We have some exciting news! We are going to get to follow one of our very own who is interning with the Beukema’s at the CCCD in Jamaica. Be sure to check in weekly for an update!

Eight months. That’s over 200 days. Over 200 days that I’ve known I’m spending my summer in Jamaica. More than half of a year that I’ve had to prepare and get ready for my nine weeks away. And yet, here I am.
I have less than 24 hours to pack, and of course I choose to start now. My dining room is currently turned upside down with t-shirts, skirts, dresses, and about a year’s supply of sunscreen and bug spray (thanks, dad).
Thankfully, The Lord is a much better planner than I am. God has been preparing my heart in ways that I didn’t expect, but definitely needed. I’ve been praying for months that He would give me strength when I get weak, rest when I need it, and most importantly ready my heart for all that He has to show me.
One thing I had really been struggling with as I prepared to go was that I was going to be missing my friends and Knoxville in general. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been incredibly thankful for this opportunity, but part of me was hesitant to give up my final summer before college. Boy oh boy did The Lord wreck me.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve seen my friendships become a little more distant than usual. My friends and I used to be attached at the hip, but lately I’ve spent a lot more time by myself and a lot more time with God. I’ve also been a little less attached to this place in general. No more ties here, and I’ve been a lot less involved in things than I have been in the past. It wasn’t a sudden thing at all. In fact, it’s hardly even been painful. I think it’s the coolest thing to look back and see how different things are now than before, but there’s a reason for it. Since growing apart from my friends and this town, my heart is 100% ready to go. No part of me is hesitant anymore, and I’m done waiting. That probably sounds really awful, but the cool thing about God is that it hasn’t been. No pain, no tears, and no hesitation.
I’m praying that God would continue to prepare me. I’m praying that He would help keep my ears open to hear all that He has to show me and teach me this summer. I’m SO excited to see how I grow and how my relationship with my savior gets even stronger.
Prayers are always appreciated, now even more than ever! Pray for the Jamaican Deaf Village, the residents, and the missionaries there as everyone prepares for the busiest season of the year. You can keep up with my journey on this blog. Hopefully I’ll be posting a few times a week (pictures too!). See ya in a few months, America.

– Katelyn Kleinhans