St. Ann's Infirmary and Aunty Jackies

Today the Whiteheads made a trip to Ocho so that the four of us could visit the St. Ann's Infirmary.  Elder Whitehead wanted to see if they needed some humanitarian help.  When we arrived at the Infirmary, one of the nurses showed us around.  Elder Whitehead wanted to see the kitchen and the laundry facilities.  We were also shown the sleeping quarters.  Most of the people at the Infirmary have disabilities.  When the hospital can no longer keep them, they are sent to the Infirmary.  Right now there are probably 110 patients. Our branch is going to the Infirmary  for the November 1 service project.  We hope there is a good turnout. Last year they clipped nails and visited with the patients.  They also cut hair and did a few other projects.  We are hoping to have enough women this year to visit the women's side because the women felt neglected last year because there were no women from the branch to assist them.  I am looking forward helping out there.

After we finished at the Infirmary, we drove to Discovery Bay to see if we could find Aunty Jackie.  After asking around, we were given directions on where to go.  Jackie is a Rastafarian who takes care of children who's parents can no longer care for them.  Some have disabilities.  She has about 10 children.  They had just moved into a new place.  From the outside the place looked like it could have been a truck stop with restrooms and a restaurant.  It was quite run down.  When she inherited the place, it  was a disaster.  All the walls were painted black and it was very dirty.  I think it had been vacant for a while.  They had been cleaning it for a month and they were still in the process of moving in.  She was happy to have a larger place to take care of the children.  Food for the Poor had donated some chairs and other supplies.  They also keep her in food and clothing.  I wish I had taken some pictures but we will go out there again and deliver some humanitarian items and I will try and remember to take some pictures then.  From Aunty Jackies, we drove back to St. Ann's Bay and ate lunch at Scotchies Jerk Centre.  All four of us got jerk chicken, rice and peas, and a festival. When we got back to the apartment, the Whiteheads headed for Kingston and we headed for Free Hill to take some Tylenol to Brother B.  Both he and his wife have the Chik V virus.  We also dropped off some food items to a member of the branch who is also sick with Chick V.   It was an enjoyable day!