Well yesterday was a long day but we arrived safely! We got up at 5:45 a.m.got everything and headed for Atlanta. The Atlanta airport is HUGE and for a novice flyer like myself it was very intimidating, especially the security checkpoint. But everything went smoothly and the flight was on time.
Landing was a little nerve wracking because there was a lot of turbulence due to tropical storm Tomas. I was also expecting to see bright blue water, but due to the storm the water was not its normal color. We landed safely and headed to immigration, where we waited in line for 45 minutes! But we finally got to our bags, through customs and to see Mrs. Franklin. We were so excited to see her!
We got to the car and for the first time in my life I sat in the American "drivers" seat as a passenger. That was different. Turning is crazy and nerve wracking when you are on the left side of the road!
It's funny to me that when people think of Jamaica they think of a vacation site. It is anything but if you are not staying at a resort. Driving down the road is a unique experience in itself. The roads are falling apart in many areas, and there are pot holes you could really get lost in! Many people live in homes that are unfinished. It is vert common to see this.It's also very common to see boys roaming the roads.
We finally got to the house which was wonderful to just sit and relax. We had a sandwich and of all things watched Alabama play LSU. We had dinner on the veranda (which is where we eat all our meals). We were all tired and decided to get to bed early.
When we woke up this morning, there was no water, which Mrs. Franklin had already told us was very common. As we were getting ready two little boys Mrs. knows came up to the door, and she asked if they wanted to go to church, but they couldn't so they said next week they wanted to go.
We got ready and headed for Bay Life Baptist which is a new church plant in Bogue, which is like a suburb of Montego Bay. It was only the 6th service! It was held in a small room on the second floor of a plaza. When we arrived there was no electricity, which again Mrs. Franklin had informed us that is not uncommon either. Nevertheless, it was a great service and people were really friendly!
On the way back from church she drove us further into Sandy Bay so I could see where the school is and where there bookstore is.
When we got home Xavier, one of the little boys from this morning was coming back up to see us. So we went out and talked to him while Mrs. finished up lunch. When it was ready she asked if he wanted to stay for lunch. He accepted and we had a great lunch. Afterwards, Keith and Xavier hung out watching tv while the Mrs. and I talked and did the dishes. Then we went down to the yard and Xavier showed us his gymnastics skills. He is really good for a 12 year old! He can do backhandsprings and tucks. We were impressed.
After that we saw the neighbor was out and he said hi and started talking to us. He is in a wheelchair and one of the sweetest men. He called for his wife so we could meet her. They were a very sweet couple and even gave us June plums.
After that Keith and Xavier worked on taking a tire off of the van. It was really sweet to see Xavier right there helping him. After a while Xavier headed off for home and we sat down to watch some news.
It has been a great first day. The Lord has already worked on me so much! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
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