lost and found

I find myself in astonishment at the rapid passing of time as I become increasingly settled here in Jamaica. We, Philip and I, spent our first two weeks staying in the living room of a local friend while we searched for a place of our own. As tomorrow marks the end of our third week here in Jamaica, it also marks the end of the first in our temporary apartment, which we can rent until the end of August at the latest. Even something this temporary is a big relief. We really need our own space. The Apt is a pretty small two bedroom place, but it gives us a staging ground for all the plans we are starting to make. When we were in someone else's house it was difficult to create the proper environment to consult and pray about the work to be done. Not to mentions I had been living out of my Pack for five weeks by the time I had the opportunity to unpack it last week.

Philip is another servant of the Caribbean Initiative. We met at the training in Trinidad, and a week in, when we were all given our assignments, we were asked to be the team for Kingston Jamaica. Since then we have really gotten to know each other very well. I am continuously finding new ways that our strengths balance off of each other, and look forward to becoming a stronger team player.

One of the most significant things that I have been learning about is how to balance having an open heart for everyone I meet, with a level head that doesnt dismiss possible threats. I have always disliked the cold and impersonal nature of cities, but I got a reality check when my pocket was picked my third day in Kingston. I realized what had happened just after, but the thieves were gone. This turned out to be a very cheap lesson, because a man biked up and handed me my wallet about two minutes later. All that was missing was four hundred Jamaican dollars, the equivalent of $5 USDs. This experience left me worried about having to become a robot

whenever I was downtown, and having to change my attitude towards the people I meet.

However, in the weeks since I have been finding a balance I am more and more pleased with. I am finding many ways to cut past the walls people put up as they go about their business, and this has led to a number of very warming conversations. Children are always ready to love and be loved, and they have been a source of joy and inspiration in my short time here. My heart is melting for these people just a little bit more every day, and I think they just might be understanding us a little more

as well.