9 and Grama Hall when I was 15 years old. Both left such indelible impressions on me in many ways. As I have been busy making holiday goodies I can't help but think about both of them.

Grama Hall loved evaporated milk. In my memory she always had hot tea at meals with evaporated milk. I never remember her drinking water or milk made from dried milk like us! Funny how I loved dried milk when I was a kid, white or chocolate! Back in those days soda wasn't a staple in the house.

I remember evaporated milk being used in so many things especially her Christmas cookies. My mom makes Grama Hall's cookies every Christmas and even some other holidays like hearts at Valentine's Day. I remember helping my mom stir, and stir, and stir some more! The bin of cookie cutters came out and we would make batches and batches of Grama Hall's cookies. We would be so tired by the time dinner came that we would put them in big tins (the ones that would hold the flour, today I guess people would call them the holiday popcorn tins). Then in the next couple of days Mom would make the frosting. When the 5 of us kids would help ice and decorate, Mom would put the frosting in Corning cereal bowls and add different food coloring to each bowl. We had to have green for the hollys and trees, red for the stockings and Santa. It seems like we always used white for the bells and stars and on the bells we would put a cinnamon dot candy for the ringer. We would use sprinkles and decorate to our hearts content. Of course some had to remain plain for Dad! Even today I leave some plain, I think I really like those too for dipping in my coffee or chocolate milk!

Back to the evaporated milk. Grama Hall's cookie recipes called for sour milk. She would add a tablespoon of cider vinegar to a cup of evaporated milk and yum! What a difference it makes in the cookies. Everytime I make the sour milk I think of Grama! Her sugar cookie recipe also has nutmeg and that is something I find different than other sugar cookies. Grama Hall's are the best! This year I made her raisin filled cookies and soft molasses ones too.

In the years that I grew up every girl would have a hope chest. A trunk or a box of future items to be used when married. I remember so clearly sitting with my Grama Hall, going through her recipe box. I am so happy today that I did that. She gave me the index cards to write the recipes. They are still the cards I use today, probably over 40 years old! When Current started making plastics I remember putting Grama Hall's recipes in the plastics first. They have always been treasures to me.

Another holiday goodie Mom always made are popcorn balls! Such a tradition that I can't let a Christmas go by without making Mom's fudge and popcorn balls. I still remember Mom standing at the stove bringing the popcorn ball mixture to a boil and then saying, "Kids come on! I just saw the hair!" You know when the mixture is ready because you lift the spoon and a hair forms! Doesn't that sound funny when you read it! Yesterday when I made the popcorn balls, Renee was intrigued with the hair! Well, when it is ready it is like sheer madness getting that hot mixture into the 4 batches of popcorn you've popped and getting the balls made while it is burning hot! We Hall kids have had our share of finger burns, that is for sure!

Mom was so concerned about Jamaica not having the ingredients for popcorn balls after our first Christmas here that the next time we went home she got Karo Syrup, popcorn and cream of tartar for me! I am so glad I have the right stuff here in Jamaica!

My friend Cheri sent me a really neat email the other day. It fits right into the Christmas Goodie Blog!

Christmas Cookie Rules
1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.

2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.

3. If a friend comes over while you are making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free - rule #1 applies to your friend. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone, and being the friend that you are makes your cookie calorie free.

4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.

5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.

6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have 3 and green ones have 5 - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones!

7. Cookies eaten while watching Miracle on 34th Street have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate has no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. We all know how calories like to CLING!

And finally...
10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories.

The Niles side of me loves cookies. I think that if my mom and I lived in the same house we would survive on cookies and tea.

They our the #1 comfort food! Something I would really like to know is how far back to the recipes go? Where did Grama Hall get them? Like Grama Nile's suet pudding, (that is to good to be true) where did she ever get that recipe and whoever thought that suet would taste good in a cake with butter sauce? Memories, questions, longing for home kind of moments!

Happy Holiday Baking!

Luke 2 ...Patois style!

2010-12-18T11:44:00.001-05:00

It is reported that Patois begain in the 17th century with the slaves from West and Central Africa. The language is a mixture of English and Creole.
In Jamaica, British English is the official language, however, Patois is the language of most homes, the street and I should say the heart.
Our students speak English in the classroom but in our home over a boxing match on the Wii it is Patois all the way!
The Bible College has a Christmas dinner on the last day of school and one of our students graced the gathering with Luke 2:8-20, Patois Version.
Take a minute and read it out loud. It may make more sense that way!
Enjoy!

(vs 8) Di shepherd dem di some place. Innah di field, a watch dem sheep innah nite.
(vs 9) An wah angel af di Lard cume up pon dem. and father God cume down an shine pan dem an dem get fraid.
(vs 10) An di angel tell dem seh, nuh badda man. A good news mi cume, cume tell you. Weh afi every badi.
(vs 11) One pickney aago barne todah down weh David come from, dem a go call him Christ.
(vs 12) An it ago bi wah sign to you; you ago fine di pickney wrap up innah some cloth, lid down innah wah manger.
(vs 13) An mi seh, wid di angel some whole heep fram heaven an wiship father God, an dem a seh,
(vs 14) Glory to father God who deh innah heaven, an pan earth peace, good will to every man.
(vs 15) An it came to pass, when di angel dem left gone backa heaven, di shepherds seh to dem one another, mek we go down a beth-lehem, an weh see di ting weh fi came to pass, weh father GOd tell we seh Him a go do.
(vs 16) An dem run, run come fine Mary and Joseph and di pickney lid down innah oah manger.
(vs 17) An when dem see it, dem go tell everybodi all over di place bont di pickney.
(vs 18) An everybodi weh hear dem cant believe seh a so it go, weh di shepherd dem seh.
(vs 19) but Mary keep all a dem sintino, yah and panda dem innah har hart.
(vs 20) An di shepherd cume back, cume glorifying an a praise father God fi all di tings dat dem hear an si, weh di angel di tell dem.

and that my friend, is the beautiful story of the child that changed the world..Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Jamaica

2010-12-17T19:05:00.004-05:00

I find this piece interesting from the Jamaica Gleaner, dated December 9, 2010. During Jonkonnou (John Canoe) a traditional Christmas celebration, revellers parade through the streets dressed in colorful masquerade costumes. Traditionally, men wearing white, mesh masks play the characters which include the horned cow head, the policeman, horsehead, wild indian, devil, belly-woman, pitchy-patchy, and sometimes a bride and house head which is an image of a great house carried by the reveller on his head.

