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<title>Jamaica '17 Archives - LearnServe International</title>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Oneesha and Breunna (6/26)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2017 23:13:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[E.L. Haynes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6923</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Hello my name is Vonyae and I have volunteered to do the blog for day 2. Yesterday was my first time getting on a plane. […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Oneesha and Breunna (6/26)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9715" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626/vonyae-2/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae.jpg" data-orig-size="288,347" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Vonyae" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae-249x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae.jpg" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9715" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae-249x300.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="300" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae-249x300.jpg 249w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae-230x277.jpg 230w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Vonyae.jpg 288w" sizes="(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px" />Hello my name is Vonyae and I have volunteered to do the blog for day 2. Yesterday was my first time getting on a plane. I was very excited and anxious.</p>
<p>Also that was a big travel day for us. We had to get on two planes to get to Jamaica, but we did it!</p>
<p>Today was very interesting. We walked up to Euton’s house (the Blue Mountain Program Manager), and we discussed whether we wanted to go to the farm or to the school. Today I chose to attend the school where there were 3-4 year-olds and 5-6 year-olds in one room separated by a board. I was able to experience the ways they learn, as well as different songs and games the sing and play. One familiar song they sang to us was “Yes Jesus Loves for Me.” They also sang us their welcome song and greeting song, and sung the alphabet.</p>
<p>Talking with the younger kids was a little difficult, but they joined in with the 5-6 year olds when playing musical chairs. The kids who stood out the most to me were Oneesha and Breunna. They both were in the 3-4 year old group. Oneesha didn’t talk as much, but she was very outgoing and it looked like she wanted to say things so I began to ask her questions.</p>
<p>“Hey Oneesha how was your walk to school today”? I asked her</p>
<p>“Good, I like walking” she said very eagerly.</p>
<p>Talking with Breunna was a little different. She told me that she didn’t like her walk as much she liked to have rides to school. The walk to the school was very interesting but difficult for me and some of my peers because we aren’t as accustomed or adapted to walking up the rocky dirt paths.</p>
<p>In the end when we left the school and went back to Euton’s home, we rested and he took us to Jah B’s place. Jah B is an coffee farmer, and he has a nice house people can rent out and stay up in the Blue Mountains. When I was at Jah B’s place me and my friend Dasani asked Tiger (a local) a few questions pertaining to the sugar cane that he had. He gave us some of the sugar cane. It was my very first time trying it, and I really enjoyed it. Today was a great day, and I can’t wait to see what Euton and the Blue Mountains have left in store for us!</p>
<p>Vonyae W., E.L. Haynes</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-at-school-626/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Oneesha and Breunna (6/26)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6923</post-id> </item>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Fourth of July at St. Anthony Mary’s (7/4)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:07:13 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[E.L. Haynes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6920</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s the 4th of July, it’s finally here, but I’m spending it a little differently last 4th of July. I never had in mind that […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Fourth of July at St. Anthony Mary’s (7/4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9718" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2/shadae-2/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae.jpg" data-orig-size="367,448" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="shadae" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae-246x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae.jpg" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9718" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae-246x300.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="300" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae-246x300.jpg 246w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae-230x281.jpg 230w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae-350x427.jpg 350w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/shadae.jpg 367w" sizes="(max-width: 246px) 100vw, 246px" />It’s the 4th of July, it’s finally here, but I’m spending it a little differently last 4th of July. I never had in mind that I would be spending 2017 4th of July in Jamaica with a bunch of people I don’t know. I mean, it’s something different, and it’s a new experience. I’m spending the 4th of July with the girls at St. Anthony Mary’s child mission home for teen moms. At first I didn’t really care about it until I walked into their home and their faces lit up with smiles. At that point I knew that I wasn’t here just for me. I helped set up their volleyball net and was able to teach them some of the basic moves. I felt good at this because back in Washington, DC I’m one of the people who helped set up the net at my school, and I help to teach new players volleyball techniques.</p>
