WEEKLY REPORT FROM JAMAICA: Sept 19-23, 2011

Today, our custodian at the school where I work ...her neighbor..... heard a newborn crying in the trash can on her way out to the car this morning....baby was taken to hospital.....haven't heard anymore. Yesterday,  I had to tell the mother of a downs syndrome child that the child could no longer come to school due to lack of funds. The child cried. The mother had tried to get her into a public school because it is so much cheaper but they refused her. The school said they couldn't deal with the child's needs. My pastor visited the Infermery this wk on the northern part of the island. The people are various ages...lots of elderly....and lots of special needs adults that have nobody to care for them. There are no systems in place here for any age person with special needs. They live on rice and beans. We bring them fresh fruit and soup when we can. How blessed our special needs children and adults are in America. Wednesday, two more private schools closed because not enough parents can afford the fees etc and the public schools here can refuse students if they feel they are full. Tuesday I stopped at the orphanage I have volunteered in before. The teacher there has a run-down classroom out back with a few desks, some pencils, paper and crayons. I saw a VHS in the corner but it didn't look like it was working. I try to bring her supplies when I can. She is so very thankful for everything! As I got out of my taxi and walked up to the gate of the orphanage, a darling, dark, little guy (maybe 3 years old) spotted me and went screaming back to the other kids in the orphanage, "White lady come!"  "White lady come"  ha ha  That was the bright spot in my week.  I hope one day when I enter heaven that little guy is there and will say to Jesus,"White lady come!" Well I felt a bit discouraged this week as I have a cold and the needs just seem soooo BIG here. I just lie on my bed and say,"God, I don't even know where to begin....so much need ....bring me the resources and direct me in Jesus name. I know we worship a BIG GOD so I am praying he open the storehouses of heaven for His people here. I love all of you.....I keep you in my prayers. .Please keep the prayers coming..especially for the children! Your ambassador to Jamaica, Jeanne