Leaving the airport, we stepped out into a warm evening in Montego Bay, with sounds of Dancehall music blasting from car speakers, honking horns, and the patois from the locals, “Taxi, taxi yuh waan taxi?” We hopped in a cab for our first nights stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Arriving at Toby’s Inn, we enjoyed the cozy night by sitting in the restaurant tasting pumpkin soup and curry chicken. Pumpkin is a common local vegetable grown here in Jamaica, and the curry chicken is a Jamaican dish that is served time and time again. We’re glad to be here!

We wake up to a drizzly and grey morning, news is spreading that hurricane Gustav seems to be getting worse, so we've been advised to get to Mandeville as soon as possible. Our driver Gary was kind enough to test nature from Mandeville to pick us up.

Though our minds were on the hurricane, we couldn’t ignore the scenic beauty that Jamaica offers, rich green trees, breathtaking sights of mountains, creeks with crystal clear water, dirt roads and the local towns and culture.

We have arrived at our new home in Mandeville -- a town in the mountains of Jamaica with charm and warm welcomes. Mandeville is the capital of Jamaica’s Manchester Parish and has an estimated population of 70,000. It is located on an inland plateau, an hour and a half west of Kingston.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are a part of life here. September is historically the month with the highest incidence.

Mandeville, where SSTers will be for the first seven weeks, is the only parish capital of Jamaica not located on the coast or on a major river, so it's less vulnerable to flooding. We've located a sturdy building where students can shelter if necessary.

Hurricane Gustav has not yet arrived but locals are preparing for its uninvited arrival as they have many times before: homes with boards on windows, tarps, and awnings down.

Tonight we'll pray for all those facing strong weather and hope that Gustav passes quickly.

Hurricane Gustav has come and gone in Jamaica, and unfortunately brought along sustained winds of 75mph ripping down power lines, and pounding down rain all throughout the island. Worst of all, Gustav has taken 11 lives in Jamaica and that would make the total Gustav death toll 72 throughout the Caribbean. Hurricane Gustav is now on its way to Louisiana and is expected to turn into a category 5. Please keep the victims and the people of Louisiana in your prayers. From the SST Leader and assistants, we wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you all in Jamaica!

The students walked out of the airport, eager faces, bags in hand, and questions flooding their minds. The students got off the bus and sat to dinner, a plate of curry chicken, rice and peas, and warm dinner rolls. Everyone seemed to enjoy the local dish, “I loved it!” says Brett, “Delicious!” says Charity. Still running on tourist adrenaline, the students had a brief orientation of announcements, introductions, and soon after went to bed for their first warm night in Jamaica. The hotel’s hall filled with students’ laughter, joy, and sounds of excitement for their stay.

The sun rose bright and clear for the students’ first full day in Montego Bay, Jamaica! The students head down to their first orientation day with huge smiles on each and every face.(Maybe they remembered Doctors Cave Beach was today’s planned visit!)Antsy in their seats, waiting to be dismissed to put their sun block and swimsuits on, the students learned a few rules of culture, the money rate of exchange, and a map orientation.

Last night the students met with their host families. Today everyone seemed well rested, very comfortable, and well fed! Taylor says, “Oh! Breakfast was heaven!” as she sat and spoke with Pat (SST Leader) about her host family. The first day of class was successful; the students met the Jamaican Sign Language Instructor, Felicia and had their first day of class. The day started and ended with a rainy day, but warm Jamaican patties (a local favorite) and coco bread were brought in for lunch and the students were taken back dry, warm, and safe with their host families.

Every Wednesday the students meet at the Goshen house for lunch and a needed time of devotion and to talk with one another. The students use this time to relax, and reflect on our experiences each week. The first lunch was stuffed bell peppers and for dessert, cupcakes! The first devotion was led by Brett, and songs with Charity. The students were very excited to see mail from families, and emails filled with words of love and encouragement. We have now had our second Goshen House Wednesday and look forward to each and every one to come!

Today the students went to the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf. CCCD is having their 50th anniversary this year, and has three campuses for deaf children on the island. This residential school started with eight students and now has one hundred and twenty five. The school also has vocational classes for the deaf, such as wood working, computer technology, cosmetology, and sewing. The school has competed in sports and other competitive activities with other deaf and hearing schools throughout the island and holds many 1st place trophies. Four of our students will spend their service term, starting mid October at CCCD.

