“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

As the sun sets on our last day here in Jamaica, we have many things to reflect on. One of those is my new nickname, “Bookie” (aka bookworm), thanks to Steve Wright and the collective 160+ bug bites from the 4 of us but back to the important stuff! Today we ended our week at Faith Baptist Church with a grand total of 133 kids! Wow God is good, amen? Amen! It was the best day at VBS I believe with the kids being more behaved and so loving towards all of us! Shanakay, the little girl who hasn’t smiled or anything all week, gave me a smile and a big hug today. I even have it in picture form for proof. Leah received a piece of art from her special boy, Trey, Sona received more hugs than she knew what to do with, and Derrick helped JD’s guitar (and him) to the bus one last time. Steve tried to distract us from the sadness of leaving by making jokes of how bad he smelled, but tears were still shed. Today at lunch the President of JamaicaLink, the organization that sponsors us here with our lodging, gave a perfect analogy to what we’re doing here. We are soldiers. Soldiers for Christ. We have come far from home to our base, Fair Haven, and each day we go out to fight against our oppressor, Satan. At the end of the day we come back to our base to refuel for the next day and no matter what goes on through the day, we NEVER give up. So we were soldiers this week, armed with the armor of God and in his name, we conquered the evil one because at least 10 children that we know of came to know Christ out of the little ones. Again I say, God is good

As for the rest of our day we took a snorkel trip! For 15 dollars we spent 2.5 hours on a boat a couple miles off shore and went snorkeling in the reefs and saw fishes and baby jellyfishes. It was the perfect way to spend the last full day here in Jamaica. There were nets at the front of the boat that we could sit in and when the boat hit a big wave we’d dip down into the water. Leah, Lynnsee, and I spent a good 30 minutes “entertaining” the rest of the team singing a variety of songs (off tune I might add) before heading back to shore. Right now I’m watching the guys on the team try and come up with the rest of the the teams nicknames, people playing cards, a group of girls dancing, and Sona being chased by Carrie because she poured a cup of water on her for her terrible screech-singing… I think haha! Anyways, we look forward to seeing our families tomorrow and all other ones

Thank you everyone for your support! It means the world to us that you were there for us, mentally, emotionally and financially. God bless you all and we love you!

In His Name,

Cecily (Bookie, Cizzle, Miss Texas, ect) Weir

“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts.” -Psalm 78:3-8

When one is called “Teacher”, that makes one think of someone who holds ones respect and has wisdom to share with others. Jesus’s disciples called him “Teacher” and asked for guidance and answers. At VBS we are called “Teacher” everyday, and today it really hit me, the weight that that word carries. When the kids call us teacher, they are not merely calling us because they don’t know our name, but as a child searching for answers and wisdom from someone they know has something they want, and need. I don’t feel deserved to be called that, no matter how much I may know because it is through Christ that I am able to show these kids unconditional, unceasing love each day. Today we also continued with asking the younger kids if they wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts and my rowdy girl Kaylea sat in the middle of the floor with her eyes closed and repeated what our leader prayed. Her face lit up afterward when all 4 up the Crew leaders came and gave her hugs and words of encouragement. Great things are being done in this place, far beyond any of us can even fathom. Tomorrow is our last day, and it’s gunna be a killer for all of us. Because it’s our second time coming here, relationships are growing and becoming stronger so saying good-bye hurts even more.

