Christmas in Jamaica

Well, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! I hope you've had a very blessed time with friends and family. Here at New Vision we have had a wonderful time. Busy, but wonderful. Thankfully, we had many donations this year to provide Christmas for 25 children. We are very grateful for that! We did our best to make sure every child got at least one thing they asked for...Not an easy task. But, we did our best. In the end, they were all very happy.

The children have been out of school since Dec. 17th, and will return on Jan. 5th, so keeping them busy has been a task. We were invited to a local Christian Retreat Center for a Happy Birthday Jesus Party. There were games, bounce-a-bouts, and gifts for all the kids...not to mention CAKE! We also went to the beach, and then for a visit to the City of Refuge in the Kingston area. The kids had so much fun! On the way home, Dulcie and I picked up pizza from Domino's for a pizza party. That was a great treat...thank you Mr. & Mrs. Brown! The kids have taken turns going to town with us to run errands and prepare for Christmas. It's hard to keep track of who's turn it is to go!

On Christmas Eve, the Children all went into town for "Grand Market". That's when all the stores and all the vendors line the street for a night on the town. There are literally thousands of people who come out! (We stayed home and made cookies!) The kids went early as to avoid the "party" scene that comes later in the night. They were given money to spend on their name exchange and had fun shopping for each other! Most of the teens spent their allowance on snacks! (typical teenagers!)

Christmas morning the kids opened their stockings. We had lunch in our new dining room for the first time and then opened Christmas presents! What a sight! 25 kids opening presents all at the same time! Our home church, Freedom House in Trenton, Ohio, sent blankets for all of the kids. They each got a different design and all of them LOVED them! Thank you Freedom House! It does actually get cold enough here to cover up with a blanket or two at night!

After lunch clean up, we watched Kung Fu Panda on the "big screen". A missionary friend lent us his video projector and we used the wall in the new dining area. Later that night we watched the Nativity Story and the next night we watched Prince Caspian. It was a real treat to be at the "movie theatre", without the trip to the actual theatre...and the cost! Thank you Denny & Debbie Seler!

We still have one more week of Christmas break, but we are planning a Sports Day on New Years Day, so that should be fun! For now they are enjoying their new toys and gifts. Thank you to all who sent gifts or money to help us out! God has been good to us and we look forward to what He has for 2009. God bless you all. Have a very Happy New Year!

Digicel Fun Day

Here are some pics of a fun day the local cell phone company held for kids ages 6-13 in children's homes. It was totally free and a lot of food! We also got to meet a Jamaican Hero...Usain Bolt, Olympic Gold Medalist and World's fastest man. It was a great time and the kids had a blast. The also received a Christmas gift from Santa and a bag of goodies from Digicel.







 
 
 
 

New Baby in the House!

Well, we have some great news! We have a new baby in our house. You may be saying, "Aw, more kids!?" But alas, not a new kid...a new PUPPY! Yes, we have finally given in to our children after 2 years of hounding us for a dog. One of our staff members knew of someone who had puppies and volunteered to get us one. Since it was Thanksgiving week and I knew we'd be gone both Thursday and Friday, I asked that the dog be delievered on Saturday. That would give us plenty of time to prepare for her arrival. Well, as Dulcie and I were driving home from Kingston on Thursday, Jaycee called to tell us the dog had come. Of course she (and the other 3) were so excited all we could hear was screaming and excitement. Once we got home we found a very adorable little black and white puppy that looked like she was only 5-6 weeks old. YIKES! But, thankfully, she had already been weaned and was drinking from a bowl.

Since we were not at all prepared, we scrambled around to find her a "bed"...she sleeps in a RubberMaid bin. The first night was very hard on her...and us. She cried ALL night long. So, the next night we found 2 small stuffed dogs to put in with her, and she slept all night! Thank you, Lord!

Because her head is black with a white stripe down her face, we named her Oreo. The Jamaican kids thought that was hysterical, and no name for a dog, but we like it. It suits her. Some of them are having a hard time with us having a dog in the apartment and loving on her so much. For a lot of them, dogs are only for protection, not playmates. So, we're trying to explain American pets to them.

