Only 4 weeks to go!
Just a reminder to those (like me) who value a warm shower enough to source out one of the camping showers (black plastic bags you place out in the sun). I had good success with this last year (until the handle broke!).. but the few dollars it cost was definitely worth it! One bag holds enough water for 2-3 showers, and is a great way to make friends :-) You can find these at Canadian Tire or camping supply stores.
Only 28 more sleeps!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Starting to think about packing...
Hi all - a date has not been set, but we will be packing all of our materials in January (likely January 17th). Many hands make light work...so...if you can help out, please let us know if you are available.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
More Good News!
Wow... the waiver we request from the government has actually been granted - already!!! This is is record setting time. Our thanks to those in the Caribbean who made this happen so quickly!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Good News
Flights are booked! (I've even had my vacation request approved from work!) ... If you haven't sent in you application yet - please do so ASAP !
Air Jamaica has a seat sale ON NOW...so we are able to save some additional funds if we book NOW.
Only 54 more sleeps!
Air Jamaica has a seat sale ON NOW...so we are able to save some additional funds if we book NOW.
Only 54 more sleeps!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Typical Day...
A "typical" day in the mission....
6:30 am - Rise and Shine
7:00 am - Breakfast (aka Bring on the Oatmeal!)
7:30 am - Devotions
6:30 am - Rise and Shine
7:00 am - Breakfast (aka Bring on the Oatmeal!)
7:30 am - Devotions
8:00 am - Off to Work! (Looking our best)
8:30 am - Let's Work!
10:30 am - Break time (Food!)
10:45 am - Back to Work!
12:00 pm - Lunch
12:45 pm - Back to Work
2:00 pm - Break - What haven't we eaten?
5:45 pm - Nights' here, time to go home
6:15 pm - Time for a swim???
7:30 pm - Dinner! (Nellie, is this real meat?)
8:15 pm - Dishes
9:00 pm - Play time!
9:05, 10:15, 11:00, 12:00 whenever - Time for Bed
2:00 am - The roosters
3:30 am - The
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
So ... What can REALLY be accomplished in two weeks.
The following is an excerpt from our 2005 Final Mission Report. It's a little heavy on the work done, more so than telling the story... but from this you can see that there was only time for telling stories at night!
Mission Trip 2005 -
January 23 to February 6, 2005.
A total of 39 volunteer workers, providing approximately 3,100 work hours with an additional
400 work hours by those performing support duties.
SUMMARY of Work Completed:
1 - DEMOLITION
2 - CONCRETE
A) Cut down concrete walls to eliminate valleys.
B) Tear up tile on exterior walkways.
C) Break-up 600 square feet of concrete base.
D) Form and pour reinforced concrete wall and walks.
E) Install metal saddles for posts.
3 - FRAMING
A) Router edges and install 9 - 4 X 4 treated posts.
B) Assemble and install 115 lineal foot perimeter beam.
C) Frame in gable end wall and sheet with T111.
D) Install 460 lin. ft. of treated 2 X 6 plates with hurricane anchors.
E) Frame roof with treated rafters and strapping.
F) Install 280 lin. ft. treated facia.
G) Install 1,600 sq. ft. of treated T111 soffit material for exposed rafters on exterior and covered walks.
H) Install 320 lin. ft. of rafter (bird and bat) blocks.
I) Screw down 3,300 sq. ft. of ‘Industrial 6' metal roofing with caps and ridges.
4 - INTERIOR
A) Frame ceiling on 2 ft grid for plywood (2 X 4 p.t.).
B) Re-wire roof and ceilings .
C) Install 2,000 sq. ft. of 3/8" plywood ceilings with raised panel trim.
D) Caulk ceiling trim and patch interior plaster.
E) Install 2 new interior solid pine doors and hardware.
F) Install new jambs on toilet stall in dorm bathroom.
G) Replace counter and tiles on vanity in residence.
H) Repair tile work in large bathroom (behind sinks, on walls, in shower stall).
I) Adjust interior doors and locks.
J) Install existing and new ceiling fixtures and fans.
