On Sunday we worshipped with the Calvary Mennonite Church in Retreat. Following the service Pastor Smith thanked our group for coming. He said our presence was a blessing to their congregation. He offered a prayer asking God’s blessing and protection for our group. Anna Blanche and Betsy said,”What a joy it is to see how young people provide leadership.” It seemed as though the congregation purposefully and spontaneously looked to the youth for leadership in the service. We especially enjoyed Pastor Smith’s son singing a solo,“There will be Mountains to Climb.” It seemed as though the request came as a surprise to him which he responded to so meaningfully.
We visited Shirley’s Habitat for Humanity home at Three Hills. We were impressed with the beauty of this home built in 1995. Shirley was at work but her daughter Heather and granddaughter Tanya welcomed us. Shirley later stopped at the hotel to thank Wilmer and Janet for the visit and for the gifts. She also brought some of her delicious homemade coconut candy which was enjoyed by the group. At Lloyd’s pottery studio we admired the great selection of his craft. It looked as though everyone bought some of his pottery to take back home.
This year we visited Dunn’s River Falls by going on the glass-bottom boat. We first viewed the coral and then continued on to where the falls flow into the Caribbean Sea. Shirley Lancaster said that she and Jean Cameron had planned to climb the falls but thanked me that we could view the falls from the boat. “When I saw the falls, you made the right choice,” she said.
We enjoyed swimming at the beach and in the hotel hot tub and pool.
Ruth Howling was surprised when her friend Eunice came to visit her at the hotel. We invited her to join us for dinner. Jean Cameron and others sent her home with gifts. Ruth H. has been a friend and supporter for many years.
Yesterday we enjoyed fantastic scenery as we drove to the Blue Mountains to visit the James Dennis Coffee Plantation. Marilyn Ferguson was impressed how useful Audley’s PHD degree (Pot Hole Dodger) was. As he drove he sure put it to use as he dodged pot holes and made our ride as smooth as possible. Ruth Burkholder and Elfrieda Driedger enjoy talking with the locals along the way. Richard, the retired guide at the Castleton Gardens loved to respond to questions. He is so informed and enjoyed talking to our tour members.
We have great photos of the roasting and grinding of coffee. The coffee was delicious and many bags of Blue Mountain coffee are already in our suitcases.
Today, after visiting the capital city of Jamaica, we will depart Kingston for Mandeville. There is so much to see, smell, and taste. Jamaicans are so friendly and helpful. Audley, our driver-guide is so knowledgeable. He already has hundreds of friends across the US and Canada. There are now 15 more from this group to add to his list.
~ Wilmer Martin