This afternoon the mission team visited West Haven, the orphanage for disabled children. Wow that was hard too, haha. Last year I made a friendship with a 28 year old girl named Keri, who looks like she can’t be any older than 15. She changed my life last year by taking my hand after I had prayed over her and said “Do not fear the future, God is with you.” So I’ve been beyond excited to see her and even drew a princess picture of her to give her, since she is absolutely a princess of our King. For an hour and a half we sang songs while JD & Sara played the guitar. Children there danced with people from the team, and I think there was even a wheelchair race. The love our team members showed these children of God, is incomparable. No one grimaced at the ones who were severely disabled but instead scooped them up with open arms. Keri held my hand for the whole time we sang, and liked looking at her picture… she has a beautiful voice. The best singer on Jamaica I promise you Then we started to since “Oh how he loves us”, a worship song that we’ve sung a few times here every night during devotion. Keri was looking at me, stroking my face and her hand went to my celtic cross necklace I received upon graduating last year. I haven’t worn any jewelry all week to VBS and for some reason something told me to wear the necklace today… now I know why. I asked her if she’d like my necklace, and her face just exploded with the most adorable smile! I have necklaces, but this precious child will probably not ever have one of her own to remind her the price Christ paid for her. So I gave her mine. It’s the best decision I’ve made all summer & I was crying by the end of the song because the words are so true. God loves us, everyone of us and wants us to be his. It doesn’t matter what we look like, where we’ve grown up, or what we do… he still and always will love us.

We are all teachers… everyday we are called to teach the word of the Lord to those we encounter. Whether here in Jamaica or to the person next door. Through unconditional love and compassion, it can be done… we just have to trust in our Lord and Savior.

In His Name,

Cecily Weir

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”- Matthew

Today was the second day of VBS & I think all of us agree it was more trying than the first, as surprising as that may be. We had 97 kids today! And with only 28 of us to run the entire VBS, we were stretched to our limits & resources… especially since some of the kids find it amusing to play “chase” in 80 degree & 100% humidity weather. With each day passing, all of us are having different experiences with the Lord. So for the rest of the week we will be each writing, if we so chose, about how our lives have been impacted… with a little intro provided by yours truly

Cecily:
Have you ever been tackled by 4 kids who have the capability to scale you even when you do nothing to help them? Well! if you haven’t, let me tell you it is an interesting experience, haha. To say the least I was definitely loved on today. Askeka & Kaylea, two little girls, fought for my attention, and my lap. A few boys in our group make it hard sometimes to keep the group under control but we’ve begun to figure out how to capture their attention. I am in love with these kids, the rowdy ones to the shy ones… and I find my cheeks hurting at the end of the day because I realize I haven’t stopped smiling It’s moments like these, when you’re bruised from hugs, that the exhaustion doesn’t matter. After VBS we went to an orphanage called Robin’s Nest, founded by a Lutheran family who wanted to reach the orphans of Jamaica. I spent the 1. hours with a little girl names Janelle who had sarapalzy… and didn’t have much time left to live. We were asked if we felt called to, to pray for her… she reminded me of Keri from last year, who I will hopefully see Thursday at West Haven. I was crying by the end of my silent prayer & then came back to sing worship songs with Sara & JD (and other team members). It was a little heartbreaking all around. But I did have fun on the way back sitting next to the driver with my friend Lynssee feeling like we were on an Indianna Jones ride with the bumpyness & crazy road we were on. Other than that I did two chapters of chemistry, which everyone here thinks I’m crazy for, and at going to go sleep… much needed rest haha. I miss you all & love you sooo much family & friends who read this! I’m sure there’s something funny/ weird that happened today but I cannot remember OH! I have 45 bug bites… and my legs look mauled… hooray. God bless!

Sona:

well today was actually a great day to be outside in the Jamaican heat and humidity. Why? Because we played games with water so i got to get soaked with water which was quite refreshing and then i also got to squirt all the kids who squirted me with water. It was a good day. later at Robins Nest we played and hung out with the children. it was great to see how much fun thy have and give off when their background as being left alone by their parents was not far behind them. It makes me appreciate what i have even more. i cant wait to be back to a place where i dont get bug bites that swell up to the size off golf balls. i miss you all and cant wait to see you again soon!!

