I can't believe it's our last night in Jamaica! This has been a great experience for the kids in every way, as you've heard from their updates. This morning I rode from the church to the hotel with Junior, a member of Rosemount Missionary Church who has been very helpful throughout our stay. He again expressed the church's gratitude for our work here, and I told him how much we appreciate their hospitality. Here are a couple of final updates.

"Wow! We come home tomorrow! The time went by fast. Students worked incredibly hard, accomplished more tasks than we originally envisioned. You should be very proud of your kids; I know I am. It was a privilege to serve with them. God used them in some great ways and taught them much. We are very thankful for all that God has done, and look forward to how the things that God has taught us will change us for the future. See you soon, because we're out of money!"

"As this trip draws to a close, so does my time in youth group. It is amazing and exciting to see hearts that are changed and faith that has grown. God has surely proven himself faithful and trustworthy throughout my high school career. During our time here, the Lord has shown me His faithfulness, His plan that has started to be accomplished, and how He is deserving of more than anything I can give Him. You always hear that He has a plan for your life. To see how the Lord has been placing people in my life to help equip me for the next part is amazing. Those same people were blessed by my extended family over ten years ago. He was setting up people to bless me years ago. He is the One in whom I can trust with whatever He calls me to do. He deserves our all here in Jamaica and wherever we may be."

Just got back from Ocho Rios, where we spent the day resting, relaxing, and climbing a waterfall. The latter was definitely the main attraction, and my only regret is that I don't have a waterproof camera. It was pretty amazing; everyone should ask the kids about it when we get back. Now we're packing up all our stuff, sorting out what to take back to the states and what to leave for the people here. (They're getting five of my paint-splattered T-shirts and an air mattress that only has a couple minor leaks.) Tomorrow we'll move to a hotel, where we'll spend our last night before boarding the plane for Chicago on Friday. Only one student update tonight, since it's late and we still have a lot to do:

"This trip has been full of surprises for me. I've been feeling the presence of God way more than I have my entire life. I hope that the feeling will stay with me when I'm back at home. About the 3rd or 4th day I got here, my iPod was stolen and I realized how much I cared for a little device. I realized that when I had my iPod, I felt that I was too antisocial and wasn't talking to people here. I'm kinda happy that it got taken away from me. It made me notice my priorities in life that needed to be changed. I also got to know a lot more about God and everyone that was around me everyday. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. God has taught me so many things that I never known or thought that I would ever know."

Today we finished the last of our work here, running out of paint and things that needed to be painted at almost exactly the same time. This evening, the folks from the church here served us an amazing dinner of Jamaican specialties, followed by a time of expressing their appreciation for what we'd done. We in turn tried to express how appreciative we are for all their kind hospitality. The evening closed with an incredible time of worship and sharing together. Tomorrow we'll head to Ocho Rios for a bit of R&R!

As usual, I've been posting massive numbers of pictures on my Facebook page, and today finally one video - they take way too much time to upload! Here are a few more updates from team members:

"This trip has shown me a lot. It's shown me how to have patience when things aren't going my way. It's also shown me how to be more of a hard worker. I guess you have to be if you work on a roof for four hours a day. I didn't get to go on last year's missions trip but I'm glad I went on this trip. It will change my life for the better. I've been reading Psalm 23 and it's been a good eye opener. You should read it too. Well, I'm going to go, talk to you later. Bye!"

"To be here in Jamaica for my last missions trip as a high schooler has really been a blessing. I have been able to use what talents I have been given over the past few years to invest in others and most of all the various ministries that we are parternering with here. Much of our work has been on projects where we will never personally meet those who we are serving, but tonight we were blessed as the members of Rosemount Missionary Church shared their hearts and the plan that they have been given by God. To hear about what our work was going towards, specifically the building of a second story counseling center, is a real blessing as I now have a better idea of who we are serving. God has also blessed me through interacting with other members of the team who have been encouraging me and fellowshiping with me and keeping me accountable as we have gone through this trip. It has been such a good reminder that God has a plan for us that doesn't just deal with the general direction of our lives but He cares about the specific situations where we will be and the specific people we will interact with. I have seen much of this provision as God has introduced new people to me through this trip and through the testimony of the members of the chruch we are serving here. Praise the Lord for all the work He has allowed us to accomplish here and pray that He would bless our time together in the next three days."

"Well, on the trip so far we have done wonders in work and it has taught me so much. I have learned so much from the huge family that I came here with. We truly are the happiest family God has ever sent to Jamaica! Tonight, to show all of the appreciation that the church has for all our hard work, they had a big service for us. The girls got nice beach bags and the men got nice T-shirts! PS. Jamaica is the best, mon! PPS. Love all of you back in the states!"

