Tank Yuh Lawd!

“With every turn there is a purpose under heaven."


Us this morning as we finally finished writing this blog entry!

Everyday, 13 different worlds get up at Sophie’s Place in Kingston, Jamaica for the same purpose: the kids!  Every morning the day begins with brewed and espresso cafe.  Everyone quickly scurrying around before the 7:30 am roll call and countdown by our “Jefe” Andrew.  20 minutes...10 minutes...5 minutes on the bus!  Some of us dash down the stairs  to get a good morning peek at our children as we rush to get on the bus.

Three MSC “bodyguards”: Ms. Tashai, Commander in Chief; Mr. Ahkeem, Assistant Commander, and Mr. Alonzo, pilot--rise and shine to fetch and transport us to our daily journey on a private caravan bus.  We fasten our seat belts and hold on tight as we travel zig-zagging the traffic and “jumping over” potholes.  But for the grace of God our goings and comings are safe!

Today, Thursday, Nanette and Lola are scheduled to blog!?!?  Don’t think that this is a voluntary activity--no way!--it was assigned by our “Jefe” Andrew.

Now that you have read about most of the MSC apostolates from our team, we will introduce you to Jacob’s Ladder--the connection between earth and heaven; the final home of MSC residents who are unable to live independently.


Welcome to Jacob's Ladder


Land for this apostolate was partly donated by a bauxite company.  150 hilly acres located in Moneague, Ocho Rios, this vast land allows for agriculture and animal husbandry--pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, chicken.  This enables them to be self-sufficient and at the same time generate additional income to help sustain their needs.

Upon arriving to the site, behind the iron gates 95 men and women, aged 18-40 years with physical and mental disabilities have found refuge, love, a family, and a lifelong home.  They continue to build and expand because their goal is be able to house 500 residents.


The authors of this blog have to include an obligatory picture of just themselves, of course!



The two of us with one of the residents.


Upon disembarking, we were warmly and lovingly greeted with teddy bear hugs from the residents. Our first stop was the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary where we were given an introduction before touring the grounds.


From inside the chapel.  HE IS HERE


Finally we visited with the residents and interacted with them.


Auntie Lola with a resident of Jacob's Ladder


We traveled down a 7 mile winding road, the Fern Gully Scenic highway where the tree branches formed arches that shaded the sun.  Believe it or not, after all is said and done, we were on our way for RnR at the beach in Ocho Rios.  What a treat!!!  Some jerk chicken and cool drinks under the beautiful Jamaica blue sky, crystal clear water, and sunny sun--most of us never got out of the "wata."  Boy, we were grateful not to be in New York City today!  :-)


The forecast in New York at the time this picture was taken was 29 and snowy :-)


Our Dream Team

Back at Sophie's Place, and for our nightly routine with Jefe, not even our only RnR day could we get away without group circle of consolation, desolation, snapshot reflection session.  We recapped our mission with a few thoughts, expressions, and lessons.  After visiting all of the apostolates, we leave with feeling that family is not necessarily a bloodline, but the loving and caring "we" have for one another.

Our family:
- Sophie's Place - "Thank you Lord for your guiding light"
- Matthew 25:40 - "Whatever you did for one of the least of your brothers and sisters you did for me"
- My Father's House - "HE IS HERE"
- Jersusalem! - "DARE TO CARE"
- Mary's Child - "You know my name but not my story"
- Jacob's Ladder - "The connection between Earth and Heaven"

Team Member Impressions of Mission--we take with us:
- Sparkle in kids' eyes
- Affectionate hugs
- Smiles communicating "we feel your presence"
- Evening feeding with the kids
- Visiting with Tiara bossing us, requesting a manicure
- Reading to Donovan while he has his daily sweetie (lollipop)
- Arriving at Jersualem! and greeted by our children helpers who adopted us as family
- Matthew 25:40 playing soccer with boys as they won kicking the ball with their bare feet; sharing their dreams with us; and playing board games.
- Didn't realize how severe the individuals are but still get their needs met.
- They are well-cared for, happy, and comfortable.
- I felt helpless in their presence.
- I was impressed by how bright a lot of them are.
- Their sense of community and they way they work together.
- They all do well and are content with themselves.
- Their ability to love and be happy with their challenges.
- The presence of their soul.
- The dedication and genuine caring the caregivers provide.
- How 13 professionals from New York City can come to change lives, and have theirs transformed as well.
- "We must not be afraid to give, for Christ gave himself completely and will reward with salvation all those who are waiting for him."
- I thought about Fr. Dan and how much I was looking forward to him being with us.

Gracias for accompanying us through the blog!


I am so pensive!



Nanette & Lola
One Dictated, the other's a Dictator

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