The CCCD students seemed to be just as eager as our Goshen students to meet one another! We were all welcomed with bright smiles and an amazing lunch. The dining hall had chicken, rice and peas, banana bread, ackee and salt fish, festival bread and fresh green beans. We had a feast!

After lunch, we toured the campus and met the younger students, as young as four. As soon as we walked through the class doors we were hugged, smiled and some even kissed on the cheek! Soon after toward the end of our day, we had a tear jerking performance by the Hands and Praise team, “This was amazing, so beautiful”, said Hilary. Many of our Goshen students had questions answered on how they can help in the future, kid’s sponsorships, etc. Reluctant to leave, our day ended and we had to say goodbye to CCCD.

Thursday found the group embarking on yet another adventure. After meeting bright and early in downtown Mandeville we set out on a three hour trek to WalkersWood Jerk Seasoning Factory. Along the way the students got to experience the beauty of Jamaica’s mountains, though they also had to endure the winding mountain roads. Once they arrived at WalkersWood they were greeted with punch and lemonade while learning the history of the factory.

WalkersWood is known for their amazing Jerk! Jerking is a traditional style of barbecuing. It used with chicken, pork, fish, vegetables, and even hamburgers! Registered in 1978, the company started life as part of a rural community’s effort to create employment for its people. It now has a full time staff of over 150. With the growing demand for spicy food, WalkersWood developed its own Jerk Seasoning and was the first company to export Jerk Seasoning from Jamaica. Since then, their range of products has grown to over 20 and includes popular sauces such as Coconut Rundown, Escoveitch Pickle Sauce as well as Ackee for Jamaica's national dish. These products have brought ease and convenience to preparing tasty Caribbean meals.

Our own Emily got a chance to make her own jerk seasoning the old fashioned way (by grinding spices with a mortar and pestle).Everyone tried out the very spicy Jankanoo Hot Pepper sauce, and the savory Las’lick Jerk sauce with pieces of juicy chicken breast.

Jamaica is home to seemingly endless natural beauty, and the students got to learn all about this beauty at the Sun Valley Plantation. This plantation has hundreds of years of history as it was originally a sprawling sugar cane plantation. Product today is yummy coconut water for the local markets. The plantation has coffee plants, ackee trees, nutmeg, coconuts, star apples, bananas, mangos, and so much more! The students even got to eat coco right from the shell! Deb says, “I really like it!” “It’s amazing” Anna says. Our guide gave us tons of facts about each and every plant. For instance: did you know that coconut palms produce 250 nuts per year, and that coconut water is so pure it can even be used as an IV solution?!? In addition to all the information, we also got to try samples of their guava juice, coconut water, ackee, avocado, passion fruit juice, breadfruit, and sweet peppers.

This trip was full of beauty, tasty treats, sweet aromas, and local experience and the students were even left with fruit to take home to their host families.

We visited the Appleton Rum Factory on Tuesday morning where we learned about the process of turning sugar cane into rum. Learning about the importance of sugar cane and its products to the British Empire helped us to understand why the fight for the abolition of slavery was so long and hard. We watched as the sugar cane was pressed to provide the juice at the beginning of the rum making process. And learned how the sugar is then separated from the molasses which becomes the ingredient from which rum is made. Our tour guide took us to the distillery where we viewed the pot stills and the column stills, both used in the process of making the final product. We also visited the building where oak barrels hold the rum while it is aging. We learned that the master blender at Appleton Rum is a woman named Joy Spence whose skill as well as her master’s in chemistry gives her the expertise to hold this position. Our local coordinator, Jacki Hanna, reminded us that although we may not support the production and use of rum from a religious or philosophical perspective, we do need to understand the connection between sugar cane and its products (including rum) and the Jamaican history and economy.

After spending the morning at Appleton Rum Factory, we spent the afternoon at YS Falls. We climbed the path alongside the falls, enjoying the beautiful pools of water and the different levels of the falls. Emily ziplined from the top of the falls to the bottom, an adventure she will always remember.
Meanwhile, Angie decided to jump in the water below the falls. Those of us not quite this adventurous enjoyed relaxing near the falls and hearing the sound of the water rushing beside us.

