somebody to love

I can't believe it's already October. Fall is in the air and the rainy season has officially begun which leaves the temperature a delightful 75 degrees during the day. I'm ready for some pumpkin bread. School is in full swing after all of our parades and days off and hurricane scares. I hope my students are having as much fun as I've been having. Casey, one of my 7th graders, gave me a big hug yesterday when he received his test on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He got a 92. I am currently working with my classes on public speaking and oral presentations; they are going to be pros once I am done with them. I love the freedom the school gives us. If I want to spend a week on Edgar Allen Poe or Taebo, I can do so.

Recently, the other teachers and I have been blessed with a plethora of opportunities to serve in and around our community. We don't want to run ourselves ragged so we've trying to decide where we want to spend our time. There is an ESL school for adults down the road and a few of us have taught there in the evening time after school, which has been humbling. My roommate Amber and I have decided to help lead worship at Rchurch in West Bay, WE ARE SO EXCITED!! She will be singing and I will be playing the guitar. What an amazing opportunity to use our gifts for the Lord. We met a man named Joseph last week who has an incredible story. His non-profit organization, www.heartventures.org helps those who have been rescued from the underground drug and sex trafficking businesses here on the island. He has built some phenomenal relationships here that have allowed him to work very closely with the community and we are hoping to plug into the vocational training his ministry supplies to the rescued individuals. His heart is HUGE and I can't wait to start helping.

A monkey who takes care of kittens in Brick Bay.


Kelly and I went exploring in Coxenhole last Saturday and met a homeless man while we were sitting by the water. We offered to buy him some food but his plea ended in frustration and anger, leaving a chair knocked over and Kelly and I in a taxi on our way back home. I've never felt any imminent threats here, I feel very safe in Sandy Bay where we live. I am now starting to realize some of the dangers here and the drug problems and poverty are more noticeable.


Food for thought: If we want to enjoy the people in our lives, we need to be patient with their progress. We must allow for their growth and development. And there's no such thing as a perfect adult. If you demand perfection of the people in your life in order to enjoy them, you're going to be miserable for the rest of your life. Nobody's perfect.

Jams of the week:
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (anything from this album)
Kings of Leon - Radioactive
Cloud Cult - No one said it would be easy
Temper Trap - Sweet disposition