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