I realize that I promised updates/stories/posts about my trip to Jamaica last week and have yet to deliver. I apologize for this negligence. Turns out I'm not as good at making up a week's worth of missed homework as I thought.

Anyway, to start things off, I'd like to tell you all a little bit about peace. After returning to the states at the end of July from Jamaica, I've been busy with life, all the while knowing that something was missing. I felt that while I was serving with NextGen I had found a place where I fit perfectly. The people that I needed to pour into my life were there. And my gifts and services were demanded of me everyday. In short, I was living a life were I was continually receiving and giving out blessings. Coming back to life as a college student seemed so selfish to me. Rather than the balance I had found of giving and receiving, it felt as though all I was doing now was taking. Everything I do at school seems to me to be for my own benefit, and therefore of little benefit in the end. Frustrated and restless, I poured out my heart to God and begged for peace that I knew would come when He revealed His plan for my life to me. Yet the only answer I was given was one to simply wait.

I am sometimes very patient. But I am also a planner. I want to know what I should plan for. For me, this waiting was not peaceful.

I had high expectations going back to Jamaica. Connecting with that place, those people, and God again was a beautiful image to me. And I hoped I would come away from it with a least a small smidgen of guidance as to what sort of plans I should make next. Being back in control and able to plan, I would then have peace. Or so I hoped.

One of my favorite things about God is that I think he laughs at my plans. Not in a menacing way, but in the way that a parent laughs at their young child who attempts the foolish or impossible task. I think he often looks over at me trying to do things the way I think they should be done, smiles, shakes his head, and waits for me to be ready to accept his help. I love that His ways have nothing to do with what I think should happen.

I loved being in Jamaica for a week, back where I felt that connection to my calling. I asked a lot of questions and got many answers. From all of them, I did not receive my desired guidance. The funny thing is that I never noticed. It was only today as I was processing the idea of peace in my head, trying to form my thoughts about it into words to tell a friend who had just asked me about it, that I realized I am at peace with the future. I still have no idea what sort of plans I should make, and I am completely 100% out of control. Did I mention I'm at peace? Without specific guidance or plans or any knowledge of the future, I am content.

I still have many questions and desire many answers. But I'm able to wait till the time is right.

Thank you, to all who prayed for my restless heart these past few months.

Leaving Jamaica always feels a little like leaving home for me. It's funny how you can get so attached to a place. I fly out this afternoon and will hopefully arrive in MSP tonight. The team doesn't fly out until Saturday, but unfortunately, I had to leave a day early in order to be back at school. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I'm hoping to do a little more in depth updating and detailing of the trip on here either later today or tomorrow some time. So if your interested in cool stories, you should probably check it out. Thanks for all your prayer!

The internet was down here for several days, so this is the first time I've had a few minutes to update you all. We arrived in Jamaica just fine on Saturday afternoon. Our flight was delayed leaving MSP about an hour because they had to de-ice the plane after we were all boarded. It was the first snow of the year there the morning me left. (A great day to fly to the Caribbean, right?) I thought for sure we would miss our connecting flight in Memphis, but I think the Lord was looking out for us and we stepped right off the plane on to the next one. We came in to Montego Bay about an hour late, but at that point it didn't affect our schedule at all. This whole week the team is going to two schools in the morning (usually a high school and a primary or junior high school) and a night evangelism show with various things in the afternoon. Today they are heading up the mountain to Robin's Nest orphanage. All seems to be going smoothly. There has been a few things that the team needs to work on to make it through the week. Mainly there have been small problems with complaining and disrespect for the dress code. Please pray that everyone down here would be blessed with a servant's heart.

Fall Travels

Hey again! Fall is in full swing, and the new season brings a lot of new adventures and challenges. I know a few of you know that I'm going back to Jamaica to serve again for a week, but for those of you who don't, well, you do now! Haha. I'm scheduled to fly out next weekend and will be gone a week. I'll be doing essentially the same thing as I was all summer for a team that is taking a week long trip down there. I'm really excited to be going back, but as always I need prayer (who doesn't?). :-) Please be praying that everything in general will go well. Flights, travel, ministry, team relationships: the whole package. Please also pray for me and the work I need to do in order to make this work. I'll be missing an entire week of classes to go, and even though there's nothing I'd rather be doing, I will have a lot of homework to stay on top of. Finally, pray for me as I consider my future and what God has in store for me. I am still unsure where I'll be next year, but I'm hoping that this week will give me some insight into my next step. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Like last time, I'll try to keep you updated.

Final Letter/Update sent out

Dear Friends and Family,

I have now returned from my trip to Jamaica.  During the past month of growing, learning, and serving, I have discovered a lot about myself and the God we serve.  I want to extend a huge thank you to all of you for supporting me, praying for me, and encouraging me while I was gone.  I am so grateful for your actions to come alongside me and further the Kingdom of God.

