When was the last time that you were really surprised? When was the last time that you were caught by the unexpected? Was it an unannounced guest, or a visitor? Did you get a phone call you didn’t expect? Maybe you were the subject of a “surprise party.” Maybe you received good news…or perhaps bad … More The Unexpected Jesus
Normally, Thursday and Friday are both “vacation days” on Mission Jamaica. These are really important days. It gives the team a chance to rest and recover from their week of work…especially critical because we’re not used to the heat and climate of Jamaica. It also gives us a chance to think and process what we’ve … More Mission Jamaica Day 6 – Thursday
It was a beautiful day in Jamaica! (spoiler alert: it usually is) We were up for breakfast at 7am and after hearing our scripture for the day, we were on the road by 7:30am. We sent a team to work on the J’abode house, and another to Westhaven. J’abode, by the way, is the Jamaican … More Mission Jamaica Day 4 – Tuesday
Today, I’m excited to introduce two of our team members who will “guest blog” for us. Abbigail (grade 10) and Anni (Grade 8) Moran. Thanks to them for sharing! Today, our group went to both the West Haven site and the JABODE site. I (Abbigail) went to the JABODE site where we were beginning to … More Mission Jamaica Day 3 – Monday
Today was an exciting day for Trinity’s Mission Jamaica team. As we gathered in the entryway to load the vans to make our first trip up to Westhaven, our group felt it all: Excitement, eagerness, anticipation, nervousness…you name it. The drive was smooth and easy. (Sunday always is. It will be a different drive tomorrow … More Mission Jamaica Day 2 – Sunday
Trinity’s Mission Jamaica team had a good day. It was a ridiculously early day…and a long day…but a very good day. We met around 4:15am at church to load up the bus for the journey to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Thanks be to God for Jeff Valen, who wasn’t even going to Jamaica … More Mission Jamaica Day 1 – Saturday
Once upon a time, I would take families on a spring break mission trip to work at Westhaven Children’s Home in Jamaica. (I actually still do this. Look for the next trip over spring break, 2019!) About half the time, in the community I was serving, our spring break would coincide with Holy Week. As … More Don’t Miss the Middle
There are moments and experiences that you remember, because something special happened. Mission Jamaica is one of those experiences. When you put blend the children of Westhaven with a team of people who are willing to let themselves be open to whatever comes up…God shows up! And amazing things happen. So I want to end … More Mission Jamaica Saturday – Day 8 (Headed Home)
As I write this, there are somewhere around 20 members of our group hanging out in the lobby. The lobby is organized into small clusters of chairs and couches. But as people join us, we are commandeering the couches and chairs into one giant circle. And members of our team are sitting, talking, telling stories, … More Mission Jamaica Friday – Day 7
Today’s blog entry was written by Michelle Mundt, who is on her first Mission Jamaica trip and came with her husband, Aaron, her daughter Hannah (9th grade) and their son, Hunter, (7th grade): Today was the first of 2 relaxation/reflective days. A time to enjoy the “vacation” part of our “vacation with a purpose.” I … More Mission Jamaica Thursday – Day 6
Test Driving Theology 