I have one more week in Jamaica before I have to say see you later to my love. Nothing went as planned during this time but, the faithfulness of the Father through our amazing friend was very evident. We had planned to go off for our honeymoon but, that didn’t happen because family expected us to spend Christmas with them so we cut the honeymoon short and did that.
Author: jane.palmer
Week 3: Birthday and Wedding
So I have been in Jamaica for a week now and the time to the big day is fast approaching, but first my birthday. I know, who picks the same month as one’s birthday and holiday to get married? Here is the thing, I didn’t grow up receiving or giving gifts really so even though it is fun and I exchange gifts more now that I’m an adult it’s not that big of a deal. What is important thought is getting together as a family sharing a meal and just hanging out which is exactly what we did this Christmas.
My birthday was on Monday December 18th and our wedding would be on the 22nd. I spent my birthday with Oneil traveling to get friends from the airport. Beth (best friend/maid of honor) and family would also be flying in for the wedding on that day. Oneil and I were going to tag along with my nephew to meet Beth and Bryon at Montego Bay airport then drive back with them, we didn’t want them traveling alone due it it being their first time in Jamaica. That didn’t happen so we stayed in May Pen and went to the hotel to welcome them there. They arrived safely and we got to spend a little time with them before heading back home to Blackwood’s which is about and hour from the hotel.
The following day the rest of the wedding parting and friends would be flying in for the wedding. We made two trips to the airport due flight times being different and not close enough to pick up everyone at once. Abby came late afternoon and was picked up by Oshane (nephew), Derol (brother), Oneil and I. We went to a restaurant by the beach and had some lunch while we awaited Shannon who would be flying in from Hati. We picked up the rest of the crew that evening after dropping Abby and Shannon off at the hotel. We hug out with the gang on the 20th and took them to see the reception venue on foot because with thought it wasn’t too far from the hotel and we’d take a nice not so long walk. It turned out to be a lot further than we thought. They were troopers and serviced the adventures trek.
We had the rehearsal and heading back to my house for dinner and chill time. The big day is here. The pastor had been adamant about us not being late for the wedding. Nerissa (mom), Beth (maid of honor) and I got ready at the hotel and was at the church at 1:30PM. Turns out the groom had yet to arrive and no one could get a hold of him. An hour and a half later he arrived, needless to say people including the pastor was upset and asking me questions I didn’t know the answer to. He came and the show went on, my amazing maid of honor and friends kept me sane during the hour and a half wait. I thought the bride was supposed to keep the groom waiting/sweating and not the other way around. All I cared about was him getting there safely so we could get married and start our lives together. The enemy had been against us from the beginning but, when God says yes no weapon form against us will prosper. We are and will continue to be victorious through Christ.
Week 2: Jamaica Bound
Seeing each other for the 1st time in 5 years
Jamaica!
I flew out Monday, December 11th and started the trek to Jamaica. Three flight and a delay later I made it and was reunited with my love and family.
Week One: Pregnancy Resources
Week one of my first Sabbatical ever! I got to serve at Pregnancy Resources this week. I spoke to Chris who is in charge of the volunteers and staff. She has worked there for 12 years and loves what she does. I began the task of removing files 4 years or older to be archived. I got a tour of the facility on my second day and got to learn a bit more of what they do. Every person that comes in for a service gets to be prayed over, they get there baby’s first gift (a bear) if they have a positive pregnancy test and is shown the loves of Christ thought theses amazing people. They give formula to moms for their babies, offer classes and so much more.
I went into this serve opportunity not necessarily knowing what I would be doing for the week, but simply wanted to be of help in any area of need. The need was filing paperwork. That is not glamorous and I am not one that like to be in the spotlight, so that was totally okay with me. However, part of me struggled with the purpose in it, what significant difference an I making moving files from one place to another. Does that sound like Jesus? No it does not, so I asked him to give me His perspective on this seemingly insignificant task.
He showed me that He was using me to help the volunteers and staff have more time to pray with and over the people they serve, find file more easily, because they don’t have to fight through all the files that shouldn’t be there and make room to serve more people in our community. It was good to be reminded that it is not about me. My heart is greatful.
Next time you hear from me I will be reporting from Jamaica! I fly out on Monday morning, I welcome your continued prayers for favor and that all goes well. Blessings!