While I was in Jamaica, I met many people and experienced many new things.  I loved being a part of the culture down there and discovering the differences in perspective.  While down there I went to the capitol city of Kingston two different times with two different teams.  What an amazing opportunity!  Our levels of comfort are challenged much more in Kingston where the city is rougher.  The ministry is amazing though!  Because Kingston is not a regular tourist area, Jamaicans see us and ask us why we’re there (we stand out from a crowd really well).  It was awesome to get to talk to people about why we’d come and how a loving Savior had touched our hearts.  On our first trip to Kingston we went to two different prisons.  The first was a high security prison and only a hand-full from our team was allowed inside.  The second was a lower security prison for women where we were all allowed to go inside.  The latter was one of our most impacting shows and definitely a treasured memory in my mind.

While in Jamaica, I loved reaching out to adults and children on the island.  It was wonderful to just touch their lives and show them the love of Christ.  One of the places where I felt I had the most impact, however, was on the lives of the high school students who came down to minister and evangelize throughout the month.  One girl in particular had her life changed because of coming on the trip for two weeks.  She had the opportunity to lead a teenaged Jamaican girl to Christ during the first week, an experience she had never had before!  Throughout the rest of our time together, I had several opportunities to talk with her, telling her about my personal journey and encouraging her in hers.  At the end of the trip some of the students wrote me a note, thanking me for the help and impact I had been.  This girl in particular thanked me for encouraging and challenging her to follow God’s call in her life, saying that the way she lived her life would be different because of it.  I am so honored that God has used me to touch the lives of others and encourage them in their faith.

There were a few days where my physical strength failed.  I had food poising one day, but recovered after a day’s rest.  Another day I hurt my knee falling, but thankfully it was our last day of ministry, so I only had to limp around the airport on my way home.  Travels were safe and sickness and injury amongst the teams were almost non-existent.  The Lord provided and protected us always.  Thank you so much for your prayers!  I know that they were heard.

Leaving Jamaica was very difficult for me.  As the plane took off at 7am on the 21rst, I found myself asking God why he was taking me away so soon. I still felt that there was more for me to do there, and I had grown very fond of the life I was living.  I was looking ahead with dread at the next 18 hours which I was to spend in four airports and three planes.  But my traveling became 18 hours of time alone with God.  I spend it praying, thinking, and journaling about the month I spent in Jamaica.  I felt a great peace come over me during this time, and after having a week of readjustment at home, I now feel mostly ready to go back to Winona State University for my sophomore year.

Before serving in Jamaica this summer, I never thought that the path God had for me would call me abroad into missions.  But now that is exactly where I’m being led.  I am already making preparations to go back to Jamaica with the team from New Life E. Free Church for a week in October.  Right now the Lord is teaching me to trust Him wholly, and this involves less planning on my part and more faith, so I don’t have any definite plans for the future past this next year of school.  But I am excited about where God is going to take me.

I’ll end once again thanking you for everything you have done to support me.  You have all the gratitude in my heart.

I never went to a Jamaican church without hearing their favorite phrase; “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”  Everyday I am touched by how true this really is.  I hope that all these things may encourage you.

 

With the love of Christ pouring out of my heart,

Leisha Mitchem

Final thoughts about traveling etc.

I’ve spend my fair share of time in airports today. And this is what I’ve decided. Airports that have rows of chairs without arm rests (at least partially) are better because they are more nap friendly. Because who doesn’t get tired when traveling/flying? The customs people in Miami are very considerate. Several of them asked me why I was limping/what I’d done to my knee as I was processed. If I had that job, I don’t know if I’d still care some much about one individual after seeing hundreds. The Miami airport is the worst to try to find your way in. Not to mention it’s like 2 miles from one end to the other. I would know because I walked it almost twice. For lack of anything better to do. The St. Louis airport has rocking chairs at the terminals. This is probably the coolest thing I’ve seen all day. I’m wondering whose ingenious idea this was. I have not sat in one yet as they are all occupied, but they look comfy and besides, who doesn’t like to rock in a rocking chair?

If I could petition the official decider of all things airports, I would petition her (cuz it’s a woman) to have free wireless internet in every airport. I have heard of this mythical thing people call free wifi in airports, but I have never experienced it. So far everywhere I has gone wanted to charge me around $8 to connect. What’s up with that? I love face book just as much at the next college kid, but I refuse to pay for it.

Never  use the bathroom immediately outside the gate from which you just excited after de-planing. Instead, walk a ways down or to your next gate and use the rest room there. The line will be considerably shorter if there is even one at all. I think it has something to do with all those people who have a fear of bathrooms on planes and save it all for when they get off. They then stride like they have blinders on to the first bathroom they see. And the only thing worse than a public restroom is a crowded public rest room.

I always thought that small children were a horrible idea when it comes to flying. If I was two and too young to understand why my days was so long and toyless with limited food (not to mention the pressure changes), I don’t think I’d be a very happy camper. I’ve discovered however that kids have a remarkable talent of entertaining themselves. Sure some get crabby and/or cry, but most of them spend the day running around and just being kids. They entertain themselves with carpet or a row of chairs or smart carts all lined up and locked together. It’s so simple. So one of my life lessons for today came from a two year old. Don’t over analyze. It is what it is, so make the best of it. And sometimes it’s more than what it is; like waiting areas becoming mazes and playgrounds. Simplicity is a must.

