Well, the story today has been, "hurry up and wait". Leaving out base at 7:30am to arrive at the airport in Antigua on time was a great idea, until the plane was delayed an hour. Luckily there was much shopping to be done in the only shop at the airport. Boy did they like us there! It's no use fightin "Caribbean time"... "no worries mon!" Good thing we had a 5 hour layover in Barbados where we enjoyed sun shine and coconut icecream for the last few moments of our stay.
Now the count down has reached 5 minutes till boarding...God is so good. Thank you Lord for safe travels and a blessed time here in paradise! Antigua, you have our hearts!
Monday, January 31, 2011
DEPARTURE DAY
We are getting ready to leave the Mount St Taber Retreat Centre... the place is a bustle with movement as everybody is eating breakfast and doing their packing. We have leftover brownies from last night so some are having that as their breakfast others are having whatever leftovers
Jonathan, Glennis and Micheal are driving us and our luggage to the airport for 8 am.
We have a departure at 9:15am to Barbados.
We stop in Barbados for a 5 hour layover and then head to Toronto to spend the night at the Best Western before arriving to Edmonton, Canada on the 1st. We should arrive home at 12:30pm on Tuesday!
We find out that the departure tax is now 70 EC (about 30 $US) instead of 50 EC...ughhh... but all is well as everyone pools together funds to get us out of the country.
We wait in the departure area and the team cruises through the Duty Free shop for some great gifts! Our flight is delayed so we sit and chat....
i will update you later when we are in the Barbados airport!
Jonathan, Glennis and Micheal are driving us and our luggage to the airport for 8 am.
We have a departure at 9:15am to Barbados.
We stop in Barbados for a 5 hour layover and then head to Toronto to spend the night at the Best Western before arriving to Edmonton, Canada on the 1st. We should arrive home at 12:30pm on Tuesday!
We find out that the departure tax is now 70 EC (about 30 $US) instead of 50 EC...ughhh... but all is well as everyone pools together funds to get us out of the country.
We wait in the departure area and the team cruises through the Duty Free shop for some great gifts! Our flight is delayed so we sit and chat....
i will update you later when we are in the Barbados airport!
Saturday at Jolly Beach
Our ``Fun Day`` is at Jolly Beach! Jonathan picked us all up at 9:15am and we headed to the all inclusive resort for a day of fun and relaxation.
The day was hot and sunny. We arrived and recieved our wristbands which would give us access to the resort`s ammenities. There was Kayaking, Sailing, Water Volley Ball, Sea Shell art, Beach Volleyball and much, much more....
We separated into grounds to find our breakfast. Since the buffet breakfast was over we had the continental breakfast. Great fruit and yogurt!
Louise, Amy, Penny and the Degenhardt boys headed to the beach to grab a good spot. The beach was busy and there were no lounge chairs so we just laid down our towels. I wanted to look around so a group of us ventured down the beach, others went looking for sea shells.
There were many vendors around the beach selling dresses, wraps and jewelry.
Every lady on our team had bought at least one dress so I really wanted to find on here on our last day to buy souvenirs.
Penny and I soon found ourselves by the pool. Here there were a lot of loungers availabe and it was just more relaxing there then by the beach. Of course the pool wouldnt be the same without a cool beverage so we also went to get refreshing drinks. I had a Blue Lagoon and Penny treated herself to a Antigua Kiss! As we went back to our chairs we noticed that a lot of our team members were in another end of the pool getting ready to play beach volleyball. I finished my drink and we both headed in! I can`t say wich team actually won the game but it was a lot of fun!
After volleyball we walked down the beach and found the Kayaks. Amy and I went in a double kayak and Gezina and Louise took another. This was probably a highlight of my day! The water in Antigua is just soooooooooo unreal! It is so turquoise blue... salty as heck though! The water stings my eyes actually so i dont go under very often.
We soon headed to the lunch buffet where a bunch of the team already were eating. The buffet was tasty for sure! I wont give you to many details but I will let your imagination run wild there!
As time was passing quickly I knew I should search the shops for a dress before it was too late.
After trying quite a few different styles I decided on a colorful mid-length sundress. All of us have gotten some really nice dresses!
There were some children playing near one of the shops and they recognized us from the Bolands school performances. Louise and I got playing with these kids for sometime. It is great to see the kids again!