"I can't believe Jamaica is almost over! This has been such an amazing experience. We have all learned so much and have so much to bring back. One night that was cool for me was our Sunday night program. God was so present and just hearing everyone worship together, our church and Rosemount was so awesome. It's gonna be so hard to leave on Friday!"

The team just got back from an evening at the beach, where we did our puppet programs, mime and illusions, followed by some time relaxing in the water, and jerk pork or chicken for dinner. Great night, but we got back late, so updates may be short! Here goes:

"The day included several memorable images:

• Olivia Bus (on her birthday) gathering three other students to pray with her for our evening beach evangelism that was about to begin.
• Ben Cuellar and Jonathan Young working as a painting team on an extension ladder painting up next to the house roofline, after both said they do not like heights.
• Reuben Frey falling asleep while sitting leaning against the wall just before lunch.
• The mime team performing on the beach a few feet from the water's edge for some kids that were standing in the ocean water.

The kids have been consistently willing do cheerfully work hard in hot conditions. They are also quick to create diversions, whether a card game, volleyball or hanging out on the church roof. I am encouraged again by the love the kids have for God that is evident as they work well together and share their testimonies. I enjoyed sharing some of what God has been showing me as I preached to a small congregation (about doubled by our group of fourteen) on Sunday. I spoke on Matthew 16:24-26 and how God's commandments may seem ridiculous if viewed from the world's point of view (no eternity, no God). We should follow them whole heartedly if we do believe in a loving God that has created us to be in fellowship with Him for eternity. David"

"Today I spilled a puddle of paint on the floor. But while we were trying to clean it up rather frantically, we had a colorful bonding experience (light blue to be specific) that made everyone smile. It was awesome to see everyone get to know each other better through a BIG accident, especially when there had been some disagreements earlier that day."

"On this missions trip, I feel like I have grown closer to God through praising God and reading His Word. Also God has encouraged me and taught me many things. He has taught me to trust in Him and to not be afraid in scary times."

"This trip has been amazing so far! i have learned so much about God and the Jamacian culture. Over the last week or so I have been working on adding a second floor onto the church that we have been staying at. Through all of the hard work it has been a lot of fun working with all of the other team members and watching us all grow closer to each other."

We had a great day of worship here in Jamaica! This morning, we broke up into three groups. Dan Goff preached at one location, Dave Shumway at a second, and I (Dale) spoke at the third. Each group included a drama or mime team and several illusionists, which were incorporated into the services. In the evening, we were all together here for a combined service with our hosting church, Rosemount Missionary Church. Both we and the Jamaican worship team taught each other songs from our own cultures, and combined for some that we both knew. It was a wonderful time of worship together!

"This trip has been quite amazing. Today was the second time I have given a sermon on Sunday morning (both times in Jamaica), and it was quite an experience. The Church was overlooking the ocean which was breathtaking and the service was so beautiful, then I was able to give a few words on the Great Commandment. Worshiping with the Jamaican people is an experience that I love and will never forget! P.S. The kids are doing great."

"We had the blessing of worshiping with our Jamaican brothers and sisters this morning in true Jamaican style. We learned some new songs and we were able to share a few of our own as well. The kids really seemed to love the vibrant, hand clapping, foot stomping Jamaican worship music. The trip is going well and God in His providence has kept us from any serious harm. Please pray that were are able to minister well to the people here, learn the things that God has to teach us, and for a spirit of unity amongst all God's children."

"Jamaica has been a very unique experience. Parts of it are impoverished, yet many are filled with joy. We have met many, strong Christians that remain vigilant against satans tricks. I have had a first hand chance at seeing Wayne witness to two men on the beach, both of whom were not the happiest of people in the world. It is through the combined efforts of many different people like Wayne, that God's will is being fulfilled in Jamaica."

The team just got back from an evening out, performing our skits, mime and illusions out on the beach at Montego Bay, followed by dinner at Pizza Hut. (I recommend the jerk chicken pizza!) Here are a few updates from the team:

"This has been a busy day in many ways. First we had a lot of the work to do in the morning including bring a whole pile of dirt and most of the stone. This we did with great teamwork and a lot of muscle. Then this evening we had a time of beach evangelism where I meet a man named Alllen and we talked for a while about what we were doing and about God and his views. It was very fun to talk to someone about my beliefs and to try to explain them. I just hope you would pray for Allen and that someone else whould be able to talk with him more."

