We saw 400 people in 4 health fairs, did lots of health teaching and screening for diabetes, hypertension, foot problems and dental health. It was overall a good health mission. The Outstanding part, though, was the workshop of Living Compass.
I presented a mini version of the workshop to the Faculty and Staff of the Manning's School. Manning's is the oldest academic institution in Jamaica (from 1751) and a premier high school for the island. The faculty works very hard and was badly rocked when a young student committed suicide last October. They asked our group to work with the faculty to help them restore balance and speak about wellness. PERFECT for Living Compass. So, I contacted Edith and we partnered with resources for the presentation. I adapted my presentation from what Scott and Holly did at St. Pat's.
I approached it from two aspects- one is the personal compass assessment and the other was to look at the compass from the aspect of the environment at the school. I had them draw two compasses- one about the faculty at the workshop and then to do the personal one at home (I didn't have time to implement both of them at the workshop). The small group concept was relatively new to the group (they are used to being lectured to) and they loved it. The outcome is that:
- They now have a basis for faculty development work (which is what the Head Master wanted)
- They want more of the Living Compass for personal growth
- They want more about the workshop for adolescents.
WOW!
It is in many ways easier in Jamaica to present this as they pray in the schools, it's a mostly Christian country (many of them are Anglicans or evangelicals) and the concept of prayer is fine in presentations.
When the vocational school found out what I'd presented, the Principal of that school wanted me to do the same thing for his faculty. So, I am planning to do that in October on the next trip- more about that later.
The other thing that happened is that the assistant Head Master of the Manning's School is also very active in the Nazarene churches in Westmoreland Parish ( and nationally in Jamaica) She's very interested in looking at the parenting and adolescent programs for that community. More on that as we look at planning.
So, the bottom line is that You area big hit in Jamaica, the ministry will be expanded and I am eternally thankful for you and your brilliant work.
THANK YOU Living Compass and Blessings for you help!
Hugs /
Lissa