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

Understanding Growth

"Growth demands a temporary surrender of security." -Gail Sheehy

I'm realizing  more and more, the truth to this quote. If I want real growth, I must be stretched beyond my comfort and security. Only when these aspects are stripped away, do I see just how much I must rely on God. Although I'm loving my time here in Jamaica, it is definitely stretching me, and I hope, growing me.

I'm reading, "The Hole in Our Gospel", by Richard Stearns, and my thinking continues to be challenged as it relates to my responsibility to help "the least of these". It is not an option, it is a command. Look at the words of Isaiah 58:6-8,10-11,

"Is not this the fast that I choose;
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

If you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong\;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail."

I have been challenged with these verses, what am I really doing to "satisfy the desire of the afflicted"? Think about it.

This past week, I saw God work in the heart of one of the girls troubled by significant psychological and spiritual problems. The first week, she wouldn't make eye contact, was very anti-social, and burst out in rage  if she was addressed. This past week, she has been much more social, relaxed, and open. Oddly enough, I saw who she really is through playing the card game, "Uno". She picked it up quickly, her competitive spirit came out, and she is now known as, "The Queen of Uno" here at Hebron. During our frequent games, she is open to making small talk, and little by little, letting me into her life. I may not be at the point of discussing heart issues with her, but I am learning to build a trust relationship with her, slowly, but surely. Praise God for her progress!

Saturday, I had the opportunity to go out into the "bush" (the country) of Jamaica, to a small church and be a part of an all-day Abstinence Training Seminar. It was incredible to hear about the current sexual pressure and issues facing Jamaican teens, see the burden the Jamaican Christian high school teachers have for the teens, and observe a variety of activities, statistics, and other methods to help in the presenting and encouraging of abstinence in teens today. Although we know the situation in America today isn't good, I was shocked to hear the stories and facts about the Jamaican youth, where 25% of  all girls are raped as their first "sexual experience". I see how vitally important the work of the Pregnancy Resource Centre of Jamaica and the Hebron House really is. Pray for the funding and provision for these ministries.

Fresh Jamaican Papaya

Roasting breadfruit

Board members of the Pregnancy centre and Hebron House. Christina, the director, is seated on the far right. 

Morning devotions - enjoying God's creation!

Just a glimpse of our neighbor's beautiful flowers.

Potato Pudding and tea, my afternoon treat. 

Good Morning, Baby Simeon!

This is the Hebron House, we have the second and third floors. 

Abstinence Training Seminar

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.