I can`t even recall the time it was at this point in time but we`d all agree it past too quickly.
We made sure we ate at the poolside grill before our departure at 5pm.
There were grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken and fries! It was when we were eating on the top level of the grill that we noticed the sea shell art that was soon starting.
The sea shell art was just a bunch of random shells and a glue gun and we kinda poked fun at the idea, but we soon found ourselves all crowding the table in search of the best shells to glue together!
We are leaving the airport, i will finish the post later! .....
....never mind, we are delayed!
ok, so where was I.... hmmm ok, ya
so after the seashell art we had to go get ready for pickup... our day at Jolly Beach was coming to an end ):
The day was hot and sunny. We arrived and recieved our wristbands which would give us access to the resort`s ammenities. There was Kayaking, Sailing, Water Volley Ball, Sea Shell art, Beach Volleyball and much, much more....
We separated into grounds to find our breakfast. Since the buffet breakfast was over we had the continental breakfast. Great fruit and yogurt!
Louise, Amy, Penny and the Degenhardt boys headed to the beach to grab a good spot. The beach was busy and there were no lounge chairs so we just laid down our towels. I wanted to look around so a group of us ventured down the beach, others went looking for sea shells.
There were many vendors around the beach selling dresses, wraps and jewelry.
Every lady on our team had bought at least one dress so I really wanted to find on here on our last day to buy souvenirs.
Penny and I soon found ourselves by the pool. Here there were a lot of loungers availabe and it was just more relaxing there then by the beach. Of course the pool wouldnt be the same without a cool beverage so we also went to get refreshing drinks. I had a Blue Lagoon and Penny treated herself to a Antigua Kiss! As we went back to our chairs we noticed that a lot of our team members were in another end of the pool getting ready to play beach volleyball. I finished my drink and we both headed in! I can`t say wich team actually won the game but it was a lot of fun!
After volleyball we walked down the beach and found the Kayaks. Amy and I went in a double kayak and Gezina and Louise took another. This was probably a highlight of my day! The water in Antigua is just soooooooooo unreal! It is so turquoise blue... salty as heck though! The water stings my eyes actually so i dont go under very often.
We soon headed to the lunch buffet where a bunch of the team already were eating. The buffet was tasty for sure! I wont give you to many details but I will let your imagination run wild there!
As time was passing quickly I knew I should search the shops for a dress before it was too late.
After trying quite a few different styles I decided on a colorful mid-length sundress. All of us have gotten some really nice dresses!
There were some children playing near one of the shops and they recognized us from the Bolands school performances. Louise and I got playing with these kids for sometime. It is great to see the kids again!
I can`t even recall the time it was at this point in time but we`d all agree it past too quickly.
We made sure we ate at the poolside grill before our departure at 5pm.
There were grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken and fries! It was when we were eating on the top level of the grill that we noticed the sea shell art that was soon starting.
The sea shell art was just a bunch of random shells and a glue gun and we kinda poked fun at the idea, but we soon found ourselves all crowding the table in search of the best shells to glue together!
We are leaving the airport, i will finish the post later! .....
....never mind, we are delayed!
ok, so where was I.... hmmm ok, ya
so after the seashell art we had to go get ready for pickup... our day at Jolly Beach was coming to an end ):
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, Jan 29- BEACH DAY AT THE JOLLY BEACH RESORT
Today we are off to enjoy a great day at the Jolly Beach Resort !
We will have the whole day at the all-inclusive resort to play in the ocean and relax by the pool.
Jonathan is picking us up at 9:15am. We will have the buffet lunch and then check the activities that are for that afternoon....
So we arrived at Jolly Beach as scheduled and took in the sights! Its just like off a beach calendar! The breakfast was continental because we came after the buffet breakfast. We enjoyed fresh fruit, biscuits, yogurt and cheese. The activities board was full of things to do. Everyone took turns telling what they would really like to do that afternoon and then we set off to plot a spot on the busy beach until the rest of the adults were done eating. A group of us decided to walk down the beach to see the shops. Some enjoyed the water right away and got busy looking for nice sea shells to take home. The Kayaking was something Gezina, Louise, Amy and I really wanted to do so in the mid afternoon that is just what we did. The kayaking was sooo fun! We ventured all the way to the far side of the beach and started to imagine we were part of a wild adventure to find safety after our plane was crashed in the ocean off shore.