Oreo is doing well. The vet came and checked her out and gave her a set of immunizations. She's as cute as can be and we are falling in love! If you know our kids at all, you know she is being "loved" to death! It's challenging having a "baby" again, but the kids are getting a good sense of responsibility...and some parenting. (Alyssa has dubbed herself "Oreo's mommy"!) All in all, we're glad for the addition.

Pluggin away

Okay, so a lot has happened recently and nothing has happened. There really isn't much exciting news to tell, but we have been very busy. Mostly, it's the day to day operation that keeps us so busy. We've been diligently trying to get our teen boys moved in to a new building...little things like having sofas made and staining them, looking for foam cushions, material to cover them, etc... We've also been trying to lay some stone on our playground as it gets way too muddy for the kids to pay on after it rains. Not to mention, going to the cambio, and the bank, and the market, and the grocery store, running kids to and from school, and so on and so on.
We did just have a medical team here for a few days, so that kept us busy...tending to the needs of the team, having all of the kids seen by the doctor, running for lunch for the patients who had been waiting all morning long, etc...
And then there's the constant business of homeschool...Dulcie has been VERY busy with that. In the process, we are looking for a vehicle, which can be exhausting. I found one, but by the time our mechanic could go check it out, it was gone. The hunt continues!
So, while we've been busy with life in general, nothing really exciting has happened, which is kinda good. Life's been busy enough. We are getting away this weekend for a few days, and we're really looking forward to some R&R, and a visit with friends.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are very thankful that we are here where God has called us. We're thankful for our children as well as the Jamaican kids in our care, and we're very thankful for our friends and family who support us and pray for us. While we cannot possibly communicate personally with all of you, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and we love you all very much.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!...and eat some pie for us!

Like chickens with their heads cut off!

Okay, so we totally got to do something I never thought we would do. We butchered chickens...yes, that's right, we actually helped. Last Monday, we helped to slaughter 150 chickens. I learned how to catch them by grabbing their legs and holding them upside down. Then we hung them by their feet. Next comes the unbelievable part... I, Paul Bushhorn, actually cut the heads off of several chickens! Okay, nasty! Those birds flopped around slinging blood all over my clothes! Then we had to dip them in a pot of boiling water and pluck them. This is where the girls came in. Jaycee did the most plucking, but Hannah and Alyssa helped too. Dulcie wouldn't even come down close to the coop and Levi was so totally disgusted that he just went and played with the pigs. Smart kid! So, after the initial shock that I had just murdered one of God's creations, it wasn't actually that bad. Now we have a freezer full of chickens in which to feed the home, so bring on the Jerk Chicken!

Welcome Back!

Well, I must apologize for not blogging sooner. It's been CRAZY!
Ok, so, we arrived back in Jamaica on October 16th, and we didn't let the kids know we were coming back. Our friends,the Yoders, picked us up in the Bible College van, so when we drove down the driveway, the kids just thought it was someone from the College. I waved, but no one responded, so I stuck my head out the window and yelled, "Hey Mon!" They immediately began screaming and running! They ripped open the van and were climbing in on top of us. I've never seen kids so excited, you would've thought Santa has shown up in person!

The next day, we had a crazy party. We dressed in crazy clothes, colored our hair crazy colors with wash out gel, and had crazy food and crazy cake. It was a blast! I wore black athletic pants with my swim suit over top, my "fire" shirt with a tank top over it, one tennis shoe and one flipper, swimming goggles, a pink belt with a spatcula and a wooden sword. I had red, white and blue hair, and a red gotee. I was looking pretty crazy, let me tell you!

I can't even begin to tell you how happy we are to be back with the kids. There were 7 kids who were on holiday when we were here before and we've enjoyed getting to know them too. We've already had a few movie nights and sleepovers. Even the staff are glad to have us back...one older lady about knocked me over giving me hugs and a kiss on the cheek...I couldn't believe it! But we are glad for the warm welcome...who knows what's yet to come!

