October 19, 2007

Greetings from Jamaica,

Much has occurred on this beautiful island since Hurricane Dean struck on August 19. There are still some areas with water problems, but utilities have been restored. Due to severe damage on some of the electrical and phone grids, the return of power and phone capabilities was slow in many areas.

I had no electricity for ten days, but some people were without it for up 25 days. About 25 percent of the island had to do without water completely because the pumping system is powered by electricity. I know we all rejoiced when we could bathe, have light, and communicate again.

Jamaica is a lovely, lively, diverse island. There are large modern cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay with superior fine arts, sports, tourism, etc., just like many other places in the world.

Also like many places, there is a wealthy group, a middle class (though small), people with low incomes, the poor, and then the extremely poor.

Our television options here include an impressive local station with cable that is available in most parts of the island. Though more expensive here than the United States, one can find high quality automobiles, electronics, fashion or many of the other things we want or need.

And, like many places, a hurricane interferes with life, but it goes on. As I wrote in my last newsletter, Jamaicans truly bonded together in the aftermath of the storm.

Even six weeks later mortgage companies are allowing customers to delay payments for up to three months.

Produce is difficult to find and very expensive when you do, as Dean did extreme damage to the banana farms and plantations, as well as other farming areas.

Several countries, including the United States, have sent food, water, blankets, and other much needed items to contribute to disaster relief. Many people have received these items and express their gratitude on television, radio, and in newspaper interviews. Jamaicans realize all too well that any day it may be their turn to help their neighbor. They appear eager and more than willing to respond.

School goes on after a delayed start. One school lost its entire roof, and so now classes are meeting under the trees. We are in a rainy period from the end of September through October, which makes this a difficult situation. Yet, life goes on after Dean, as does school.

Christopher Columbus referred to Jamaica as “the gem of the Caribbean.” I see this not only in the island’s beauty and its location, but its people’s determination and godly spirit.

From slavery to freedom, through devastating hurricanes, Jamaicans have a true spirit of kinship among themselves. That spirit, along with their tremendous love and faith in God, enables them to endure as they move from a developing to a developed country.

May we all have their faith, resilience and hope.

In belief that “with God all things are possible,”

Vicki