It’s June 28, day 6 of being here in Jamaica and instead of just explaining to you all about the bus ride I had today I am going to journey back to June 23, the day we all arrived. I want to share with you all the amazing experiences I have had so far leading up to this day.
Day 1, June 23. My day started promptly at 2 a.m due to the fact that we boarded our flight at approximately 6 a.m. We arrived at the airport, and just as soon as it was time to go through check-in, it was time to say my goodbyes and my “I love you’s.” This was probably the hardest thing I had to do during this whole trip so far since I have never been away from my family much less my mother for more than a day before. It’s noon when we finally arrive in Jamaica. We haven’t even arrived at the dorms and already my sadness about leaving my family starts to ease. Mind you, both sides of my family are from Jamaica. So as soon as I saw the people, felt the energy, tasted the food and smelt the air, I just knew I was in safe hands.
Fast-forwarding to day 4, June 26. I was painting the play area for the kids at Saint Peter and Paul College Preparatory school in Kingston, Jamaica. I had a surprise visit from my Godbrother, Dave. He currently serves in the Jamaican Marines. His visit by far was the highlight of my day for two reasons, one being that I haven’t seen him in for over a year (I really miss his cooking!) and two I have always wanted to have the “soldier’s homecoming” experience. But I didn’t have long with him because he had to go to work. So after we talked and caught up on things, he left and I started to feel homesick.
That feeling, however, didn’t stay too long because after Dave left I was given the task of putting in grades for the third grader’s final assessment. Once we got started, the teacher left the classroom and the students started to come up to the desk where I was working. I was able to meet so many kids with such great personalities and talent. It was then, once I started to talk with the kids and share laughs, that the thought of being away from home didn’t cross my mind. In fact, while I was talking to the kids they reminded me of the kids at my church.
Tonight we’re staying at the Source Farm, and just being here at the farm and Jamaica, in general, makes me more appreciative of the family and friends I have back home. Like how my mom washes the dishes for me when I’m tired, despite how exhausted she is from a long day of work. Here at the farm after a long day of carrying 20-pounds of bamboo across the forest, I will still have to wash my own plate despite how exhausted I am. Just being here, in general, is a learning experience and a personal challenge because I am reflecting and seeing how I can better my self. I am learning to be more independent and self-reliant. So for example, my mom usually helps me pick out my clothes most days. But, because she isn’t here, I am put in the position where I must do things on my own. At times I find being self-reliant a bit challenging and irritating. But, as the days go on I find my self progressing one day at a time. So if I had just one word for this experience so far I would say it has been a blessing. It has been a blessing to see this beautiful country and a blessing to seize the opportunity to grow as a person.
Shannoi P., Parkdale High School