5 - EXTERIOR
A) Purchase and install 2 new solid pine exterior doors complete with jambs and
hardware.
B) Repair metal security door at back entrance.
C) Supply and install new 80 sq. ft. bank of jalousie louvre units.
D) Repair missing glass units in windows.
E) Repair and re-install metal railings on walkways.
F) Reconnect hydro service, exterior lighting and telephone.
6 - PAINTING
A) Paint exterior of building, approx. 3,000 sq. ft..
B) Paint all exterior wood surfaces (soffit, facia, exposed rafters), approx. 1,800 sq. ft..
C) Paint all existing and new doors, including jambs and transoms (18 in total).
D) Paint interior wall surfaces, approx. 8,500 sq. ft..
E) Paint interior wood ceilings and trim (2,000 sq. ft.).
F) Paint metal railings and grill work.
7 - FINISH
A) Supply materials and funds to smooth finish the exterior walkway and steps.
B) Repair and make usable all plumbing in building.
C) Make all electrical complete and functioning.
OTHER TASKS
8 - Assemble, paint and install 16 screen units to cover windows in dining hall
(approx. 300 sq. ft.).
9 - Paint interior walls of dining hall (approx. 2,000').
10 - Paint exterior doors on dining hall.
11 - Prime and paint new wooden addition on adjacent building (600 sq. ft.).
12 - Repair and paint exterior patio bench.
13 - Do repairs to electrical around property as asked.
14 - Repair and clean Perkins Braillers as requested.
15 - Territory Houses
- supply and install 3 ceiling fans
- supply 6 keyed alike padlocks
- patch ceiling openings in bedroom
TOOLS AND MATERIALS DONATED
It was our privilege to attend and take part in several church services, mid-week meetings, Sunday School and a number of school classes and programs. It was also a joy to host and join with the school children and the Nest residents for an afternoon at the pool.
As a result of the generosity of different groups and individuals it is a pleasure to donate to the following to the School.
Mission Trip 2005 -
January 23 to February 6, 2005.
A total of 39 volunteer workers, providing approximately 3,100 work hours with an additional
400 work hours by those performing support duties.
SUMMARY of Work Completed:
1 - DEMOLITION
A) Remove all remaining items from building.
B) Remove, mark and save existing railing.
C) Remove all electrical fixtures and wiring from roof.
D) Remove or cover all plumbing, doors and cupboards.
E) Remove 3,300 square feet of metal roofing.
F) Sort and salvage metal roofing.
G) Dismantle roof framing and salvage lumber.
H) Take down 2,800 square feet of ceiling material.
I) Remove all existing lumber from roof down to masonry walls. Save storm ties. Burn garbage.
2 - CONCRETE
A) Cut down concrete walls to eliminate valleys.
B) Tear up tile on exterior walkways.
C) Break-up 600 square feet of concrete base.
D) Form and pour reinforced concrete wall and walks.
E) Install metal saddles for posts.
3 - FRAMING
A) Router edges and install 9 - 4 X 4 treated posts.
B) Assemble and install 115 lineal foot perimeter beam.
C) Frame in gable end wall and sheet with T111.
D) Install 460 lin. ft. of treated 2 X 6 plates with hurricane anchors.
E) Frame roof with treated rafters and strapping.
F) Install 280 lin. ft. treated facia.
G) Install 1,600 sq. ft. of treated T111 soffit material for exposed rafters on exterior and covered walks.
H) Install 320 lin. ft. of rafter (bird and bat) blocks.
I) Screw down 3,300 sq. ft. of ‘Industrial 6' metal roofing with caps and ridges.
4 - INTERIOR
A) Frame ceiling on 2 ft grid for plywood (2 X 4 p.t.).
B) Re-wire roof and ceilings .
C) Install 2,000 sq. ft. of 3/8" plywood ceilings with raised panel trim.
D) Caulk ceiling trim and patch interior plaster.
E) Install 2 new interior solid pine doors and hardware.
F) Install new jambs on toilet stall in dorm bathroom.