The parade and festival probably arrived with African slaves. Although Jamaica is credited with the longest running tradition of Jonkanoo, today these mysterious bands with their gigantic costumes appear more as entertainment at cultural events than at random along the streets. It is not as popular in the cities as it was 30 years ago but is still a tradition in rural Jamaica.

The Gleaner continues, The Grand Market is a community fair characterized by food, street dancing, crafts and music. In the past, the weekend before Christmas and particularly on Christmas Eve, markets all over the island were set up with vendors selling small toys, firecrackers, balloons and sweets of all kind, including pinda (an African word for peanut) cakes, grater cakes and peppermint sticks.

Traditionally some markets on Christmas Eve are decorated with streamers, large accordion-style bells and balloons. People are decked out in fancy clothes, including bright hats purchased upon entering Grand Market. Everyone comes to town for market and the celebrations last throughout the day and night.

Dinner on Christmas day is the biggest feast of the year. It includes chicken, oxtail, curry goat, roast ham, rice and gungo peas. Another holiday special is Christmas cake. It is made of fruit soaked with rum. The Christmas drink is sorrel. This is made from dried sorrel, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, sugar, orange peel and rum.

After reading the article in the Gleaner that day, I was interested to learn more about the masquerade in the street. Jonkonnu has many different spellings and is essentially a musical street masquerade with music, dance, symbols and mime. It took place at Christmas time because that was the only time that slaves were relieved of their duties. The band actually consisted of 3 instruments, the fife, drums, and a coconut grater. This tradition takes place in most, if not all, of the islands.

Looking at some images, the characters look quite scary to me! Some of the props are pitchforks and batons for the police.

Somehow I think the nativity scene would be more pleasant. I haven't seen that displayed here. Renee did get her picture taken with a really cool Santa one time. That was fun. He wore sunglasses and was quite skinny, but he did have a white beard!

Christians attend the Christmas service no matter what day of the week Chrstmas falls on. It is not an abbreviated service but rather one that is full just like a Sunday morning would be.

I am not so sure that the emphasis is on gifts but rather community, family, food and the best gift of all....Jesus.

Royalty...that's my girl!

2010-12-09T15:01:00.011-05:00

While I was hearing my son's band, The Interlude, on December 5th, Daddy was with Renee at the King's House in Kingston.

A beautiful house that we have seen from the street but never have been in. This is where the governor-general resides and works. The first King's House was in Port Royal in 1690. The second King's House was in Spanish Town in 1762. In 1872 the capital was changed to Kingston. The new King's House was located in Somerset Pen and this one was destroyed in 1907 by an earthquake. A new building was constructed in 1908 and was destroyed by fire in 1925. In 1932 Lady Slater collected money for the restoration.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles have planted lignum vitae treees on the grounds. Mahoe and Banyan trees have been sent from India and there are flowers and ferns from all over the world on the grounds.

The Governor-General resides on the top floor. The principal floor has his office, morning, drawing, and public rooms. The ground floor is the ballroom where all the portraits of previous Governors, Governor-Generals, Queens and Kings are kept. This is where ceremonies take place as well as the dining, kitchen and pantry. Another interesting fact is that the personal body guard of the Governor-General is housed on this floor. This is the floor where Renee played her violin.

Many important dignitaries have spent time in the King's House. Princess Anne spent her honeymoon there in 1973. Queen Elizabeth has been here many times and the last visit to this house was in 2002. The list goes on and on of the Kings and Queens who have been at this house.

The Governor-General is recommended by the Jamaican Parliament and appointed by the Queen as her representative. The Governor-General usually receives knighthood.

Renee met the Governor-General Sir Patrick and Lady Allen a couple of months ago when she played for an important event. This time she was able to be in their house. How special is that!

The occasion for Renee to play at the King's House with the ensemble and her teacher was the Feast of Lights. It is an annual presentation by the Music Department of the Northern Caribbean University. It is to celebrate the Advent of Christ. Miss Moyah's ensemble played Bach's Sheep may Safely Graze. Denny said that it was beautiful. I watched the video and I have to agree.

In the intermission, Renee and Den walked by the Japanese Ambassador and he said to Renee, "I love the carving on your violin and you played very well." Den asked if he could take a photo and they continued to have a wonderful conversation. His name is Hiroshi Yamaguchi and his wife Yoko! I wonder if they skate! :)

It is amazing the opportunities God has afforded my children down through the years with their violins. Who would have ever dreamed the places that would go when they started at 3 and 4 years of age! Music lessons are never wasted! They teach so many things the earlier they start. Character and discipline, love of music (all kinds), teamwork, peer learning, bond with teachers and instruments. Just so many advantages, why do so many quit, or should I ask, why do so many parents let their children quit?

Something else to ponder....

Counting my Blessings....13 days!

2010-12-08T20:31:00.008-05:00

I flew out on Air Jamaica November 23. A very early Tuesday morning. The alarm sounded at 3 in the morning however I was already up and about at 2:30 am. Too excited to sleep. I was also anxious about not hearing the alarm so my mind couldn't rest. So I bounded out of bed to get ready and make the trip to the Kingston airport. It was a very exciting day. One I had looked forward to since 2008. Valley Forge Christian College lights the luminaries and trees the first weekend in December and calls it "Christmas at the Forge." This was a performance I couldn't miss! Ryan is a senior and this would be his last one for playing the violin in the symphony.

