Day 2

Day 2:  July 16, 2013.  Sweat Equity:  Today the Good Lord provided us plenty of sunshine and really hot temperatures to boot.  Working in those white suits (and goggles) adds an additional layer of heat and perspiration (I think about ten degrees, and the goggles steam up to boot)!  Lots of extra water breaks were needed today to keep us all hydrated.  Progressive work has been done nonetheless.  Everyone here has been pitching in to get whatever work needs to get done-gets done!  We have gone thru two dumpesters full of materials that have had to be discarded.

Today-Stories of parents lifting babies above rooftops, people trying to assist one another in the past of the storm using whatever means they could do to help each other out-including using literal clothelines to go from rooftop to rooftop to reach higher ground.  Fires that firemen could not put out because of this massive storm and the flooding that followed as well as sand that is still in some of these structures.  Many stories to be told by those who remained behind-choosing to remain in their homes.  Some people died in their homes-including a mother who had gone to her basement to retrieve Christmas presents while the father of the house and children remained in the upper floors of the home.  This is just part of the human part of this mission.  People taking care of people.  Christians helping those in need and lending a listening ear when needed.  One can still feel the emotion felt when these people open up to us.

We are fed very well.  Last night, chicken with mashed potatoes, veggies, and salad.  Tonight we had tacos with all the trimmings.  These meals have really helped to replenish our bodies after a long day, working in heated conditions, and without electricity.  Showers are also very welcome at the end of the day as well.

Tonight we attended a prayer service at First Presbyterian Church here in Jamaica.    We just got back from the church service.  It really reminded me that we need to let us serve the Lord as he served us.  Serve the Lord with all your might!  Use me, Lord and show US your way-the way you have us do them..  Those with ears, listen and hear what He says.  Those with eyes-open our eyes to see what He would have us do-and then like the Nike commercial says, Do it!   And to open our hearts, with a willingness to serve.

Mark 3:(35):  "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother"