New Experiences

I am becoming fully immersed in the Jamaican culture! Friday we went to the clinic with the two pregnant girls, where I learned what patience really looks like. We were there for 7 hours as they took their time registering the patients and giving examinations and a presentation to all the pregnant mothers. And to think, I can hardly wait 20 minutes for doctor's appointment at home! 

Saturday included my first trip to the market! Wow, was I overwhelmed! Every step I took was accompanied by people pressing in from every side, trying to sell me something, boys speeding by on carts loaded with fruits and vegetables, cars trying to squeeze down the pathway, and the hot Jamaican sun beating down on my back.  It was crazy, and I'm not sure I could have survived it without having two of the girls with me, but I loved the new experience. The girls can't believe that we don't have "market" like this in America. 

My first Sunday at a Jamaican church was extremely "lively" as they like to describe it. Definitely goes beyond any church I have been to in America! I'll write more about the church service when I have some pictures to help explain it. 

Sunday evening, I was reading out on the balcony, and one of the girls came out to sit by me. She picked up my book, and proceeded to read it. I was astonished as she struggled through the first sentence, and for the next 20 minutes, I was able to help her sound out words, explain their definitions, and assist her in reading 2 pages of my book. She is 15 years old, and 4 months pregnant. Not only did I realize what a blessing it is to know how to read, to have the blessing of a great education, but I also thought, "Here's a young girl, who struggles with understanding words like 'consumer', 'weight', and 'evangelical', but is on her way to bringing a child into this world." Wow. 

As I become more settled here at Hebron, I have noticed the significant level of spiritual warfare involved. These girls come in, all with different backgrounds, trauma, addictions, experiences, issues, personalities, and needs. It's not easy for them to adapt to being in home with each other, with expectations, guidelines, and the Word of God spoken daily to them. Christina, the director, believes each girl needs healing and help in five key areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and psychological. I see the girls battling, much of this in their minds, against each other, against authority, against God, and even against themselves. I believe all desire change in their lives, but following through with change is painful and hard. I see how absolutely crucial it is to be spending time in God's Word and in prayer, not simply everyday, but multiple times throughout the day. It's the only way those working with the girls will be able to respond to them with patience, gentleness, and kindness. Please pray for everyone at the Hebron House, both those in leadership, as well as the residents. Praise God that His presence is here, that He is more powerful than the evil that wishes to keep these girls ensnared! 

As I finish up this post, I want to let you know that I have been given the opportunity to lead a Bible study focusing on our identity in Christ to the girls. Would you pray for me, as I work to prepare this, that I would be in step with what God wants me to share with the girls. 

As promised, here's the first small batch of pictures: 

Baby Simeon sleeps while Aunty braids his hair. 

What an encouragement, especially working with girls in need of deliverance!

View from my bedroom window. 

Jamaican pumpkin, grown in the back yard! 

Montego Bay sunset, view from the balcony of Hebron. 

The result of a busy day at market.