---------------~~
I recently had the indescribable experience of revisiting Jamaica. The Jamaica Deaf Village is where we stayed while there. In Jamaica, there is a huge population of deaf people. To help the deaf learn the things that hearing Jamaicans learn (ie: reading, writing, math), CCCD was founded. Click on the link to read more.
After learning these basic things in life, where do the deaf go? Here are some words off of the JDV (Jamaica Deaf Village) site to explain:
"After 12 years at school, CCCD graduates leave behind their intellectual darkness and can read, write, solve math problems and perform vocational skills. Now what? No Church, No Shepherd, No Fellowship. They may attend a church, but with no interpreter and no real fellowship. The deaf go through difficult times. When they become depressed and discouraged they have no one with whom to pray and study God’s Word.
No Job & No Money. Employers do not know Sign Language and have no way to communicate with the deaf. No job means no money to buy food, clothes, or even soap. Without a job, living arrangements are often precarious. Many live at the mercy of others and are often abused.
No Friends. Usually, no one at home knows Sign Language, and while they may join a group of “friends”, they can never really become a part of the group. There is no realistic hope of finding a husband or wife.
God’s Answer: JAMAICA DEAF VILLAGE
The Lord has graciously provided 100 acres of land near the centre of the island on which
CCCD is building a village for the deaf, open to our graduates and other deaf throughout Jamaica.
Dreams are becoming reality at the Jamaica Deaf Village where, by the grace of God, there
exists today a church, housing and consistent employment. Plans for the Village include single family homes, apartments, places of employment, educational, medical & recreational facilities, a day care centre, a shopping centre and a retirement centre. "
God bless the Deaf Village. They are giving the deaf of Jamaica a hope for the future. Leading them to Christ, so that they might have not only an earthly place to fall back on, but also Jesus to carry them through. What a ministry.
No Job & No Money. Employers do not know Sign Language and have no way to communicate with the deaf. No job means no money to buy food, clothes, or even soap. Without a job, living arrangements are often precarious. Many live at the mercy of others and are often abused.
No Friends. Usually, no one at home knows Sign Language, and while they may join a group of “friends”, they can never really become a part of the group. There is no realistic hope of finding a husband or wife.
God’s Answer: JAMAICA DEAF VILLAGE
The Lord has graciously provided 100 acres of land near the centre of the island on which
CCCD is building a village for the deaf, open to our graduates and other deaf throughout Jamaica.
Dreams are becoming reality at the Jamaica Deaf Village where, by the grace of God, there
exists today a church, housing and consistent employment. Plans for the Village include single family homes, apartments, places of employment, educational, medical & recreational facilities, a day care centre, a shopping centre and a retirement centre. "
God bless the Deaf Village. They are giving the deaf of Jamaica a hope for the future. Leading them to Christ, so that they might have not only an earthly place to fall back on, but also Jesus to carry them through. What a ministry.
----------~~
I love everything about Jamaica. Everything. I could just feel God working in the Deaf Village. I felt so much closer to God in Jamaica. Sometimes, I think all of us just need a break. A break from....life. School, work, materialism. Just a time to lean on the Lord instead of earthly possessions or even people. A time to put every care behind you and just trust. Lean. Grow. Refocus. A time to count your blessings. To submerge yourself in God's lavish love. And stay there. God is so good.
---------~~
The flowers in Jamaica are so stunning. Each one is so unique. There's just something about flowers...=)
------------~~
About "Digicel" - I'm not sure why, but Digicel is some type of phone company that all of the Jamaicans LOVE and is advertised everywhere. It became kind of a joke among the girls on the trip, because there were so many advertisements! =)
None of these are edited. Jamaica truly is that beautiful!
Sorry for the blurriness. If you have ever been to Jamaica, you understand how cRaZY they drive and therefore understand why it is so hard to focus a picture while riding in a vehicle. =)
In town ~
I got plenty of pictures of the expensive houses in Jamaica, but sadly, I wasn't able to capture much of the poverty. Trust me, there was plenty. That is one thing that I regret about the trip: I wish that I would've taken more pictures. Oh well, I am very thankful for the ones that I do have. =)
Yes, they do drive on the opposite side of the road. At least, opposite of America. It was quite an experience and I actually thoroughly enjoyed riding in the "coasters". I'm glad to be back in the states where I feel safe on the road, though. ;)
------------~~
------------~~
This is what I saw when I looked out my window as we were driving. Gorgeous.
About "Digicel" - I'm not sure why, but Digicel is some type of phone company that all of the Jamaicans LOVE and is advertised everywhere. It became kind of a joke among the girls on the trip, because there were so many advertisements! =) None of these are edited. Jamaica truly is that beautiful! Sorry for the blurriness. If you have ever been to Jamaica, you understand how cRaZY they drive and therefore understand why it is so hard to focus a picture while riding in a vehicle. =)
In town ~
I got plenty of pictures of the expensive houses in Jamaica, but sadly, I wasn't able to capture much of the poverty. Trust me, there was plenty. That is one thing that I regret about the trip: I wish that I would've taken more pictures. Oh well, I am very thankful for the ones that I do have. =)
Yes, they do drive on the opposite side of the road. At least, opposite of America. It was quite an experience and I actually thoroughly enjoyed riding in the "coasters". I'm glad to be back in the states where I feel safe on the road, though. ;)------------~~
I miss Jamaica so much. The people there. The relationships made. The times shared. I thank God for this amazing opportunity!
{more to come...}
-s. olivia
No comments:
Post a Comment