<p>From that point I let the girls put their own style into it and it turned out nice. Just being in that moment put a smile on my face because I knew I was helping someone else. While at the mission home today I enjoyed different types of food like “Jerk Chicken” and “Ackee.” You know, things I don’t usually eat at home. It was a wonderful experience. I’m bringing back strength as a person. While here today I learned that I can be of help to people. I can go around and help others without people looking. I will bring back responsibility and learn how to make others feel comfortable, not just myself.</p>
<p>Shadae M., E.L. Haynes</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/12/learnserve-jamaica-2017-fourth-of-july-at-st-anthony-marys-74-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Fourth of July at St. Anthony Mary’s (7/4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8349</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: Sustaining Our Communities (7/6)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:32:05 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad: Teacher's Blog]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6816</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>When any of our students are struggling with the task of writing a blog, we often tell them to choose their favorite, most meaningful or […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76/">LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: Sustaining Our Communities (7/6)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9775" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76/eve-202x300/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Eve-202x300.jpg" data-orig-size="202,300" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Eve-202×300" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Eve-202x300-202x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Eve-202x300.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9775" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Eve-202x300.jpg" alt="" width="202" height="300" />When any of our students are struggling with the task of writing a blog, we often tell them to choose their favorite, most meaningful or most memorable moment of the day. We ask them to paint that picture for their readers and then work backwards to explain how they came to that moment and why it was important. So when I sat down this afternoon for my turn to write the blog, I realized that my favorite moment is this one right now. Let me try to paint it for you. I’m sitting on a deck off my cabin-like room at a guesthouse in Irish Town, Jamaica. The cabin itself is built right into the mountain, so when I look down through the wooden slats of its floor, I see banana trees beneath me. I’m sitting at eye-level with the tops of trees and can look up to see fog slowly drifting around a mountain top. Occasionally, a brightly colored hummingbird or butterfly floats by where I’m sitting. I can hear birds chirping, waterfalls rushing, a sprinkler watering crops on the farm, and of course, the laughter and voices of our students being carried across the mountains. I feel nourished from our farm-to-table lunch and proud of the work my team accomplished helping Mr. Michael, the founder of this farm/restaurant/ guesthouse venture, to reorganize his packing house.</p>
<p>All that said, I did wake up this morning in Kingston longing for my own bed back in DC, some take-out food, air conditioning, and Netflix. This longing intensified when our bus broke down on the mountain 20 minutes away from our destination this morning. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we made it to “Europe in the Summer,” or EITS, which is a creative community that includes an organic farm, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a guesthouse, all beautifully built into the side of a mountain. EITS is one of the many ventures we’ve learned about in Jamaica that uses local resources to address global challenges, like climate change and food and water scarcity.</p>
<p>As I sit on this deck, taking in my surroundings I feel inspired by this venture. But I am also thinking about what it means to be physically and emotionally nourished by land that you have put physical and emotional work into. Several of our students have put hard work and sweat into the garden project at the teen moms’ home we’ve partnered with in Kingston. They’ve also supported the farmers of EITS by assisting with food packing, greenhouse construction, irrigation system maintenance, and kale-picking. In turn, we have all enjoyed the delicious, healthy farm-to-table foods, incredible views, fresh air, and relaxing atmosphere of this space. Even more, we have enjoyed the knowledge that we have contributed to something that sustains us as well as the community. This process is so valuable and yet so disconnected from the daily reality of life in DC that I woke up longing for this morning, where so much of life is about taking and consuming. I know our students are longing for the comforts of unlimited internet and hot water, but I also hope they are returning home with a greater determination to contribute to what sustains and empowers their own communities.</p>
