Merridee Jones was a part of New City Church’s Impact team that visited Abaco in August of 2023. After being drawn to the ARK program Lisa Berg leads at Central Abaco Primary School, Lisa asked Merridee if she would be willing to substitute for a few weeks the following month. Meridee spent time in prayer about this decision and felt it was something the Lord was calling her into, so plans were made, and she returned to Abaco. Read about her trip back to Abaco below.
I couldn’t help but be drawn to Lisa’s incredible work in schools and within the community. The more she explained her initiatives, the more interested I became in her efforts to make an impact in public schools. During our conversations, Lisa presented me with an exciting yet scary opportunity to join her in Abaco. I prayed that God would make it clear to me and that my family would be on board with this extended stay. As we met multiple times and started making plans, I knew deep in my heart that I was meant to go back.
Heading back to Abaco brought a mix of emotions. My first thought was, “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” In the past, I had always gone on mission trips with others, but this time, I needed to venture out on my own. I was excited to work with kids again, even though I was retired from teaching. But of course, there were fears and questions swirling in my mind. Thankfully, God brought amazing people into my life who helped answer those concerns. Little did I know, this was just the beginning.
Once I arrived in Abaco, I was grateful to be staying at Camp Abaco. I purposely planned my stay to overlap with Lisa’s presence so that I could continue her work with the same passion and integrity. Being in the classroom with the kids was an absolute joy! They were respectful, despite the challenges of large class sizes. Teachers were dedicated, but often lacked support when it came to curriculum and materials. Building relationships with the children was just starting to take shape when I left.
My days in the classroom involved teaching in the morning and assisting with the inputting of books into the new library established by Lisa. In the afternoons, Celekah conducted library classes. Witnessing the level of need among the children was eye-opening. Understanding their stories and why they were falling behind helped shape my teaching approach. I was pleasantly surprised by how open the Bahamian children were to matters of faith. They started each day with devotion or song and ended with prayer.
One of the challenges we faced were the assemblies that disrupted the teaching schedule. Lisa took the initiative to address this issue with the administration, highlighting the importance of a consistent schedule that allows children to receive the attention they need. In the meantime, I tried to be creative in finding alternate times to work with the children, even seeing two boys during lunchtime. It was frustrating knowing that so many more children needed extra help. Some students were placed in their grade based on age, despite lacking basic letter sounds. My concern was that these children would become increasingly frustrated as they grew older and eventually drop out of school.
The excitement among the children for the library was infectious! Even older students reading at a kindergarten or first-grade level were thrilled to have a book in their hands. The impact of the library will have lasting effects on their relationship with books. I also had the privilege of observing Celekah’s dedication to teaching and character education.
Living in Abaco proved to be a journey guided by God. Every fear and question I had, He met with unwavering support. From car issues to adjusting to a new environment, God provided the right people at the right time. Camp Abaco became a special place for me, isolated yet comforting. Each day, Dallas the dog and I would take a walk on the beach, allowing me precious moments with God. These walks reassured me, restored my heart and mind, and taught me about His love for both me and the people of Abaco.
During my time in Abaco, I was blessed to meet incredible individuals like Laura, Celekah, and the warm-hearted community at Kirk of the Pines church. I also had the opportunity to visit a hydroponic farm, witnessing the amazing work being done to benefit the community. The people of Abaco showcased their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, finding ways to make a living by providing services to others.
My journey back to Abaco was a life-changing experience. Being able to contribute to the education and wellbeing of the children filled me with immense satisfaction. Lisa’s work is truly essential for the families of Abaco, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. Abaco and its people will forever hold a special place in my heart.
