Greetings from Jamaica friends! We are on day two of our mission here in Jamaica and despite a few obstacles things couldn't be going better. We arrived at the airport at 3:30 A.M. yesterday morning where we were greeted with our first obstacle of checking in. Unfortunately, the process took a bit longer than planned due to a miscommunication on the airports end. However, through the grace of God and some smooth talking from our leadership we were on our way just in time for the 6:05 A.M. flight. Upon reaching Miami things continued to go smooth, and before we knew it we had arrived in Jamaica where we were greeted by Austin, Adam, and Skip, as well as a delicious lunch of coco bread and beef/chicken patties. While recharging with lunch, those who had been handling the action packers through customs joined us bearing the news that the process had gone beautifully, exclaiming that, "It was the most seamless trip through customs we've ever had!" Soon enough our buses arrived and we began our journey to Ocho Rios. Now may I just say that I, along with many other members, have driven the streets of Jamaica many times. However, even with that experience we could not have been prepared for this trip, for as it turns out, the main road was under construction, and therefore meant we had to take the back way. Although Skip and our local drivers did an amazing job handling the roads, and more importantly the other drivers, it was still a pretty trying journey at times. For instance, if you could imagine looking out your window and seeing nothing but a straight drop into trees while at the same time looking up to see a truck bearing down on you, missing you by only inches... well that was our two plus hour trip. Unfortuantely, some people tend to get car sick. I will not go into details but suffice it by saying Austin Gonzalez got an up close look at another's lunch. However, like I said our drivers were amazing to say the least, and overall the trip was a great experience. That said, after about fourteen hours of travel the team reached Teen Challenge. It had never looked more beautiful to us weary travelers, many of who had not slept since the previous day. Once unpacked and settled in we were served a feast which we gratefully consumed. From there we had a chance for a little orientation and some free time which many used to talk and bond before heading off to bed.

The next morning we all woke up thoroughly refreshed, more than we have ever been, to the smells of hot pancakes. After a great meal, we began orientation for the day's events and then continued on to devotions. This year we each have our own devotional to read through and fill out, which many of us are finding to be a great help as we connect with God. Also, we have been encouraged to keep journals of the days events so that we may reflect on the trip in the future. As the day progressed we all split up into our respective groups. The woman visited the woman's orphanage where they gave testimonies and had the chance to encourage some amazing young girls. The men returned to the site of this spring's missions trip where they traveled down "Pastor Darryl Drive" to the site of the water fill that they dug out. The cistern has since been refilled with new clean water. After the said groups returned to Teen Challenge, we all began counting out pills and other supplies to hand out to the patience in the upcoming week. After counting out literally hundreds of pills, some of us more daring folk took a trip to the falls. I must say my friends, waterfalls are perhaps the most beautiful and powerful creations God has given us. On top of this they are so much fun despite the few slips suffered in climbing them. Thanks to our wonderful guide Jermaine, however, we had a blast. All too soon we left the falls and, after another delicious meal prepared by the chef Mello and his helpers, we began our debrief and devotional which was lead tonight by junior leader Adam Gonzalez. He gave a great message on servant hood as he pulled it from John 13 where it teaches us about how Jesus served His disciples through the washing of feet. Once again it was a great message that truly prepared us for the serving that we will be doing in coming days. Alas my friends, the night is growing dark and we must prepare for church tomorrow so till next time, God Bless!