G) Replace counter and tiles on vanity in residence.
H) Repair tile work in large bathroom (behind sinks, on walls, in shower stall).
I) Adjust interior doors and locks.
J) Install existing and new ceiling fixtures and fans.
5 - EXTERIOR
A) Purchase and install 2 new solid pine exterior doors complete with jambs and
hardware.
B) Repair metal security door at back entrance.
C) Supply and install new 80 sq. ft. bank of jalousie louvre units.
D) Repair missing glass units in windows.
E) Repair and re-install metal railings on walkways.
F) Reconnect hydro service, exterior lighting and telephone.
6 - PAINTING
A) Paint exterior of building, approx. 3,000 sq. ft..
B) Paint all exterior wood surfaces (soffit, facia, exposed rafters), approx. 1,800 sq. ft..
C) Paint all existing and new doors, including jambs and transoms (18 in total).
D) Paint interior wall surfaces, approx. 8,500 sq. ft..
E) Paint interior wood ceilings and trim (2,000 sq. ft.).
F) Paint metal railings and grill work.
7 - FINISH
A) Supply materials and funds to smooth finish the exterior walkway and steps.
B) Repair and make usable all plumbing in building.
C) Make all electrical complete and functioning.
OTHER TASKS
8 - Assemble, paint and install 16 screen units to cover windows in dining hall
(approx. 300 sq. ft.).
9 - Paint interior walls of dining hall (approx. 2,000').
10 - Paint exterior doors on dining hall.
11 - Prime and paint new wooden addition on adjacent building (600 sq. ft.).
12 - Repair and paint exterior patio bench.
13 - Do repairs to electrical around property as asked.
14 - Repair and clean Perkins Braillers as requested.
15 - Territory Houses
- supply and install 3 ceiling fans
- supply 6 keyed alike padlocks
- patch ceiling openings in bedroom
TOOLS AND MATERIALS DONATED
- 10" Chop Saw Assorted nails, screws
- 18 Volt Cordless Drill Metal for walkway
- 1/4" Electric Planer Wooden ladders
- Assorted Hand Tools 4 Sawhorses
- Test Kit for the Pool Plywood, T111 sheets
- 400 Sq. Ft. roll of Screen 1 X 2 Screen frames
CONCLUSION
It was our privilege to attend and take part in several church services, mid-week meetings, Sunday School and a number of school classes and programs. It was also a joy to host and join with the school children and the Nest residents for an afternoon at the pool.
As a result of the generosity of different groups and individuals it is a pleasure to donate to the following to the School.
- Television and Cart
- VCR Equipment
- DVD Player
- Approximately 40 Videos and DVDs
- Approximately 40 Books on Tape
- Approximately 150 White Canes
Monday, November 17, 2008
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west...
Our team is shaping up!
Although the majority of our team continues to be from Ontario, we will have our "Newfie Mafia" with us again, and we may be joined by some cadets from Winnipeg.
As usual, we have a wide age range and skill background - but it is looking like a great group!
Week two is filling quickly - so - let us know your intentions soon. Please send in your application immediately. If you need the application sent to you, please contact me at: laurie.mcarthur-atsign-utoronto.ca. (sorry for the not-so-easy to use email - but I don't want spam bots to find my address!)
If you are still waiting for your police checks to clear, simply make a note of this on your application form, and send the application now, and the police check as a follow-up when you receive them. We REALLY need to know what dates you intend to join us so that we can book the flights!!!!!!!
We have sent our initial request for the duty waiver... please pray about this as it is vital that this comes within a reasonable time period!
Although the majority of our team continues to be from Ontario, we will have our "Newfie Mafia" with us again, and we may be joined by some cadets from Winnipeg.
As usual, we have a wide age range and skill background - but it is looking like a great group!
Week two is filling quickly - so - let us know your intentions soon. Please send in your application immediately. If you need the application sent to you, please contact me at: laurie.mcarthur-atsign-utoronto.ca. (sorry for the not-so-easy to use email - but I don't want spam bots to find my address!)