<p>Eve Stutsman, Trip Leader</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-sustaining-our-communities-76/">LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: Sustaining Our Communities (7/6)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6816</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: A Day at the Beach (7/2)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:28:01 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6814</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>July 2, 2017 This morning I woke up to the parrots squawking outside of my window. The cool breeze that flowed through my window filled […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2/">LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: A Day at the Beach (7/2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>July 2, 2017</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9778" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2/frank-472x300/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300.jpg" data-orig-size="472,300" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Frank-472×300" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300-472x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9778" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="300" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300.jpg 472w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300-230x146.jpg 230w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Frank-472x300-350x222.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px" />This morning I woke up to the parrots squawking outside of my window. The cool breeze that flowed through my window filled my hot room with cool air. As I finished up my daily morning routine before breakfast, I went downstairs to receive our meal. The food was catered to by Mr. Clive Watson a local entrepreneur who owns his own restaurant and catering business. He is one of the Bennett’s favorite cooks. The Bennett’s housekeeper Ms. Venice assisted with serving us and assisting with clean up. They were both apart of our weekend meals. This Sunday we were served a variety of fruits, which included the Jamaican apple, pineapples, mangoes, and different melons. We also had muffins and chicken wraps. Those foods reminded me of home more than anything, because most of the muffins and fruits that we are items I typically buy when I go grocery shopping at home in the US. The only thing that required an acquired taste was the Jamaican apple. Compared to the apples of America, he Jamaican apple was not as sweet, but they were soft almost like pears you find in America. After we were done eating I went back to my room to prepare for the scheduled activities for the day. This trip has taken a lot of twist and turns. It almost felt like my first year at SEED, because I did not know what to expect. At SEED, programs were getting switched up in the middle of the year, and people were getting fired, I really did not know what to expect this year. So going on this trip with the students with the constant unexpected itinerary changes did not throw me off too much, but it did get me thinking about why I get put in tough. We literally had to be ready for anything.</p>
<p>As I sat on my bed still in shock that I’m in Jamaica, I heard a student’s voice shouting, “It’s a beach day, it’s a beach day!” Instead of the museums and/or some other historical views, we were having a beach day! This caught me by surprise, but like I said we had to literally be prepared for anything. I felt like I was equipped after making it to the top of the Blue Mountains.</p>
<p>We embarked on our journey to the beach. As we were driving through Kingston, people were selling fruits everywhere. I noticed that KFC in Kingston was like our McDonald’s in America, they were everywhere. I don’t even see that many KFC’s in Washington DC. Besides the KFC’s we drove pass plenty of beautiful sights with the Blue Mountains in the midst of the clouds. We also drove pass 3 beaches if not more until we arrived at the Waves Beach of Jamaica.</p>
<p>When we arrived it was beautiful, the sand was black and brown, the waves were huge, the palm trees were blowing in the breeze, and there were cabanas and a bar you could sit at and order food or drinks. Walking along the beach with one of the other students to take pictures, I noticed an abandoned boat with logs around it with a name written on the front.</p>
<p>We all were having a great time at the beach, we were all in the water, catching seashells by the seashore, and writing our names in the sand. After leaving the beach we went to Mother’s which is a fast food restaurant but it started off as a Jamaican patty company. Then we proceeded to ISCREAM at Devon House a popular tourist spot in Kingston, where I got a 8oz container with pistachio and butter almond. The ice cream parlor made me feel like I was in America, because it looked so modern. There were also gift shops. I brought my mother, my girlfriend, and myself something. In the gift shop, they had all handmade jewelry and they are going to hit their 10 year anniversary this year. The owner of the shop, another entrepreneur, who specializes in supporting other artisans who craft and sell handmade products, has craft shows mostly Jamaica, but also, in New York and Florida. A man who was selling handcrafted jewelry from wood walked in selling his artwork, I actually tried on one of the rings and the wood was so smooth.</p>
<p>On our way back to Shortwood Teacher’s College where we are staying while in Kingston, we stopped at MegaMart, which is like America’s BJs, Costco, or Sam’s Club. We went there to get snacks, and items for our 4<sup>th</sup> of July celebration, so that we can have a presentation for the teen mom’s at the mission home. After we got everything we needed, we loaded back up on the travel van and headed back to Shortwood College in Kingston Jamaica.</p>
