God shaped us in many different ways while in Jamaica. We are still processing many of those graces, and being challenged to live differently because of them. One of those graces we found in the people of Jamaica...specifically their love for us. It was given unconditionally. It didn't matter that we had never met before. It didn't matter whether or not we had 'sweeties' (their term for candy). 
It didn't matter our background, color, sex, nationality, age...they loved us...all. Kind of like how God loves us...all. Their unwavering and continuous showers of affection were unforgettable. It gave us both new eyes to the words 'whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.' It was easy to see Jesus in them.
We aren't so naive to think everyone we served in Jamaica had this attitude. In the same light, there will be those we serve in life who don't respond with this kind of love. But that doesn't mean we don't love/serve them too. In fact, that's the beauty of the cross. Jesus not only died for those people who loved him back. He died for the very people who betrayed him, denied him, and killed him. Mi yodea? (a favorite Hebrew phrase of Mark's--means 'who knows?') Who knows what God will do through those who choose to love? He wants to reveal His love to those we love/serve...the same love we saw and received from the Jamaicans.
One of our favorite bands has a new single entitled How He Loves. Here are some lyrics from it...He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy...Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking...Oh how He loves us.May we love in the same way.
Much love,
Mark and Allyson
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