If you are still waiting for your police checks to clear, simply make a note of this on your application form, and send the application now, and the police check as a follow-up when you receive them. We REALLY need to know what dates you intend to join us so that we can book the flights!!!!!!!
We have sent our initial request for the duty waiver... please pray about this as it is vital that this comes within a reasonable time period!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
We need to book flights...
We want you!
Our travel agent was able to secure a fair price for us with Air Jamaica, but they are not blocking any seats at this time. To do so requires names, numbers and dates, and then they will be able to guarantee seats and prices. By failing to move quickly in this regard we run the risk of an increased price and/or unavailability of sufficient seats. We would, therefore, ask you to let us know your intentions ASAP !
Additionally, so far we do not appear to be "full" for either week, however we have had a number of discussions with individuals that lead us to believe we may reach our accommodation capacity - especially during the second week...Another great reason to let us know your intentions soon... like today!
.........Laurie
Our travel agent was able to secure a fair price for us with Air Jamaica, but they are not blocking any seats at this time. To do so requires names, numbers and dates, and then they will be able to guarantee seats and prices. By failing to move quickly in this regard we run the risk of an increased price and/or unavailability of sufficient seats. We would, therefore, ask you to let us know your intentions ASAP !
Additionally, so far we do not appear to be "full" for either week, however we have had a number of discussions with individuals that lead us to believe we may reach our accommodation capacity - especially during the second week...Another great reason to let us know your intentions soon... like today!
.........Laurie
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Who are we?
· Christian volunteers of varying ages and occupational/professional backgrounds and mission experience
· New volunteers are always welcome
· Many participants return year after year. They find it to be a very rewarding experience.
· The teams have grown in size from a dozen or so volunteers to over 40 in recent years.
Why do we go?
Our goal is to assist the work of The Salvation Army by
· encouraging the local congregations,
· supplying practical support, and
· providing the local community with buildings that are properly equipped and maintained.
We are committed to covering all of the costs associated with the project so that there will be no additional burden to the people we are helping.
"In response to all He (Christ) has done for us let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind, and in doing good" Hebrews 10:24
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
What’s New for 2009?
The project for 2009 will be the restoration of the College for Officer Training in Kingston, Jamaica. We will be staying on site and working with the cadets in training. Additional information can be requested from: laurie . mcarthur @ utoronto . ca
What do we do?
The work has progressed over time from basic painting and minor repair work, to more complex building rehabilitation and construction projects.
To date, the work projects undertaken include;
· significant structural renovations,
· building additions and/or construction of complete buildings.
Renovation work has included:
· replacement of termite damaged wood,
· electrical refurbishment,
· installation of ceilings and roofs (often damaged by age and hurricanes),
· construction of new platforms and pulpits,
· painting,
· plumbing,
· replacement of windows and doors to improve security,
· refurbishing signage,
· landscaping (generally to improve drainage), and
· laying cement paths and foundations.
How long are the trips?
The trips are generally 2 weeks, some have been for 3 weeks. Volunteers participate for all or some of the weeks.
Where have we been?
The countries and locations we have worked in over the years are:
· Jamaica (Top Hill, Savanna La Mar, Montego Bay, Lennox Bigwoods, Cave Valley, Bluefields, Sellington, Blackness, Cave Mountain, Carr, Fern, Leamington, and Culloden Corps, the Hanbury Children's home and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired),
· Barbados (Bridgetown Central, Carlton, Diamond Corner, Four Roads, Long Bay,Wellington Street, Speightstown, and Wotton Corps),
· Cuba (William Booth Seniors Home),
· Haiti (Fond des Negres school and Bethany children's home),
· Trinidad (Josephine Shaw Residence for Women) ,
· Guyana (East La Penitence and Vergenoegen Corps and repairs to the Divisional Headquarters),
· Belize (Ganns Seniors Home in Belize City),
· St Lucia (Castries Corps and quarters).
The work has progressed over time from basic painting and minor repair work, to more complex building rehabilitation and construction projects.