I’m amazed at some of the fashion statements that people make while they’re traveling. I understand sweats, and I understand jeans, and I understand comfy dresses. But I don’t understand 4-inch heels or mini skirts. I guess some people just like to travel in style. J

Tuesday, July 21

I slept through my alarm this morning, so I didn’t wake up til Larry knocked on my door at 5:20. I got dressed really quickly and zipped up my suit case. Larry drove me to the air port and Roger came with and walked me inside. It was hard to say goodbye. I fly from Mo Bay at 6:30 to Miami, 6 hour lay over, then from Miami to St. Louis, a small layover, and then I finally fly to Minneapolis, getting in at 10:30. Flying out this morning was hard. I felt very sad. To not know how long it would be before I could touch my feet to the island again. I prayed as we were taking off though and I watched the island grow smaller. It was so beautiful from up in the air. The clouds were heavenly and the sun had just come up. It was magical. I still feel the Lord calling me toward missions. As I was listening to him this morning he told me once again that I am meant for great things, but I’ll need to sacrifice some things. I still don’t know what the future holds, but I think that’s the point. I need to stop planning so much and trust more.

Monday, July 20

A much needed and appreciated recreation day. I thought I would get to sleep in today, but I woke up at 6 when breakfast was at 9. I tried to go back to sleep but I guess I was supposed to be awake. I used the morning to write a letter to the Sun Valley team, letting them know that I appreciated them and the things I noticed about them that were awesome. After breakfast we loaded up and drove to Ocho Rios. We didn’t get there in time to go to Dunn’s before lunch so we just went straight to the Hard Rock Café. They made us burgers again. After we went to Dunn’s and climbed the falls. I did it twice. The second time was harder because my shoes broke going up the first time and then I slipped and fell once. Roger had to catch me. I banged my knee pretty bad. As if they weren’t sore enough already. Haha. We shopped at the market there before leaving. I got almost everything I was looking for. I wanted to get one of the wooden, folding hot pads for mom, but no one there had them. I was very sad because I came to Jamaica knowing I wanted to get her one, and I saw a ton at the market we were at in Ochi two weeks ago. Oh well, there’s nothing really I can do now. After dinner I hung out with the interns. Brad, Larry, Charlotte, Karra, and I later went to the Twisted Kilt on hip strip for some more food. Then I stayed up really late talking to Koral before I finished packing up and showered. Not much sleep tonight. It’s so weird to say goodbye to people and this place. I don’t know if I’m ready to go home.

Sunday, July 19

It was a long day, and part of me is glad it’s over, but still another part of me is just sad that it’s all over. We went to Pastor Faggon’s church (pastor “Blade”). The service was only 3 hours long. I actually left after two hours to go to the Chinese restaurant to preorder the food so that we could eat right after the team packed up at 1 because we were supposed to be at the Montego Bay Infirmary at 2. The Chinese food was delicious. We didn’t do a show at the infirmary because none of the patients were together. So instead the team just walked from house to house. I actually went with Roger to get gas and then sat in the van and work out the books to make sure the money was a-ok before I turned everything over to Karra. The other team came back to Mo Bay yesterday so we had dinner all together. It was another 1 ½ drive to our night show. We were somewhere in the hills in Trelawny at a church crusade. As soon as I got out of the van I was being dumb and I tripped. Both my knees got skinned up pretty badly, and I know my bad knee is going to kill. I got blood on my skirt, but I managed to get myself bandaged up. I stood in the back of the tent for awhile, but then I took Roger’s strong suggestion to go lay down in the van. These past few weeks have been hard on me physically. I don’t regret it at all though. They could tell the crusade was going to go really late, so they sent all the girls and some of the guys back early in the van. I was wounded and beat by the time we got back, and I wish I would have had the energy to stay up, but I chose the probably smarter option of going to bed.

Saturday, July 18

Long day. Short show with a really long drive this morning as some devotional/sports day. Long drive back for lunch. Then a long drive to a boys home in Darliston. It was a really good show though. I took a ton of pictures for Greg. Then a long drive back to the Gloriana for dinner. We just missed running into Dick’s team; they were pulling out as we were pulling in. Then a long drive to the night show in Lucea, somewhere that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Late night and a long drive back. I’m dead tired. All in all I think our day wound up with about 9 hours of driving alone. I’m really sad that my trip is ending, but I’m so exhausted at this point that I’m almost glad too. Only one more day of shows. I’d smile if my face wasn’t so tired. J

Friday, July 17

A long hot day. We had an early breakfast at 7 this morning. 4 shows today. The team is getting tired too. Dick did call today and he changed their rec day from Tuesday to Monday so we all get to go to Dunn’s River together on Monday. I think it’s probably good too because the team could use a break. Still the two days in between seem very long. Travis from the team got dehydrated tonight at the night show and got sick. Early morning again tomorrow. The two teams are both in Montego Bay again tomorrow night. I’m excited to see Brad and Larry again. 

