jamaica trip...

posted by Ashley

Hi everyone!
It seems like it's been forever since I've blogged! So much has happened since my last post. The most important event was a mission trip to Jamaica with our college group at Adventure Community Church. There aren't enough words to describe just how incredible this trip truly was and how much my life was impacted by the people there. It was astonishing for me to see how little the people of Jamaica have, with regard to material possessions, and yet they are some of the happiest people I've ever met! While we were there, our group was in charge of leading VBS (Vacation Bible School) for Parrytown Church in the mornings and Ocho Rios Baptist Church in the afternoons. The kids at both churches immediately began talking with us, hugging us, and playing soccer with us (which is called football in Jamaica). So many kids do not have both parents living with them, which was heartbreaking for me to realize. These children just wanted to be with someone who would love them unconditionally and really care about them. Oh, and of course, all the girls wanted to play with our hair! Literally, for two hours straight, the girls at Ocho Rios Baptist Church twisted, braided, and "pony-tailed" my hair. I probably lost about 1/3 of my hair from all the tugging, and my scalp was really sore that night, but it was so much fun!


Having gone with Praying Pelicans Missions, I thought we would be eating PB&J sandwiches, or American food the whole time, but we were able to consume LOTS of delicious Jamaican food. Our first meal was jerk chicken, coleslaw, and sweet bread (it tasted a lot like funnel cake). We also ate a lot of fresh fruit, like mangos, papayas, and watermelon :) We even got to drink coconut milk! To be honest, it tasted like warm water (hardly any flavor!), but I was so excited to get to try some local fruits!


Overall, this mission trip really opened my eyes to the needs of those in other countries. God used this experience to help mold me and show me just how blessed I am to live in the United States. It makes me realize that more is expected of those who have more to offer ("From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" Luke 12:48b). The entire experience in Jamaica was truly life-changing!
I hope you all have a wonderful day & I'll see you back here on Thursday!

Jamaica bound...

posted by Ashley

Happy Thursday, friends!

I am definitely looking forward to a long holiday weekend! I wanted to share a little today about an upcoming missions trip I will be going on along with my husband and our college group at church. The whole idea about going on a missions trip started when Nate and I attended NYWC (National Youth Workers Convention) in Los Angeles last fall. During our down time, we were perusing the youth workshops and were approached by a young man from Praying Pelican Missions who asked us, “When was the last time your church went on a missions trip?” Nate and I looked at each other and both realized that our church has never done a missions trip, especially not an international one. It was at that moment when we both realized that our church would never do one unless someone stepped up to the plate and took initiative. So, with conviction and excitement in our hearts, Nate began planning the trip and Just Beyond (our college ministry) was 100% on board with the idea. Over the past few months, we have done all types of fundraisers (such as selling DELICOUS cinnamon buns during our church services, a giant yard sale, and helping a family move). Below are some photos from our incredibly successful yard sale. It’s truly amazing to see how much support we are receiving and we are all so encouraged by this. We are 100% funded and we leave for Jamaica on July 10th.





As I prepare for this adventure, I can’t help but realize just how blessed we are here in America. The national gross income per person in the United States is over $33,000 whereas Jamaica’s national gross income per person is close to $5,000. That difference is astounding! My expectation for this trip is to serve the people of Jamaica, but I am certain I will return different than when I left. I think there are times when you must get out of your cozy, comfortable lifestyle and immerse yourself with those who are less fortunate in order to gain perspective. This will be my very first international trip, so I’m not sure what to expect and I’m a little nervous about what may come, but I’m also expectant that great things will happen as we serve and love the people there. Please keep our team of 12 in your thoughts and prayers the week of July 11th, especially Nate because this is his first time leading a missions trip (and an international one at that!). I will definitely be bringing my camera, so expect lots of photos when I return!

Have a wonderful day! See you back here on Tuesday!