Tour Leader’s Blog

When I recently read a story in The Mennonite about a trip taken by North American Christian journalists to Jordan, I underlined part of the article. These journalists met Prince El Hassan bin Talal, who talked with them about what he called the “hatred industry” – actions taken by religious fundamentalists of every religion.

I underlined the prince’s response to fundamentalists: he emphasized “peace through tourism: leaving home for a purpose, learning knowledge, practicing people-to-people diplomacy.”

This is exactly what TourMagination promotes as we build bridges with Mennonites, other Christians and faiths around the world on our tours. When you travel with TourMagination, you are engaging in people-to-people diplomacy, bringing peace through tourism. I find this exciting and I know you do too!

~ Wilmer Martin

This is our third day in Ocho Rios, coming here after enjoying our time in the mineral hot springs in Bath. Each area of Jamaica has its own uniqueness.

Climbing the Dunn’s River Falls, over 600 feet from the Caribbean Sea to the top, was a community experience. Hedi said, “I could not have done it without the guiding hands of our Jamican guide.” Vic said, “We have a new way of baptism - trusting the guide as you go backwards from the rock into the water.”

Yesterday we met wonderful Jamaican business, church and community leaders. It was all behind the inclusive package. Lorne said, “Normal tourists in the all-inclusive packages never get to meet these beautiful people: Lloyd and Joyce at their home and pottery shop. We have products in our luggage to prove our visit.” Ruth Howling met her friend Eunice at Maxine’s store in Retreat. Ruth Snyder wanted the recipe for Maxine’s Sweet Potato Cake that we bought in her store. Can it be made with rice flour?

At Shirley’s home, a Habitat for Humanity house, Shirley’s daughter welcomed us since our dear friend Shirley was at work.

Carol said, “What a wonderful day meeting all these beautiful people, learning about the banana plant and how it grows on Audley’s Plantation Tour and spending several hours on the beach and in the warm water of the Caribbean Sea.

It will be hard to leave these lovely people and their island tomorrow. Yet we know our families at home will be waiting to welcome us and hear our stories.

~ Wilmer Martin

We were privileged yesterday to worship at the International Worship Centre, the Negril New Testament Church of God. When we arrived the main level was already filled and we were ushered to the balcony where there were already more than 30 persons standing. This was a true Jamaican worship experience. The music was loud with lots of rhythm and spirit.

We were welcomed along with other Christians from Italy, Austria, Germany, USA, Canada, England, Scotland and Thailand. The most impressive part of the service was a 13-year-old boy preaching a sermon on “Harvest Time” for 15 minutes. The audience’s Amens and encouragement empowered him to proclaim the Word. It was a joyful time of worship. The offering was unique in that everyone came forward and put their offering in a pouch while we sang. The invitation hymn, “Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry,” was very touching.

At the Maranatha School for the Deaf in St. Elizabeth, we ate watermelon with the children in the playground.

Audley informed us that we are fortunate that he has his PhD (Pothole dodger) since the roads have so many potholes. Everyone praised his training and thought he earned his degree.

We enjoyed our visit today with Richard and Verna Tyson in their home. It was wonderful seeing their beautiful home and learning about the work of the Jamaica Mennonite Church. We also enjoyed Verna’s Christmas punch made from the Hibiscus flower and flavored with ginger. Vic wanted Hedi to get the recipe.

This is a beautiful area of Jamaica. The higher altitude makes it a few degrees cooler. Very comfortable. Tomorrow we must leave this area and go to the capital city of Kingston.

Ruth Snyder is enjoying the tour so much she already wants to register for TM’s next tour! Jamaica, Ja Mon!!!

~ Wilmer Martin

Yesterday our Highlights of Jamaica tour began. What a change of temperature a 4 + or - hour flight from Toronto or Philadelphia can make! We arrived to a sunny 33 Celsius or 93 Fahrenheit day. Audley, our favorite driver/guide, was waiting for us with his TourMagination sign.

On our drive from Montego Bay, we enjoyed seeing the children walking home from school in their blue, green or red uniforms. The color distinguishes their grade. Audley told us all children in Jamaica are safe and you have no fear for a child walking alone. They are all protected by the Jamaicans.

Arriving at the beautiful Negril Tree House Resort on the soft, silky sand beach, Lorne and Carol Smith were out walking on the beach before they unpacked their suitcase.

Ruth Howling was so happy to meet her friend Audley and to be back in warm, sunny Jamaica. Audley reminded us that in Jamaica we move slower and we have time to smile.

We are all anticipating a great journey and wonderful fellowship. It is already happening.

Vic and Hedi, Lorne and Carol and Wilmer spent more than a hour enjoying swimming and visiting this afternoon in the Caribbean Sea.

~ Wilmer Martin

After disembarking and saying goodbye to the crew of the MS Fram, we headed out on a morning tour of the National Park in Ushuaia and a bit of shopping before the flight to Buenos Aires. Tonight we will enjoy a relaxing dinner and a good rest in preparation for our Friday excursion along the Tigre River which will feature both wildlife and historical architecture within the capital city of Argentina. From there we head off to the International Airport and say our last goodbyes as we board our individual flights home.

~ Terry Petkau
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada