Well, by now, I knew that I had moved beyond the occasional mission trip, and shifted toward an actual calling placed on my life - missions became a passion!
In December 2013, I met with missionary Linda Botkin (pic of us above), whom apparently realized what God had placed in me, probably even before I realized it myself. We discussed the possibility of me engaging in the day-to-day activities of Jesus for Jamaica ministries, in Jamaica, on a more long-term basis. At that point, it REALLY hit me - God was calling me.....ME....to missions....in Jamaica! I experienced all sorts of feelings and emotions....surprised, excited, anxious, overwhelmed, happy, sad, confused, etc, etc. I was excited about the possibilities, but sad to think about what I would be leaving behind...a life that I truly enjoy...people that I truly love and would miss...and a lifestyle that is comfortable.
I wasn't sure which direction to go! So, my next step was to spend two weeks in Jamaica, following Ms. Linda around, seeing what the daily life of a missionary is really like. I didn't know what to expect, but I went, seeking answers and guidance from God. The day-in and day-out of the life of a missionary is not really what you see on a one-week mission trip, so spending two weeks there was much more insightful, though I'm sure still not really the full picture.
I was able to again visit the McAlpine Basic School a few times, spending a little bit of time with the children, just reading books (pic above), and playing games. We visited an elderly lady who was sick, and prayed for her (she passed a few weeks later). But the majority of our time was spent getting things ready for the opening of a new orphanage, now the home of four young girls. Also, I was able to spend some time with Nicola and her family, on Gordon Mountain, spending the night with her in her small shanty. This experience definitely took me out of my comfort zone, and I had to face some fears, but it was an invaluable experience, in which I am glad that Ms. Linda encouraged me to engage in. Nothing really prepares you for something like that......
SPENDING THE NIGHT WITH A LOCAL: As I describe what it was like to spend the night with a local, consider the luxuries in which you were afforded! Nicola and her family live in a row of shanty's on Gordon Mountain. It is a short hike up to her home, where you will have to hike uphill, over rocky terrain, and overgrown brush. As you approach the homes, you will see wooden shanty's (shacks), sitting on a few cinder blocks, raised off of the dirt "yard." (pic above). There is no rhyme or reason as to their exact placement, they are just sitting in random places. No grass, no landscaping....just dirt, rocks, and goat droppings. Yes, you will see goats, dogs, pigs, cats, etc. They just roam the "yard," sometimes sleeping underneath the shanty's. The typical shanty is one room, maybe approximately 12x12 or so, with no electricity, no running water, no kitchen, no bathroom. You will probably see a bed, maybe a sheet or two, and maybe a pillow. This particular shanty where I stayed had a dresser, a suitcase where things were stored, a torn and tattered laundry basket, and a broken fan. The "kitchen" was a makeshift kitchen outside (pic above), that the entire family shared. So, if it is raining, as it often does in Jamaica, then the "kitchen" cannot be used! The "bathroom" consisted of me using a tin pan, that was taken outside and dumped behind the shanty! Brushing your teeth consisted of going outside and using rainwater from the rain barrel to brush, swish, and spit out on the ground! There was no kitchen table for the family to sit around, share a meal, and talk about their days, so as you can imagine, the quality of life in the mountains of Jamaica is far different from what we are accustomed to! So, what do you talk about with someone whom #1 - you have trouble understanding, #2 - who doesn't do much other than sit around all day, #3 - comes from a totally different culture, and #4 - whom you have nothing in common with? Good question!! I believe it is more about spending time in their presence, showing that you care, that you are not afraid to step into their shoes and experience their lifestyle, and just be, right along with them! SIDENOTE: My vision is to someday lead bible studies with them!
Spending two weeks in Jamaica vs a one-week mission trip with a team, was an eye-opening and enlightening experience, but, I walked away still unsure of where God wanted me, exactly. I felt a bit frustrated, as I really had hoped and anticipated hearing from and receiving more clear direction from God, but I was not receiving any answers, and because I had a full-time job, a mortgage, a life here, I could not see how I could so quickly transition into long-term missions, yet.....
The soul-searching continued......
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