Celebrating 100 Years of God’s Blessings

Published February 10, 2020 | Joan Reid, Mandeville SDA Church

Reaching the glorious age of one hundred (100) years is a remarkable blessing for anyone, but being 100 years and still being able to do for yourself almost everything you want to do, is simply phenomenal. Such is the life of Sis Hazel Icelda Foster who celebrated 100 years of God’s abundant blessings on January 11, 2020. In fact, she boasts about being born in the same year as the first Jamaican Olympic gold medalist, Arthur Wint. Sis Foster is the epitome of positivism. She loves life and she loves people. She has touched the lives of many, both young and old, with whom she has the privilege to meet and share experiences. Although she now uses a walking stick for balance, mentally, she remains sharp-witted and is also quite fashionable in her attire. We sat down with Sis Foster and asked her a few questions. Ques: Sis Foster, were you always a Seventh-day Adventist? Sis Foster: No, not always. I attended an Anglican church when I was young. I did not get baptized there because God had other plans for me. A Seventh-day Adventist colporteur studied with me in Jamaica and I got baptized in a church in St Elizabeth by Pastor Walters. I cannot remember the date. Ques: Tell us, Sis Foster, what kind of child were you growing up? Sis Foster: I was a very good and obedient child to my parents, Mr and Mrs Sawyers. I grew up with nine (9) siblings, and I was the eldest. Some of them are now deceased, but three (3), including myself, are still alive. Ques: What is your fondest memory as an adult growing up? Sis Foster: (laughs) Well, my fondest memory was when I met my husband at Cheerio Ice Cream Parlour in Kingston. He was in the army and we got married that same year. You see, I was a hot number and was very pretty (laughs). Ques: What is your favourite food, Sis Foster? Sis Foster: I really don’t specialize. I just like to cook and I love good food. Ques: What is that one thing that you miss doing, now that you are 100 years old? Sis Foster: Well, as I said before, I just love to cook, but now I can’t do that much anymore. I always cook for a large number of people, for the pastors at conventions and for other events. I really miss doing that now. Ques: What piece of advice would you give to a 20 year old about life in general? Sis Foster: I would tell them to be careful about how they live their lives. I would also encourage them to trust God, stay close to Him and let Him lead them in everything they do. Ques: Sis Foster, who has influenced you the most/ who is your role model? Why? Sis Foster: I would say that my mother has influenced me the most. She was my role model. She was a very good cook and an excellent homemaker who took care of the whole family. I would like to think that her qualities are embedded in me. Ques: What would you say is the secret to your longevity and good health? Sis Foster: Life is measured by the way we live. I am always giving and helping others. God has been extremely good to me and so I try my best to give to others the same way He has given to me. I also try to eat well, eat good food. I also go to bed early and make sure that I am well rested. I try not to make anything stress me, nor “keep up” anyone. I laugh and try to get along with everyone, with God’s help. Ques: Do you have any regrets, or is there any situation that you wish you had a chance to change? Sis Foster: No, I have no real regrets in life as God knows everything. I only wish that my husband was still alive, but I have the blessed hope that one day I will see him again. Ques: Sis Foster, how do you feel you have made an impact on people? Sis Foster: Let me say that I have served as President for the Victory Senior Citizen’s Club from 1986 until now, leading them in various activities and achievements. I have also raised a number of children and grandchildren and have impacted their lives in a positive way. I am hoping that, with God as my guide, I have been a positive influence and have made an indelible impact on all who have shared my life. Ques: Finally, Sis Foster, tell us- how would you like to be remembered? Sis Foster: (laughs) I would like to be remembered as someone who is loving, caring and dedicated to service to others and to the Lord. All who have come in contact with Sis Hazel Foster would agree that her life reflected the graciousness of God as demonstrated in her warm generosity and willingness to serve others. She marked her important milestone with a special occasion surrounded by family members, church friends and well-wishers on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Congratulation, Sis Foster!! May God continue to bless and keep you in His care. **Click on photos for captions**