"Today the group went down to the bay. When we started with a puppet sketch people started to gather. I feel that they got some of the messages that were given. We have also been working on the church and I'm excited because we can make the church look better and ultimately help the Jamaicans and the Lord."

"Today we had fun doing programming down in the park. I have been working in CCCD, Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf. Also I worked for Dumfries VBS for 2 days. I am looking forward for the rest of the week, especially Ocho Rios and Montego Bay."

Another good day of work, play, fellowship and worship - actually not too much play today, except maybe for the VBS group, whose work is play! Busy day, and we got a lot done. Fantastic time of worship and sharing this evening. Here are some more updates from kids:

"I have been at the VBS Mon.-Fri.! It has been a blast! The kids get attached very easily. I had 6 girls playing with my hair at once, which has become a daily fascinating activity for them. They have taught me what I take for granted and have made me smile and laugh. Worship time with the team has been amazing! I look forward to it every night. The whole team is connecting very well. Tuesday night has been one of the most enjoyable nights so far; we got to eat GOOD chocolate and play vollebyball. We use 2 poles and an old electrical wire for the net. God has been opening up my eyes every day! Thansk for the prayers! LOVE & miss you! - Through Christ - Heather Suiter"

"We had a crazy day. We have been continuing work on the roof of the church. The work has included mixing cement and shipping endless bucketloads of sand and gravel to the roof. Today we had to make and mix all of the concrete for a staircase leading up to the roof which included a rough 12 eighty-pound bags of dry cement, 15 barrels (6 buckets to each barrel) of sand, and 20 barrels of gravel. Let's say we were pretty wet, and it was not raining. God has really privileged us to be working with an amazing Jamaican worker on the roof. He makes us laugh, and gives us hppe on an endless job. God has been working through everyone in a positive way. Keep praying for us! Eric Floberg"

"This trip has been amazing and I'm getting so much out of it, because of the conversations I've had with people. I've known that I've gotten more and more short tempered as the summer goes on. I'd never really thought of it, until Stef and I talked about a chapter in Proverbs and how it says those who are quick to anger are fools - we decided that we were huge fools and I've decided to try to be more patient and slow to speak when I get mad since my tongue is usually what does the most damage (as it says in James 4). Without this trip I probably wouldn't have been convicted of this flaw. Patience is what Jesus asks of us and we as Christians should be examples of this. For we should love our brothers and sisters in Christ and being patient is a great way to show that love."

"The whole concept of God and His many miraculous ways of showing you how powerful He really is has a whole new meaning since arriving here in Jamaica. Whether or not it's through random worship on a rooftop unexpectedly, good conversation with both the people here on this trip and the people who live here, or the simple way of Him showing us His crazy creativity when trying a new fruit from the tree in your backyard. This past week I had the opportunity to do some service projects at a deaf school. We didn't get to meet the kids because they were off at a camp but I was able to meet a man who worked there and who was completely deaf. He gave me a sign name, which according to Cathy, it's a huge it's a huge honor :-p. It has only been six days and God has already brought our youth as a whole closer to each other. For myself I've really been learning that no matter what I want for my future, God has my whole path planned out and it's my job to follow what He wants for me, not what I selfishly want for myself. Trust is the very word. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us and I look forward to seeing you all to share some more stories. Through Christ, Stefany Fuglestad PS. Mom, if you're reading this, I got a ticket while you and Dad were on your cruise... Love you!"

Thursday evening now, and we've just had a great time of worship and sharing together, after a hard day of work. Here are some updates from students:

"So far this trip has been pretty sweet. It has been a lot of hard work, especially moving cinder blocks and gravel. I think we've moved about 30 tons of material so far maybe. God has been helping us out a lot with strength and health, especially in the heat and has cut us a break with a few showers and thunderstorms. I am looking forward to finishing the second story of the church and being refined by God into being a better guy."

"Today was the best of the trip. At the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf (CCCD), we were joined by Scott S. and John B. and Steff brought some music with her. The music definitely helped the day go by so much faster. The team worked really well together. Yesterday Cathy told us about the deaf schools in Jamaica and the fact that Jamaica has more Christian schools than America. This was very encouraging, that these kids get to hear about the Lord, even though they can't even hear. Even though we didn't get to see the kids in question, it was still fulfilling to serve them the past 3 days. [Note from Dale: Classes aren't currently in session at CCCD, so our team there is working to make the building nicer for the students when they return later in August.]"