Thursday, July 16

We had four shows today. It was long but better than yesterday. I was responsible for a lot more today just because there was a lot more to be responsible for, but I liked it. I prefer to be needed. J Dennis is the pastor for this team who just flew in for this second week. I don’t know why but he seems to be impressed with me. He told me that I am an awesome person for doing what I’m doing. I don’t need a fat head, but it is nice to hear that I fit into what I’m doing. The more I’m down here the more I feel like maybe this is what God wants me to do, at least for a little while. I don’t know even about next summer though. I guess we’ll see. I hope I can talk to Dick about it sometime before I leave. I’m not sure how that will work but we’ll see. Haha. Anyway, we went to a children’s home this morning, which was a little difficult to find (especially when Robert, who is blind, is giving us directions). Then we went to a home for kids and adults with special needs that was high needs. It was definitely super hard to be there. I just don’t have the gift to serve in that area, but I definitely admire those who do. Then we had lunch before doing a show for the blind society and street show with pastor “Blade” before having dinner at 8:30. Now I’m working on finances and other stuff before bed. I also found my first cockroach today when I tried to go the bathroom. Special. I’m lucky though to not personally have come across any before. Hmmm bed.

Wednesday, July 15

Today was a hard day. Today it was not fun to serve the Lord. Car and van troubles followed us all day long. We had a late start to go to a home for kids with cerebral palsy. Then we went to KFC for lunch before doing a show at a girls’ home. I started to feel ill while we were there and sat down being lame most of the time. Then we were back at the hotel for dinner before going to Lilliput for an evening show. More van troubles—bad batteries, radiator troubles, overheating. I am physically exhausted after being here for several weeks, and I know the signs are beginning to show. Still I know that God is good even when I am not happy. I still pray that God will give me whatever I need to make it through, whether it be patience, understanding, grace, or strength. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Tuesday, July 14

Woke up this morning to Roger coming into our room to clean up our floors because someone had turned on the facet in the boys bathroom shower when the water was turned off at night and then didn’t turn it off, so when the water was turned back on in the morning  it flooded the bathroom and our rooms. So the guys swept it up. Then we ate breakfast and packed up and drove to Montego Bay. Roger’s wife Tami and his daughter Koral flew in today. I was super excited to meet them. Tami is awesome and Koral is rooming with me. She’s Natalie’s age and a lot of fun. For whatever reason I thought that I was flying out on Monday and I was going to miss going to Dunn’s with everyone that day, but today Karra just told me that I fly out on Tuesday. Oops. But I was really bummed I was going to miss it, and now I don't have too. :-) This next week is going to be crazy with about 4 shows every day, so I’ll be pretty tired when it's time to head home. I think it will be a good way to end the trip though. 

Monday, July 13

Woke up early and finished painting the wall after breakfast. It went a lot faster than we thought it would. Then we had a show at the same children’s home from last time we were in Kinston. I got really sick after lunch for a little while and then again right before dinner. Food poisoning I think. They had a first real street show tonight but I had to stay back because I was ill. I’m kind of bummed about it but I’m really glad this team got to experience such a cool street show.

Sunday, July 12

We went to the shortest Jamaican church service ever. It was awesome—only 2 ½ hours, and that included Sunday school! Then another street meeting with a church, not my favorite kind of outreach to do, but I'm trying to stay focused on serving God and the team rather than my own interests and preferences.

Saturday, July 11

Painted after breakfast till late lunch. Played dominoes while most napped. Show at 4. Late dinner. Afterwards we went to the Devon House for ice cream.

Friday, July 10

We were supposed to have the team do work projects in the morning, but everything we were informed needed to be done has already been done. We spent the morning and a large part of the afternoon trying to figure out what we could do and how much money we had to spend on supplies. Finally we were able to get started on painting the surrounding wall. We might have enough to work on a few bathroom projects too, but only small things. I actually napped most of the afternoon because I wasn’t feeling well and I didn’t sleep much last night. The beds here are pretty uncomfortable. We did a night show in Spanish Town. It was only a 25 minute piece during a church crusade service. It was long and we didn’t do much, which was frustrating a little because it didn't feel like we had much of an impact.

It’s not too bad where we're staying, though I think it's the toughest lodging yet; the food is mostly decent, we have air conditioning, and water during the day (just not at night) water pressure is a different story however. There have been some cockroach sightings, which sent the girls screaming. The work so far has been cleaning the wall and beginning to paint it—relatively easy work compared to what we were expecting. The team is having a little trouble adjusting to the rough conditions, but I think with a little encouragement they'll do just fine.

Thursday, July 9

Left for Kingston and arrived at the YFC office here. Rooming is dorm style. Did a night show at the Glenhope girls home (same one from two weeks ago). It was awesome.

Wednesday, July 8

Last night I stayed up til 3:30am when Mike, Tom, and Steve had to leave for the airport. It was sad to see them go. We left Ocho Rios and the Sunflower after them and after breakfast to drop the Horizon’s team and Hayley off at the airport. Then we ate Chinese food at the good Chinese restaurant. Then Karra and I hung out in the pool for a few hours until the team from Sun Valley arrived. Then it was a chill evening and now I’m going to bed because three and a half hours of sleep was not enough. Funny story though, someone else asked if Roger and I were married today. After dinner when we were collecting money with the team, one of the girls asked if we were married because we were working together and she saw Roger had a ring. So I’m wondering if Jamaica just makes me look older like I belong with a 40 year old man. Haha. Anyway, that makes two people in one week, so I’m not really sure what’s up with that. We leave tomorrow for Kingston with this team. Construction project is the deal for this next week. Oh, and when we were driving down from Ocho Rios, I was in the truck with Dick and we talked about a lot of things. We talked about me coming down in October and going to Poland next May, and even going early for that trip to help him organize. I'm really excited about what the future holds and about getting more involved with Next Gen and missions.