Since I went to the states the week before the performances, I had lots of great times and experiences. Although my flight was to depart at 7 am on November 23, I actually never left Kingston till 11:30. We taxied out early in the morning but the pilot was not comfortable flying that plane so after a long wait on the mechanics and status of the plane, they grounded it and we were sent back into the airport. I was very disappointed because I missed Ryan's violin recital that took place on that Tuesday evening. I landed at JFK at 4 in the afternoon and his recital was at 5. Huge disappointment. I have missed every college recital of his and was so excited to learn about this recital after my flight was booked. But for some reason it was not to be. Maybe some day on the other side of eternity I will find out what was wrong with leaving on the first flight out of Kingston! Could it be that we were spared tragedy? I don't know but I do know that every step and every stop is ordered by the Lord. That didn't lesson the disappointment any but eventually I made it to Phoenixville, PA!

The next day Ryan and I began the trek to Mansfield. It was a long trip but so wonderful to be in the car with the apple of my eye, my firstborn. I am so proud of the man he has become. I am proud of his dedication to his music, his friends, and his surrender to God's will for his life. Our time together was balm to my "mommy" heart. AIM and Skype is our lifeline but "face" time is even better.

The next day was Thanksgiving. In 1971, one year before my Grama Hall passed away, Uncle Eddie and Aunt Kathy began to host Thanksgiving in their home in NY. Every year we feasted, watched football, made crafts, shopped at a local store that would open in the afternoon,and enjoyed family. Since Ryan has been a college student he has been there for Thanksgiving but this year I got to be with him and what a wonderful day we had with family. Still watched football,still made crafts, and even got to shop at Walmart that is now the store of choice! Well I should say it was the one in town that opened on Thanksgiving. This was really just whetting the appetite for the next big day of shopping, Black Friday!

Typically, Ryan and I always went shopping on Black Friday. Renee was always too little to appreciate the early morning deals and Den, well let's just say, shopping isn't really his favorite thing anytime of the day so he would always stay home with Renee and then meet us for breakfast! Ryan and I bounded out of our beds at 4:00 am and took off very quietly so as not to wake Mom and Dad in the very brittle air and cold car! The GPS got us to Target! That was a great start! It was peaceful, quiet, not a peep of noise in that store. I still think that everyone was sleepwalking when we got there at 5. There were lots of shoppers but no pushing and shoving like we had been used to in years past. We had a wonderful shopping experience there, then off to the mall. We purchased everything we went for and saved loads of money! More than getting the deals is the memory of shopping with my son. We had a fantastic time and a great breakfast at Bob Evans. After Old Navy, Barnes and Noble we headed home. I think Ryan was asleep before Mom and I went to Wellsboro to see what we could find there!

On Saturday Ryan had to leave Mansfield so he could fulfil his worship responsibilities in Phillie, I remained at Mom and Dad's. I spent the entire day and evening at my friend Donna's. When I am with her I understand the concept of friendship so much more. She is my childhood friend and knows me so well. She helps me to center. She helps me to be at peace. She helps me to appreciate past years and experiences. She helps me to rest in what is. She helps me to enjoy tea and cookies without fanfare. She helps me to relax. She is my friend. When she prayed for me to preach well the next day I felt empowered and ready to do it. I simply gained calm from her and I needed that.

I had a wonderful opportunity on Sunday to preach in the place where it all started for me. My home church. I left Mansfield in 1974 to attend bible school and basically never lived in Mansfield again. I have never preached there to my regret. A few months ago I asked the pastor if I could preach while I would be home for Thanksgiving and he so graciously welcomed me. I am so grateful to know Pastor James and Wendy Revie. They came from Canada to pastor New Covenant 4 years ago and I enjoy their company. They are precious people. If I lived in the area that is where I would attend. They are good people and wonderful pastors. They were so kind to me and even took me to my favorite place in the area to eat! What a great day!

That evening Mom and Dad had a birthday party for me with 20 friends and family. I really had fun. I treasure that night. I love my family. I love my childhood friends. I wish I could spend a month with them instead of just one night! My day was so blessed and it just kept getting better!

On Monday I started the next leg of the journey. Mom and Dad drove me to Lewisburg. My sisterinlaw picked me up and drove me to the turnpike. Ryan met me at exit 2 and drove me to VFCC. It was a long day but a great travel day. Good weather and blue skies.

The next day was November 30~my day! I spent the day alone at the mall looking for new glasses, my bday, Christmas, Mom's day, etc gift! The King of Prussia mall has many eye places so I was able to shop around and find the best deal. I felt so special. I imposed on everyone and told them it was my birthday! I met Ryan at 3:00 after he finished his classes and he took me for my bday dinner. I have a new favorite place to eat in Phoenixville. We had so much fun over the meal and little did I know he arranged with the server to bring me a lovely dessert! I had even asked about this particular one when he brought the dessert menu. A chocolate mound filled with ice cream, drizzled with raspberry sauce and anglaisse creme, with a candle on the side! Our meal at the Iron Hill was tremendous and I will remember Ryan's kindness forever I am sure.

On Wednesday I had a very special treat. Ryan was scheduled to lead the worship in chapel and I was there in person! For his entire college career I have watched the internet webcast to see his involvement. I have watched the VFCC webcast more times than I could ever count. VFCC chapel is my American church fix. I love it! But this day was even better than I could have imagined. Ryan is so gifted. He knows his stuff. He is a great musician.

Wednesday afternoon I traveled to Lancaster to preach at the First Assembly. Pastor Kris and Darleen Newman are people from my past, my Zion past! Funny I look older but they do not. They look just like I remember them from 1974-1977. Young, energetic and pastoring a wonderful church. I was so pleased to be able to thank them for their support through our missions career and preached from Luke 2. I spent the night at the Newman home and started my journey back to VFCC on Thursday morning.

While I was driving east, Mom and Dad were travelling southeast to be in Phoenixville for Christmas at the Forge. I returned to VFCC in time for chapel and it, as always, was terrific. I was able to hear a senior speaker preach from First Peter. She spoke on a transformed hope, a purified faith, an expressible joy and a magnificent salvation. It was a great message. I really enjoyed it.

