...in Jamaica

As always, the trip started eventfully with a cancellation of our flight and an all day wait in Miami. The hours seemed like minutes because of the charming company of Linnae and Darcy. From the first moment, we got along like one big family and if you knew those two you would realize why there was never a shortage of laughter. We got to Jamaica and were able to start our pilgrimage the next day.

It was wonderful to see the devotion that Pastor Kelly (an American Pastor who after a pilgrimage with us decided to make that area his permanent home) showed for his “adopted children.” Speaking of the children, they were beautiful as ever - warm, affectionate, sometimes shy, at times with a sadness in their eyes that is hard to forget. It was here that I first noticed Peg's relationship with everyone she met. She wasn't content with being a beautiful person, she was determined to bring out the beauty in all of those with whom she spoke. She warmly and sincerely reached out to each one of them by complimenting their names, their appearance, an ornament in their home - you should have seen them light up with the electricity of affection!

From here we went to Bellrock, one of the older communities that we built in Jamaica. True, the houses were no longer looking new, the paint was no longer fresh, but there were lots of signs of progress in that once depressed community. The gardens were flourishing (even in the “dry season”), there were new additions to some of the homes and even some new homes going up in the area that indicated a new era of prosperity. It was good to go back.

On to Jerusalem. An aptly named project, for it is truly a holy place. I am always astounded by the devotion, warmth and affection with which the caretakers treat these children that truly fit the description of “the least of His brothers and sisters.” These are the ones who are severely mentally challenged. It is obvious that although they don't respond well to learning, they respond marvelously to love.