Sunday, April 13, 2014 Today, we originally thought we would be working, but it doesn’t look like most people work on Sunday – so no work today.  Instead, we had the privilege of attending Pastor Gordon’s church.  The church service went from about 11:00 to 1:30.  These people really know how to worship.  It was both lively and sincere.  The choir ladies are all dressed in matching outfits, and they sound pretty good.  We were really blessed by this service.

After lunch, we took a little walk around the neighborhood. 

There are some fairly primitive homes, and some that are a little more sophisticated.   In the photo above, the little structure to the side of the house with the miniature house on top is the grave of the builders grandmother.  Here it is quite acceptable to bury your relative on your own property. . . . . not sure what happens when the property sells!  But all are located in a very beautiful setting.  People are very gracious and have treated us very well.

Saturday, April 12

Left Houston at 9:30 a.m. and headed for Montego Bay.  When we got off the plane, we found a whole new meaning to the word “humidity!”  All of a sudden we knew that there were going to b some hot days in our future.  We had a little trouble with immigration.  There was some information that was not quite listed the way they wanted it.  Most of our team was scattered among five or six immigration employees.  I found myself running from station to station trying to explain to the immigration staff where we were staying and who we were staying with!  We all made it through and we learned a little bit about international diplomacy!

We told our host, Pastor Gordon, that we wanted to get some lunch and figure out a cell phone solution.  He picked the perfect restaurant for our group  . .  . . . .  “The Pork Pit!” 

Fortunately, their menu selection was wider than the name implied, and we all got something that worked for each of us.

After getting our phone solution, we headed for Catadupa.  This is the most luscious green piece of earth that I have ever been.  We are staying in the top floor of the Christian Fellowship Church. 

Though we knew we would be sleeping on the floor, we were pleasantly surprised with the 4” foam pads that were there to help soften the plywood floor.  That being said, the Dunbar’s had no intention of being uncomfortable . . . I will include a photo!

Arrived in Houston at 3 a.m. California time.  Some have decided to try to take a nap and recover some of the lost zzzzzz's from the flight.  Others have headed off to breakfast, determined to forget the short night and move on to a producive day.  Our flight to Montego Bay is still on time, so things are looking good for heading to Jamaica at 9:30.

 




And one other thing I forgot to mention about checking in at SFO.  Jake was near the end of the line to check in.  He put his bag on the scale and it read 63 pounds . . . 13 pounds over the limit - clearly the heaviest bag of the group.  He was stunned, and said "How can that be?"  The United Airlines guy on the other side of the counter started laughing . . . he had his foot on the scale just to get Jakes reaction!!!!!  Who says you can't have fun at the airport!!

Well, this is our group!  We left Redding about 4:00 p.m. and have made significant progress.  We have unloaded the vehicles and parked them in long term parking, got everyone checked in, and most everyone made it through security!  It turns out that they were a little curious about the contents of Robs carry on . . . . pliers, paint brushes, various hand tools.  Hummmm.  After a few quiz questions, he passed the test and they sent him on through!

For some of the kids, this is the first passport they have owned, the first time through security, and for a couple of kids, the first time to fly!

Spirits are high as we patiently wait for our boarding time in about 45 minutes.  No one has a clue as to how sleepy and tired we will be by the time we get there!  Thanks for all your prayers.  Everyone is doing fine!

Will post again in Houston!

It is with these 10 students that we will soon begin a trip that will widen our world view, help us to understand our relative position on the earth in terms of wealth, privilege, and responsibility.  This is not an effort of a few, but the result of a wide community of support who believe in the value of experiential education and the importance of service in each of our lives.  Thanks to all who have made the adventure a reality.  It is only happening because of you.