On Friday and Saturday it was so much fun to hang out in Ryan's dorm/apartment. His friends/room-mates are wonderful. They are all musicians. Music is their life and passion! I love being around people like them. At any time, they would pick up their guitars and I got to enjoy their music. We spent those 2 days with Mom and Dad too. great, great fun! The performances in the evening were tremendous! To say that it was all I thought it would be would be an understatement. I always enjoy the webcasts of whatever is happening at VFCC but to be there in person was awesome. Both nights were packed out. It is a gift from VFCC to the community. When you turn onto the campus the luminaries are lit, the trees have lights. From beginning to end it is a Christmas extravaganza. The chapel is decorated so beautifully for the event. Mr. Bilotta and Dr. DeSanto are in their element when they direct the different ensembles and choirs. I am grateful to them and the rest of the professors that Ryan has had for their dedication to bringing out the best in the students. I was able to speak with Dr. Richmond and Mr. Smith as well. They complimented Ryan to me and that always feels good as a parent!

The "Christmas at the Forge" started out with the Wind Ensemble. A huge wind ensemble, they played selections like Emmanuel Variants, the Bells of Christmas, Christmas Classics and of course the wonderful standard Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. One of my favorites from playing in the band from elementary school through high school. To me Sleigh Ride is in the happy music category. You can't hear it without smiling and bouncing. I love it, one of my all time favorites.

The Patriot Bells played Angel Songs and Fum, Fum, Fum. This was such a fun song that at first I thought the title was Fun, Fun, Fun. They actually placed their bells on the table and used what looked like drumsticks with a big puff ball on the end and hit the bells on the table. They did some interactive things with the sticks as well so it was a show stopper.

Of course we "Halls" are jazz enthusiasts. So the next segment really sparked our attention! We were sitting on the edge of our seats. The jazz ensemble played Greensleeves and the Little Drummer Boy. Absolutely tremendous!

AND THEN! the moment I was waiting for. I may have been sitting on the edge of my seat for the jazz but when the orchestra came on I was standing to get good pictures! My Ryan was so handsome in his tuxedo, the orchestra players are students and professionals. Their sound rivals that of any city symphony I have been afforded to hear. The orchestra played for the rest of the first half with the college choir and the entire second half which was 17 selections from Handel's Messiah.

The performance was so fantastic I didn't want it to end. Christmas at the Forge was my purpose for being in the states and I was enthralled with every moment of it. But lo and behold my trip wasn't over! The next day was Sunday, my last day, and I was going to see my son in ministry action!

A few months ago Ryan took on the responsibility of leading worship in The Worship Center, in Roxborough. It is a suburb of Philadelphia. I was able to attend with him and actually see him in another form of ministry, away from the college and the support it lends. Oh my goodness, he is great. The church responds to his style of worship in a really neat way. You can tell it is a worshipping church and they are completely engaged. I am so pleased that this is his first paying job. A great experience with wonderful pastors. I am so impressed. The church has supported us for years but I had never been privileged to attend a service. I was so blessed and it wasn't over yet. The only thing that could have made the service better was if I could have heard Pastor George Cunard speak! What a wonderful man and his son the youth pastor, Pastor Jamie. Beautiful people.

That evening I was in for another wonderful surprise...Ryan's band, The Interlude, played for a worship experience at The Worship Center. They loaded up 2 cars with equipment and the guys. I knew I was in for a treat. I wished I had a video camera with me to bring the worship experience home to Denny and Renee. They would love it! some day.

My 13 days in the states were truly wonderful. I am so blessed. I am so grateful that Denny sent me for Ryan's senior Christmas at the Forge. I so enjoyed living in his world for those days. I miss him so terribly but it made coming back to Jamaica easier for me to see how happy he is and for the last 3 years he has been growing in ways I would have never known except for being there. I am proud of my firstborn. I am proud of his giftings and his calling. I am proud of his decisions. I am proud of his friends. I am proud of his determination. I am proud of his future and it isn't even known yet. Jesus, thank you for holding Ry's future and revealing it step by step.

I trust you!

p.s. thank you Jesus for my last 13 days...you are the best gift-giver....

Punkin, Punkin, Punkin Eater!

2010-11-15T14:33:00.008-05:00

Living in a warm climate 12 months of the year sometimes gets me so confused. It is so warm I wake up thinking it is the month of July and not November. In the states many times you don't even have to look at a calendar to know what the month is because the stores have all their holiday wares in the aisles. So whether it be Valentines day or Halloween they have everything you need!

Here in Jamaica you have to look at the calendar, the stores aren't your brain. Whether you shop in February or November you find basically the same wares with the exception of Christmas. However even at Christmas time there is no comparison to the stores in the states.

On Thanksgiving day Renee has school and Den teaches at the college. Renee's weekly violin lesson still takes place on Thursday evening. In America it is a holiday, here it is just another day. That does take some getting used to! In Spain we celebrated the holiday with our food traditions but here it is difficult to purchase turkeys. When you do find a turkey it is very, very expensive.

Carving pumpkins is a favorite tradition of mine and the kids. Our first year here I searched high and low for normal, orange, round, easy to carve pumpkins. No luck! However, pumpkins are very common in Jamaica. As a matter of fact, our house has a pumpkin patch all year round!

Organic pumpkins are grown all over the island. In every grocery store and market you will find pieces of pumpkin, just the size you need to make soup, pumpkin rice with saltfish, or pumpkin fritters. YUM! Jamaicans will also boil pumpkin and eat it plain.

They can grow to be very large. Today I took pictures of the pumpkins growing in my patch. These look small compared to what you find for sale at the market.

I have used the organic Jamaican pumpkin to make my famous pumpkin roll, but it doesn't have the greatest flavor for that. But the pumpkins are fabulous for my pumpkin soup recipe. You may want to try it with the pumpkins you find this fall. The college students love this one!

