Jamaica travels-- reflection on my times in Jamaica

This is my 3rd time to Jamaica 🇯🇲.  I posted on social media that every time I have been here, it has been in March. The 1st trip was a short term mission trip with Bryan College and Covenant College, together on a spring break "Break for Change" trip in the 1990s. We were working with CCCD. We stayed in the mountains, on what is now the Jamaica Deaf Farm. We did construction work there and visited the school in Montego Bay. We cut bamboo for the septic system.

My 2nd trip to Jamaica was part of a cruise for our anniversary 6 years ago. We did a river rafting thing on bamboo rafts.

This 3rd trip is a family event with the kiddos, most of them. We are staying in Negril. There is bamboo all over the property. Every trip to Jamaica has been in March and has involved bamboo. Hmmm.

This trip has also involved Woodstock.  Who knew I would be in Woodstock a 2nd time, this time in Negril. 

I didn't attend the Woodstock festival in NY. It was a tad before my time. However, when I lived on Long Island, we did go tent camp there and explore the town. 

Woodstock Negril has a great vibe and was a great place to spend two of our beach days.

It has been a great trip. Maybe I will write more about this beautiful place. 

We'll see.

Now it's time for adventure. 

Deb

Beach and Bamboo

This get-away spot has the best of all the worlds-- there is beach, bamboo, breezes, sun, shade at times, good food, beautiful flowers, and a few cool birds and other creatures. 

Last night on the walk back from dinner, I saw a huge toad on the sidewalk. No photo.

I have only heard the woodpecker in the bamboo until today. It flew off and went to a tree. It was a red-headed one. Look closely and you might find it.

There have been some lizards.

I have listened to the wind blow through the bamboo.  I have heard the gentle waves on the shore. 

I have heard the gentle rain and the downpour. 

It has been a time to breathe in and breathe out.

Jamaican time. It is allowing my body to rest and my soul time to catch up. 

It has offered me time to walk, play in the water, rest (even taking naps), and time to simply be.

Good coffee has been a plus, as has good food. 

There have been some hearts seen. 

Grateful for this time away.

Here are some random pics of flowers.

My time here in Negril, Jamaica 🇯🇲 along the 7-mile Beach has been good for me.

Until next time,

Peace on the journey. 

Rev. Deb

Ash Wednesday-- 2025

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season. I was able to help with the service at Burks UMC, the church that sent me into ministry. It is always good to be able to participate and serve there.

Here is the Ash Wednesday prayer from the UMC Hymnal #353:

O God,

maker of every thing and judge of all that you have made,

from the dust of the earth you have formed us 

and from the dust of death you would raise us up.

By the redemptive power of the cross, 

create in us clean hearts

and put within us a new spirit,

that we may repent of our sins

and lead lives worthy of your calling;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This service is a special one because it allows for reflection as we enter a season of reflection. I wore my special stole given to me by a colleague and friend in Massachusetts. 

I have plans to walk and pray the labyrinth at Burks UMC this Lent, but haven't made it yet. 

A few pics from last Wednesday:

Peace, 

Rev. Deb