Robin's Nest Day 5

Friends -

Even though today we were scheduled to take the kids to church we started off our day by the pool at Toby's with a devotion around Acts 4:1-20. Everyone looked like they got a much needed night of rest as we didn't have to get picked up until 10:00am. During our devotional time, we talked about how challenging it must have been for Peter and John to take a stand against the Sanhedrin during that time. We talked about the importance of not letting people or situations deter us from doing God's work and following His word.

Today was a blessing as everyone was happy to have our project atthe Nest finished so we could focus on an entire day with the kids. We started our day with the kids at 10:30 church. The kids have moved to a new church where they get more one-on-one time during a Sunday school class that is a little more reasonable time frame for them. Church was so packed on this day that some of us had to sit outside of the main room. it was good to see how passionate some with their worship in Jamaica.

After church, we picked up some treats for the kids and headed down to the beach to spend some much treasured play time with the kids. There was no hesitation as everyone proceeded to jump in the ocean with the kids. After a few hours at the beach, the team ended our time in prayer with the Matt and Joyel Wiley (directors). They are doing an amazing job despite challenges and hurdles they are having to deal with for the entire family. The prayers were welcomed and much appreciated.

Overall, a great experience for all and a blessing for all involved on the team. The team has already expressed a strong interest in wanting to come back. Thanks Woodbury Lutheran for supporting this trip!

Blessings,

Robin's Nest Team

Robin's Nest Day 4

We started out our day with a devotional around Mark 13:32-37..."Ready or Not". We discussed the importance of doing God's work all the time, not just when someone is looking or when you think you should. it is important to ready and watch for opportunities at all times to do God's work. This is especially important as we headed up to the Nest to spend time with the kids. Sometimes God calls us to do his work when no one is specifically looking, which may be an ear to listen to a child that is wanting some attention, etc.

Today was especially gratifying as we were able to finish our project that we started for the Nest. Troy sent before and after pictures of the laundry room project for the Nest to help them better organize the kids clothes for the inside of the house. We ended the day with a nice rain and some quality time with the kids before heading down after a long day to eat dinner together. Everyone is excited for Sunday church with the kids and a much needed full day at the beach with the kids.

Blessings,

Robins Nest Team

Check out the before and after of the closet - Great job team!

Robin's Nest Day 3

Friends -

We started out our day with a daily devotional on Ephesians 4:17-24 "Living as children of the Light". We had a good discussion regarding what everyone pulled from the verses. We discussed the importance of letting things go from our daily lives so we can focus on the kids and helping to bring light into the life of the children, especially some who recently came from a dark place. The experience gained through this trip is also an opportunity for us to try and leave part of our old lives behind as well as those things that way lead us further from a relationship with God.

It was another beautiful day in Montego Bay and the trip up to the Nest never let's you forget how fortunate we are. Upon arriving at the Nest, our team was able to quickly jump back into our projects. This is very helpful for the directors as they are busy with every day life with the kids and really appreciate teams that are self sufficient. Through out the day, the team gets the opportunity to interact with the kids who are not yet in school and anxiously awaits for those kids who are at school. The team worked hard to complete some cabinetry in the laundry room that will help them to be more organized and efficient while also preparing wood for bunk-beds for the next team coming in.

At the end of the day, once the kids came home from school, it is great to see the interaction the team has with the kids. The kids really enjoy a loving heart to play with on the play ground or simply someone giving them some personal one-on-one time to talk and listen. The team is getting to know more kids and has quickly acclimated to the Nest which is a blessing. We finished our day with dinner together at the Jamaican Bobsled restaurant with some fun pictures and good discussion about our day together. Thanks to everyone back home who is praying for the team. We are excited about our Saturday together and a full day with the kids as they are home from school!

Blessings,

Robins Nest Team

Robin's Nest Day 2

Hello Friends -

We started out our morning with a daily devotion by the pool at Toby's Resort from Galatians 1:6-10. This got us focused for our first day as we tried to remember that we are here to serve God and stay true to his word. It is easy to lose focus around why you are on a mission trip when you are out of your comfort zone in a country that is quite different from the comforts of home. This verse helped to start our day on the right foot...thanks Tom!

The team enjoyed the interesting trip up the Nest enduring the bumpy ride up the mountain and taking in the local Jamaican culture. Upon arriving at the Nest, the team did a great job of quickly jumping into projects and getting to work after a breif tour of the Robin's Nest. Troy, Jen, Sherri and I got to work on building some new shelves for them in the laundry room. Les, Sue, Darlene and Peggy measured and cut wood to prepare to build four bunk beds for the Nest.

The kids arrived home from school just in time to re leave us from the long day of labor and provide us all with an outlet to play with the kids. Whether it was playing basketball, soccer, twirling them around or just being there to give them some attention, it was a fitting end to the day. After the journey down from the Nest, we stopped by the hardware store to buy some supplies for our projects and pick up some food at The Pork Pit...a local favorite for Jamaican jerk chicken. Thanks Woodbury Lutheran for your support and we will continue to provide updates along the way.

Robin's Nest Team

Robin's Nest Day 1

The team arrived safely in Jamaica this afternoon, and cleared customs with no problems, a concern as we brought 19 suitcases and boxes in all, 11 filled with quilts, blankets, diapers, shoes, and other items donated for the kids. We made it to the hotel without incident and had a good meal in town. We are looking forward to heading up to the nest in the morning. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support!