Leah:

Terrible twos come in Kids, twins, and apparently i figured out the second day of VBS.  97 Kids with only 28 helpers can be quite a trying day.  I have never had an issue with telling someone no.  However when one of those kids wants something from me or from the group it is so difficult to say no because the look on their face is devastating.  Though once you tell one kid they can have something then everyone wants something.  Today was defenitly a stressful day.  However after visiting Robins Nest, an orphanage, I was able to enjoy some good ol’ baby lovin fun.  I found a five month old baby girl named Asia and held her almost the whole time.  Good ol’ baby therapy haha.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a little less stressful and a little more fun.  I hope everyone is doing well at home and I can’t wait to see you all on Saturday!! All my love, Leah <3

” Now may our God and Father himself clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love in crease and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” 1 Thesselonians 3:11-12

With the first day of VBS over, and all of us unwind with a “civil” game of mafia, there is so much we have to be thankful for after what we experienced today. We arrived at the church, Faith Baptist, at 8:30 in the morning and there were already children running to greet us! Old friends from last year came and met us as the bus doors opened, even willing to help carry the decorations we brought into the church. Faith Baptist is not a large church, in fact it have only one full story with the second story being completely opened roofless) and the first story is just one big room with a few side rooms. All of us had taken up the motto “Expect the unexpected”, from living on “Jamaica Time” to not know how many kids would show up today… but a miracle happened today.

Last year on the first day we started an hour later with a total of 20 kids for 40 missionaries. This year, by 9am (when we were suppose to start), there were 40! By the end of the day we had 79 kids! 79 children, ages pre-school to 16 years old eager to learn about Christ’s love! That is how many we ended with last year; we ran out of crafts and really had to rely on God to help us through the first day. But I tell you I have never felt for full of joy or satisfaction by the end of the three hours. The kids just latched onto us, hugs and high fives, they just wanted to be loved on, and we were happy to oblige What was absolutely amazing is the the 12-16 year old group, Crew C, the one we had expected to be the smallest, was the largest! That is so cool to e because at this point in there life they can make their own decisions and they CHOSE to come to VBS! Last night during our devotional we had a chance to pray for specific things that we wanted to happen this week at VBS and Cory, one the female leaders from BBC, prayed that God send us his children in numbers. Well he sure did answer that prayer and we are so thankful that he did!

Anyways, I was in the 5-7ish age group and I received more hugs and high fives then I have in the past year! I have 3 little girls; Asheka, Icceelona, & Shanakay. And then 2 little boys Nicholson & Altroy. Shanakay definitely gave me a run for my money, haha. She loved to run off from the group (definately our Diva) and gave me the “L for loser” sign at least 3 times. I don’t usually mind running after little kids but 80 degree weather and 70 percent humidity, it’s definitely a stretch of ones patience. But every time I look into one of their little faces, I see a thirst for attention that they seem to lack back home. Especially Asheka who climbed me like a tree & hung on like a monkey most of the day

The BEST part of my day was seeing 2 of my 3 girls from last year, Guessan & Christina! Oh my goodness that was the best feeling in the world when Guessan (12 years old now) yelled “Miss CC!” and ran to tackle me with a hug

After coming back to Fair Haven most of us went swimming in the ocean, and took a mile swim round trip after swimming straight out into the ocean… and almost getting hit by a few boats i might add Tomorrow we begin day 2 of our awesome VBS and I know that the hearts of these kids are going to be touched! This group is amazing and we all work like such a tight-nit team… I feel blessed to be here & do God’s work. Praise be to God!

Love Always,

Cizzle… aka Miss Texas… aka Cecily

Cecily’s Parentals:
Hey mom & papi! And everyone else who reads this! Things are good here, humid, rainy & fun things. I have a total of 37 bug bites (and couting btw!) so I must taste good or something because i AM putting on bug spray so there! Umm… new word that we’ve discovered today is Bodacious, lol. Oh and “breasties”… one of the guys here said “you’re my breastie” instead of “bestie” and it was amazingly hilarious. I’ve read all my books for the trip, sad I know, and am pretty darn tan. Dad you’ll love to know that my nickname here is “Miss Texas” since they found out I go to school in Texas. Oh! And we made a shower dance party video to “California Girls”… as you can see I’ve made friends! But we changed it to “Arizona/ California Girls” since there are more Arizonians than us. As we speak by the way I’m being eaten alive by SOMETHING that I CANNOT see. Grrr! Anyways, I love you sooo much! (that goes to anyone who reads this) And I will be posting more stuff soon

Leah’s Parents:
HEY HEY HEYY!!  sooo today has been an amazing dayy!  TREY WAS THERE!!  and asked very politley to move to my crew  haha thats all i have to say for today!!  I LOVE YOU ALLLL!!! oh by the way i now have 40 bug bites covering my body….  hahah soo fun… NOT!!  i ITCH SO BAD!!!  lol ok well i love you all!