Roast Pumpkin Soup
2 pounds pumpkin
Salt to taste
Black pepper
Cinnamon
Coconut oil
2 ounces butter
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic
2 stalks scallions, diced
1 sprig thyme
1 scotch bonnet pepper (or an habanero pepper)
16 cups vegetable stock
4 ounces coconut cream ( I use heavy cream)
Dice pumpkin and place on tray. Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon and drizzle with coconut oil.
Place in 400 degree oven and roast 30 minutes.
In a large pot melt butter, sauté onions, scallion, garlic, and add the pumpkin, thyme, and scotch bonnet
Add vegetable stock and simmer for 20 minutes until everything is tender.
Remove the scotch bonnet.
Add the coconut cream, boil and season to taste.

Happy Fall and Happy Punkin' eating!

Fast food isn't all bad!

2010-11-08T09:46:00.007-05:00

You can learn alot about a culture by simply observing what the people eat. Part of identifying with another culture is eating what they eat and shopping where they shop. I am glad that our ministry here is in the Bible College because it gave us the opportunity right at the starting gate to do just that. Our first year here, we frequently ate lunch with the students. The kitchen is real close to the tables so I could observe what Miss Vivian was making and how she was doing it. Menus at the Bible college are made on a shoe string budget, some I like, some not so much!

Another time to observe and learn is when teams come to minister on the island. A Jamaican will be hired to cook and they succeed in tying some American dishes into the week. Spaghetti will be one of the meals and dishes that are common to us. While the teams are here, there will be at least one lunch of patties.

Patties are to Jamaica what hamburgers are to the American. They are wonderful! Renee can buy a patty for lunch at her school. We travel across the island alot and in almost every town you will find a Juicy Patty, a Mothers, a Tastee or an establishment that makes their own patties, not necessarily franchised across the country.

Patties are a half moon pastry crimped on the sides like a turnover, filled with meat. Of course the meat is flavored with scotch bonnets so the temperature is a tad spicy for a stomach like mine! But once I get accustomed to the heat, I hardly want to stop till I get near the end. They are so good! In the right season you can even get lobster patties. There are beef, chicken, veggie, shrimp, fish, soy and ackee patties.

Some say the patty took off here in Jamaica because of the British influence. Miners in the UK would take what they called "pasty" in their pail to the mines. The pasties would stay warm and could even be used for hand warmers! The filling in the British pasties would be steak, potatoes and onions. They were popular not just because they were stomach-filling, but also because they were easy to hold and eat.

Here in Jamaica a patty and a boxed juice is a common lunch. But you know what, I have seen them eat them for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner. So I guess I would say they are an all day kind of food.

Another thing I have observed is you can see a poor "street" man and a business man in the same patty line. You will see school children and street vendors buying their lunch at the same place....the local patty place!

Tastee is the leading name in patty making. This company began in 1966 by a Chinese man no less! They make over 100,000 patties each day. The last time we flew back into Jamaica we sat beside the son of the founder of Tastee's. He works for the company and it was so educational to hear the story of this company. He was such a handsome, distinguished man. I was very impressed with the story, the work ethic and integrity he described the company to have and the drive of his father. We have a Tastee in Mandeville and I love going there. It is a reminder of the flight we took with the Tastee man!

Juicy Patty is another popular company for making patties. It was founded in 1980. We drive by their headquarters every Thursday on the way to Kingston for Renee's violin lesson. It is a very popular spot because driving from Mandeville to Kingston is a tough drive with few bathroom stops in between! But the Juicy Patty in Porus is the stopping place for gasoline, potty and "patty" break!

Some eat their patty without the best part in my opinion. The coco bread tops it off. The roll that you put the patty in is wonderful! It is warm, dense, and huge! Sometimes I buy the coco bread to make sandwiches at home or just to eat warm. The coco bread absorbs the grease or filling from the patty that falls out.

You know what! I'm hungry....off to Patty land!

Back to Baby Steps

2010-10-14T09:35:00.019-04:00

Mom, I am going to start with baby steps. This is what Renee said to me this morning! For her, baby steps probably seem like many,many years past. I mean she is 14 already! But for me, her mommy, it seems like yesterday that we were cheering her on and working those little legs and feet!

Renee had a major interruption in her life on Saturday, October 2. From Sunday to Friday of that week, tropical storm Nicole was causing havoc throughout Jamaica. We had no electricity for a couple of days, school was cancelled for 3 days. Life was chaotic to say the least!

Renee was inundated with tests so during the storm we tried to study, at least in the daylight hours. Study. Study. Study. By Saturday we were going stir crazy. She normally has dance lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wednesday was cancelled due to the storm, so I called on Saturday morning to see if, by chance, classes had resumed. Yes! Maybe everybody was looking for some normalcy on Saturday and wanted to get out of their houses like we did!

At 1:30 I dropped her off and came home to try to finish the Storm Nicole blog and my phone rang. It was Renee's number showing through on my phone, so I thought, well maybe nobody else showed up and class is cancelled after all. Only something was different, it wasn't Renee on the phone! A voice said, Are you Renee's mommy?

There is always a fear when a scenario like this happens and my first thought was UH-OH!
The person continued to say that Renee had dislocated her knee. I responded, Is she okay? Meaning, is it back in? is she frightened? is she emotionally okay? I'm thankful that without me asking all those questions the person was intuitive to what I was really asking and she responded, "No, she is crying out in pain. The teacher is trying to get it back in." All I could say was, "We are on the way!" I realized later I didn't even say thank you for the call!

We quickly hurried to the studio and rescued our little girl who indeed was very frightened. Now Den, on the other hand, was frightened for another reason!

Medical care in Jamaica is weak. Since we moved here we have an agreement. If one of us needs attention, get us on the first plane to Miami and we will get our medical care stateside. We have seen and heard too much to give us confidence to stay. On the way to Renee I was interceding for her and Den was interceding for guidance!

