Farewell Jamaica!

Well, I can't believe it, but I have been home for a week now. I've been thinking back over my time in Jamaica, my many experiences, and the lessons I learned. My time at Hebron was very special, and I will definitely never forget the wonderful people or the beauty of the tropical island! My mom and I also had a great time together! She relaxed (which doesn't happen very often), experienced the food, church service, beach, and even presented at a school before heading to the airport to come home. 


During my last week in Jamaica, I had the awesome opportunity to meet with two Shared Hope representatives, visiting the country the for a couple days. Not only was I able to share with them some of my experiences at Hebron, but they enthusiastically shared more specifically what Shared Hope does in anti-trafficking. In 2007, they came to Jamaica to conduct intensive research on the issue of the demand for sex. They identified factors that lead to sex trafficking, such as poverty and the break down of the family, and the buyers of sex (mostly tourists in Jamaica). One of the purposes for their visit this time was to update this report and better assess the issue of sex trafficking in Jamaica. The report overview can be found on the Shared Hope website. The report is a bit lengthy, but very informative and helpful! I would encourage you to take a look at it. The direct link to the Jamaica report is: http://www.sharedhope.org/Portals/0/Documents/demand_jamaica.pdf 



Domestically, Shared Hope has also created a "Report Card", assessing or "grading" each state on six different factors related to the issue of sex trafficking. These factors include the prosecution of the pimps and traffickers, the protection for girls who have been trafficked, and the criminalization of sex trafficking. Pennsylvania received an "F" as the grade. That means our state is not doing well at all. On the Shared Hope website, along with the "Report Card", exists recommendations for each state as well. Please check these out as well. I plan on contacting my legislator and getting more involved in seeing my state's grade be changed for the better! Please think about joining me in raising awareness and promoting zero tolerance for child sex trafficking! 


I want to thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and support during my internship! It meant so much to me, and I really believe God used you and your prayers to protect, refresh, and uplift me during my time in Jamaica! 


As I finish up this final blog post, please continue to pray for the Hebron ministry. The actual building that Hebron is located in is for sale. Pray that somehow Christina and Shared Hope would be able to buy the entire building to expand the ministry of Hebron. Pray for the issue of sex trafficking both in Jamaica, and here in Pennsylvania, and I would challenge you to get more involved in the anti-trafficking movement. Contact me at eichelberger.katie@yahoo.com for more information and ways to get involved! 

Jordaine and I, the day she left Hebron to move in with a stable family. 

Christina and the boys, Matthew and Joshua.

Probably my favorite Jamaican sunset. 

Awesome sun!

Since my Mom was there, we had a delicious, gluten-free feast!

Matthew loving my Mom! 

Craft time, thanks to supplies my Mom brought over. 

My Mom sharing for Hebron morning devos. 

Doctor's Cave awesomeness. 

Beach babes! 

True relaxation -getting to paint the beach, on the beach. 

Spiritual encouragement for the students. 

Christina getting her hair braided...quite the process. 

Beautiful children I played with one day for a whole afternoon. 

Before saying good-bye to some of my Hebron sisters. 

As my time here starts to draw to a close, I’ve been thinking back over my Jamaican experiences. I’ve learned so much, and I hope that what I’ve gained will not be forgotten. Spiritual warfare is one of the biggest issues that Hebron is dealing with. Not only have my eyes been opened to how real it is, but God has also been teaching me discernment through it. Theology (some correct and some incorrect), fears, stories, and experiences make up the girls beliefs about Satan and demonic activity. It’s been different, but good, to work through some of their beliefs and ideas by really examining God’s Word for answers, instead of counting on emotional experiences or stories they have heard from others to determine their beliefs.

Several of the girls really desire change in their circumstances and certain areas of their personal life, but when it’s time to put the plan into action, they aren’t willing put the necessary time, effort, and discipline into making the change. They love the benefits that Hebron provides, such as a safe, nice place to stay, good food, and  interaction with those who love and care for them, but act in rebellion and selfishness when chores, housework, school work, or any kind of structure comes into play. It’s difficult and frustrating to watch them go through this, but looking at my own life, I can see I often have the same problem! I want a quick fix, the benefits of a relationship with Jesus Christ, the safety, protection, peace, and joy that comes from God, but when my issues are pointed out and come to the surface, I’m much more reluctant to really work through them. Basically, the issue is with “work”. Work entails action of some kind, instead of passivity. I am reminded of the saying, “Nothing good comes easy.” This is the truth! Not only do the girls need to get this into their heads, but I do too. It’s one of those things I’ll have to remind myself of again and again!

I’m reminded of Hebrews 12: 11, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

I also want to highlight some of the small victories that have taken place recently! One girl just completed her first week of school yesterday. She is in the Front Desk program. Another girl recently got a job at a small restaurant in town, and is learning responsibility as she seeks to care for her 6 month old baby. Another girl successfully spent a week with her father. When she heard he was coming to visit her here, she didn’t even want to talk to him. Not only did she go home for a week, but also, to her father’s amazement, took her church clothes too! Another girl just scheduled her math exam, as she seeks to finish up high school and move on to cosmetology school. Each of these victories brings confidence, healing, and responsibility to the girls!

I’m off to pick up my mom from the airport! So excited to welcome her to Jamaica! 

Balcony sunset. 

New student orientation: Training for the business world. 

Matthew's favorite game. He's the ghost of Hebron. 

Aquasol Beach, Montego Bay. 

Dressed in their Sunday best. 

God's creativity. 

