If not now, when?
I rang in 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica, with a work team of volunteers from Memorial Lutheran in Sioux Falls, SD. The front of their matching shirts was emblazoned with the title phrase; the trip came together quickly but all in God's perfect timing after team leader Melinda volunteered at LAC's regional conference in August.
As per usual, I arrived in-country with a couple days of prep time. By the time all was said and done, I'd made the rounds of three stores.
Arriving late on a Saturday night, one of the team's first experiences was a joint Divine Service with members from both Faith and St. Andrew. Pastor Ite enthusiastically accepted music teacher Mindee's offer to accompany the hymns instead of using pre-recorded versions.
No trip to Kingston is complete without the world's 4th best ice cream. Grape Nuts (yes, like the cereal) for me.
One of the three stores I'd hit up prior to the team's arrival was a hardware store, all the while knowing we'd be back everyday. Exhibit A: Monday morning (Phil's this time instead of Rapid True Value). I reveled in the feeling of God having brought exactly the right people to exactly the right place as I listened to these two hash out project plans and peruse available materials; I was just there with the shopping list and my credit card ;)
While the team had their work cut out for them on arrival, they grabbed the metaphorical scissors and kept cutting. Hadn't planned on painting the multi-purpose meeting space!
Chaos reigned after just one workday. Glancing around gave Type A me massive amounts of anxiety whenever I lost focus on the day at the end of the week when order would be restored.
Christmas was still very much in full swing, especially by night as we walked to a nearby Chinese place for dinner Monday night.
I offered the team a typical snack of "bun and cheese" (kind of like Velveeta on spice cake?) one morning...and they all loved it!
Oh, the sacrifices to make sure the border was straight.
Pastor Ite's mobile workspace while his office was under renovation.
Unplanned project #2: a raised platform for the sanctuary + a new altar to replace the desk they had been using. Pastor Ite got the biggest smile on his face when we determined the team would have time/energy/funds. He had a vision!
Our NYE commenced with an eclectic dinner party of the team and I plus our cook, three family members who helped with setup and cleanup, an electrician, and Pastor Ite. With Vybz Kartel (the most well-known living Jamaican recording artist, in concert at the National Stadium that night) on Spotify in the background, we shared culture and traditions and eventually, sorrel (hibiscus)/ginger drink and Christmas cake.
Twinning with Melinda in our 2024 conference shirts!
Once all the "extras" left, out came the cards...and the laughs.
We shared a prosecco toast at midnight and watched fireworks from the porch.
New year, new Bible-in-a-year reading plan.
This is what happens when the Volunteer Coordinator is an early riser even when she goes to bed after midnight.
I eventually gave way in the kitchen to various team members as they prepped various elements of the lunch we'd serve the congregation following a 10 am Divine Service.
Who has two thumbs and gets up at 6: 15 am on the final workday to sand drywall because she actually doesn't mind (especially when the mudding job is top notch)?
Putting blood, sweat, and tears into the Ministry Centre since 2019 (left). I sponged off and put on a clean shirt before we went to Phil's one last time.
We made Pastor Ite go through the side entrance when he showed up to capture his reaction seeing the finished platform for the first time.
Pastor & Melissa's oldest, Aamira, joined the crew for a few hours. She was SO excited to paint for the first time.
I think he's happy with the altar progress?
Library (to be used as a pastoral counseling space) BEFORE & AFTER.
Pastor Ite's office BEFORE & AFTER.
Sanctuary BEFORE & AFTER.
This group of South Dakotans worked HARD (not to mention neatly and efficiently), so I let them play hard for a day, too. They climbed a "refreshing" (read: cold) Dunn's River Falls while I read a book on the beach below and didn't so much as dip my toe in the water ;)
Thanks be to God that Memorial's "when" was "now." There's no way the AFTER photos are even the same space I walked into for the first time in September 2018. It was a joy watching each team member's skills highlighted through some task or other, and perhaps an even greater joy watching them truly care for and invest in every individual we crossed paths with, getting to know their Jamaican brothers and sisters in Christ and desiring to learn from them. Melinda & I are already plotting when "now" will come up again...
Until next time, blessings in Christ!
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