After multiple trips in the past, the most elite JAARS team yet was created. Many forms were signed, excitement was barely contained, and the blessing of God through the Savannah Christian church body was attained. A pleasantly short car ride and several sandwiches later, the JAARS GO mission team arrived at their quaint dwelling places with a very enthusiastic greeting from Beth Mersfelder, a previously acquainted staff member, who brought gifts of assorted fruits and cheerwine. After an exquisite meal of beef tacos, everybody retired to their rooms to rest in preparation for the upcoming day’s labor.
However, orientation had yet to take place. After a strenuous (for some) 6 o’clock mile jog, we all met up and drove over to CAM, Construction And Maintenance, where the 7:45 morning devotional was held. After the prayer interrupted by a fire alarm was finished in the parking lot, we met with Paul Dubois, the local handyman with the know-how accompanied with an almost magical workshop. Once we reached a consensus, the team headed over to the playground, where the powertool-happy members removed rotted lumber from the play set and left to manufacture new pieces in said workshop. Some team members stayed to lay down new lining and flooring for mulch, adding to the decades of layers of lining and mulch already present. After no word from the other half of the team, we went searching, only to find them in a power tool induced state of nonresponsiveness. From that state however, came a multitude of beautifully sanded beams suitable for a playground for years to come.
Once the workshop closed, much to the chagrin of some, the team met with a local staff member named Sally Winter, who served for many years in the Phillippines, specifically near Mindanao, with the Koronadal Blaan people, translating the new testament into their dialect. She told her testimony, then taught us the ways of the Kumut, which is a marvelous tube of fabric that can used in many different ways, from carrying children bein used as a sleeping bag. I personally, am investing in one immediately upon my return to Savannah. Thanks for your support and time, and be sure to read our next post!
-Alex Jackson
Well written, young Alexander!