The journey begins now...

We have successfully arrived to the island of Jamaica, but there were definitely some stories to share about our journey. Everyone arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport amped and ready to go. After getting check-in completed and bags sent thru, we had a team prayer, celebration of Celine's birthday, distributed t-shirts, and bid farewell to our families. Security was not a challenge and everyone got a nice snack before we met to board the plane. Our group had a block of seats together and this particular Delta plane had in-seat tv monitors...so everyone enjoyed trivia, music, free movies, and tv shows. About ready to push back from the gate, we discovered the left engine had a problem, and so we waited approximately an hour on the plane for it to be serviced. Despite some turbulence, we arrived safely to...rainy Jamaica. The rain and clouds broke, and the humidity set-in. After a challenging hour getting through customs and immigration, one mistakenly claimed suitcase (which was just found/returned), and some intense interrogation, our team met up with the SCORE pastors and we are safe and sound at the villa.

Pastor Doug and Brother Jerry briefed the team and then we were treated to a great 1st meal (pork chops, stuffing, corn, spinach, mashed potatoes, Jamaican sweet potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, every type of juice desired, and chocolate eclair cake for desert. The team is getting unpacked into their rooms, several students have opened up the pool with a ceremonial cannonball, and we are following the NCAA men's semifinal. The students have a tremendous opportunity tomorrow to teach a Sunday school class, lead worship for the congregation, and compete in a community volleyball match against the town.

Our journey has begun.....

Friday, March 30, 2012...It's GO time!!!

In less than 24 hours, we will finally begin this experience that we have been planning and praying about since October. It is so hard to believe. As much as I wanted to lecture today and entertain grandparents, I couldn't help but think of how the months have passed so quickly. I remember when our countdown chain was incredibly long, and upon leaving school today, there is 1 ring left. As you all are strategically packing your suitcases and spending a final evening in your own bed, I ask you to visualize the people that we will encounter in the upcoming week. Think about your role on the team and how each individual is a valuable part of our Jamaica family.

My intentions are to update nightly from Jamaica. Parents, thank you for your support and all your efforts behind the scenes. See you all at the Delta counter in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackon International Airport at 9:30am!!!!!!!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

What a great meeting time today!!! I continue to realize how blessed we are as a team by your outpouring of support and generosity. Today at the meeting, we went over final preparations and information for getting through customs, packing tips, and divided up all our athletic and activity supplies! And how could I forget the sleeves of 5 cans of chicken...yummy :-)

It was such a gorgeous afternoon that the team went up to the soccer practice field and tried out the massive parachute, which Coach Shelton and the Elementary PE Class is letting us borrow for the trip. After coming up with some games we can play with the Jamaican children, we had a "friendly but competitive" intra-squad kickball game. After ending in a tie, the team decided to go into extra innings and we had an exciting 5-4 finish!

It is so hard to believe we are finally under 1 week until leaving...yes, 6 days! We will be meeting on Thursday during Growth Period in my classroom (I will be supplying Dunkin Donuts) and Friday after school gets out for Grandparent's Day (half-day). I'll be completing on-line check-in, and calling Delta to ensure they are ready for our group on Saturday morning. Be in prayer this week as we make final preparations for this journey!

Reminder: Mission Trip Commissioning in Chapel on Tuesday!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

What a gorgeous afternoon!! We were incredibly blessed to meet as a team and enjoy some outside sunshine. Today's meeting allowed us to recap all the sporting equipment that we need to bring with us and practice some games/activities that we will play with the Jamaicans. The airline tickets have been purchased, and we are in the final stages of fundraising. Please make every effort to be at your goal by Monday, March 19. A few students need to bring me a photocopy of their passport, and let me know their intent on the # of suitcases they will be bringing. I have suggested that everyone carry a backpack and carryon (free) and then split a big suitcase with someone. The reason for this is that Delta is charging for bags this year. To check a suitcase is $25 each way. I am finalizing packing list and parent contact sheet with the phone # and address of where will be staying in Montego Bay. Communication is going great with our pastors on the island, and they are finalizing our schedule for the week. I'll be sharing that with you all once I receive the plan and activities for our free day in Ocho Rios. It's so exciting to think that we will be on the island in 19 DAYS!!!!!!

We missed Taylor, Landon, Morgan, and Kayin yesterday, but had a great time practicing our competitiveness against each other on the booster field. This is a very special group!!!!

Welcome!

I have officially broken down and gotten into the world of blogging. I used to write my thoughts and reflections in a journal, but we are all so media/technology driven now that I figured this would be the best way to share with all my family and friends. The purpose of this blog is to share with you about my mission team through Greater Atlanta Christian School. We will be returning to the Caribbean island of Jamaica for the second year, and we are excited to see how our students share their gifts and passions with the Jamaicans.

Be on the lookout for more blog entries during the preparation phases as well as during our trip. I intend to post pictures for our parents to view while we are on the island. The trip dates are March 31-April 6, 2012. We are currently at 24 days until departure....these students and trip chaperones couldn't be more excited! Thank you for joining us on this journey!

                                                                     -Coach K-Mart