Work Permit is on the way!

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord...our work permit is on the way! We received word on Thursday that our permit had been approved and they were sending it to us here in Ohio. Once it comes and we take care of paperwork in Chicago...it's off to Jamaica! We can't wait to get back. We've missed the kids so much. It has been a trying time, but God is faithful! We'll let you know when we get "home"!

Weathering the Storm

Ok, well, we've been home for a month now. There hasn't been much word on our permit...no new news actually. And we were beginning to get a little frustrated...actually, a lot frustrated. Here we sit, visiting family in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with little to nothing to do. Kinda boring. Our kids homeschool curriculum has finally arrived, so they start tomorrow...Hallelujah! But in the midst of it all, we are hit (in Ohio) with the remnants of Hurrican Ike. We had gusts of winds up to 80 mph! Trees down, power gone, no water (well pump won't work without power!) and no phone. (we have no US cell phone and my mom's died...no car charger!) Luckily, Dulcie and the kids were in PA thru it all. After 3 days of no power or water...losing all our food, taking showers at the neighbors who had water and electric (?), we are finally getting back to normal. Dulcie and the kids return today! Yes!
But, as I was walking down the driveway today, I began to take notice of the trees. Just 2 days ago, we were cleaning up mass amounts of fallen limbs and debris. Things did not look that great, but today...today the trees were beautiful! The sun was shining with a light breeze and they seemed to dance gently. I was amazed. What a difference a few days make.
Then, it was if God spoke to me, "Sometimes it takes a storm to get rid of the dead weight." Wow. You know that's true. Those trees looked healthier and more beautiful than a few days before...the "dead weight" was gone. Now they could really flourish.
Last weekend I went to a men's Encounter weekend, and God removed some of my "dead weight"...things I'd been carrying around for years and didnt' even realize. This "storm" of being home has been hard, but thru it God has done a work in my life. Dulcie goes to her Encounter this weekend. It'll be cool to see what "dead weight" she leaves behind! Maybe this is why we are home. Maybe we needed to be freed up from some things to be able to do a better work in Jamaica. Only God knows, but I tell you what...I'm grateful for this storm.

Following the Cloud

Recently a friend was retelling the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert, following the cloud by day and the fire by night. She told of how the people had to be ready to move when the cloud moved and willing to stop when it stopped. There are seasons in all of our lives, and sometimes we're put into a season of waiting and being still. That's where we're at right now.

We don't know exactly why God has us back in Ohio right now, but we know it's just a season. We will be going back to Jamaica. God has promised it to us.

On September 8th, there is going to be an inspection at the New Vision City of Refuge by the Work Permit Office of Jamaica. They are visiting to determine why we are needed there. There was recently a change in political parties in the government and sometimes that means a change in the way things are done. We are not worried about this inspection. We are just waiting and trusting God. We are using this time to meditate and prepare for our return.

Many have asked about giving of monthly support. My advice to our supporters is to continue to give, as if we were there because it's really just a matter of time before we return. WE WILL RETURN SOON!

Also, please pray for Jamaica and the children's home as Gustav hits the island. The workers there are making all necessary preparations, but we just need to pray for minimal to no damage of the buildings and safety for everyone. Although we don't look forward to being in a hurricane, we wish we were there with them.

All we can do, and all you can do, at this point is pray and wait on God. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles." We hold to this passage of Scripture. We hope you'll take comfort in it as well.

We are Victorious!

Well, things have been a little "crazy" to say the least. We are currently in Ohio for an undetermined amount of time. We received word that our work permit was approved, but for some unknown reason they are not releasing it. Last Sunday night, we had an awesome prayer meeting and God came down! We know that there were some spiritual walls that came down with the kids. You could feel it. So, on Monday, as we were on our way to the airport, we got word that our permit was not being released. Then at the airport we were told that our flight from Atlanta to Cincinnati had been cancelled. We would have to spend the night in Atlanta. Upon getting our bags, we discovered that 2 of our 4 bags had been lost. Great! That means 3 of us had no clothes. We were not allowed to file a claim until we got to Cincinnati.

