The Dare to Care mission team had a life-changing trip earlier this year. Together, they traveled to Jamaica with 14 women from Roswell and South Georgia on a mission trip with Mustard Seed Communities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable populations in society.
“We are so blessed in this community, but to get out of our ‘bubble’ and serve means so much to them and to us," Kelly Lobuglio says. She and her daughter Lilly traveled with the group. "It was shocking to me how some of the children were abandoned because either the mother was unable to care for them or they were unwanted."
Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) began in 1978 as a home for children with disabilities on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica and has expanded to Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. The majority of programs are dedicated to the residential care of children and adults with a range of developmental and physical disabilities, children affected by HIV in Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Every June, Terry Newton of Roswell takes a group of 14 or so women, which she calls the Dare to Care Women, to Jamaica where they serve the residents in need. “We all are so very blessed and with those blessings comes the responsibility to share with others, whether it be through time, talent or tithes,” says Terry. "When I take these groups of women to experience the joy that is Mustard Seed, not only am I sharing my many blessings, but I also get to see the change in the lives of others - the residents, the caregivers and especially the women who have stepped out of their comfort zones to care for and love those most abandoned individuals who have been abandoned by a society that deems them unworthy.
“This is the second year my daughter Lilly and I have done this trip. We did not know what to expect last year and it truly changed our lives,” says Kelly.
Dare to Care met children with severe disabilities that have been abandoned. “It’s life-changing. They are so happy for you to hold them or simply say their name. The amazing caregivers care for them day in and day out, and it is evident that they are truly filled with Christ’s love,” says Kelly.
Lilly now carries a new sense of purpose that has forever changed her perspective on the world and her place within it. “We laughed, we danced, sang songs, pampered the caregivers, played in the sun on the most beautiful island, but we also gardened, did laundry, fed, bathed, lent a hand to help wherever we could, and most importantly loved on the residents at the orphanage,” says Lilly. “For our last two days, we stayed at an orphanage for young mothers (ages 12-18) and their children. These kids have been dealt some really hard battles and despite everything, they are the happiest humans I’ve ever met.”
Mustard Seed has recently taken in 59 kids from Haiti who the Dare to Care will meet soon. Mission volunteers bring faith and love to the residents of MSC. While in Mandeville, Jamaica you will spend time getting to know them while completing work projects to improve the facilities where they live and learn. When you return from your week of service, you become the voice of MSC, sharing the stories of those who cannot tell their own.
“I will continue to share this opportunity I had with anyone who will listen. I hope I was able to make an impact on their lives, but they made a HUGE one on mine and I will never forget it,” says Lilly. "I’m also extremely grateful to have spent the week with such amazing ladies. Being the youngest one there, I look up to and am so inspired by everyone’s kindness. Mustard Seed will be a part of my life and a part of who I am forever.”
To find out how to support a volunteer or become one, go to MustardSeed.com