"Long trips like these are always hard for me because I miss the ones at home (twos, threes, fours, fives...). It's good to see other life and other culture that's out there. We are all so blessed and have no clue sometimes. I'm not sure about the food, but the fruit is great (mangos!). Here it's only Day 4 and those darn kids already made me cry. Every parent of these kids should be so proud. It's great to be a part of this group. They make me feel so very young. Erin, I miss you and love you."

"Never thought my first high school missions trip would be two years after I graduated from high school. It's been great getting to know all the students better and discovering how fired up to serve God everyone is. Our first program was last night, and it couldn't have gone better. All the teams were right on and worship was awesome. The Jamaican people just radiate love and joy, and that was especially evident during the program. I'm excited to see what a church service is like on Sunday! Work crews are doing awesome work, and I'm certain that we will keep that up. I'm lovin' the Jamaican life! Cheech. PS. Let my family know I'm in Jamaica."

Here's the next set of updates from the kids:

"It is amazing to see how God works all around the world. He has given me AMAZING friends and the fruit is even better! Haha, just kidding. The people are awesome and I've learned so much from them. Your brother in Christ, Robby Houppert"

"I've learned that with a little teamwork, you can get a lot done. And with encouragement as well, you can accomplish even more! The weather and area is beautiful and the food even better!"

"I've loved being here, every minute of it. Even the sweat (ha!). The Lord has been so good and I have learned so much already. I've laughed and I've cried and I love the people here. Though I do miss my family and Elliott, I am staying strong. In love and Christ, Abbie Miller. PS. If you see this, tell my family about it cuz i doubt they know about it. :-)"

"At the Rosemount Church, Dale spoke in a service tonight, then opned the floor to anyone who had something to say about a way that God had impacted our life. And I said how the best thing in my life is how my dad passed away and felt no more pain. After the service ended, I looked at the huge cross on the wall, and broke down. And the awesome thing about it was that I had three amazing friends right there to hug me and pray for me. It was awesome how in a matter of seconds I go from feeling alone to feeling loved and not alone. God has blessed me with awesome friends, ans delicious mangos. If you see my mom tell her to look up some Jamaican recipes for when I get home. Thanks! :-) In Christ, Scott Shiro"

Team Updates:

"The food here is spectacular, and the fruit lady is my new best friend!"

"It has only been three days, but everywhere I go I feel the presence of God. It was amazing to see that He made this wondrous journey with us."

"At VBS, all of the children were always trying to get carried or to hold your hand. They want the attention that they don't get at home. It was amazing to see how God provided a place for them to be loved through the Bible school that we do."

"Okay, so today we went to the deaf center and we were told to wash/scrub three big rooms. It felt SOOO overwhelming and I thought it would take forever! But with teamwork, we washed all the rooms and even bleached them too! So much can be accomplished with a team and God! I'm totally ready for another day with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!"

"Jamaican food is good, mon!"

Here are a few random trip photos. If you would like to see more, you can view Dale Russell's photo album, and others, on facebook. If you're not already signed up with facebook, it's free and easy.

Here's the first in our series of Jamaica updates! Tonight we'll hear from one student and two leaders, since all the other kids are singing and dancing. Here goes:

"Through my 2 days here so far I have been amazed! Everyone here is really nice, anyone you wave to they will wave back. The kids are love God so much and just long for him. Monday evening we sang worship songs on the roof of the church for half an hour. I have been been blown away, when I waded into the montego bay river, the Jamaicans were thanking the lord for the river and are praising him for everything. I am definitely more appreciative of what I have."

"I'm heading up the VBS team here and today was our first day. There were 12 of us total who went to work with the kids. It went pretty smoothly, though, we arrived late due to some transportation miss communications. We had about 50 kids today and are told to expect at least 100 by the end of the week. The kids are fantastic! They love us being there and are really enjoying all of the toys and supplies we brought them. Thank you kids at Grace!!!! One thing we are trying to do this week is teach each other songs. They teach us Jamaican songs and we teach them songs we sing in church. Today we worked on "Awesome God". I think they'll get it really quickly. I'm really looking forward to getting to know these kids."

"A group of 11 of us are blessed to work at the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf (CCCD), a residential school for about 70 deaf Jamaicans. Though they're on vacation right now, there are still several employees on grounds now, including several who are Deaf. Today we spent time prepping things for the painting and building projects we will be doing tomorrow. Those of us at CCCD had an awesome time building relationships with each other through our prep and a pretty awesome game of football (aka soccer). We also had a chance to meet the maintenance guy, Glenford, and his wife, Karen. They are both Deaf and we are hoping for more opportunities to interact with them and learn about their relationship with God. :)"