June 19, 2009

Recently, Laura and I returned from a mission trip to Jamaica. And this was our "return trip" of sorts, after having been on our first Jamaican mission trip last year. While we were there, I realized there were some things I forgot.

I forgot how much I enjoy flying. Well, that isn't entirely true. I don't like being on the airline's schedule, or being restricted on how much stuff I can take. I would rather throw everything in the car and leave when I wanted to, even if I did have more than three ounces of liquids with me. That isn't an option when going to Jamaica, I suppose. But once you get past the hassle of being there on time, with "on time" being a couple of hours early, and you get past the hassle of going through security, flying is a lot of fun. Just knowing how fast you are going, and marvelling that they can get something that heavy off the ground, and feeling the plane move all around, and getting to look out the window and see things like Florida and Cuba - that's really fun!

I forgot how much I like the people. I don't always consider myself a big "people person". I don't mind people, really. But sometimes getting to know new people doesn't come naturally to me. On this trip, it was a delight to get to see some of the same faces from the Lucea church in Jamaica, and to see some new ones as well. And the same goes for the folks from Chattanooga that our group from Memphis went with. It was good to renew acquaintances from last year, and good to meet lots of new friends as well. Always nice to be around the kind of people that you have only known for a day or two, but perhaps because you have a common bond, you feel like you have been friends for quite a while.

I forgot how well Philbert Ferguson says prayers. Brother Ferguson is 80 years old now; last year, he would give his age as "seventy and nine". So just his presence every day is a blessing in itself. But his prayers are special because of his distinctive voice and accent, along with the eloquent words he uses when he talks to God. I would have made him the designated prayer person for each service.

I forgot how beautiful the landscape is. Well, I didn't exactly forget that. But I was reminded of it even more while riding along the road and watching out the window. Green mountains on one side, blue water on the other. And at times the clouds would descend down over the mountain tops to create a pretty impressive view.

I forgot how much I enjoyed the singing at the Lucea church. Although they don't sing perfect four-part harmony there, they make up for it in emotion. It is quite obvious that they feel and understand the meaning behind the words they are singing. And then there are some wonderful songs that they sing that I don't know. But once you hear them a time or two, they really stick in your head. All week long, I was singing, "You better get right with God, Come and do it now..."

I forgot how much I had missed Jamaica. Not the beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts that you may see on television or in the travel magazines. But rather, I had been missing the real Jamaica. The people, especially the people of the church in Lucea. The different way of life that makes me stop and think. The chance to get away and do something fun and worthwhile with friends. And all the opportunities we had to serve God while we were there.

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. - 1 Samuel 12:24

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