Later that afternoon we took part of the water volleyball. We had a great time with some other hotel patrons and the resort staff.
Lunch came all to quickly... Some of us headed over to the buffet area for a delightful meal of assorted foods. There was a great variety to choose from including rice, caper fish, spagetti, burgers, salads and a yummy ice cream for dessert.
After lunch we hung out at the beach and took only a brief rest before heading out on the kayaks once more! Quite a few of the team members were caught up in the shops that outlined the beach area. I went in search of a sun dress too. Every seems to have found a perfect dress so I didnt want to be left out! hahahah!
While looking at the different dresses we came across a group of children that were helping their mom sell souvenirs. These children recognized us from Bolans Elementary School! We got caught up playing with these children for a good 20-30 minutes. It was so great to be recognized and to really show them love even at this time when we were not doing the Seeds program.
Before we were to leave we ate from the pool-side grill. We had some great burgers, fried chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches. There was a sitting area up top the grill where Amy, Louise, Keneen, Rees, Joan and Josiah went to eat. As we were finishing up our food there was a sea shell art activity starting. Gezina went to check it out and found that is was only a glue gun and random shells... At first we kinda laughed at the idea but we soon found ourselves surrounding the table and going glue gun crazy! We made some.... ahem, interesting pieces of art as souvenirs or as gifts!
Our day at Jolly Beach was soon ending and we heard some of our team calling us to come and pack up our beach things. Awwwww, the day seemed to slip by all too fast. We were all very flushed from the sun and exhausted from our activities. We boarded the van and headed home for a games night.
We have a busy day on Sunday because we will all be going to different churches. There are three Seeds teams so we are going to three churches to perform our program for the Sunday schools.
-g
We will have the whole day at the all-inclusive resort to play in the ocean and relax by the pool.
Jonathan is picking us up at 9:15am. We will have the buffet lunch and then check the activities that are for that afternoon....
So we arrived at Jolly Beach as scheduled and took in the sights! Its just like off a beach calendar! The breakfast was continental because we came after the buffet breakfast. We enjoyed fresh fruit, biscuits, yogurt and cheese. The activities board was full of things to do. Everyone took turns telling what they would really like to do that afternoon and then we set off to plot a spot on the busy beach until the rest of the adults were done eating. A group of us decided to walk down the beach to see the shops. Some enjoyed the water right away and got busy looking for nice sea shells to take home. The Kayaking was something Gezina, Louise, Amy and I really wanted to do so in the mid afternoon that is just what we did. The kayaking was sooo fun! We ventured all the way to the far side of the beach and started to imagine we were part of a wild adventure to find safety after our plane was crashed in the ocean off shore.
Later that afternoon we took part of the water volleyball. We had a great time with some other hotel patrons and the resort staff.
Lunch came all to quickly... Some of us headed over to the buffet area for a delightful meal of assorted foods. There was a great variety to choose from including rice, caper fish, spagetti, burgers, salads and a yummy ice cream for dessert.
After lunch we hung out at the beach and took only a brief rest before heading out on the kayaks once more! Quite a few of the team members were caught up in the shops that outlined the beach area. I went in search of a sun dress too. Every seems to have found a perfect dress so I didnt want to be left out! hahahah!
While looking at the different dresses we came across a group of children that were helping their mom sell souvenirs. These children recognized us from Bolans Elementary School! We got caught up playing with these children for a good 20-30 minutes. It was so great to be recognized and to really show them love even at this time when we were not doing the Seeds program.
Before we were to leave we ate from the pool-side grill. We had some great burgers, fried chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches. There was a sitting area up top the grill where Amy, Louise, Keneen, Rees, Joan and Josiah went to eat. As we were finishing up our food there was a sea shell art activity starting. Gezina went to check it out and found that is was only a glue gun and random shells... At first we kinda laughed at the idea but we soon found ourselves surrounding the table and going glue gun crazy! We made some.... ahem, interesting pieces of art as souvenirs or as gifts!
Our day at Jolly Beach was soon ending and we heard some of our team calling us to come and pack up our beach things. Awwwww, the day seemed to slip by all too fast. We were all very flushed from the sun and exhausted from our activities. We boarded the van and headed home for a games night.
We have a busy day on Sunday because we will all be going to different churches. There are three Seeds teams so we are going to three churches to perform our program for the Sunday schools.