Sona’s Family:

well I’m pretty good here. I am not the one with the most bug bites which is good for me but not amanda. VBS today was really cool. Before the trip i was wondering if we would see any of the same kids as last year and we did. Even Kajay was there today. it was super cool to see that we made a goo impression on them last year. I’m not sure if you remember mom last year the first day we only had a couple of kids, but this year, we had a total of 79!!!! God truly answered our prayers for bringing more kids the first day. it was fantastic. Every evening we have a time of worship and prayer on the balcony of our house and i forgot how powerful it can be. worshiping God under the stars and overlooking a beautiful ocean. It really shows God’s beauty and his ability to bring people together all over the world in his name. there is another church here from Michigan and we are just all together on the balcony Praising his name. i miss you all and keep thinking of the dogs and what the daily routine would be at home. i can just imagine the dogs following dad outside and mom sitting in her chair reading and Armen eating mexican food with matt or morgan. just the usual. i cant wait to share with you all the amazing things that are going to take place tomorrow as we continue VBS and visit Westhaven. Mom i thought of you today because i saw Junior at VBS and i couldn’t help but remember the picture of you guys doing the fish lips. Missing you all. Give everybody my love, and sorry dad. i know your home alone with the pups while mom and Laura are living life in Palm Springs. (oh. by the way. Jonathan lost the bet!!!!) see you guys soon!!! love you soooo much.

Bye for now.

Today was our first real rain here in Jamaica.  The poring down rain was an amazing/relaxing experience.  If i do say so myself, today has been one of our most peaceful and relaxing days so far here in Jamaica.  Sometimes i wish it would never stop raining, but then if it never stopped raining I would have never seend the beautiful rainbow today.  This morning we enjoyed a real southern style Baptist worship service this morning (dancing and all.)  We also were able to meet some of the children that are going to be attending VBS tomorrow.  All the children here are so beautiful.  The light of God shines through them and they don’t even realize the beauty that they show.  I know we are all very excited for our first day of VBS.  We are praying that we will learn to expect the unexpected and embrace each and every one of the children that are able to come, new and old.   For a quick prayer request: Please pray that things go smoothly tomorrow.  The first day is always rough, because we wont know exactly what to expect.  Thank You so much for all of your support.  Everything is running very smoothly so far so we are hoping the same for our first day of VBS.

Thank you again,

Love always

Leah

Cecily’s Parents: Hey mom & dad! I didn’t blog today since my hands were bitten off by sharks…. just kidding! lol. I miss you guys lots! Sooo a few notable things today. First of all, I taste too freakin’ good because I have more bug bites then I know what to do with. Secondly, I shared my amazing laundry skills with a guy Andrew and we had an adventure of washing his clothes in the sink & bathtub haha! It was awesome. Oh! And i froliced in the rain today with a few new friends… got soooo wet but it was worth it Umm… anyways I miss you (and my brothers… just a little) and I’ll be the blogger tomorrow. VBS tomorrow! Pray for decernment & patience…. its different this tme & I’m trying to be humble with it all.
Mom: I’m being good ok? i stay in groups & keep Leah at my hip
Chris: Miss you <3 see? you get your own line lol. <3 you big softy

Hey Ya’ll!