Tuesday, July 7

It was Horizon’s day off today. They went to Dunn’s River today, and the rest of us interns hung around here at the Sunflower. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Café in Ocho Rios. I found the one place on the island that sells Dr. Pepper, and after a month on the island without it, it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had. Currently I’m just relaxing, watching Tommy Boy on TV with Kara. We haven’t had internet all week, but we’re going back to Montego Bay tomorrow and the Gloriana, and they have wireless. Plans changed yesterday and the team that I’m going with that comes in tomorrow is now going to Kingston for two weeks. It’ll be tough but good I think. And I’m excited to go back to Kingston. A new intern got here today, Adam. And Haley flies out tomorrow with the Horizons team. Mike, Tom, and Steve fly out tomorrow too. I’m kinda bummed that so many are flying out so soon. It would have been sweet to have more on the team to Kingston.  It will still be good though.

Monday, July 6

Our morning VBS was canceled so we just chilled all morning. I played dominoes with Brad, Larry, and Roger. Then we left after lunch for Mandeville. Mandeville is up in the hills, so it’s a 3 hour drive up a very, VERY windy road. Once we got there we did a show at Alligator pond, which is a primary school there. There were a lot of kids. We wound up going late so we got a late start driving back. Then is started raining, which made it longer.  A lot of people wound up feeling sick on the way down; a mix of the roads and long day I think.

One thing that’s cool about Mandeville is that you can see the stars as night.  Normally down on the coast there is so much humidity in the air that most of the stars don’t shine through.  Mandeville is high enough up though that you can see the stars.  And there are TONS of them because there’s hardly any light pollution at all.  Even when days are long and stressful, I’m still amazed at the beauty of the island.  On the grounds of the school there was a mango tree, and one of the kids climbed up to the top where the ripe mangos were and picked me one.  It was unlike any mango I have ever eaten.  Yet another aspect of God’s creation that amazes me.

Sunday, July 5

This morning Dick had arranged for us to be at two different churches, but the team couldn’t split up, so we formed a team of just interns to go to a small church in Oracabessa. Everything went really well. We were supposed to do the Champion drama, but at the last minute decided not to. Which was good because we have never practiced it, and I had never even seen it until a few days ago. We had the afternoon off again (it’s been a pretty slow week). Mike and I went in the ocean after lunch, and then we played dominoes with Brad, Larry, and Roger. After dinner we drove to the other side of Ocho Rios and did an evening show. It went well. This kid (like 10 or 12) came up to me towards the end and tried to talk to me, but I knew what he was about right away so I was ignoring him. I was next to Roger so he asked Roger if I was his wife. Ha! Roger said no, he was my father. Even then that didn’t discourage him. He later asked me to dance with him while we were packing up. I told him no, and then I think Larry scared him off. Still when we were leaving he tried to get me to roll down the window to talk to him. He was a persistent kid but not too bright. One thing that was really cool was I saw this guy from the Horizons team talking to a group of kids after the show. He was seriously sitting down with them and praying with them, and I know he was talking to them about Jesus. It was just cool to see him come out and interact with people like that. I see it as my job to enable people to be missionaries and spread the word to people wherever we go, and see stuff like that makes me smile. Breakfast isn’t until 9:30 tomorrow. I get to sleep in. J

Saturday, July 4

This morning we did VBS in Ocho Rios in the same location as yesterday. I didn’t stay for it, though. I went with Roger and Larry to run errands and exchange money for this team. I like doing that kind of stuff, and I’m not really needed at the shows because I don’t do music stuff, etc. And I like to do things when I’m needed. Afterwards we had lunch here at the Sunflower, and then we went to the market in Ocho Rios. I didn’t buy anything, but I talked to Roger and Larry a lot. Big surprise considering that pretty much what I do. J Larry asked me about coming back to help lead the team this fall and about becoming more involved with Next Gen. It totally piqued my interest. I feel like I’m doing what I should be here, and I think getting more involved and going other places would be awesome. Roger asked me though if it was something that I had prayed about or just decided. He wants to make sure I’ve heard it from God. And he’s right. So now I’m here, pondering my future. I stayed back from the night ministry because I’m tired, but I also felt that I needed to spend some quality time with God. It’s been a little lacking lately with being so busy.

Friday, July 3

This morning we did VBS in Ocho Rios or somewhere near there. It was HOT. Roger and I drove to the hardware store to buy a tarp to hang up to try to give us more shade, but we wound up using it on the ground as ant protection and moving to a corner of the field where there was a little shade because it was way too windy for the tarp. Lunch at the hotel and then out again. We went to a girls home here in Ocho Rios. Then Roger and I went to the bus station to pick up Mark who was riding in from Kingston. Then we went back to the Sunflower and caught the end of supper before heading out for a night show. It was a 45 minute drive to where we were going and Mike, Larry, and I sat in the back of the pick up on the way there. On the way back it was just Mike and I and we had a good talk. Mostly we just shared stories about life. It was a good talk and fun to connect with people. Anyway, it’s been a long day and it’s an early morning tomorrow. Big Surprise. Haha.