He called our landlord and asked her what she would recommend. She told us what hospital to go to. There are two hospitals in our town, one government run and the other privately owned. In the meantime the landlord actually called her friend, Dr. Audin. Wow, were we grateful for her assistance.

We arrived at the emergency and the wheelchair came quickly. The staff was so wonderful. As a matter of fact, one of the nurses said to Renee, "I heard you singing in the grocery store yesterday!" That was a surprise! During the storm we had gone to get more drinking water and my happy little girl shines wherever she is.

The xrays were taken and then had I wished for my camera! Dr. Audin was wonderful. As a matter of fact, he apologized for his appearance. He was still without electricity in his home, so he was not clean shaven and, I suppose, embarrassed but you know what, in that situation, who cares what anybody looks like! We were only concerned with Renee's knee.

The xrays revealed that there was no damage that would require surgery of any kind. We praised the Lord for that. The doctor said the dislocation was just a freak thing. When she was dancing she must have been twisted funny and the knee cap popped away. He told her about the basketball players that injure themselves in the same way and have to have drastic surgery. He said that with the knee cap popping away it actually spared her from damage so it was a blessing and not a curse.

A funny thing happened while he was reading the xrays. Out of the blue, Dr. Audin said, "oh my, her growth plates are not fused. Look at this line, look at this line and look over here!" We laughed out loud. How did our children get this height? We told him that Ryan is 5'11 and Renee is 5"9 and look at us! He said that for both of our children our recessive genes kicked in. It was not one-sided but both sides!

Renee has not been real happy with being so tall. As of late, she has complained about it. I have given the short person's perspective and its disadvantages but when the doctor told her she has a couple more inches to grow, I think she may have accepted the fact. Now she doesn't have to suspect that she will grow, she can expect it!

It was hard to get Renee to the car and into the house, especially in the rain, so Den went on a search for a knee brace and crutches. It was not an easy search but ended up being a successful search! They were found and without those 2 helps she never would have made it!

The pain was very intense at times. She did however go to school on Monday. Thank God for Nurse Randall and ice packs she got through the days. With a lot of help from her friends, she found out that she doesn't have to be independent and self-reliant all the time! Her dance teacher called and mentioned to get her on fish oil and caster oil right away. Today on day 12 she is doing much better. We also anoint her with oil every night and God, the sovereign one, is healing her.

We are celebrating Heroes week here in Jamaica and yesterday Renee's school had a program. She was able to sing in a little ensemble and was getting around quite well.....with a little help from her friends!

Well, what do you do with an interruption? How are you supposed to respond to an intrusion? What can we learn about ourselves when suddenly our days aren't normal? In our pondering and life-lesson talks,(and there have been many now that she is sofa-bound whenever she isn't in school) maybe there is a reason for this mishap. I shared with Renee what I heard Joel Osteen preach. Every step is ordered of the Lord and so are the stops. Ultimately, could this interruption turn into a blessing? Did Jesus allow this so as not to experience something else in the meantime?

When Jesus was interrupted on his way to something else, what usually happened? A miracle.

It is easy to get frustrated and angry when life hands us a lemon. Renee told me that at school she told someone to chuck her "walkers" against the wall. She was just plain tired of them. Tired of the hurt they cause, tired from them holding her back from her activities, tired of her palms hurting...just plain sick and tired.

Could it be that inconveniences, delays, interruptions are, ultimately, blessings from Jesus?
Could it be that Jesus is going to work IN ALL THINGS something for our good?

Renee has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She is frustrated not being able to dance right now. There are many things she can't do at the moment, but it will change.

In our discouragement we must remember that it won't rain always. The sun will shine again. Renee will dance again.....after the baby steps!

Nicole's Visit

2010-10-02T11:16:00.038-04:00

When some come to visit all is peaceful and calm....now when others come.......a different story! Our visitor this week....a different story. Less than peaceful, disruptive, not welcomed, major intrusion...to the island of Jamaica...devastating.

For a couple of months now, my favorite slot on tv has been the weather part of the news. Jamaicans around me were saying....Jamaica has been spared a hurricane since Ivan...we are due one. Not the kind of news one wants to hear but, nevertheless, probably the truth. The Caribbean Islands live in that realization. Just comes with the territory.

In 2008 we moved to Jamaica the night before Tropical Storm Gustav. We didn't have a place to go to, so we bunkered down in the Mandeville Hotel, skeletal staff, skeletal food, but with a generator we had water.We had a roof over our head, we were comfortable. It was a strange welcome. In that storm 18 were killed across the island.

When we got stir crazy we would try to venture out. Renee reminded me this week that during that storm I said to her, "this is the only time you will see the marketplace empty" usually you can't get through that area for the amount of people and chaos.

In 1985 we were itinerating on the Cape and Hurricane Gloria was upon us. I remember we were in a hotel waiting for our next missions service, which was probably in the next day or two. The manager of the hotel came on a speaker and said that we were going to be in the path of Gloria. I remember it so well because Denny and I were in the jacuzzi by the pool and under ominous skies the indoor pool and jacuzzi were packed. He looked at me and said, "WE ARE OUTA HERE!" We quickly rushed to the room, packed our belongings, checked out and booked it to Medfield!

That is the closest I ever want to be to a hurricane, that is for sure.

In May of this year I started collecting water in bottles. We lose our electricity enough without a storm and the lack of water is terrible. So in that way I was prepared for a storm should it come. Also soon after experiencing Gustav one of our first purchases here in the island was a generator. Thank God. We have used it so much with the electrical outages that we knew it would be worth all the money it took to get it. It is a necesity in the case of a hurricane.

Actually Nicole was revving up on Sunday past. It rained hard on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. On Wednesday when Nicole was directly overhead the Minister of Education closed the schools, so Renee and I were hanging out here in the house. Den left for the college at 7:30. This essentially was a "snow day" for Renee, so we had big plans without the snow! Have fun, do things that we normally can't do because of school and studies, which she does continually! Not to be, no time for games...about 9:00 in the morning floods came in the office and the tv room. We were moving furniture, mopping frantically and trying to figure out what was going on. At that time what would appear to be a wind sheer came through and that is when the tree landed on the roof. We called Den in a panic...get home quick. When he came home we went out in the rain and muck to see the damage at that point. It was unbelievable. I say unbelievable because the tropical storm actually left hurricane damage. I couldn't imagine what the low lying houses were experiencing.