· Christian volunteers of varying ages and occupational/professional backgrounds and mission experience
· New volunteers are always welcome
· Many participants return year after year. They find it to be a very rewarding experience.
· The teams have grown in size from a dozen or so volunteers to over 40 in recent years.
Why do we go?
Our goal is to assist the work of The Salvation Army by
· encouraging the local congregations,
· supplying practical support, and
· providing the local community with buildings that are properly equipped and maintained.
We are committed to covering all of the costs associated with the project so that there will be no additional burden to the people we are helping.
"In response to all He (Christ) has done for us let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind, and in doing good" Hebrews 10:24
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
What’s New for 2009?
The project for 2009 will be the restoration of the College for Officer Training in Kingston, Jamaica. We will be staying on site and working with the cadets in training. Additional information can be requested from: laurie . mcarthur @ utoronto . ca
What do we do?
The work has progressed over time from basic painting and minor repair work, to more complex building rehabilitation and construction projects.
To date, the work projects undertaken include;
· significant structural renovations,
· building additions and/or construction of complete buildings.
Renovation work has included:
· replacement of termite damaged wood,
· electrical refurbishment,
· installation of ceilings and roofs (often damaged by age and hurricanes),
· construction of new platforms and pulpits,
· painting,
· plumbing,
· replacement of windows and doors to improve security,
· refurbishing signage,
· landscaping (generally to improve drainage), and
· laying cement paths and foundations.
How long are the trips?
The trips are generally 2 weeks, some have been for 3 weeks. Volunteers participate for all or some of the weeks.
Where have we been?
The countries and locations we have worked in over the years are:
· Jamaica (Top Hill, Savanna La Mar, Montego Bay, Lennox Bigwoods, Cave Valley, Bluefields, Sellington, Blackness, Cave Mountain, Carr, Fern, Leamington, and Culloden Corps, the Hanbury Children's home and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired),
· Barbados (Bridgetown Central, Carlton, Diamond Corner, Four Roads, Long Bay,Wellington Street, Speightstown, and Wotton Corps),
· Cuba (William Booth Seniors Home),
· Haiti (Fond des Negres school and Bethany children's home),
· Trinidad (Josephine Shaw Residence for Women) ,
· Guyana (East La Penitence and Vergenoegen Corps and repairs to the Divisional Headquarters),
· Belize (Ganns Seniors Home in Belize City),
· St Lucia (Castries Corps and quarters).
The work has progressed over time from basic painting and minor repair work, to more complex building rehabilitation and construction projects.
Monday, October 27, 2008
2009 Mission to Kingston Jamaica: The Salvation Army College for Officers Training
The basic information (for anyone interested):
OBJECTIVE:
To encourage and equip the Salvation Army in Jamaica by demonstrating practical Christian love in action. “In response to all He has done for us let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind, and in doing good.” (Hebrews 10:24)
PROJECT: Repairs at the Salvation Army Officers’ Training College, Kingston Jamaica.
DATES: Sat Jan. 24 – Sun. Feb 8, 2009
OBJECTIVE:
To encourage and equip the Salvation Army in Jamaica by demonstrating practical Christian love in action. “In response to all He has done for us let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind, and in doing good.” (Hebrews 10:24)
PROJECT: Repairs at the Salvation Army Officers’ Training College, Kingston Jamaica.
DATES: Sat Jan. 24 – Sun. Feb 8, 2009
Past misisons...
The 2009 trip to Kingston will be our groups 21st mission. It's been an amazing 'trip' over the years (pardon the pun!). We have travelled to many locations throughout the Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory, and have progressed from basic painting and minor repair tasks to full-out renovation and building projects. It truly is amazing what work is able to be accomplished in a short period (projects have averaged 2 weeks)... of course, it isn't really our work or our timeline!
Countries we have been priviledged to visit include:
Countries we have been priviledged to visit include:
- Jamaica
- Trinidad
- Guyana
- St. Lucia
- Cuba
- Belize
- Haiti
- Barbados
I will attempt to post more on some of these trips in the future.
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