We traveled to Kingston early Friday morning, October 3, arriving at the National Gallery of Art on Ocean Boulevard for our private tour of the gallery. We saw the work of unschooled Jamaican artists (called the “Intuitives”) and the work of many other artists who have made Jamaican art a dynamic representation of the island and its peoples. We saw the sculptures of Edna Manley (wife of former prime minister Norman Manley and mother of former prime minister Michael Manley), the paintings of Peter Abrahams and George Watson, a “walk-in” art piece showing the reality of a ghetto street, and much more. Our guide, Mr. Lawrence O’Neill, told us many fascinating stories of the artists and their work.
In the afternoon we visited the Bob Marley House and Museum, walking in the footsteps of the King of Reggae Music and learning about his life. Afterwards, we drove through the University of the West Indies Mona campus and then checked in at the Hotel of the Immaculate Conception run by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. The evening culminated with a delightful swim under the stars in the hotel pool.
Saturday morning we toured Devon House, the restored home of the first African-Jamaican millionaire. We also sampled the famous Devon House ice cream and visited the shops housed in the quarters where the servants once stayed. After an afternoon of shopping, we attended an evening of creative dance by the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble at the Little Theatre. One piece they performed entitled “Liza” told the story of a young girl who is bored with rural life and goes to the city looking for excitement. Here she finds love, but she returns to the country life she knows. This piece was based on a popular Jamaican folk song and helped us to feel the pulse of Jamaican life and culture.
Sunday morning we attended the deaf church in Kingston which is held at Calabar High School. After a lunch at Wendy’s we returned to Mandeville ready to begin our fifth week of study.

Jamaican weddings, Jamaican fruits, Bob Marley, Rastafarians, cricket – these final presentation topics engaged our peers as we watched a brief reenactment of a Jamaican wedding, tasted Jamaican fruits, listened to Bob Marley’s lyrics, learned that Rastafarians worship Haile Selassie, and practiced our batting skills in cricket. These interactive presentations helped us know more about Jamaican life and culture as we closed our six weeks of study in Mandeville.
Lectures on the Jamaican healthcare system by Dr. Clive Lai, nutrition on the island by nutritionist Byron Hanna, and the Jamaican political system by Jeffrey James rounded out our knowledge of Jamaica and its peoples. We eagerly await the beginning of our time working in the deaf schools across the island. We leave for these assignments on Sunday, October 19.

Today we said goodbye to our Jamaican Sign Language teachers with a special lunch at the Bloomfield Great House. Charity thanked Felicia Campbell for her excellent teaching and noted how easy it was to come to class because the teacher had a smile on her face and prayers in her heart for the students. Anna S. thanked Nicola Foster for coming from St. Elizabeth Parish each day for classes and for her patience with the students. Leslie McFarlane thanked Jacki Hanna, our local coordinator, and her husband Byron for making the students feel like family during these six weeks in Mandeville.
At the end of our lunch we celebrated the birthdays of Brett, Isaac, Deb, Kim, Angie and Byron with a beautifully decorated chocolate cake. Each of these students had or will have a birthday during SST. Byron, our local coordinator’s husband, has a birthday tomorrow.
As we looked out from the veranda of the 300-year-old Bloomfield Great House, we saw the hills and the homes of Mandeville spread out below us. It was a lovely way to say goodbye to Mandeville and the memories we have made here in the hills of Jamaica.

Tonight the students welcomed all of their respective host families along with the local coordinator and local taxi drivers to Mandeville Bible Chapel for a special good-bye presentation. Doug emcee’d the event and guests were treated to a host of performances: from Hilary and Deb explaining the many meanings of Jamaican horn honking, to the entire group re-enacting our thrilling bus rides around the island, to Isaac and Theo’s energetic performance of the Bob Marley classic “Jammin.” Each host family was given a very special thank you, and a time of picture taking, food, and fellowship followed! The students were sad to begin the good-bye process, but equally excited about beginning their next chapter in Jamaica!

Students are now in their second week of service at schools that are spread through out the island. Tom Meyers (Director of International Education) has visited half of the students in the unit this week while Pat McFarlane has returned to Goshen to attend to some personal matters.

The week started with a visit to the Deaf Village where Charity is teaching children and adults who live in a planned community that is intended to provide a home for deaf people as well as opportunities for them to learn life skills. Charity lives in an apartment at the village with a young deaf woman.

About twenty minutes south of Mandeville is the small village of Knockpatrick. Angie, Hilary, Michelle and Rebekah are assisting in classes there at one of the CCCD (Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf) schools. The students live on the campus in a dormitory. On the morning of the visit Michelle received a gift from an admirer from the north.

