A letter from Vicki Smith in Jamaica
November 20, 2008
Greetings from Jamaica,
Jamaica has been abuzz with talk of the presidential election in the States. There are many Americans here, and of course Jamaicans are always interested in the leader of the United States, as who is President in the United States affects their economy and life a great deal.
School is very busy with preparation for the November dinner and fundraiser, which is presented by the music and performing arts departments. Of course, the music teacher is me, so we prepare for it and the Christmas program too. The dinner is November 29, with the Christmas program two weeks later. For the dinner, the kids are excited because they are doing a wide variety of things from nursery rhymes to “Day O” to “Hambone.” There are several dances, skits, and songs.
The dinner will consist of favorite Jamaican dishes such as chicken, rice and peas, fish, curried goat and chicken, bread pudding, potato pudding, and fruit juice. The school staff will serve the food, take tickets, set up, and clean up. The computer teacher serves as mistress of ceremony and the performing arts teacher and I direct the program. The outdoor area is decorated nicely, and it is a festive fun time. Many schools do such a fundraiser and find it to be successful.
Each teacher selected music for the Christmas program, had it approved by a committee, and then the classroom teacher and I are teaching and practicing the students for their parts. On top of all of this is term test week after the fundraiser. It is truly a busy time to wind down to the holidays.
Boscobel United Church continues to work for the Lord in many ways and with a loving, giving spirit. Also, work continues to complete the church, and although there is much left to do much as been accomplished. On the second Sunday in November the children led the worship service (except for the sermon) in what was called “Sunday School Sunday.” It was a moving and enjoyable service, with each child receiving a book from the church. Books are extremely expensive here, so the children were thrilled to receive one.
The island is in a state of sorrow and concern, as last month several children were murdered. Some were snatched on their way home from school, others just disappeared only to be found in a ditch or the bushes. Many have been sexually assaulted. We now have someone guarding the gate at the entrance of the school.
Of course, we are warning the children about strangers and the dangers in the world. Some say it is cults, others think it is just meanness. Whatever it is, it is devastating and a matter for prayer and great concern.
Since I have been here, Jamaica has become the “murder capital of the world.” This does not help the island’s reputation, and now with children being murdered people fear the world will be afraid to visit. It is truly a sad situation and one the constabulary is frantically working to resolve.
On a happier note, the island is in preparation for Christmas, and right now the weather is a bit cooler, more holiday-like. How long it will last, who knows? I enjoy it, as it is so comfortable. Some of the Jamaicans are cold and therefore coats appear and are worn all day. It is an example of how we are acclimated to where we live.
I wish for each of you a happy Thanksgiving and may we all stop to realize just how much God has blessed us.
In the belief that “With God all things are possible,”
Vicki
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 266
