Nevis Community Outreach

This past Sabbath started out with an unexpected surprise.  After getting the kids ready, getting ourselves ready, and packing up the car, we drove out to the end of the peninsula to catch the 8:00 a.m. car ferry to our neighboring island, Nevis.  It is not unusual for the boat to be late, so we didn't think much of it when the boat did not arrive on time.  However, after a few more minutes of waiting around, we found out that the boat was not coming until 1:00pm due to one of the boats breaking down.  The whole reason we were going to Nevis was so that Mike could help out in the community outreach the Adventist church was doing in downtown by providing free dental screenings.  This event was scheduled to start at 9:00am.

We are so thankful for friends who are so flexible and
are willing to go on unexpected adventures with us!

St. Kitts passenger ferry terminal

So we changed our plans and took the only other option - the passenger ferry.  We all got back in the car and drove back through the peninsula to downtown.  Unfortunately the next ferry ride that was available was leaving at 9:30am.  So we ended up being late to the event but we were thankful that we were able to go after at all!  The kids had a blast looking through the windows and enjoyed the boat ride very much.  As for me....I was just trying not to get sea sick!

Mike with his awesome receptionist and assistant!

Mike's dental station

Despite getting there late, Mike was able to do dental screenings for about two and a half hours.  The "dental chair" was set up under the tent in the middle of the square in downtown Nevis.  It was fun to be able to witness him in action doing what he loves to do - community outreach. 

Megumi and her "teacher" at the children's activity table.

Children's activity station

Megumi was able to participate in the children's station for a little bit and then she decided to be part of the "dental team" and hand out free toothbrushes along with the dental hygiene information pamphlets.  Makoto slept through much of the excitement but when he woke up, the local children wanted to take a turn holding him and playing with him.  It was so sweet!

 After the outreach, the local Nevis church invited us to a potluck at their church few blocks away.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with some very friendly church members.  They even gave us a little bus tour of Nevis before taking us to the passenger ferry terminal.

Stepping into the local hot spring!

Nevis hot spring 

Nevis passenger ferry terminal

It was a busy day and we were all exhausted by the time we got home.  The children were ready for bed and so were we!  But it was a good busy kind of day.  I love community outreach because it gives us an opportunity to connect with people.  It always amazes me how we go with the intention to "give" but at the end of the day, we realize we gain just as much, if not more, from giving our time and service to others.  It was exactly what we needed and God provided.  What a blessed day!  

Our passenger ferry arriving!

"Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that 
our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others." 
-Marianne Williamson