Tour Leader’s Blog

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

Hey everyone, back home. Jamaica is so beautiful. The people are super nice. The Jamaica coffee is so delicious to my taste buds. Mmmmm. Cya when we get home. Zach Meyers.

I am already sad that I have to leave tomorrow. So beautiful scenery, delicious food, kind friends–they are all amazing, but my favorite thing about the mission trip is that I can be with my classmates 24 hrs. for many, many days!!! Even though my friends and I weren’t always happy together, I could learn more about my classmates which was eye opening to me. I’m going to miss Jamaica and my classmates all together. Today’s special memory is that I got to eat a Jamaican Juicy Patty. Sang-a.

We painted at Ocho Rios First Church of God. We painted the front wall, pillared gate and a meeting room 30′ by 60′. As Mr. Shank just said, we “devoured” the painting! We finished painting 11 gallons in 90 minutes and within 2 hours we had everything cleaned up! For lunch Wilmer bought us Jamaican Juicy Patties. We had a choice of Beef, Chicken or Veggie. Yummy. We returned to the beach in the afternoon, some people returned to the straw market and others visited the Ocho Rios grocery store.

Love you. See you soon!
~ Class of ‘08

Hello Pennsylvania friends!

This morning we worshiped at the Calvary Mennonite Church in their morning service. We really enjoyed the Jamaican church service. They even sang “Father Abraham” complete with motions. How unlike our American services!

This afternoon we went to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. We had quite an adventure climbing the falls. After the first guided trip up the falls, several people returned to climb the falls again, while others went shopping. Very, very exciting and fun! A couple of persons have some bumps and bruises, but everyone had an incredible time climbing the falls and enjoying the other stuff around Dunn’s River Falls. One of the requirements for a fall’s guide is the ability to laugh at the climbers. Our guide got an evil chuckle when he showed us the first challenge: climbing straight up the waterfall underwater. We couldn’t see, hear or breathe while climbing. Definitely a faith-building experience!

Dinner tonight was Jerk chicken and Jerk pork, rice/beans, carrots, green salad, fresh mixed fruit salad, coffee/tea. We are spoiled with the awesome meals.

~ Class ‘08 in Jamaica