-g
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Youth Night! Jan 28th
Tonight we went to Potter's Church, the church we usually visit and perform at for Sunday service. we were invited to share some of our presentation and personal testimonies.
The youth leader Robyn (Mrs.Joseph's daughter) started the night with some great pentecostal style worship. We then took part in some great ice-breakers to mix us up with the youth from the church. In the first game we had to identify the different island flags of the carribean. Of course since we Canadians had no idea which flags were what island we needed to pair up with the youth there. I was sitting with a lovely12 year old girl named Ezri James. With her help i took pretty close to second place! Louise won the IcePop prize though...
The youth presented two great performances for us to enjoy! We were so blessed to enjoy the drama and dance they had planned for our delight.
We shared our dowel rod presentation and then some of the team shared testimonies.
It was all so beautiful how the two of our groups really gel'd. Their gathering of youth were so welcoming. We made some great new friends and got to know some of the church people way better.
As we finished the night up we were given ice pops which is the local favorite treat. It is a frozen treat made from assorted juices. The juice is poured into a plastic sandwich bag and frozen. To eat it you simply bite off a corner of the bag.
We were given a ride there and back and man can they drive~!
All in all is was the highlight of my day for sure!
-g
The youth leader Robyn (Mrs.Joseph's daughter) started the night with some great pentecostal style worship. We then took part in some great ice-breakers to mix us up with the youth from the church. In the first game we had to identify the different island flags of the carribean. Of course since we Canadians had no idea which flags were what island we needed to pair up with the youth there. I was sitting with a lovely12 year old girl named Ezri James. With her help i took pretty close to second place! Louise won the IcePop prize though...
The youth presented two great performances for us to enjoy! We were so blessed to enjoy the drama and dance they had planned for our delight.
We shared our dowel rod presentation and then some of the team shared testimonies.
It was all so beautiful how the two of our groups really gel'd. Their gathering of youth were so welcoming. We made some great new friends and got to know some of the church people way better.
As we finished the night up we were given ice pops which is the local favorite treat. It is a frozen treat made from assorted juices. The juice is poured into a plastic sandwich bag and frozen. To eat it you simply bite off a corner of the bag.
We were given a ride there and back and man can they drive~!
All in all is was the highlight of my day for sure!
-g
Friday, January 28, 2011
Day 7 - LAST DAY IN THE SCHOOLS!
Today is friday! Usually i would say TGIf but I am sad as it is our last day performing as the SEEDS team in the elementary schools. Our team will leave at 7:15 am and be going into our last four schools for the day. Gwen will be joining our team today. She will be doing her Granny Pansy skit!
We head out with our driver Jonathan, and as usual we pray before leaving the retreat centre. Today Tony Jones blesses the day and we are off on the winding roads towards Sunnyside Elementary School.
Sunnyside
I remember Sunnyside from two years ago. It is a larger school and we get a great big indoor stage. Aftersetting up we are watching the children all congregate for morning prayers and songs. This is such a blessing ! The children are soooo impressive with there memory of verses, songs and obedience in it all.
We have to do a shortened program here this morning. It all goes very well and then we are off as soon as we had arrived.
T.O.R
This school was just a hop away from unnyside. We arrived way too early so we had a few moments to goof of in the bus. We sang melodies that had the word ``love`` in them! it was a blast! we got to do the T.O.R performance indoors, praise God! This was another shortened program but we fit everything in! we didnt have a lot of time here....
Christian Union
ahhhhh, I remember this school as well! This school is out a church. The Seeds program was done in the sanctuary of the church. The children sand with us and participated so well! we are short for time here yet again and we must pack up quickly to get to the next and final school for the day.
Bolans
Our very last school!
Here we are back at a school we had come to on the very first day here. Unfortunatley we were rained out the first time but we were invited back by the principal. We are to set up right in the mid afternoon`s hot sun. Thank goodness for a breeze!
We are able to to most of the performance.
At this school there is a crazy man wandering around always near the school. I dont know how better to describe his wierd behavior. i have never seen such a crazy man! At first i couldnt tell if he was doing some type of vodoo... he was waving a stick and walking backwards. He would stop momentarily and start speaking crazy. We all prayed in the Power for God to bring in his angels for battle and keep the children and us safe. We realized later that he really just must be crazy. he would mutter things around us and just talk with the children. Amy had asked a teacher why they couldn`t get him to leave and it was because he is a parent of one of the children. We had about 20 minutes here at the school to play and visit. I showed a group how to do the paper cross trick and the rest of the team got pictures and played.
