Mrs. Gurka's First Grade Class

Just wanted to say hi to Mrs. Hawkins and the students in Jamaica.

A big hello to St. Joseph School and all others interested in this mission trip to Our Lady of Hope Children’s Home. The 6 of us had an uneventful trip, got through Customs with all our things, and had a quick two-hour drive to the Home. We have a very nice place to stay at the Bosco Boys Home – real luxury: 2 bathrooms, it’s very clean, even hot water, and a fridge that works. We’re quite close to the big chicken pen, but most of the time the wind is in the right direction. Our first day has been full of work, play and laughter. The painters started washing the veranda ceiling in preparation for tomorrow. Elizabeth and Mary took the 5 “special needs” children to work with. They are doing a wonderful job, really frazzled at the end of the day – especially Mary – she’s had about 40 different hairdos from the eager little hands. Sr. Judith wants them to stay until Christmas! She can actually teach the others. In the afternoon the fog came rolling in right in the middle of their games and everyone just disappeared from view. We had baked beans and fried dumplings for supper. Elizabeth met with the older girls to set up her Bible study with them. Bob had his usual battle with the computer, viruses, stuff that wouldn’t work, and pestering from me to send emergency e-mails for things to bring down next week – also to help me get into this very unfamiliar computer with “blog” stuff. That first day Mrs. Hawkins seemed to run from thing to thing, helping, finding things, and keeping everyone busy. This second day I got to teach the one class most of the day since SR. Judith is new and is still getting the necessary papers to be allowed to stay here. I did get to help with the painting for several hours - from the floor up since it was easier for me to be on the lower level. Jack and Shamar (handyman) have worked non-stop and then played a form of basketball with some of the kids. More pictures and a video tomorrow.

On October 7, Mrs. Hawkins and 5 other volunteers will leave for Jamaica to work at Our Lady of Hope Children's Home. Lots of information to follow with pictures! Pray for us and for the electricity so the computer will work!