When we got to the airport the next morning, we were met by more opposition at the ticket gate, but it was eventually rectified. We checked our 2 bags and went to our gate. The gate that was supposed to be for Cincy said Ft. Lauderdale. Our gate had been moved to the opposite end of the terminal. Upon finding our correct gate, we were told the flight would be delayed because they could not find any of our flight attendants. What? Apparently they had both called in sick. Once new attendants were found, we were on our way. We got into Cincinnati on Tuesday at Noon.

It is now Thursday and our bags arrived at 2:45 p.m. today, so for close to 4 days, 3 of us (Paul, Hannah & Alyssa) had no bags...and no blanket for Alyssa! YIKES! We did hit a great sale at Old Navy and got a few things.

We are just thankful all has been found and we feel whole again. We know Satan is a liar and a defeated foe! We have victory in Jesus and know that our permit is going to come soon, so we can be on our way to Jamaica! Just keep us in your prayers. Thru all the "craziness" we continued to laugh, because we knew it was just the enemy's way of trying to discourage us and we were not going to let that happen. God has promised and we believe His report! We are coming thru in Victory! Amen!

Butcher's First Day?

Well, Here is a picture of a pork roast we had tonite. Notice what's attached...pig hair! As we were all completely grossed out, Alyssa said, "Well, maybe it was the butcher's first day!" HA HA! Welcome to Jamaica!

Birth Announcements

Well, our family here has grown! We now have 4 new children and boy are they precious! Of course, the boys (especially the baby) keep everyone hopping! But, all of the other kids here have really welcomed them and everyone wants to hold the baby! They are all adjusting very well, and we are seeing lots and lots of smiles and hearing lots of laughter. The baby is not sleeping through the night, but is otherwise doing great! I'm really proud of our New Vision kids and how they have accepted these little ones. Things are not as quiet here now, but that's okay. We took them all to a church fellowship last night and introduced them to the church family. It was a lot of fun.

2 Weeks Later!

Okay, Wow! We've been here for 2 weeks now and I can't begin to tell you all that's happened. We've been at New Vision City of Refuge for about 1 week now. The day we came it was POURING down rain all day. The steps to our apartment are concrete and slippery when wet. Well, you guessed it, someone fell down the steps...Dulcie. OUCH! She was wearing her slippers (Jamaican for flip flops) and fell on her wrist and bottom. Needless to say, she was laid up for a few days. We've sent up lots of prayer and she is 100% healed now! Then Levi fell off of his scooter and chipped his front tooth which is, you guessed it, a permanent tooth! We're planning a trip to the Dentist. We've got the apartment arranged the way we want, and are all moved in, thanx to the help of some of the teenagers here. They've been very helpful. We've gotten to eat a few meal together and had a movie night. They really seem to be accepting us and our kids are loving being here!

We went to the grocery store and took a wrong turn. Luckily, we had one of the Jamaican boys with us and he was able to get us where we needed to be! Thank you Roland! Our bill at the grocery store was $11,700 (Jamaican), but what a shocker, eh? That was about $170 US. Food is kinda expensive here.

In the midst of moving in, we've had to travel to Kingston...got lost...to pick up a crib...WE'RE HAVING A BABY! Well, not us, but the home. We are actually getting 4 new kids on Tuesday the 29th. a girl who is 7, and 3 boys age 5, 3, and 8 months. Everyone is pretty excited, especially my kids and Dulcie...you know her and babies! Anyway, we've been preparing for them. Just pray for a successful assimilation into the home.

Oh, for those of you who really know me, you'll get a kick out of this...I replaced a light switch! Go ME! It actually works! I'm so amazed. And I painted my very first refrigerator. It was beginning to rust and just needed a new look, so I painted it! Aren't I becoming the handy man!