Thursday, July 02

Last night I wound up staying in at night rather than going to the night ministry because I wasn’t feeling well. So I just slept instead. I felt better in the morning, and we went to an infirmary after breakfast. The show was a little slow and rough around the edges, so that’s something this team needs to work on. But over all they’re good.  Next we packed up from the Gloriana and drove an hour and a half to Ocho Rios to the Sunflower Villas. We will stay here for a week with the team. We had lunch here, which was awesome because the food here is the best. SO delicious. J The afternoon we had off, and then after dinner we did a night ministry in Runaway Bay, which is about 15 minutes from the hotel. There’s no internet here so that’s kind of a bummer. Maybe I will be able to hunt some down soon… Bed time. It’s an early morning tomorrow. What a surprise. Haha.

Wednesday, July 1

Currently I am waiting for the bus to get back from the airport with the next team (Desert Hills). This morning was really chill. We had a super good breakfast, which was awesome because the food at the hotel we stayed at in Kingston was not the best. We were literally served beans and/or hotdogs for breakfast almost every day (it was a little rough). The Whittier team left for the airport in three shifts all relatively close together. I was a little sad to say goodbye to them. After a week of working together it was hard. They were a great team to work with. After everyone got to the airport, Roger and I ran to Mega Mart (remember one of my first updates about the Jamaican Sam’s Club) and got a few more necessities to help make life easier (peanut butter, mountain dew, you know the important things). Now I’m just waiting for the Desert Hills team to arrive at the hotel. Dinner is at 5, and then we leave right after that for a night ministry with them. I have to admit I’m a little nervous about this next week. I’m sure the ministry will go well and the team will adjust, but my role this next week isn’t as clear as it has been. Last week there were two teams on separate parts of the island, so the interns were split up. This week there is only one team so we are all together and the girl who did what I was doing for the second team is more dominant than I am. Also some of the interns are from this church so they have a strong connection with this team. I am just a little worried that I won’t have a place with this team. Please pray that I am still used this week. I now have an internet connection after it being out the past few days in Kingston. So sorry if I haven’t been in touch. I’m not sure how long it will last because we are moving to a new hotel in a different city soon. Thanks for the prayers and the messages of encouragement. The Lord is really moving here. I could say so much more but I don’t have time. Desert Hills/Horizons just rolled in.

Tuesday, June 30

Today was the team from Whittier’s last day so it was their recreation day. We had a later breakfast (9am instead of 6am) and then packed up the bus and van for luggage and drove from Kingston to Ocho Rios. I was in a pick up with some of the luggage with an adult leader (Roger) and an intern (Larry). Three white people driving in Jamaica is a prime target for what might be called under the table dealings with the police force here I guess. We got pulled over while still in Kingston for no reason at all, and they held us  for a while before clearing us.  Though they never asked for it, we suspect they were looking for a bribe. The Lord took care of us though. We told them right away that we were missionaries here with YFC. We also made sure that all the money was tucked away and nothing of valuable was in the open. They could tell that we had nothing to give them, and Roger (who was driving) wasn’t about to give them everything. All in all it probably set us back an hour. When we got to Ocho Rios we ate lunch at Burger King and took the team to Dunn’s River Falls. The other interns went on the hotel in Montego Bay but Roger, Larry, and I stayed with the team because they needed leaders to stay with them. Roger watch towels and things on the beach while Larry and I climbed the stairs along-side the falls and took pictures with the digital cameras people had. They were very grateful for it. After the team did some shopping at the shops at Dunn’s, and then we hit the road and drove back to Montego Bay. We had a late supper here at the Gloriana Hotel and had a little debriefing time for the team. Everyone then went to bed except for a few of us interns who swam in the pool for an hour or two. All in all it was a good “day off” (haha).

Monday, June 29

It was tough to wake up this morning. After breakfast we went to two primary schools. At the second one a girl as asked me if I was from China.  I guess to some all “white” people look alike. Haha. Haley (intern) is sick. She left with us this morning but went back to the hotel with Charlotte when we got to the second school. She is trying to rest. We tease her about having Swine Flu, but I hope she feels better soon. The team from her church is the one that’s flying in this week. After the second school we ate in the bus and went to a prison for women. It was an experience unlike any I’ve ever had. All of us got to go in this time. Roger said it was much nicer physically than the men’s prison they were in the other day. Still I felt a lack of joy and a sense of hopelessness in that place. Even our joy in the Lord seemed to be crushed there. By the end, though, but once we got going we regained some of it, and I think it was contagious. The small church was full of inmates, most who weren’t normally in the church. There was one white woman there. She kind of stood out (like us every day). I felt drawn to her, and I wish I could have heard her story, but we weren’t given any time to talk to the inmates.

