Wednesday in Harmons……
Today we worked a half a day on our service project and then spent the second half of the day at the infirmary in Clarendon. Today has been a difficult day because it is Kierstyn’s birthday and I miss her very much. All day long I have been reminded of Kierstyn and her love. Honey, I hope you are having a wonderful day. Connie Hill says Happy Birthday also. If any one reads this please call Kierstyn and tell her I miss her and love her and I wish her a happy birthday. 816-228-6352.
This week I have been working on a wonderful project for the community of Harmons. It is a fishery that will allow the Won by One community to raise fish to create one more source of income and jobs for the community. Everything that Won by One is trying to do down here involves equipping the Jamaican people in some way. The work has been very hard and labor intensive. As I am sure that others have written we are digging out the ground where the fish tanks will be place on the next trip in February hopefully. The red clay is very hard and does not want to play along very well. It is a good lesson for me because God is using it for me to realize that I am very much the same way. God is working hard on me this week and growing my faith every day. I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support for us this week. The letters of encouragement have been wonderful and timely.
On a lighter note, I did over hear someone say that it is snowing in Kansas City heavily and that the kids may be out of school. I hope everyone is safe and doing ok with the bad weather. I can’t say that I miss the cold. It has been sunny/ partly sunny and in the mid 80’s all week.
Jason Dillon
Eph 2:1-10
Wednesday January 19, 2011
I cannot believe we are now on the downside of our trip … This week goes by way to fast. Driving into Harmons this year was not quite the same as last year. I knew what to expect, but I could not wait to get there to see the ones that I left behind last year. I could not wait to find out what our Service opportunities were going to be each day. I could not wait to love on the people of Harmons, the people in the infirmary. We have worked very hard this week. Building a house for Gregg – hauling maul, slinging mud – tiring, dirty and yet so very rewarding. We also have done work up at the Greenhouse, another exhausting day of work, but super rewarding (I can’t wait to come back next year and see the progress on the Greenhouse). Today being Wednesday is a day I look forward to … On Wednesday we go to the infirmary. Last year, I blogged about Mr. Bailey, who touched my heart in such a way that I could never put into words. This year when I returned Mr. Bailey was still there, I was so excited to see him. I went and sat with him and again read to him his favorite scripture, Mark 15 and then we visited. I shared with Mr. Bailey that the braclet I was wearing was a reminder for me to pray for him everyday and I now wanted him to have it and I placed it on his wrist. I prayed with Mr. Bailey and visited with several other men, Leonard, Banna, Anson, Garvey each time keeping my eye on Mr. Bailey. When it was almost time to leave – he sat and sang a song for us with tears in his eyes, mine and those around me it was time to say good bye one more time for one more year. My time in Harmons is my most favorite time of the year, my most rewarding, my most challenging. God has broken me this week, he is emptying me of the things that are hindering me from moving forward and He is slowly filling me back up. I am trying to stay in His presence. I am trying to see value and give value, to get out of me what God has put in me, to spread His love to those around me, to see as He sees, to be His hands and His feet, to be present in His sight. Before coming out and writing this tonight – Olivia ran across a scripture written on the bottom of the bunk beds that fits perfectly … We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up (Romans 15:1-2). That scripture fits perfect not only for the time we have in Jamaica and not only for we who are in Jamaica, but for all of us. Less of me Jesus, more of you … None of me Jesus, all of you.
Broken, Emptied and Being Filled,
Love from Jamaica,
Joanna (Ps. 16:8)
Good Morning, Jason
ReplyDeleteI have worked in clay soil before and it is "Life Changing". I pray that you will be a person changed by God and always remember He can mold all of us into His Perfect Image. Not that we'll ever be perfect, but we can do so many things to glorify Him. Keep up the good work, enjoy every minute of your time in Harmons and let God mold your heart as only He can do. Know that so many people are praying for you!
Dear Joanna, What a touching blog. I don't think I'll ever forget it. Thanks for not only touching Mr. Bailey and his friends, but also touching all of us reading your blog. I pray that God would use me, as he is using you, in ways that glorify Him. Thank you for the beautiful image of God's Love! May God Bless you and FILL you to overflowing!
ReplyDeleteJoanna, Even with the joy I got from your blog, I found myself in tears. I still haven't received the piece I desire when it comes to the Infirmary. I just thank God, that you have created a smile and a presence of love that will last a very long time. My memory failed me, because I thought we went on Thursday, so my blog to the students came a day late. Thank you for being an apprentice to Christ. I am sure alot of the residence of the Infirmary felt like Jesus himself wa there that day. Continue to pray with me Psalm 13. It was a verse given to Jeremy W. last year from a beautiful and gentle man, during or time there @ the Infirmary.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your hearts with us. We continue to pray for each of you on this journey that God has prepared. Please tell Joey, that our Lauren asked to pray for him tonight (in her 2 year old way). She expects to see him on "Tuesdays". God bless each of you!
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