On day 2 let’s start with Strong hands.  This morning we visited a Missionaries of the Poor  home near downtown Kingston.  Here are some images of the surrounding area…(photography credit: Samuel Reigner).

Our mission was to visit with orphan children and adults suffering with AIDS.  Most of the children are living with physical deformities that restrict any type of normal life.  While we did not hear specifics about each child and how they got there you can imagine that quite a few were abandoned due to not only their limitations but the limitations of the environment around them.  There were a few kids that touched me, literally and emotionally.  Strong hands seem to fit this post because most of these children craved touch.  They are surrounded by the biggest hearted volunteers I have ever met.  These missionaries take care of all of these children’s needs, from bathing to eating, to medical needs.  All at the same location.  Their strong hands pick them up, bathe them, dress them, feed them, change them, and repeat.  My heartaches for the suffering of these children.  Two quick stories.  I had the honor of helping dress Kimberly an approximately 10 year old little girl living there.  She was scared of me at first but I decided to be strong for the both of us and not scare off.  Next thing I know she used her strong hands to jump up and wrap her strong legs around my waist.  She snuggled up to me and it was one of the sweetest emotions I have ever felt.  Followed by the worst when about 10 mins later I had to put her down and go into the next room of boys.  I quickly recovered when I reached out to rub the cheek of a boy named Ian, also probably around 10 years old.  He was lying on his bed smiling and I couldn’t help but try and touch his smile.  As my hand got closer he grabbed it and seriously yall…would not let go.  At one point he had both of my hands and was laughing and communicating his joys with sounds. His hands were so strong.  Sam was able to help feed a little boy named Michael around the age of 2.  He was so nervous and cautious but I think it was more from not feeding someone a bottle before.  When I was able I went to check on them and I am still torn on who was sweeter.  I am not sure how you can feel heart broken and up lifted at the same time but it happened to me today.  I am so thankful that God has provided a safe place for these children and adults but at the same time it makes me question why they suffer so?  There is so much more I can add here but I will save it for now…

Now for the Strong Man portion of the day.  We continued our journey tonight to learn more about The Upper Room Community Church. This church was founded on the simple principle that “Christ is Alive.”  Pastor Muirhead talked to us about his personal journey from science to Christianity.  He had a deep discussion with the boys about the passages from Luke 11: 21-26 about the “Strong Man” and the hold that he can take on your life.  How he can bind you.  He prayed for the boys (me along with him) that they can release any grudges that they continue to hold, to release their bindings…and most importantly let the Stronger Man (God) work through them and through their lives.  He prayed that they would not let him back in when they return home but continue to know that Jesus is the answer.  Again so much more I can write about this experience but I am getting long.  I will make sure and continue to write and share more with you later on.  I encourage you to check out the links I have included to learn more about the Missionaries of the Poor and the Upper Room Community Church and their missions in Jamaica and in the case of the Missionaries of the Poor in our own backyard of Charlotte!  More tomorrow and will add more pictures here as we all start sharing them…stay tuned.