Cuddle time with Matthew. 

Covered in burrs, only wearing one shoe, but LOVING the outdoors. 

Girl's Day presentation at a local school. 

Jamaican junior highers. 

The children of Jamaica are beautiful, full of smiles, big personalities, dreams, and ambitions. Hearing the stories of the girls at Hebron, I am greatly reminded how one’s childhood experiences play a huge role in their growth, processing, and the developing of their beliefs, opinions, and deep soul needs. Issues that are faced in the teen and adult years often stem from childhood, whether it’s good or bad, pleasant or traumatic experiences.  If a traumatic experience isn’t dealt with in the right way, the more it can affect one’s future thoughts, words, and actions.

One girl has been running away from home, from anything stressful, since she was eight years old. She is now 19, and continues to run. Her patterns and thoughts are ingrained, and even though it’s definitely possible, it’s challenging for her to correct her thinking. Another girl still deals with feelings and lies of rejection that stem from her mother leaving her when she was four years old.

I say this because I've been reminded just how important it is to show compassion, kindness, love, and joy to the children around us. We play a part in forming who they will become one day, and we know the truth of God’s Word. Let us speak this truth, this life, this joy into their lives. While at times the babies and toddlers here are fussy, loud, demanding, and even annoying, I have to remember that I must treat these little ones with love and patience. I’ve also noticed how much they are always watching- observing the tone of voice, facial expressions, and actions of the “big people” around them. May our examples be that which inspires and influences children to be defined by grace, humility, and compassion for others.


Mark 10:13-16 says, 
"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." 


May I follow the example of Jesus in caring for the children around me! 


I have just about three weeks left in Jamaica! Thank you so much for your prayers, they mean so much to me! Please keep praying both for me and the ministry of Hebron House. 


Here's a glimpse of the children of Jamaica:

Baby Jordan (6 months) is all smiles!

Enjoying sports day, on the soccer field below Hebron. 

Aunty Pryce and Simeon (9 months) dancing. 

Student at Mount Alvernia Girls School listening attentively to Christina. 

Tiny Feet. 

She could hardly stand still enough for me to take this picture! So much energy!

Distracted by the fish on Sports Day. 

My adorable dinner partner at the Good Friday Passover dinner. 

Christina and Simeon on an early morning walk. 

Matthew tries out the shades at the beach. 

Coming alive after being buried in the sand by Jamaican kids and a Canadian lady hahaha. 

Tiny hands looking for help. 

The Year of Jubilee

So, I found out yesterday while talking to Christina, the director, that 2012 is the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence from the UK in 1962. Because of the anniversary, this year has been declared the Year of Jubilee in Jamaica. Having no idea of this until yesterday, I couldn't believe it, since I named this blog, "Jamaican Jubilee". Crazy. 

Well, this past week has been filled with new experiences, lessons to learn, and further growth and understanding. I was reading Psalm 28, and verse 8 caught my attention. It says, 

"The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed." 

This word refuge struck me as I thought how the Hebron House is a refuge to these girls. Refuge - a source of shelter or protection. The more I get to know the girls, I see much of their lives have been void of any shelter or protection. One girl has been running away since she was eight years old. Both of her parents are dead. She has no where to turn, no where to run, and so she has found refuge at Hebron and in a relationship with God. God is our refuge and strength, and He has provided Hebron to be a practical refuge to fragile and hurting girls. 

Thursday I accompanied Christina to a high school where she presented on the value of abstinence and the consequences of sexual immorality to the student body. This was an awesome learning opportunity to see the information she presented, the interaction with the students, and the processing of the students' young minds. Unexpectedly, when she was finished speaking, she invited me to speak to the students! I definitely hadn't prepared anything to share, but the students seemed to pay attention when I was speaking- probably more because I'm a "foreigner", than the content of what I shared, but I praise God for giving me a chance to share some of my testimony and encourage them to make wise decisions in their lives!

After returning to Hebron, it was time for Gift Basket Making 101. Angela, the gift basket expert, patiently taught all of us how to make gift baskets - covering the basket in material, adding lace, beads, and flowers for decoration, and filling the baskets with goodies, all with the purpose of selling them to bring in some income for the house and for the girls. After finding out that a basket could be sold for $4,000 JA (about $35), their faces lit up, and they poured their time, energy, and creativity into crafting beautiful baskets. My job mainly consisted of manning the glue gun, since none of them had ever seen one before. 

Yesterday I finally had my first Jamaican beach outing! I spent the day at Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, and was just amazed at the beauty and contrast of the perfect turquoise water, the palm trees, and the bright yellow, red, and blue umbrellas planted in the soft, tan sand. I'm pretty sure I could go there every week for the rest of my life and not get tired of it. 

At this point in my time here, I have 4 weeks left. Please pray that I would use the rest of my time here wisely - to be "making the most of every opportunity" I have with the girls. I'm seeing how the false beliefs they hold to have impacted them negatively, and how they are struggling to replace this with truth. Pray that they would see the truth of God's Word, and apply it practically to their lives. Thank you for your prayers!

My favorite place at Hebron.

Another Montego Bay sunset. 

Roadside wares. 

Devon House ice cream...so good!

Speaking to high school students. 

Jamaican high schoolers. 

Gift Basket making

The finished products (without the goodies)

Early morning group devo's under the tree. 

Jamaican life.

More beautiful flowers. 

My umbrella for the day - Doctor's Cave beach. 

Sooo clear!

Doctor's Cave

Doctor's Cave