Team Catadupa finally arrives! The day we thought would never come has come and gone, we’ve made it here. It took a lot of training, prep, prayer, packing, repacking, and a few customs issues but we are here. Josh Gray, Luke Clum, and Stuart Hoetger all made it fine into “MoBay” (Montego Bay, Jam.) while I, Nathan Heath, spent my time being tossed between departments in customs. I spent a couple of hours running around trying to find someone who would give the stamp to let me into the country. But we are all here now and things are Irie (… just Google it).
So, first impressions: Driving seems a lot like a mix of southern Mexico and England. Everyone drives on the left side of the road, steering wheels are on the right side of the car, and at a first glance it looks like total madness on the road. People are honking and yelling and waving, cars slide by inches from touching each other. It is a bit of a wake up after coming out of the American airport system. It was also interesting to just hop on a public transportation bus and take off, instantly thrown into the culture. Fortunately Josh, our EM Community Coordinator for Jamaica, was there to introduce us to the right people and pretty much answer the hundreds of questions we had concerning culture and our roles in the community. Josh, you are our hero.

So now, two days in, we are approaching Josh’s departure (Friday) and our first group’s arrival (Saturday). We have already accomplished so much, but the to-do list seems to be growing exponentially. We will get it done though. It has already been amazing to see God taking care of us in crazy ways. He has provided us with local people who are an invaluable asset, both in advice, help, and guidance, but more importantly in friendship.

So that is where we are right now–prepping for the incoming short term mission trips, establishing ourselves as a team and in the community, and figuring out how to do it all within a budget (without going crazy). We have an adventure ahead of us. It will be amazing. Keep praying and believing. Take care and God bless.

Until all know,

Nathan Heath