Big News in the Allen family...

 Walton spent last week in Jamaica working with our missions pastor, Danny and neighbor Dave in a village that our church has connected with.  Dave's daughter Rebecca went along as well.  Their tasks last week were to build a house for a family in need and work on the facilities that will eventually be Danny's home base when he moves to Jamaica full time. This was Walton's second mission trip to Jamaica - he and Kyle went last summer for 10 days. The physical, spiritual, and emotional needs there are huge.  I am going to quit talking now and let Walton tell you about the week in his words. Don't quit reading too soon - the best part is at the end! ;-)



God really did a lot through us this week in Jamaica.

First, the morning we were to leave started out with excitement, the plane that I was going to go on filled up so my buddy pass was no good. All flights were filled for the next two days. I started looking on the internet for other flights and located two but it would be close on time. We drove fast to the airport and I ran to Air Jamaica and they turned me down. I ran to US Air and they first turned me down and I just stood there in disbelief. She looked at me and said OK! I asked, You mean I get to go? She said yes I will give you the last seat but hurry. (It was like being on "The Amazing Race".) The flight went to Charlotte and then I had to catch another flight. I received the ticket and thanked her and ran to security check and then ran to the gate. I made it and took the last seat. I had to run in Charlotte as well and made it to Jamaica. I was not sure if David and Rebecca made it on the other flight or not. After going through imm igrations and customs I went to baggage and I heard a familiar voice and there were David and Rebecca. We all made it about the same time. "Thank you Lord" is what came to mind first.


We started the house and finished it in 2 1/2 days and the family was very excited. We built it a little differently than last time due to their needs. They also had a little money saved to help make the additions and changes. The people in the community were always walking by looking and talking to us. We were not given the chance to really witness with words to anyone but they knew who we were and sometimes that is better than words. After we finished, one man said he has never seen a house built so fast. Remember there are not power tools and nail guns there, like we have here.

We already have two more families that we will be building for soon.

Most of you all know that Shari and I have been wanting to adopt a little girl for quite some time.  I visited the Jamaican Child Development Authority office early in the week and was pre-approved to adopt after filling out the application and having an interview.  Later in the week, I was asked if I would be interested in adopting a little girl. I was shocked but happy. I met the little girl (Peta-gay) who is 4 years old and just sweet as can be. To make a long story short after talking to the mother and looking into it all, Shari and I said yes and I started the process there in Jamaica. I took her to the doctor to have a physical and blood work on Saturday and all went well. I asked if I could have her for the rest of the day and they said yes. She spent the day with me and we had a blast. The lady that will be keeping her during the adoption process said I could keep her until we left Sunday, so she stayed with me Saturday night as well. I gave the lady some money to buy Peta-gay some clothes and shoes. I could not sleep so I just held her hand and prayed most of the night while she slept.

The house Peta-gay's family lives in was an abandoned home with no food, power or water. When it rained they all got wet. Mom really does not have a job but tries to sell juice and crackers on the streets for money. If she sells all of the juice and crackers each day she might make about $ 150 Jamaican dollars which is about $ 2 dollars in the U.S. Needless to say, that doesn't go far when trying to take care of a family of 7. 

I explained to Peta-gay that we were going to adopt her and I could tell she understood. I asked her if that would make her happy and she said yes and hugged me.

I am asking that you all pray for the process to go fast and smooth, for Peta-gay to adjust with the foster parents during the process and then again when we have her here at home. Also pray for Peta-gay's biological mom as well.

Here are a few pictures of the house and Peta-gay.


Starting the framing.



The floor is framed.

One of the local boys wanted to nail in a nail.



It was fun to let them help some and they thought that was just grand.

Dave, his daughter Rebecca, Junior and Javien





Most of the walls are up.



Front view from street.



The roofing material going up.



Finished except windows, paint and door.



Shana-K is the home owner.




When I met Peta-gay.




Our sweet little girl and her little doll.



Sunday morning in her new clothes.





Peta-gay and her new baby doll.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support,

Walton Allen

furniture makeover

This piece of furniture was the china cabinet in the dining room set that Walton and I bought the first Thanksgiving we were married. It was perfect in our starter home in Macon, and it moved from Macon to Griffin to McDonough with us. Originally, it was stained wood. We didn't put it in the dining room when we moved into our new house - it looked a little outdated & worn. But we didn't get rid of it either. When we moved, we had to take the top half off (the part where you would display china) and we just left it that way in the basement. Recently, I bought some spray paint and Walton painted the bottom half black. I am really pleased with the way it turned out - the breakfast area doesn't feel like a just a room with a table anymore. It's more cozy and warm and homey (no, not homely - homey - as in somewhere you like to be). The best part was the cost of the makeover - 3 cans of black spray paint and one $10 lamp from Wal-mart.