He Called, We Went- Jamaica 2014

It had always been a dream of mine to go overseas and serve long-term in some form.  Little did I know, it would come at the most “inconvient” time for me.  Since being in the Social work program my classmates and I had been pushing for an International Senior Practicum Placement.  Many places we pursued had fallen through, until finally my professor and along with a group of students took a week mission trip to Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  They all fell in love with the place and began working the logistics toward sending students there for their Senior Practicum.  I was really excited about this opportunity, but in the back of my head I truly felt that it was going to fall through.  Our professor wanted at least two of us to do this type of practicum together, so I kept trying to persuade my classmates to go with me. However, everyone who once wanted this opportunity had already been placed into practicums in the US.  After a specific series of events, my friend Serena decided she wanted to pursue the children's home for her practicum!  She felt God leading her to take a risk and travel out of the country for her placement!  From that moment on, we continued praying and talking to the administration about making this happen.  

Throughout the craziness of seeking approval from all of the necessary people our school, there was a battle going on within me.  When things started falling into place, I wasn’t sure if this was what I really wanted to do.  I had just started dating the love of my life that previous May, and now it being September I would have to decide if I wanted to be gone for 3 months.  I thought it would just be easier if I stayed here and did my practicum close to home so that I could get a job there after graduation.  Zack and I had a big trip planned the first week of January and I had a pretty good idea he was going to propose to me, so the thought of planning a wedding overseas, didn’t seem very practical.  With this big of a decision ahead, there arose so many excuses and fears that doing their best to control me.  Our professor told us to spend time in prayer and seriously talk with each other to make sure this was the adventure and commitment we wanted to pursue together.  We knew we both wanted to go but fear was getting the best of us.

Then, late one night, when we had been going back and forth on whether we should go tell them our final “yes” that we really wanted to do it.  (I kept telling Serena, “let’s just wait a couple days”.)  That night I opened one of my Bibles that I rarely used and I saw some writing on one of the pages, so I flipped to that page to see what it said.  As I read it I was instantly speechless.  In a big way God said, “GO”, and I had to listen. God showed up in that moment and spoke clearer than He had ever spoken through this scripture.  As I shared this scripture with Serena, through tears of what was happening, we both sat crying, in awe of God. 

 

As we began that journey there was a truth that, the lyrics of Hillsong’s song, “Oceans”, resonated deep within us.  We had no idea what was ahead of us or what the next 3 months would look like, but we knew had we to trust in our King.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.”

He called and we went.   A year ago today, I was sitting on an airplane with one of my dearest friends about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of my life.  We were plunging into 3 months that would forever change our hearts.  

We arrived late that afternoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica where we were taken up a long and bumpy mountain to Robin’s Nest Children’s Home.  A home where 30 children resided with numerous people working together to give these kids the best home possible.

Overwhelmed, nervous, excited, and unsure of what we were getting ourselves into, Serena and I dove face-first into loving the people of Jamaica.  

Every morning, we were awoken at the crack of dawn by laughing and playing toddlers outside our window.  Some days we had running water, some days we didn't.  Some days we spent the whole day at the preschool, some days we played with the babies all day.  Some days we worked on our research project for school, and some days we helped the older kids with their own homework.  Every single day was a unique adventure, you never knew what your days would hold.  It was a life changing experience that has my heart captivated by the people of Jamaica.  As our one year mark come and goes, I think back on where I was at this time last year and I'm continuously reminded of these children's faces.  I can see them giggling, crying, playing, loving life, and all of it is engrained in mind.  

Please join me in supporting Robin's Nest.  They are currently raising money to drill a well for a permanent solution for their water shortage problem. Read here for more information and please consider donating to help Robin's Nest provide the best home for the children living there.  Help Robin's Nest Drill a Well


                                 
                                     

I'd also like to give a special "Thank you" to everyone who supported me through my time at Robin's Nest.  Please keep the children, staff, and volunteers in your prayers as the work continues the long process of finding forever family for these children.  Because everyone needs family.