peace and strength: JAMAICA!

We are back from a wonderful trip to Jamaica. We went on a week long mission trip during UGA's Spring Break to St. Ann's, Jamaica.

This trip is taken every year primarily for the freshmen ministry at Wesley. This trip enables the freshmen to get involved and experience community in a deeper way. We go to hopefully bless the community where we are staying, as well as build community amongst ourselves. There were about 150 freshmen signed up to go to Jamaica and since one place can't hold everyone, they divide them up into 3 different groups and go to 3 different locations for the week. One trip goes to Montego Bay, another to Port Maria, and the last to St. Ann's. On the last day, we meet up at Ocho Rios to climb Dunn's River Falls and hang out at the beach with each team.

While we were in St. Anns, we worked at a school and painted the whole inside while we were there. And it was no small school. :) It was a pleasure being able to serve in Jamaica. The freshmen on the trip became a completely different group during their time there. They bonded and formed true community. I really believe that the relationship that were built will last throughout their college years and beyond.

For Aaron and I it was so great to get to know the students. We are in campus ministry and have a huge heart for college students, but the largest part of our job is working the the staff and overseeing the ministry from a staff perspective. We definitely have interactions with college students, however it was great to spend a whole week getting to know them and hang out with them!

And now...some pictures from the trip!

On the way!


Huney Bay Resort, where we stayed while we were there. (Photo by Adam Greenwald)

the view from our place (Photo by Adam Greenwald)

We had a talent show the last night and the staff had to dress up like the judges. From L to R we have Randy Jackson (aka Aaron Vickroy:), Jennifer Lopez (Leah Vickroy), Britney Spears (Ashley Pierce), Paula Abdul (Christina Serra), Steven Tyler (Taylor Childers), Simon (Levi Romans), and Ryan Seacrest (Jason Dixon)