Won By One To Jamaica: First Team, First Full Day, First Flouring

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

First Team, First Full Day, First Flouring

Our first team, Olathe Bible Church (see picture above), arrived last night in Montego Bay. After traveling to Harmons, unpacking suitcases full of donations, and settling into the Harmony House, we all went to bed so that we would be fully energized and ready for our first day in Harmons. This morning the team went through orientation where they learned a little more about Won By One To Jamaica, the culture and religion of Jamaica, the community of Harmons, and more of what this week will look like. Afterwards, we went on a walking tour of Harmons and saw how people live back in the bush. Many people's eyes were opened to the reality of hard life here in Harmons.

At our courtyard time tonight, we shared ice cream with Jamaicans while dancing the night away to music played by the Harmony House's very own DJ, Blackmouth. We were also happy to celebrate the birthday of one of our very own staff members, Rachel Schomaker, who turned 20 today! A very fun tradition in Jamaica is "flouring"! Every time someone has a birthday, they must be floured by someone sneaking up on them and throwing flour on their head. This has been done in Jamaica for several years and it is a funny way to make the birthday boy or girl look a little older! I hope the picture below will make you laugh!