Later

Our last night show was at a government home for children. We weren’t allowed to take pictures there because some of the kids are there unknown to their families or to those who have hurt them. Many have witnessed crimes or committed them. Several have defects and mental handicaps. Their special needs may have been there since birth, but some of them are likely to have been caused by others when they were young. It was difficult for the team to be there because there wasn’t as much joy in the kids that their normally is during a performance. I felt blessed to be there though, and I wish we could have done more for some of the kids there. But just playing with them and giving them some attention, letting them know we love them, was a lot.

Sunday, June 28

Today we went to church. The service was two hours with an hour of Sunday school following and then an hour of refreshments and fellowship. It was definitely one of the best Jamaican churches any of us had been to though. The afternoon we spent at the hotel. I played dominoes instead of taking my planned nap because the air conditioning wasn’t working due to a blown fuse. After an early supper we drove to a church that was having an outdoor meeting/baptismal service. Everyone went out along the streets to invite people to come and there was a great turn out—more than I have ever seen before.  The night was long, but I had a lot of fun loving the kids. We went out for ice cream cones after. Now I’m completely beat, and tomorrow’s breakfast is at 5:45. Hmmm, bedtime.

Saturday, June 27

This morning we went to a home for girls here in Kingston. There are mostly teen-aged girls there for various reasons. Some have committed or witnessed crimes and the government doesn't have any where else to put them, and some have been abandoned by their parents. They loved the music, puppets, drama, etc. that we did for them. They also LOVED all the digital cameras which were created soley to take pictures of them as they modeled. :-) I spent a lot of time talking to one girl who was 17 (I feel awful, but for the life of me I can't remember her name). She was finished with highschool (they finish at about 16 here), and was studying auromatherapy and massage techniques to become a masseuse. Learning a trade is the secret to success here, and she hopes to move to New York to be with her younger sisters when she finishes school. Her final exams are coming up before she is licensed. I loved to talk to her about her life and her dreams. If you think of it, please pray for her and her exams and her dreams.
Next we went to a prison. I think it was where they hold those who have been convicted but not sentenced. There was a lot of security and several men with guns. They wouldn't allow more than 10 or 15 people in because of space and security. Because it was a men's facility, they decided it would be best if a group of men from the group went in. The rest of us waited just inside the outer wall (still in prison, but not inside). When the men came out they looked drained. One man told me it was a place without hope or joy. The men there are only waiting to find out where they will be locked up next. They listened to the few songs and the gospel our group presented (what else was there?), but it is still a very dark place. The prisons here are not like those in the states. They are not clean or well kept. Though it was a somewhat frightening situation, I wish we could have done more to bring Jesus into that place.
After a quick rest before supper, we headed out to a neighborhood about a half hour away from our hotel. We set up under the tent of a local church to do our night ministry show. (I should say their show, the Whittier team is very self-propelled, and they do an excellent job with their shows). There were a lot of children there and few adults. I think it was probably just the area we set up in. It was difficult at first because the sight was right by the sewer drainage and the smell was very strong. But after a while the wind started to blow the other way. After the show was over we talked to the people there and played with the kids. There were some boys breaking it down and showing us all up with their dancing skills. Being white and from MN it wasn't hard for me to be impressed. :-) The girls especially here love to play with our hair. It's so soft and straight compared to what they're used to. There was one girl in particular tonight who came and sat beside me and braided my hair and unbraided it and rebraided it a dozen times. Her name was Nikesha and she was from the church with which we were working. I have never met a 10 year old so proud of her church. I am very thankful that there are lights shining from hills here in Kingston.
It's almost midnight and time for me to turn in. Breakfast is at 6am tomorrow so that we can make it to church on time for what looks to be an all day service. As long as it isn't Pastor "Blade's" church I'll survive. (Long story, ask me when I'm not half asleep).
God Bless,
Leisha

Friday, June 26

It's been a long day and I'm exhausted, but here's a little update about the Whittier team. Only 9 of them made it in on Thursday and we drove to Kingston with them. The other 35 were scheduled for three different flights into Kingston today. The first flight finally made it but without any luggage. The second was fine. And the third flight made it after a customs hassle without luggage. The first batch of luggage was delivered later, and the second is expected to arrive tomorrow. All in all I was standing out in the sun outside the airport for 5 hours today.
This morning we took the team of 9 that we had as scheduled to a high school and a primary school in the morning. Everyone else chilled at the hotel in the afternoon. We had trouble working out the night event especially after the whole team wasn't to the hotel until after 7. We ate together and then decided to go to The Devon House, which is a local attraction with shops and ice cream. It's a good opportunity for people to just relax and talk with the Jamaican people.
Hopefully we're done with and big upsets for a while now, but you never know. We are in Jamaica after all. :-)

Thursday, June 25

Hey!
I woke up ridiculously early to eat with the other team this morning before they headed off to do ministry in the schools. Our team doesn't fly in for about another 1/2 hour. Then once they make it through customs we drive straight to Kingston. We have at least one ministry sight tonight after we arrive. It'll be a long night starting off a long week, but the Lord is strong.
I took a walk this morning after early breakfast down to the beach. I sat and took in some of the beauty of Jamaica before the heat got too bad. It's about 33celsius here right now. For those of you who don't speak European colony, I'm pretty sure that's in the low 90's.
All is well and we are all healthy (though very mosquito bitten). Praise the Lord. Some of the incoming high school students with the teams are being picky about the food they serve us. Choosing to not eat can be very dangerous when we have to work so hard. Please pray that everyone would be able to keep up their stregth, even if it means a littls self-sacrifice.
We have a long bus ride ahead of us today. 4 hours to Kingston on very windy roads up and down the hills and mountains. Please pray for those who have trouble with car and motion sickness and also for safety. Tonight is also the first real ministry I'll be doing. Out in the streets of Kingston God can really move. All kinds of people live there, from murders to the impoverished of trench-town to people who have never heard of Jesus before. God is going to change lives, and I'm excited I'll be there to watch him work.