We arrived back at the base at 1:30pm
The plan later is to go to the Potter`s youth group. we will have supper at 5 and then get picked up at 6.
-Grace
We head out with our driver Jonathan, and as usual we pray before leaving the retreat centre. Today Tony Jones blesses the day and we are off on the winding roads towards Sunnyside Elementary School.
Sunnyside
I remember Sunnyside from two years ago. It is a larger school and we get a great big indoor stage. Aftersetting up we are watching the children all congregate for morning prayers and songs. This is such a blessing ! The children are soooo impressive with there memory of verses, songs and obedience in it all.
We have to do a shortened program here this morning. It all goes very well and then we are off as soon as we had arrived.
T.O.R
This school was just a hop away from unnyside. We arrived way too early so we had a few moments to goof of in the bus. We sang melodies that had the word ``love`` in them! it was a blast! we got to do the T.O.R performance indoors, praise God! This was another shortened program but we fit everything in! we didnt have a lot of time here....
Christian Union
ahhhhh, I remember this school as well! This school is out a church. The Seeds program was done in the sanctuary of the church. The children sand with us and participated so well! we are short for time here yet again and we must pack up quickly to get to the next and final school for the day.
Bolans
Our very last school!
Here we are back at a school we had come to on the very first day here. Unfortunatley we were rained out the first time but we were invited back by the principal. We are to set up right in the mid afternoon`s hot sun. Thank goodness for a breeze!
We are able to to most of the performance.
At this school there is a crazy man wandering around always near the school. I dont know how better to describe his wierd behavior. i have never seen such a crazy man! At first i couldnt tell if he was doing some type of vodoo... he was waving a stick and walking backwards. He would stop momentarily and start speaking crazy. We all prayed in the Power for God to bring in his angels for battle and keep the children and us safe. We realized later that he really just must be crazy. he would mutter things around us and just talk with the children. Amy had asked a teacher why they couldn`t get him to leave and it was because he is a parent of one of the children. We had about 20 minutes here at the school to play and visit. I showed a group how to do the paper cross trick and the rest of the team got pictures and played.
We arrived back at the base at 1:30pm
The plan later is to go to the Potter`s youth group. we will have supper at 5 and then get picked up at 6.
-Grace
Day 7- Thursday January 27th
This was yesturday's blog update:
Today we have three schools!
Juni is our driver, we were picked up at 7:30
Greenbay School was a great big school in what is know to be the "tougher" neighborhood of Antigua. The school had a huge student body! Our performance was set to be out in the courtyard. At first when we had started the performance we could feel a heavy spiritual burden upon us. In these areas where such negativity abides Satan has his strongholds. As we brought the Holy Spirit's word in song and prayers the darkness had no choice but to leave. This was a great experience for our team to witness the strengh of God and how we are on the winning side of the spiritual battles around us. We ended up finishing the performance and we even spent extra time praying with the main student counselor.
Bengals Elementary School was another great school. Here we came earlier then expected and were able to play in their big field. Louise and i played many favorite children's games and had a blast! I met JD, a lovely grade one boy who was such a lover and needed closeness. The principal here was a great man of Christ and was singing along with his air bass guitar the whole time!
Overall we had a great performance on the shaded area of the outdoor courtyard. there was great participation from the kids. We were so bless to have the quality time with these students.
St Peter's School was a private school where we had an indoor performance on the upstairs stage. Here the children all squished into one classroom. Everything went very well. The students gave us a great applause and a teacher re-emphasised our lessons with the students. The staff brought us all a snack and a nice refreshing glass of ice water when we were cleaning up our supplies. I met Shenya and Nikita who were two grade 5 girls who i talked with a lot!
Whem we came home I helped with supper which was Meatballs and rice with veggies! Christa has preparred such wonderful meals for the trip that need very little preparation. THANK YOU CHRISTA!
After dinner is our cleanup, sandwich making for the next day's lunches and our nightly devotion. We all shared a highlight, talked about the morning devotional and prayed for day we were given and the day to come. Tomorrow is our last day in the schools... (sad face)
-grace
Today we have three schools!