Four SSTers are in the bustling capital city of Kingston. Laura and Leslie are at another CCCD school that is in the heart of the city near the infamous intersection of Half Way Tree. In addition to assisting teachers they have worked in the school library and the campus office. They live on campus and are completely immersed in this setting.

Across the city to the east in the uptown area of Kingston is an impressive high school (Lister Mair Gilby High School) for the deaf. Isaac is teaching a variety of subjects to deaf students. One day he works with math and the next science or another subject. He has also been active in the athletic program of the school.

Finally, Doug is spending his time with very young children in a preschool program that combines both hearing and deaf children. The program is designed to prepare the children to get ready to move into primary school and in particular to develop their signing skills.

Felica Campbell, sign language instructor during the study program, traveled with Tom to Kingston and Charity also was on the trip in the role of interpreter. Felicia knows many deaf educators across the island and was warmly greeted at each site.

Pat and Felicia visited with Emily and Jessalyn as well as Anna P. and Deb on Tuesday of this week. Emily and Jessalyn are working at the Carribean Christian Centre for the Deaf in Montego Bay. Anna P. and Deb are serving at the Jamaican Christian School for the Deaf in Lethe.

We ate together at The Pelican in Montego Bay, sharing experiences and highlights. All four students noted that their relationships with the children at their schools are the best parts of their service assignments. Whether playing games after school, helping students with homework, or assisting during the school day, GC students are involved in the students' lives, and their friendship is making a difference. The challenge of learning other sign systems in addition to ASL/JSL keeps them listening and learning. Emily, Deb, Anna P. and Jessalyn especially enjoyed talking with Felicia (their JSL teacher in Mandeville) about the new JSL signs they are learning.

After lunch together, Pat went with them to their schools to meet their teachers and see where they lived. Both principals told Pat how much they are appreciating the work of the students who are at their school.

Rachel and Brett are serving at Maranatha School for the Deaf at Top Hill, Jamaica. The school literally sits on top of the hill, providing gorgeous views of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica’s Garden Parish, in every direction. Administered by Jamaica Mennonite Church, the school has 22 students, some of whom live at the school and others who commute each day.

Rachel and Brett teach computers to all of the children and sometimes assist in teaching other subjects such as math. Brett noted that at first she was terrified of teaching but has gained confidence as she continues to teach! Both Rachel and Brett relate to the students after school hours as well.

This is a week of goodbyes as SST’ers complete their final week of service at the deaf schools across the island.

On Friday, November 14, Pat McFarlane and Felicia Campbell completed their final service visit with Anna, Kim and Taylor at St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf in Brownstown. They saw the classrooms where Anna and Kim teach and met Taylor’s class as well. Anna is teaching students with multiple handicaps, a task with new challenges each day. Kim assists with the preschool class. Taylor assists with the “Late Starters” group, students who arrived at St. Christopher’s when they were older and need to catch up both in sign language as well as academics. Pat and Felicia met with Miss Simpson, the principal, who is delighted with the gifts the girls bring to the school.

One of the challenges the girls have faced is interpreting for Sunday morning church. In addition, Anna and Taylor were called upon to tell a Bible story at the on campus Sunday morning church. They decided to tell the story of David and Goliath and found that the students enjoyed it very much.

Anna, Kim and Taylor are planning a Thanksgiving party for their students. They will make cake, a real treat, and also play a number of games to celebrate this North American holiday with the children.

Other farewells and goodbye parties will occur at the other deaf schools as well. Then SST'ers indeed will “soon come” home to the United States. “Soon come” is a Jamaican expression often used to indicate that “Yes, I will really be there before long.” However, “soon come” might be a period of ten minutes, three hours, or five hours, depending on the speaker. Likewise, we promise to “Soon come” back to Goshen, but not before we have our goodbyes here and a final retreat at Palm Ridge Retreat Centre in the hills above Ocho Rios.

We will gather in Ocho Rios on Sunday evening, November 30. There we will reminisce about our varied experiences and learnings at the different deaf schools, hear each other’s stories, listen to final projects from a number of students and prepare for the journey home. On Monday, December 1, we will go to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios to climb the falls with other eager hikers and enjoy the natural beauty of this island one final time. We board the plane for home early on Wednesday morning, December 3. Don’t worry! Soon come!