We're in the airport right now. My team from Whittier, CA was split onto two flights. One of the flights arrived with 9 of the team members, but the other 30 had their flight canceled and are stuck in Memphis. Please pray that things will work out and they will find a flight. We are still going to Kingston with our small numbers today to minister tonight. One man band anyone? ;-)

I saw children playing in an old dirty river today in Spanish Town. They lived in a shanty town and were naked. My heart is a little weakened by the poverty here in the mountains.

Wednesday, June 24

Just a quick prayer request:
There are several other interns with which I am working down here. We are all from different parts of the country and come from different backgrounds and possess different leadership styles. Today I was just aware of all these difference and the conflicts that can arise because of them. Please pray for unity in our leadership teams and for the hearts of servents in all of us. Please also pray specifically for me that I would serve those around. Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers;" pray that I would be a peacemaker for the people around me.
-Leisha

Tuesday, June 23

Fun Update:
Today is a chill day as we wait for the next ministry team to fly in tomorrow. So to pass the time we went to the Jamaican equivalent of a Sam's Club--Mega Mart. Everything was pretty regular to me, but when we got to the check out a friend of mine was buying a box of granola bars and a case of soda, and the woman opened the box and the case to scan and individual item. Apparently they don't bulk price here. Haha. The only thing I got was real Cadbury chocolate from the UK, but that added on with previously mentioned friend's food came to several thousand dollars (Jamaican of course). Who knew cash registers had numbers that went so high? I just thought I'd fill you guys in on how I'm enjoying some of the differences in culture down here. ;-)

Monday, June 22

I’m in Jamaica! Thanks so much for your prayers! My traveling went pretty smoothly today, and I got here just fine. Immigration and customs were a breeze. My knee started aching this morning in Minneapolis and it wasn’t looking good for the rest of the trip, but once I flew out of Chicago it was hardly a problem. I hope it stays that way for the rest of the trip, but either way God will take care of me. Some of you know that there will be two different teams down here at the same time this summer and therefore two teams of leaders and interns. Tonight I found out that I’m going with the team to Kingston (the capitol city) rather than the team that will stay in the towns in the north. I have never been to Kingston, but they tell me the ministry there is awesome, and I’m really excited. God really moves in remarkable ways down there. With these great opportunities come new hurdles as well. The trip itself is a lot more difficult and more challenging. Also, when Jamaica is hot, Kingston is HOT because the asphalt holds in the heat. It’s very draining, but such an amazing opportunity. Sometime in the next few days we will be making the very winding drive (think motion sickness) down to Kingston with a team. Please pray for the amazing things God is going to do and the lives he is going to change. Thank you for praying for me and please continue! Please also pray for me this first week as I make mistakes and try to figure things out. Pray that I can continue to rest in the peace of God the surpasses all understanding.

-Leisha

Sunday, June 21

Sunday, June 21

Well here I am only one night's sleep away from flying out. I am almost finished packing and I almost feel ready to go. :-) My flight leaves Minneapolis at 11:30am tomorrow. Thank you so much to everyone who has committed to praying for me. :-)
I have a "bad" knee from an old skiing injury years ago and it aches still sometimes. Today it started giving me trouble and now it's in full swing. Normally I just wait for it to fade, but it could be very painful tomorrow spending hours on a plane where I can't stretch it out. Please pray for healing for my knee and comfort during traveling. I am prepared to deal with it while I'm down there, but it would also be nice if I didn't have to worry about it. :-) Pray for the Lord's healing and for my perseverance.
Thank you for blessing me with your prayers!
Love,
Leisha

Sunday, June 14

Howdy! :-)
Here we are, one week (well 8 days) til departure. I'm a little scatter-brained trying to get everything together. But the Lord is good! So far everything is coming together and I just need to get my act straight and start packing (how much clothes do you bring to be gone a month?) :-)

As my departure draws now, please continue to pray.
Pray that I am prepared physically and spiritually for this trip.
Please also pray for my physical health while I'm gone. I'm a small person and I get exhausted easily when the weather is hot hot hot.
Pray for the teams who are preparing to fly down there too. Some of them are very last minute with vital information, so please pray that they would be getting things together and in to us.
Pray for Jamaica! Most people are surprised to find out that a huge majority of what we do down there is street-corner ministry, face-to-face contact with people just talking about Jesus and faith.

God has already opened up so many doors for me, and I know that only he has the power to continue that. Thank you so much for your support and prayers! It means the world to me. :-)
In Christ,
Leisha