Before I forget&

     
          When I thought about our trip to St. Vincent, I was excited and a little nervous.  During our trip to Florida we attended a prayer gathering.  During the quiet reflection time I kept hearing the words, "do not be afraid, I am with you."  From that time on through our entire trip, I felt protected and safe.  I know God was with us in St. Vincent.
     Our trip to St. Vincent was a special time away from our normal life where we could work and play and not be concerned about the affairs of the world for a short time.  It was truly a blessing for us.  St. Vincent is a beautiful island very mountainous with flowers and trees blooming everywhere and beautiful beaches.  The people are friendly and very appreciative of our efforts to help.
     Our goal as Good News members was to build two houses (one sponsored by St. John's) and to help out in other ways like nursing, teaching and doing crafts. 
     I spent three days teaching in the primary schools.  The school classrooms are only separated by bulletin boards so quiet learning is difficult.  The children were most receptive and eager to learn.  They all wanted us to come to their class.  The teachers were very cooperative and helped us with their students.  In the government (public) school they prayed at assembly and before class.  The school supplies are limited so our painting and art projects were exciting for the students.  We tried to tie in a values lesson with our projects.  We had the opportunity to compare school policies and programs with the principal of Calder Primary School where we taught two days.  The sixth graders are tested before they are admitted into secondary school.  If they do not pass they must stay at the primary school for seventh and eighth grade.  Tom also spent a day at the Calder School working with computers and instructing teachers.  At lunchtime Tom had the opportunity to play cricket with the boys.  Tom struck out!!
     I also had the opportunity to spend a day teaching at the Methodist school.  While I was teaching the second graders, the Minister of Education came in to observe.  We explained to him what we were trying to accomplish in the classes we were teaching.  We were not able to teach all the classes and that was a disappointment to both the children and us.   We tried to make it up to those we didn't get to by giving them some special art supplies to use in class.
     The house sponsored by St. John's was given to the Jim Boyd family.  Jim and his wife, Althea, have two daughters, two sons, and a grandson.  Besides the cross we brought (made by Tom Halaska) we also gave the family salt, bread and a plaque to hang on their wall.  This house was built next to a pre-school.  Tom spent some of his time reading to the children. The children from this pre-school came to the house blessing and sang three songs.  Sr. Girlyn Miguel, Director of Social Welfare, gave the blessing over the house.  The family seemed very pleased with their new home.  The second house was given to Ennis Webb.  Ennis lives alone since his stroke but there is hope his family will return with the new home.
     We attended mass on Saturday evenings at St. Mary's Cathedral.  Father Mike invited Tom to deacon at both masses.  On the first Saturday eve the Good News team was invited up to the altar for the Our Father.  Tom also was invited to take part in the pilgrimage to the shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes with the Bishop.  The Bishop explained they do not have deacons because they do not have a formation program.
     I also had the opportunity to work with young ladies at the Women's development Center, patients at the Mental Health Clinic, residents of a nursing home and children at St. Benedicts Children's Hospital.  We were well received at all these places and felt blessed to be given the opportunity.
     On our last day, Sr. Girlyn Miguel arranged a meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves.  We all enjoyed our visit with him.  Dr. Gonsalves was very friendly and shared his vision for St. Vincent.  He told us about their efforts to clean the countryside and also about their housing programs.  They have programs for the homeless, low income and for teachers, nurses, police and firemen so they can build new homes.
     The Good News team from St. Vincent took very good care of us.  They transported us and provided support and love. This experience will be with us for a long time - reliving the good times and remembering how blessed we are to have the opportunity to spend time in St. Vincent.

Judy Quayle