Jamaica 2011

When the opportunity to travel to St. Elizabeth Jamaica with Dr. Kent Willett’s Dental Team, and Medical Ministry International (MMI) was presented to Granny’s House and Arianna Prince last year, there was a mixed bag of emotions; excitement, nervousness, wonder etc. When the opportunity to go again this year came up, there wasn’t even a question in Arianna’s mind that she wanted to go back. In fact, I think the following phrase quickly came out of her mouth “Oh my gosh...we WILL be going back to Jamaica...we HAVE to!”

Arianna’s excitement about a second mission experience to Jamaica quickly caused her twin sister Brianna to inquire about going on the trip as well. Brianna, who also has an interest in the medical fields, experienced the trip in a small way through photos and stories Arianna shared, but wanted to experience it for herself if at all possible. Before she knew it, Brianna was invited to attend the second year trip to Jamaica along with her sister!

Year two proved to be much different than year one in so many ways. Arianna was more familiar with everything (the food, the people, the daily routine) and jumped right in working alongside the doctors and medical professionals. She almost looked at ease scribing for the doctors on a daily basis and working closely with patients who had great needs. Brianna, though experiencing everything for the first time, jumped in as well, and quickly had a very “go-getter” attitude when it came to whatever task she was given. Whether it was helping the pharmacist with prescriptions, scribing for doctors, or helping check in patients, Brianna had a great attitude and a servants heart through it all.



There were a few differences in “Year 2” which were exciting to experience. One big difference, was the MMI group we worked alongside throughout the trip. Last years group totaled around 20 people, and had a very “intimate” feel to it. This years group, totaled 55, and included three other Columbia Missouri teenagers who Arianna and Brianna quickly became close with. There were also doctors and nurses from Los Angeles California and Texas and on several occasions the girls pulled a few doctors aside to ask questions like “What is the best Pharmacy School?” and “You’re a nurse right? What exactly did you major in when you were in college?”


While pages and pages could be written about the amazing experiences the girls encountered, hearing about the trip from their perspective is always better! Along with pictures, please enjoy seeing the trip through the girls eyes!

What did you like most about being able to help in Jamaica?

ARIANNA: The people were so joyful! Even though they don't have much, they are thankful for whatever we can offer them.
BRIANNA: I loved just being there with the people

What is your overall view of the Jamaican people?

ARIANNA: The Jamaican people are extremely nice and respectful. They never are mad when they need help, and are always excited to see the doctors. They are SO joyful!

BRIANNA: They don't have much, but they believe that Jesus will help them through all their problems.


How did the trip impact your thoughts on your future?

ARIANNA: I still want to do something in the medical fields which helps people like those in Jamaica. It made me more serious about knowing that.

BRIANNA: I know that I need and want to help out people who don't live in the United States



What is one memorable moment you're taking away from the trip?

ARIANNA: A 28 year old man came in with huge ulcers on his legs that were never healed. He had been having them for 10 year, but never had time to stop and go to the hospital because he was working so much. I couldn't believe it!

BRIANNA: An old woman came in wiht a food injury and she couldn't walk. While she was sitting and waiting for the doctor, someone accidently stepped on her foot and she was in so much pain that she started crying out loud. I felt so bad for her and wanted to cry with her, but I was in the middle of helping out another patient.


A big thank you to Dr. Willett's Dental Office for the opportunity to travel with them again this year! It was an amazing experience that will never be forgotten! For more photos please visit the Granny's House Facebook page!

PEOPLE STORIES, Part 4 - Caritas Habimana

Her presence is tall and commanding, but her voice is low and sweet. She once taught children at the French Embassy in Rwanda, but now Caritas Habimana, or “Cari,” as most people call her, is “Auntie” to the dozens of African refugee children at Granny’s House, and friend, counselor, translator, and job-finder for their parents. She speaks seven languages and every African refugee child’s teacher and principal has Cari’s number on speed dial in their phones. She plays an invaluable role in her church, Agape Fellowship, and the Granny’s House staff would be “lost” without her wisdom and insight as we continue to weave the refugee children into the fabric of Granny’s House. Caritas recently sat down with me for an interview and below, are a few excerpts from that conversation:

GP: You always have a fire going... I see it in your eyes and I see it in your smile. Cari, what lights that fire in your heart? What is the source of that fire?

CARI: I think God is with me... I’m never alone. I can feel his hands; He’s there whenever I need His help. Before I call anybody, I call God. That’s why I am so happy.

GP: But life was not always like that for you... what was it like in Rwanda, before you came to Columbia?

CARI: They killed and killed and killed... blood, bombings, machetes, and bodies. I saw it all during the war... It felt like the end of the world. There was no life after seeing children being killed... neighbors, mothers and old people. Even now, I’m asking myself, “How can I be alive?”

GP: So, what’s the answer to that? Why do you think you lived?

CARI: I don’t know the answer to that... maybe angels were carrying me. I don’t know... for me, it’s not information, it’s my relationship with God.

GP: Now I see the reason for the passion and the fire that keeps you going... You do so much for the African community... how do you do it? If you had a job title, what would it be?

CARI: I don’t know... I don’t have an office. I just have my cell phone and it’s ringing every minute...I write everything down in my agenda... My day begins at 7:45 in the morning and I have appointments all day... meetings at schools, after school programs with kids, going to the doctor with parents...

I read their to mail them; I provide transportation and interpret for them... I take all the children to their school assessments and I help discipline them... I help the parents talk to their children and teach them how important it is to show the children affection. Sometimes I have Bible study and choir at church in the evenings, and usually finish and go to bed at 11 at night. I do all this because of the love... the children’s love for me is like a vitamin that goes down into my body. And that’s good because Idon’t have time to eat (giggles).

GP: Cari, I really believe that your job is more important than the President’s... you are helping shape lives for eternity!

I could have talked to Caritas Habimana for hours, and actually wanted to. Our conversation was dotted with interruptions, again and again, as she fielded calls from kids, teachers, a friend who needed her to explain why someone had just handed them two dollars. Cari’s life is full of Life and Love and reminds me of this promise: “No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it - What God has arranged for those who love him.” -1 Corinthians 2:8, 9 (The Message Bible)

I left our meeting feeling like I had just finished reading a really good book - the kind you highlight, underline, and can’t wait to share with a friend! -Granny Pam