Juni is our driver, we were picked up at 7:30
Greenbay School was a great big school in what is know to be the "tougher" neighborhood of Antigua. The school had a huge student body! Our performance was set to be out in the courtyard. At first when we had started the performance we could feel a heavy spiritual burden upon us. In these areas where such negativity abides Satan has his strongholds. As we brought the Holy Spirit's word in song and prayers the darkness had no choice but to leave. This was a great experience for our team to witness the strengh of God and how we are on the winning side of the spiritual battles around us. We ended up finishing the performance and we even spent extra time praying with the main student counselor.
Bengals Elementary School was another great school. Here we came earlier then expected and were able to play in their big field. Louise and i played many favorite children's games and had a blast! I met JD, a lovely grade one boy who was such a lover and needed closeness. The principal here was a great man of Christ and was singing along with his air bass guitar the whole time!
Overall we had a great performance on the shaded area of the outdoor courtyard. there was great participation from the kids. We were so bless to have the quality time with these students.
St Peter's School was a private school where we had an indoor performance on the upstairs stage. Here the children all squished into one classroom. Everything went very well. The students gave us a great applause and a teacher re-emphasised our lessons with the students. The staff brought us all a snack and a nice refreshing glass of ice water when we were cleaning up our supplies. I met Shenya and Nikita who were two grade 5 girls who i talked with a lot!
Whem we came home I helped with supper which was Meatballs and rice with veggies! Christa has preparred such wonderful meals for the trip that need very little preparation. THANK YOU CHRISTA!
After dinner is our cleanup, sandwich making for the next day's lunches and our nightly devotion. We all shared a highlight, talked about the morning devotional and prayed for day we were given and the day to come. Tomorrow is our last day in the schools... (sad face)
-grace
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 6 WAKE- E, WAKE- E!
Hello Everyone! I wish you all a very glorious January 27.
Today the sunrise was soooo bright all i could do was close my eyes while facing it and still feel it's splendor! The usual sounds of the Antiguan mornings fill the air; Dogs are barking, chickens are cawing for their breakfast and somewhere down in the valley below there is a continuous buzzer going off. Somehow though, the sound of the wind through the trees and seeing the clouds race through the sky takes my attention.
Today we have 3 schools to perform at and then we will be going to Nelson's Dockyard. Apparently the dockyard is a historical site and now its a tourist attraction. I will fill you in later today.
I want to ask you who are reading this blog to pray specifically for me to encounter a person who will stand out for me to approach and pray with. There is a lot of learning going on here on this trip but specifically I am learning to let God teach me through direct experience versus knowledge then application. I might usually try and feel "ready" to try something out of my comfort zone but with God by our side and the Holy Spirit within us we are always prepared enough for His work.
Tonight I aslo hope to fill in the blog days that i missed on Jan 24th and 25th.
Today the sunrise was soooo bright all i could do was close my eyes while facing it and still feel it's splendor! The usual sounds of the Antiguan mornings fill the air; Dogs are barking, chickens are cawing for their breakfast and somewhere down in the valley below there is a continuous buzzer going off. Somehow though, the sound of the wind through the trees and seeing the clouds race through the sky takes my attention.
Today we have 3 schools to perform at and then we will be going to Nelson's Dockyard. Apparently the dockyard is a historical site and now its a tourist attraction. I will fill you in later today.
I want to ask you who are reading this blog to pray specifically for me to encounter a person who will stand out for me to approach and pray with. There is a lot of learning going on here on this trip but specifically I am learning to let God teach me through direct experience versus knowledge then application. I might usually try and feel "ready" to try something out of my comfort zone but with God by our side and the Holy Spirit within us we are always prepared enough for His work.
Tonight I aslo hope to fill in the blog days that i missed on Jan 24th and 25th.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Jan 26th, 2011
Today was Wednesday! My team was able to sleep in till 7:30 am because we were not leaving the base till 8:30am! yayyyyyy!!!
after recieving my daily devotion from the envelope I sat on the balcony and began to read it. Todays devotion was about "Praise". Praising God and also giving praise to others who are blessings to you.
We heard our drivers pull in the yard and got all of our Seed stuff together for the day. After the bumpy and crammed ride in Juni's van I was soooo glad to have the big bus to take us to the day's schools. Jonathan our driver prayed for the day's journey and presentations and we took off.
