Today was our first full day in Jamaica at the Jamaican Deaf Village. We started the day at the New Living Church where we all had the opportunity to experience a deaf worship service. It was truly an honor to be surrounded by so many people who went out of their way to make us feel included and encouraged as we were immersed in a new culture. The whole day was focused on building relationships between the residents of JDV as well as among our team. We finished the night with a family dinner with all of the residents. Afterwards we split everyone up between men and women so we could pour into their lives a little bit and share some things God had put on our hearts. It was amazing to see their willingness to open up and discuss some hard topics, which isn’t a typical response in the Jamaican culture. Its only the start of the week and God is already opening so many doors for new relationships to form, as well as giving us all the chance to learn a little more about some of His precious children in another country. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.

– Amanda Kohler