Robin's Nest: Take 2!

Greetings everyone! This is Kristin excited to tell you about another wonderful day in Jamaica! First things first, just to clarify some information from our blog yesterday...Lindsey did not break her thumb! It is Samantha who has a sprained thumb, but it is healing and she is doing great!

Today our morning began once again at the early hour of 7am. Our drive up to Robin's Nest was a truly cultural and educational experience. Our bus driver Chris loves to share stories and tell us all about the different plants, trees, and fruits that grow in Jamaica. So much so, that this morning he suddenly stopped the bus, jumped out, and literally scaled a steep hill in order to pick some Ethiopian apples for us to enjoy on our drive to the orphanage. We all love Chris and it is so great for the team to be able to learn first hand about the "real" Jamaican culture and the true heart and life of the Jamaican people!

As you can tell from the pictures, today at the nest was filled with more fun and lots of laughter! I did a lot of tickling today and I think my tummy is sore from all the laughter! It is amazing how quickly we get attached to the kids and begin to build relationships with them as we play, interact, and learn about their stories. Today we were able to read through an informational book about Robin's Nest that talked about many of the kids and their each individual stories. It is heartbreaking to learn about the immense struggles and home lives that many of these kids have come from. I was humbled today as I put my own life into perspective and thought about the things that I worry about and complain about in my own life. These kids have endured so much and known hardships that I will never have to experience, yet they already have. I am comforted knowing that God has a purpose in all things, but still filled with sadness and compassion. But I am thankful that they are now living in a place where they can experience the love of God.

Our day was filled with playing with kids, reading stories, playing in the pool, and doing various chores around the house. I am very proud to tell you that our boys proved to be very manly men today as they participated in manly chores, such as clearing brush and chopping down an enormous tree. I am suppose to specifically mention that they were chopping down the tree with machetes, which apparently was a pretty big deal! :) So, unfortuately the documentation of these activities were erased but tomorrow we will have some pictures to show off their studliness!

After our energy filled day we came back to Fairhaven, Samantha and I took naps while the rest of the team swam in the Ocean. We had dinner and finished the evening with team time, reflecting on our day.

It has been a honor to watch the team interact and have experiences at the orphange. I am encouraged by their willingness to serve in whatever area they are needed. I am excited to see what God begins to stir in each one of us as we continue to experience new things and allow God to move in us and begin to transform our hearts. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. As we have already told you, we love the comments! We have started to bet on how many we will have when we check the blog, so please keep them coming! :) Blessings to all our family! We miss you but know that God has us here right now for a reason!

And because Tyler took the opportunity to give some personal messages, now it is my turn. My family, I miss you and love you all! Dad, I am praying for your healing and I hope that you are feeling better and recovering quickly. Kip, I miss you so much! Thanks for your comments. In case you didn't notice, Joey has made a comment every day so far....I know how competitive you are and I wouldn't want Joey to beat you in comment posting! lol! :-) :-) :-)

may God bless you and keep you.

much love!!