The Green Life Village

The Green Life Village

Is it finally happening? After all these years of hearing Marla talk about her Children’s Village, a place for families to live together and grow together, it is finally happening. Note that the illustration above is from our original artwork drawn up in 2013.  We are in the process of having updated plans drawn to reflect a more current vision.

Up on the hill, around the river, through the woods, and across the gravel is a tiny road leading to a community called Cambridge. The Green Life Farm borders the community all the way from the main road to the river. Thanks to so many friends of ACE, the clearing of the coconut grove – or “walk” as they say in Jamaica – has begun. While we are keeping many of the coconut trees (coconuts are in big demand for their water and jelly), this is the location for our village to be built.

ACE has named it the “Green Life Village” (called a village because it truly takes a village to raise a child). Many children we have sponsored will be living in this community with their parents or parent.

We will have our own D’Vaun and Saskia living here as the small-group/family leaders for ACE. We will be very intentional about who will reside on the property and what they will be doing to grow, thrive and survive in a healthy and productive way. More information to come, but if you are interested in finding out how you can be a part of this long-in-coming dream of ACE, give us a call or email! We will be happy to share with you what the needs are and how ACE plans to make this the most sought-after community in St. Mary.

 

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The Seniors of St. Mary

The Seniors of St. Mary

A year ago last month, we were told we could no longer visit our senior family at the St. Mary Infirmary. While it’s understandable, all of us at ACE have felt a tremendous loss. Yet, with the needs mounting, we’ve continued to visit the many “shut in” seniors in the community who are elated that we have found them!

Rose has a sore on her foot that won’t heal. She also doesn’t have anyone to clean it and change the dressing. When Dr. Guy and his wife, Carol, were here, they made house-call visits for this purpose as well as to just cheer our seniors up a little. Most docs and their wives, I’ve noticed, are not so willing to clean and bandage a poor lady’s foot like Rose’s. But Dr. Guy and Carol, who is a nurse, are not the normal medical professionals. They are outstanding, always going above and beyond with a personal touch.

Meet Angus, one of the many blind seniors ACE has taken under our wing. When our friend of ACE, Teresa, was here, she cleaned and sang, and cooked and sang, and… well, you get the picture. What joy she brought to Angus and so many others!

Another wonderful person is Ezra, the uncle to Sheldon, one of our fathers and employees at the farm. Ezra is blind as well, but that never stops him. While he can’t see in the natural world, his supernatural abilities are amazing. Spending time with him helps us all see the world in a new way.

With your help, love and the support you continually send us, we keep the road busy and the paths to their homes well worn. Thank you all for making a difference. Now if we can only get you on the plane to come see us, we can show you the way to the Seniors of St. Mary!

 

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A Silver Lining For Our Families During COVID

A Silver Lining For Our Families During COVID

Every once in a while you read something or see something on TV about how COVID actually helped someone in a way totally unexpected. This is exactly what has happened not just once, not just twice, but several times with our sponsors helping their sponsored children and their families. The children have not been in school, and most of the families, as you can well imagine, have suffered loss of income and many times have nothing to offer their children. Thanks to so many sponsors, ACE has been consistent in supplying food staples to the many families who have nothing to eat.

In addition, some of you, since you could not come in person, elected to send the funds you’d normally spend to come down to Jamaica directly to us to help these families! Beds, refrigerators, tables, mattresses, more food and a lot of love has been coming down this past month. Take a look at the smiles! We cannot thank you enough, and neither can your sponsored children and their families. 

While COVID may have changed how you’ve helped ACE from afar this past year, we still want to see your smiling faces in Jamaica soon! We may have some friends who want to say thank you in person!

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Marla’s Minute – Mother’s Day in Jamaica

Marla’s Minute – Mother’s Day in Jamaica

Mother’s Day always comes in May, right? Except this year… my Mother’s Day came early. My mother (Mommy) and Fred (my dad) and five friends landed in Jamaica a few weeks ago to lend us all at ACE a hand on the ground. I love that my mom is still very much alive and well; so many of my friends have had their moms transition out of this life. Knowing we are all not going to live forever, I cherish every moment I have with her.

When people give me the excuse they are too old to do this kind of work, I smile and think they have no idea how much fun they are missing with friends and family. For example, the ladies were inspired to complete the three tables left over for tiling by the team who came down in February (remember last month’s newsletter article?). Of course, they had to have a little competition to add to the fun! What a great job they did!

After the tables were completed, we ladies made plantain pies with Sue, followed by lots of hikes and laughter. Meanwhile, the men couldn’t resist working the Bobcat and the John Deere tractor. A new water pond was designed and implemented by my dad, Fred, who came with tools in hand. Fred, at one point, looked like he was in time-out sitting on a bench doing the math for a natural gutter drain. At the end of the week, gutters were made, ponds created, and field lines to drain off water were once again working.

So, while May is a wonderful time to remember your mother, anytime is good! If it’s not possible to spend time together, find a neighbor or a friend to enjoy the day! We are never too old to honor our parents or to create lasting memories when the opportunity arises!

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It’s iQuest Time Again!

It’s iQuest Time Again!

Are you a college student seeking a life-changing experience? We are looking for you! With teams filling in on our 2021 schedule, we are ready for a new group of iQuest interns to come from June 5th to August 19th!

Working with ACE staff and volunteer teams for the summer is just the ticket for adventure, growth and renewal. What an opportunity to go outside your comfort zone, learn new skills and make a lasting difference in the lives of others, while making friends to last a lifetime.

We are slowly getting back into our busy world after a year spent on “pause”. As our time at home comes to an end but before our schedules become overwhelming again, spend the summer with ACE! Discover the ways that God can use your energy and talents to connect to so many who need a smiling face and a helping hand. Go online today to sign up to be a 2021 iQuest intern – and find your new home away from home!

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