We lost electricity at 9 in the morning and so we spent day 1 mopping. Every towel we owned was sopping wet. We were praying that it wouldn't get worse. We started using rolled newspapers in every window. It had gone from 2 rooms flooding to 5 rooms, and then the darkness came. It is hard to mop and towel when it is dark. Needless to say, Wednesday was a toughie. The homes in Jamaica do not have sealed windows. Every window is basically open to the outside elements and lizards! The water in the dining room though, was due to the ceiling leaking from the upstairs windows. You just couldn't keep ahead of the water coming in at that point. So no electricity, thunder and lightning, the noise of the generator, simple chaos I would call it!

The electricity did come on at 11:00 that night. Just in time to get the lights on to see if we had missed any pooling water to clean up! We went to bed until I heard major gusts and jumped out of bed to check the rooms again. That was at 1 a.m. It was a good thing I did. more water. It seemed like the storm was not going to end.

On Thursday we still had no electricity for most of the day and night and it continues to rain. Day 2 of the storm was much like day 1. Renee was worried about the books in her locker getting wet so we went for a drive to the school and on the drive we couldn't believe what we saw. The pictures of the church are very near to our house. We had to turn around and go a different route, even with an SUV it was unpassable.

Day 3 of the storm. The security guard at the school told us that there would not be any school till Monday so that took some pressure off. It is frustrating to learn if there is no school or not. There isn't a ticker tape going across the bottom of the screen with the names of school closures! There are no yellow school buses to indicate that there is school so to have that pressure off was a relief. Renee was really getting "snow days!" Of course the only thing related to snow is that we have worn sweat shirts since Wednesday...it has been a little chilly, like 70 degrees! But for here that is chilly!

But on day 3 the men came to look at the tree laying on the roof and we were hoping to see a chain saw! Nope...just a man and his machete! Cool. It was raining so hard I felt for him. He kept coming under cover it was so torrential. I did go out and take his picture a few times! Here are a couple.

There is so much debris in the yard, here is the tree from the roof. Such a pretty tree. Our landlord tried to get here yesterday but had to turn around and go back for the flooding but today she made it. She was very sad to see all the trees down. This house was made to withstand hurricanes at the turn of the century, it is such shame that you cannot protect a yard.

Today is day 4. We lost electricity twice while I have been typing this blog. The clouds are very dark, the rain is continuing to fall. There is no dreadful lightning and thunder though. Thank you Jesus. The newspaper headlines are so sad. Thursday's paper-Killer Rains. Friday's headline-Death and Despair. Saturday's headline-More Bodies. It is so sad.

Thank you for praying for these precious people. Jamaica is not all about tourists. There are real people, people that live in shantys, with no running water even on normal days. There was a report of a man who was washed away when he went out to go to the bathroom. Sadness, Desperation, Trying Times for so many. When the storms come what do you do when you don't have material comforts?

Interesting side note! I started this blog this morning. It is now 5:00 in the afternoon and we just returned from our first experience at the hospital. Renee dislocated her knee at dance and while at the hospital the doctor told us that there were tornadoes during this storm. That now describes what it was. We thought wind sheer but when you see the path of destruction it took, it makes sense now to hear tornadoe. I thought when we left Springfield we would never have to go through those again....guess again Deborah!

JUMPIN' LIZARDS!

2010-09-22T10:58:00.012-04:00

I guess I have been in Jamaica long enough. I don't jump as high as I used to when I see a lizard!

I was teaching a fourth grade class the other day in the library at Renee's school. All of a sudden, crash, bang, boom. The metal chairs all got pushed, arms went flying, the girls started squealing and the boys yelled. I thought for sure the culprit had to have been at least a foot long to merit that kind of response. Trying to calm everyone, trying to be cool and in control as the teacher should, I said, "where is it!!" I wanted to be sure that I was prepared and far enough away from what had to be a lizard. I have seen even grown men be as frightened of a lizard as we are of rattlesnakes!

After a few moments of sheer pandemonium, getting the class back in control, I said where is it? The children screamed Nathan has it. Give it up Nathan, stop scaring the class. Give it up Nathan, let me see! Lo and behold that little lizard was only two inches long including the tail! I began to tell them that they were really scaredy cats!! and then began a monologue on how many BIG ones have been in my house! Of course they have been in their houses too!! Nathan still had the little thing captured and so I had to tell him to let him go! Please don't kill him, he is going to help us in the long run by eating the mosquitoes! Needless to say, that class was shot, the clock kept ticking, they barely had time to recoup their fear and get a book checked out!

Twenty-two different lizard species live in Jamaica. Some countries fear insects, some fear snakes, Jamaicans fear lizards. There is the green lizard (can get quite large), the Jamaican Brown Anole, the Croaking lizard, the Graham's Anole, and many more. The Croaking lizard is a gecko. They are active at night and make croaking calls to attract mates. They make a very annoying, distinguishable sound, sounds like AAAAK, AAAAK. It is really bothersome because you know who is making the sound and wonder how close they are to the bedroom window that is open!

The Croaking lizard is the one that visits my dining room at night. One night when Ryan was here we went downstairs for a midnight snack and caught him on the wall. He is huge. Just plain huge and scary! This particular kind of lizard climbs walls and clings to the ceiling. You wonder how they can stay like that! It is actually because of the millions of tiny hairs that help them to cling.

Okay a Biology lesson....The tip of each tiny hair has hundreds of little pads called spatulae. Biologists have assumed that lizards produced a glue type reaction to cling but not so. As a matter of fact, an interesting note, one setae (tiny hair) can lift the weight of an ant. A million setae, which fit in the size of a dime, could lift a 45 pound child. What this means is you can't pull a gecko off the wall even if you dared to get that close!