Well, I could go on and on, but it's getting late...church tomorrow. Just know that things are well and our internet and phone are FINALLY working properly! We'd love to hear from you!
Blessings to all!

WE MADE IT!!!

Well, we finally made it to Jamaica! Praise God! As I sit here on the top of this mountain looking over the Blue Mountains, I am amazed by so many things. First of all, by the beauty of this place. If you've never been here, it's hard to describe, but all we can see for miles and miles is the mountains around and the valley below. Kingston is only about 15 miles away, but it takes about 45 minutes to get up the mountain. I'm also amazed by all the has taken place over the past year to get us to this point. God has certainly done some awesome things. I am very amazed by the fact that God would choose us to do this work.

Our flight in was very uneventful...just the way we like it. We made it thru customs and immigrations. They looked in EVERY one of our suitcases...all 14 of them, but we had no problems. Thank the Lord.

Today, Dulcie and I went into Kingston to do some grocery shopping for a team that is coming in...27 people. Wow! 7 shopping carts. Plus, I drove a mini bus down the mountain and thru the city of Kingston. It was a little nerve racking at first, but we made it safely. If you go to far to one side you hit the mountain, the other side and you fall off the mountain...Pastor Fultz can tell you!

The kids, our 4, are doing very well. They are loving playing with all the kids, especially the toddlers. We went to church in Kingston and so they've been up and down the mountain a few times. They seem to really be enjoying themselves, but they are anxious to get settled in Christiana.

We should be going on to New Vision in a few days and will be getting settled soon. Please keep us in your prayers. We love you all.

You've got to be kidding!

Okay, so I'm totally stessed and overwhelmed! I can't go into all the details, it would take too long, but we are not leaving for Jamaica on July 3rd. :( At this point it looks like it will be a week later. Still waiting for the permit to come in and for the van to sell. We are still standing on the promises of God and know we are in His timing, but we're just a little frustrated. We just keep reminding ourselves of all that has happened in the past year and what God has done for us, so there must be a reason for all of this. We know He has a plan! :)

Just keep praying for us that God will work out all the details. We want what's best! We'll keep you posted!

Crazy Times

Well, things are getting a little crazy around here. While we await the arrival of our Jamaican work permit, we must plan like it is already here. We leave in two days to go to PA for about 10 days to say goodbye to family and friends. But before we leave for that we must: 1. pack 2. 3 doctor visits (1 foot, 1 dentist, 1 eye doc). Got to get it all in before we leave the country. Plus, we just finished our summer newsletter, changed the look of our website, updated this blog, kids going to VBS and we finished our last day of work. In our spare time, we are preparing for our farewell dinner at church on June 22nd, (practicing songs and getting power point ready) and preparing to present to the kids of our church on June 25th. Not to mention trying to decide what to take and what to leave with Paul's parents. We also can't forget trying to see all of you important people in our lives! We are trying to find airline tickets...which one has the lowest of the new baggage fees (we'll each have at least 3...3x6=18!) and we'll have to take our work permit to a Jamaican Consulate (probably in Chicago) to have our passports stamped with our visa. Hopefully, in the mix we will sell our van...how will we get to Chicago? But it will all be worth it when we board the plane and take off for sunny Jamaica! Please pray we don't kill each other before then!

Where has the time gone?

Wow! Where has the time gone? It's been 2 years since our last blog, and in that time we've been to Jamaica twice. Shame on me! Anyway, we are going back for a 2 year term with the Assemblies of God to their home called New Vision City of Refuge. You can learn more about it from our website www.extendedhandsministries.com Anyway, please pray that our Jamaican work permit will come in soon, so we can leave around the end of June. All money is raised and all support pledged. Thank you so much! God is faithful! As we get closer, we will keep you updated on our goings on....I PROMISE!
If you haven't had a chance to view our blog from 2006, go ahead and check out the archives. It was such a blast and we look forward to what God has for us in the next 2 years.
We'll keep you posted!
Blessings.