A Closing Ceremony, A Prayer, A Major Project

Our good friends at Guys Hill

Yesterday, we had the closing ceremony for our first project - Guy's Hill Health Centre.  It was a great event and you just know when you are doing the right thing, in the right place, for the right reason.  Nurse Cummings (Jasmine to us) asked us a week ago if we could spend our closing ceremony budget on paint and they would do the food for the event.  As usual, they went all out.  Four people from St. Catherine's Health Department were there; the first time the director had been to Guy's Hill.  He made mention that rural health centers are the most neglected in the system and this was very pleasing to see what was accomplished.  It was really a great moment for Jasmine, our champion, on this project.  Doing these projects, you develop some very special relationships and we will cherish our time on this project; especially the great service project on Labor Day.  It's almost sad to see it end.

Theron, Kelvyn Cullimore, Pres Smith, Bro Barnett

A member's home - 13 live here (not including the dogs).  They want to raise chickens

Today was a unique experience.  We had a meeting with Monsignor Ramisskon who is the director of Mustard Seed Communities.  Three members of his staff, the Mormon elders (us), and a pastor from the United Methodist Church sitting all together working on a common project to accomplish a common goal-to improve the water system at Jacob's Ladder one of the Mustard Seed Communities.  Monsignor asked Theron to give the prayer to begin the meeting.  A Mormon giving the prayer in such a group; where else but on this type of mission could that happen.  It was a tender moment for me as I reflected on the setting and the opportunity.  We will be assisting with a water improvement project.  A delightful group of people are coming together to make a miracle happen.  Time won't permit to tell all about Jacob's Ladder, but those who visit will be able to see it for themselves.

Last week we had our good friends and colleagues Kelvyn and Kay Cullimore visiting.  They are short-term specialists from Salt Lake.  We traveled a fair distance across the island looking at bees, goats, farms, chicken coops, and talking with district and branch presidents about our family food initiative.  This is going to be a major project with a major impact on Jamaica.  It is far more that just giving temporal relief to our LDS members; it will strengthen them spiritually - if the project is done the right way and is directed by local priesthood.  We certainly see so many things to do on this one and will be very busy now getting some detail, some definition, and hopefully soon the submission.  Each day is a miracle of sorts and it is wonderful to feel the Holy Ghost direct us, mold us, and be a companion to us -- of course Theron is a great companion, also.

The picture is a member's chicken coop they are building for our food project.  They are wanting to get ready for when it is approved.