Here is a blurry picture of the one in my house. I was so scared that my hands were shaking to take the picture!

The green lizards are a magnificent sight. There is one that clings to my clothesline pole. I was clipping the clothes on the line, startled him and he moved to the tree. He is probably a juvenile because they get much bigger than this one that I call "Limey"!

The Jamaican Brown Anole is the most common one that I see. They are everywhere. This is the kind that landed in my closet and I wouldn't go in for about 3 weeks, he was huge. One day I was cleaning and he was just staring right at me. He was as if waiting for me to spot him. He was right in the middle of the floor and then scampered when I screamed. Den tried to get him out of the closet, but he grabbed where his tail was attached behind his back legs and his tail ripped off so then I had a tail-less lizard, an obnoxious one at that, living in my closet! He finally left when he got hungry I guess and found his way out. Would I love to have seen how he left, hopefully with his tail between ...no he couldn't leave humbly, his tail was ripped off! Just recently I saw him outside the bathroom window, I knew it was him, he was the same size and tail-less!

Terry Ord, a post doctoral researcher in Zoology, explained that birds, frogs, geckos, and primates sound off at dusk and dawn but the Jamaican Anole ends and starts each day with push-ups, head bobs, and neck flaps. He set up a camcorder in their territory to make observations. They are quite the showman I would say! One thing for sure they are not shy. I have a new friend outside the bathroom window who each night it would appear he is looking for us. When I go upstairs to get ready for bed he is actually looking in the window and just sits and watches as you brush your teeth. He is really something.

Here is a brown looking in on me at my desk!

Our first Christmas in Jamaica, I had an outside door decoration holding fake poinsettias, when the season was over I took the flowers out and lo and behold a gecko was in there nesting. I wonder how long he had been in there for he was completely white, just like the container. Talk about startling!!

One of my favorite photos I took is this one. Two little friends sunbathing together!

These little browns are everywhere, inside and out. In every spot that has an opening, they will find themselves making their own welcome!

When I put the books away at Renee's school, I disturb their resting places. There they love to rest on the top of the pages of the books. I startle them, they move and I keep going!

I doubt that I will ever cease jumping when they surprise me or yelling D.E.N. when I find them in strange places, but I think I am getting used to where they hang out and when I jump, they run....or should I say slither...........eeww!

2010 Summer is Over and it's not coming back!

2010-08-30T12:49:00.021-04:00

This is actually part 7 to my summer series! Lots of photos and so many more that I haven't posted. I really need to get to scrapbooking now!

We power packed Ryan's last weekend and enjoyed every minute of it, except of course our goodbye. On Saturday we celebrated daddy's 55th birthday and did our Christmas card photo shoot. On Sunday we started early for our trip to Kingston and ate a delightful lunch at TGIF. It has become a tradition to eat at the TGIF in Kingston whenever Ryan is here. We are quickly associating that resturaunt with departures though and that is not so fun.

We are in the rainy season of Jamaica's weather pattern. From April to November, rain comes nearly everyday. Sometimes hard, sometimes pleasant. Hard to get the laundry done though. I have to put everything out on the line and when it rains it is really hard to get everything dry in the humid house. But so be it. I had prayed for a couple months before Ryan came that God would give us sunny days for our many excursions. He did it! When we had the hard rains we were here at the house in between trips! We lost electricity while Ry was here, which isn't unusual. Sometimes there are island wide shutoffs, other times just the city will shut down electricity and, of course, other times lightning strikes. Our tv has been hit 3 times. Our modem was hit last week and we were out of phone and iternet for 3 days. On one of our trips we went through flooding and that was quite exciting for someone who doesn't live here!

We had lots of fun at TGIF and then on to the airport for saying good-bye.

It is so bitterweet to say good-bye to Ryan. We are thrilled for the opportunity he has had to go to college and all the experiences that have grown him into a wonderful man, however, we miss him so much that when we have him, we don't want to let him go.

We let you go but we can't wait till December till you, my sweetheart, come back to JAMROCK!

Summer Come Back! part 6

2010-08-29T19:21:00.024-04:00

After the service on Sunday we planned to get our "jerk" fix! Actually it is where jerk was started called Boston Bay. Our dinner was wonderful as always, the day was so lovely we decided to take a drive and see where we landed.

Unplanned excursions are fun and this turned out to be my favorite for the entire 2 weeks Ryan was here. My roots go back to boats! I spent much of my childhood on a lake in upstate New York. My grandpa, uncles, brother had boats and it is just a favorite of mine to pass the time on a boat. It was my mental therapy for a Sunday afternoon! We ended up at the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio.

The Blue Lagoon is fed by underground fresh water springs and connected to the Caribbean Sea. The Lagoon is 200 feet deep and changes color depending on the time of day. When the sun hits it, it can look azure blue to emerald green. Absolutely breathtaking. It used be called the Blue Hole, however when Brooke Shields did a movie called The Blue Lagoon, it was officially changed to that name.

When we first started out on the boat we passed Monkey Island. There are no monkeys here but a person had a pet monkey and the story goes that this person would take their pet monkey to the island and let him play all day and then go pick him up to go home! I guess it was doggie daycare without any doggies!

Then we passed some exquisite villas where politicians and businessmen spend their money. The white villa in the pictures is where Tom Cruise stayed while filming movies. I shot a picture of the green house in case I ever get rich. It costs $1000 a night, it comes with security, maid service and a private chef! Oh what a vacation that would be!

Two movies that have made The Blue Lagoon famous since the movie entitled Blue Lagoon are Cocktail and Anaconda 2.

There is an area also where you can swim to get younger! Legends tell us that if you swim in the mineral springs you will feel 20 years younger, I wonder if you will look 20 years younger! Unfortunately we didn't travel with our suits so we couldn't take advantage of this great offer that day!

One of the pictures will show the caves. Also one of the rock formations appears to look like an alligator! See if you can spot it!