Montego Bay Jamaica
This past week I had the opportunity to visit an orphanage while I was in Jamaica with my family on vacation. When we got off of the boat and headed into town we were bombarded with kind offers for rides in taxis all around town. We were also greeted with “Ya Mon” and friendly faces. I felt at home right away. I loved the busyness and similarities to Haiti.
Teddy, our personal driver for the day, picked up my family (including my mom, dad, sister, aunt and grandparents) and we headed into the “real” Jamaica. We went far away from the cruise ship owned tourist shops and traps. We got to Robin’s Nest, an orphanage, and we met Michelle a great grandma-like lady who is originally from Minnesota. She showed us around her place and told us about her ministry. She told us about the joy she has found living far away from home with children who she has made her own. I had fallen…
After our tour we got to go and play with the kids. I noticed that a lot like in Haiti, these kids would rather be held than played with. In the process of an hour three children had fallen asleep in the arms of my grandparents and my mom. The children loved to be loved.
We were only able to stay for only two hours at Robin’s Nest, but in those two hours transformation happened in the hearts of my family and in me. We left and my family was already talking about what they could do for the kids at Robin’s Nest…how we could send presents at Christmas and Thanksgiving and it went on and on. It was so amazing! Shopping the rest of the day was a challenge for me, walking back on the fancy cruise ship was a challenge for me as well, but knowing that I had been changed and that my family had seen God working in the life of Michelle and 26 little orphans I was restored.
Laura
4 Comments:
Laura,
That is awesome that you got to share such an amazing experience with your family. Your servant heart continually inspires me...
love, joEE
Laura,
Your leadership led Mor Mor & me to the real Jamaica - an experience in itslef - we would not have experienced without your guidance. It reminded me of my bicycle trip in the countryside of Japan some 52 years ago.
The experience we had after that was truely awesome. The interaction with the little ones was truly moving - never have we seen young ones that really didn't want to play - but - just wanted to be held and loved even if by strangers.I am sure they get a great deal of love from Michelle and staff but they love to get it from outsiders also.
The sad look the little girl who came to the back of the line had when there was no one to pick her up will never be forgotten. I only wish my physical strength would have allowed me to pick up a second child. Luckily some one else did..
Michelle's giving of all she has to help these unfortunate ones is almost unbelieveable. Her attiude of "Our God always provides". "When we seem to be running low and will soon run out of food - It's always there"
Robin's Nest is certainly clean and full of love for all in need. We have thought of them throughout the rest of our unbelievable vaction and now in our return to normal day to day life.
What a great God we have to bring this all to our attention. Thanks be to God.
Mor Mor & Papa
Laura,I just read your post about Jamaica. What an awesome experience! You absolutely amaze me. I get chills when I read your experiences...along with the rest of the Latreia team. I guess I lived a pretty sheltered life, but I do so enjoy reading about someone else's. You and the rest of the team write with such feeling and descript words, it is easy to imagine being there. It is amazing the God we have...and I thank Him for people like you who can share their love with those less fortunate so they too, may come to know Him or just the feeling of being wanted. God bless and keep up the good work!
Sherri PS. Are you with the crew in Canada???
Hi Laura,
I just read about your experience in Jamaica , at Robin's Nest. I was there myself in February of 2005, and I loved it soo much. I would love it if you could write to me and tell me how things are going there. My e-mail is jdyck18@hotmail.com if you could contact me ! thanks so much!
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