Our first school of the day was Sea View Elementary School. Here we were early and got to see the children for a while. I met a few girls who later would help us with the game portion of the presentation. The children were so willing to help us carry all of our supplies... I clearly remember Kenneth, a cute and very kind grade 2 boy.
Pares Elementary School was a great school too! Here we got to spend a bit of first recess with the children before the presentation.
Wilikies Elementary was our third and final school and a memorable event. Here we were greated by the children playing two Calypso songs for us. It was soooo thrilling to hear their talent and dance with the kids!
We met the two other groups at the end of our day to go to Devil's Bridge. Here we see the most glorious sights. The water is soooooooooo blue and the height of the waves is awesome as they crash against the huge cliffs.
We also went to Long Bay Beach in the afternoon. This beach is right next to a resort so there are a lot of vendors to purchase souveniers. We played in the water for a while. The salt water hurts my eyes soooooooo bad. I don't know how everyone could stay in the water so long.
I went for a walk with Louise to check out all the vendors. There was really not alot I wanted to purchase from there. Everything is so expensive and overpriced! Louise and I also ventured over to the close resort for a little adventure...we kinda had to appear that we were supposed to be there or they might have kicked us out!
Tonight we are having our drivers Jonathan and Glennis and their son Madre over for supper. The group has bought a catered meal to experience a real carribean meal. The ladies all wore their new dresses and looked gorgeous! The meal was jerk chicken, macaroni pie, mahi mahi, potato salad rice and beans and a carrot cake delight.
We are having our sharing time together and because our day's devotion was on praise we are going around in our circle and saying an encouraging word. I just love the words that people are sharing with each other! Its so beautiful to see how loving everyone can be and how they are responding to each others' kindness.
Tomorrow we are waking early to do four school presentations so im going to bed!
-grace
after recieving my daily devotion from the envelope I sat on the balcony and began to read it. Todays devotion was about "Praise". Praising God and also giving praise to others who are blessings to you.
We heard our drivers pull in the yard and got all of our Seed stuff together for the day. After the bumpy and crammed ride in Juni's van I was soooo glad to have the big bus to take us to the day's schools. Jonathan our driver prayed for the day's journey and presentations and we took off.
Our first school of the day was Sea View Elementary School. Here we were early and got to see the children for a while. I met a few girls who later would help us with the game portion of the presentation. The children were so willing to help us carry all of our supplies... I clearly remember Kenneth, a cute and very kind grade 2 boy.
Pares Elementary School was a great school too! Here we got to spend a bit of first recess with the children before the presentation.
Wilikies Elementary was our third and final school and a memorable event. Here we were greated by the children playing two Calypso songs for us. It was soooo thrilling to hear their talent and dance with the kids!
We met the two other groups at the end of our day to go to Devil's Bridge. Here we see the most glorious sights. The water is soooooooooo blue and the height of the waves is awesome as they crash against the huge cliffs.
We also went to Long Bay Beach in the afternoon. This beach is right next to a resort so there are a lot of vendors to purchase souveniers. We played in the water for a while. The salt water hurts my eyes soooooooo bad. I don't know how everyone could stay in the water so long.
I went for a walk with Louise to check out all the vendors. There was really not alot I wanted to purchase from there. Everything is so expensive and overpriced! Louise and I also ventured over to the close resort for a little adventure...we kinda had to appear that we were supposed to be there or they might have kicked us out!
Tonight we are having our drivers Jonathan and Glennis and their son Madre over for supper. The group has bought a catered meal to experience a real carribean meal. The ladies all wore their new dresses and looked gorgeous! The meal was jerk chicken, macaroni pie, mahi mahi, potato salad rice and beans and a carrot cake delight.
We are having our sharing time together and because our day's devotion was on praise we are going around in our circle and saying an encouraging word. I just love the words that people are sharing with each other! Its so beautiful to see how loving everyone can be and how they are responding to each others' kindness.
Tomorrow we are waking early to do four school presentations so im going to bed!
-grace
Sunday, January 23, 2011
DAY 3 - SUNDAY
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE!
Ann Sharp had a message from God for the team this morning that was pretty powerful....