Our second day in Jamaica was 100% fun-filled & worth all the scrapes & bruises we received. Today we went to Dunn’s River Falls… it was AMAZING! We scaled up waterfaces as high as 50ft like pro’s with only a few bruises & only one person completely losing their bathing suit (don’t worry it wasn’t anyone from PLC…. mom). This evening after spending a couple hours at Dunn’s River we went to Glistening Water’s tours where we lit up the water, literally, thanks to the organism that occupies the inlet near the town Fortula. So it’s been a full day & I apologize for it being this short. Tomorrow we go to church where the VBS will be & then, in the afternoon, are going to watch the World Cup finals… rooting for “Espana” of course

We love all of you back home & miss you guys! Keep us in your prayers as we begin our week of service tomorrow.

God bless!

Hello all back home!

You will be happy to know that we have arrived here in Montego Bay safely with only a few mishaps. Although nervous at first to mix with Bethany Bible Church, we have now really all come together as one body in Christ to minister to the people of Jamaica. After arriving in Phoenix, myself & Leah spent the day with Brett Wright (no relation to Steve Wright) while Sona & JD spent the day chilling with A.C., another student going on the mission trip. It was a lot of fun just relaxing with a few old friends before meeting at 8pm at BBC. Most of us have had little to no sleep since leaving San Diego over 24 hours ago, JD is the most exhausted but is entertaining us with his amazing worship skills while we play games on the porch tonight. Unlike in Phoenix where we were greeted with 116 degree dry heat, Jamaica has been reasonably nice. It was humid when we first arrived but nothing like last year; the constant coastal breeze has really helped with the heat & humidity. We spent about an hour in the ocean today, and yes mom I am already sunburned.

We want to thank all of you who are praying for our safe travels here & continued prayers for the ministry that we begin Sunday.

A few notable things that have also happened:
- Thanks to Brett from BBC, we found an amazing bbq place in “clean” downtown Phoenix… yes that is notable
-  Leah was put in the glass box in security due to the leg brace; apparently she looked threatening enough
- Sona has found that she has no bug bites… yet
- Countless cups of caffine have been drank to keep us awake
- The currency exchange here in Jamaica isn’t as great as last year
- And we now just saw lightening We’re due for a tropical storm tonight apparently.

Leah’s Parents: Hey mom and dad, Alex and Rachael!!  I miss you all so much!  just to let you know what’s going on.  Yes i did get put in a glass box.  All part of the experience.  haha.  My foot is well, and I am having a great time.  Weather is awesome so far.  Didn’t realize how much i missed it here.  I can’t wait to be out and exploring tomorrow.  I will take tons of pictures!!  Love you all!  oh and i miss and love all my friends too!!  if yall are reading this  <3 <3 <3

Sona’s Parents: so ya. ummm… its been a pretty interesting trip for me so far. like for example….THERE WAS NO POOL PARTY MOM!!!! hahah. which i was kind of bummed about but then remembered i didnt want to get wet anyway. and the family that picked me and jd up ate all of it and loved it anyway so ya. oh. and at the airport in phoenix waiting for our plane to charlotte there was this super adorable little black toddler and i was talking to armen trying to describe the baby so i was trying to take a picture but the dad kept looking over and i didnt want him to like think i was a creeper, but dont worry. i got a picture. and i was hoping to the good lord above that us girls would be situated in the rooms up above instead of the house with the goats..but of course. that didnt happen. so im now in the same building as last year but im in the room that sarah and lindsay and julia were in last year. and its a lot cooler. but im a little scared about the ticks and fleas from the goats. so far i have, or at least havent noticed any bug bites. and good news. i will be able to see the spain vs netherlands game on sunday.

jonathan..i dont know if you are reading this but if you are, i love you and my bracelet is looking very promising.

oh ya. hi armen. lovie dubie!!

My own loving parent: I’m now considering a tattoo on my foot that will just say “James 1:12″… i know you will be thrilled to hear this lol. I miss you a lot and send my love to Garrett! And Hobbes…since he’s probably very sad by now. I love you & I’ll be writing soon!

Tomorrow we go to Dunn’s River Falls & Glistening Waters!

Until then, in His name…. Jamaica mon