WE WENT TO CHURCH THIS MORNING TO PRESENT OUR PROGRAM. 2 TEAMS WENT TO POTTER'S PENTICOSTAL CHURCH AND ONE TEAM WENT TO A MENONITE CHURCH. OUR CHURCH SERVICE WAS 4.5 HOUR LONG!
we loved the service though! what a wonderful difference of worship!
loud and proud!!!!!
our teams did a wonderful job presenting the Seeds program and their testimonies.
we left for home base, Mount Taber Retreat Centre.
lunch was Taco Salad!
this is our last rest day so we napped in the sun and did some messaging to home. later we are having Chicken and rice...and a team meeting.
HEY, I FOUND THE CREME EGGS THAT SOMEONE SLIPPED IN MY BAGGAGE! Sweeeeeet! thanks to whomever did that!
Pray for our teams as tomorrow we start our school ministries!
Jan 23/2011
Ann Sharp had a message from God for the team this morning that was pretty powerful....
WE WENT TO CHURCH THIS MORNING TO PRESENT OUR PROGRAM. 2 TEAMS WENT TO POTTER'S PENTICOSTAL CHURCH AND ONE TEAM WENT TO A MENONITE CHURCH. OUR CHURCH SERVICE WAS 4.5 HOUR LONG!
we loved the service though! what a wonderful difference of worship!
loud and proud!!!!!
our teams did a wonderful job presenting the Seeds program and their testimonies.
we left for home base, Mount Taber Retreat Centre.
lunch was Taco Salad!
this is our last rest day so we napped in the sun and did some messaging to home. later we are having Chicken and rice...and a team meeting.
HEY, I FOUND THE CREME EGGS THAT SOMEONE SLIPPED IN MY BAGGAGE! Sweeeeeet! thanks to whomever did that!
Pray for our teams as tomorrow we start our school ministries!
Jan 23/2011
DAY 2...TO BEACH OR NOT TO BEACH!
WE HAVE TWO DAYS BEFORE WE START OUR MINISTRY IN THE SCHOOLS.
OUR FOOD DID NOT MAKE IT YESTURDAY BUT THEY MADE IT HERE ON ANOTHER FLIGHT. CHRISTA WENT WITH SISTER MARY TO PICK IT UP FROM THE AIRPORT.
WE HAD A GREAT TEAM TIME THIS MORNING. THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS FELT BEYOND MEASURE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME TALKING ABOUT OUR FLIGHT EXPERIENCES AND TALKING ABOUT OUR TIME HERE AT THE ISLAND.
TODAY IS SATURDAY. ONE GROUP IS GOING TO THE BEACH AND ONE IS GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE.
I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE.... I REGRETTED IT! THE PICS FROM THE BEACH LOOKED SO FUN.
WE HAD PRACTICES WITH OUR TEAMS. THERE ARE THREE TEAMS OF EIGHT.
-JAN 22/2011
OUR FOOD DID NOT MAKE IT YESTURDAY BUT THEY MADE IT HERE ON ANOTHER FLIGHT. CHRISTA WENT WITH SISTER MARY TO PICK IT UP FROM THE AIRPORT.
WE HAD A GREAT TEAM TIME THIS MORNING. THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS FELT BEYOND MEASURE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME TALKING ABOUT OUR FLIGHT EXPERIENCES AND TALKING ABOUT OUR TIME HERE AT THE ISLAND.
TODAY IS SATURDAY. ONE GROUP IS GOING TO THE BEACH AND ONE IS GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE.
I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE.... I REGRETTED IT! THE PICS FROM THE BEACH LOOKED SO FUN.
WE HAD PRACTICES WITH OUR TEAMS. THERE ARE THREE TEAMS OF EIGHT.
-JAN 22/2011
Day ONE....UP UP and AWAY!
Day of flights!
We almost missed our 3rd flight
We arrive in ANTIGUA at 8:30pm safe and sound at the Cathlic Retreat Centre. Our food did not make it.
Our team had some awesome opportunities to share their faith with other passengers on flight. Praise God!
We were all very tired and in need of a good night sleep. Lots of us were unable to sleep at all on the way here.
Jan.21/2011
We almost missed our 3rd flight
We arrive in ANTIGUA at 8:30pm safe and sound at the Cathlic Retreat Centre. Our food did not make it.
Our team had some awesome opportunities to share their faith with other passengers on flight. Praise God!
We were all very tired and in need of a good night sleep. Lots of us were unable to sleep at all on the way here.
Jan.21/2011
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