<p>Trip leader, Frank Mewborn</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/teacher-blog-learnserve-jamaica-2017-a-day-at-the-beach-72-2/">LearnServe Teacher’s Blog: A Day at the Beach (7/2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8335</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Passing My Fears (7/8)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-passing-my-fears-78-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-passing-my-fears-78-2</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:25:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SEED Public Charter School DC]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6812</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Today we visited The Hope Zoo and Botanical Gardens of Kingston Jamaica. I noticed many differences between the zoo in Jamaica and the National Zoo […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-passing-my-fears-78-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Passing My Fears (7/8)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9781" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-passing-my-fears-78-2/dayanah/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Dayanah.jpg" data-orig-size="207,160" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Dayanah" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Dayanah.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Dayanah.jpg" class="alignleft wp-image-9781 size-full" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Dayanah.jpg" alt="" width="207" height="160" />Today we visited The Hope Zoo and Botanical Gardens of Kingston Jamaica. I noticed many differences between the zoo in Jamaica and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Back home at the National Zoo, we have a huge variety of animals, but here in Jamaica they have mostly birds and only a few four legged animals. The birds were mostly different species of parrots. The array of colors on these animals were breathtaking. Jamaica’s national bird is the swallowed tailed hummingbird, as we learned from the teen moms at the St Anthony Mary’s Child mission home, on the 4<sup>th</sup> of July. Oddly there were none exhibited in cages. The parrot or Macaws that are most seen in Jamaica are the yellow beaked and black beaked, which are smaller than the more popular Macaws that are very colorful.</p>
<p>At the zoo, there were a lot of cats roaming in the different cages while others animals were resting. This trip was personal to me because I have a phobia of all animals. It was really a challenge for me to get close to certain animals because I wasn’t sure of how they would react to our presence or me. Just the mere thought of a roaming dog or cat, let alone the goats we have seen everywhere in Jamaica, paralyzes me in fear. I don’t remember ever being bitten by an animal, but I feel so helpless in their presence. I was determined today to at least give it a try, especially since the animals were in cages, Once I focused more on our group, I was able to relax and walk through the zoo peacefully not really worried because my group was relaxed, which helped me to remain calm. Everyone really enjoyed their time at the zoo, especially when we were talking to the birds. The parrots actually could talk, which was a surprised. Not many people can say they actually had a bird say hello to them. When I think about the birds at the zoo, I think it’s really sad to know that these birds are caged and not allowed to have any freedom. In a way I am opposite to them because my fears cause me to push away the freedom I have. They are not in control of their freedom like I am. I noticed a lot about myself and the environment around me. I realize that I put too much worry around my environment, which makes me behave as if I am in a cage. Personally, I am excited that I was able to get through the zoo, I feel I am becoming more comfortable with being around animals. Some may not understand but even with them being locked away and the fact that I was with others who would protect me, I actually got passed my fears, though momentarily today at the zoo.</p>
<p>Dayanah G., SEED Public Charter School DC</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-passing-my-fears-78-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Passing My Fears (7/8)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8334</post-id> </item>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Seeds of Education (7/3)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:18:42 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Eastern High School]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6810</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>As an athlete, you can say I have seen my fair share of hard work. Well, think again. Jamaica has given me a whole new […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Seeds of Education (7/3)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9784" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2/malik/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Malik.jpg" data-orig-size="230,154" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Malik" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Malik.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Malik.jpg" class="alignleft wp-image-9784 size-full" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Malik.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="154" />As an athlete, you can say I have seen my fair share of hard work. Well, think again. Jamaica has given me a whole new meaning to what it means to put in a good day of hard work. Today at the St. Anthony Mary’s Child mission home for teen moms, I worked on the soil all day in the sun, ok so it was only about 2 hours with plenty of water and breaks. The landscaper Mr. Reed must have thought he was being punished, because it was difficult to get our group to focus on the task to get it done. Oddly or maybe not, the two athletes endured the longest and I actually feel our contribution was a big help. Let me explain. We were given the task to plant Bok Choy cabbage so that we provide fresh vegetables for the mothers and their children of the home. The sun was hot and terrible, but I got through it by teamwork and perseverance, which definitely comes from being an athlete. This experience is teaching me how to build endurance and be more appreciative. I realize that I don’t have to work as hard as the people here for food.</p>
<p>Thinking about the explanation from the one of Jamaica’s representatives from the National environmental agency about the difference between dirt and soil, I can compare some of that definition to the things my life. Like the soil we were using for the plants reminds me of education, because if you put seeds in dirt they won’t grow, like if you put kids in bad school they won’t learn. Dirt is dead with no nutrients to support life and bad schools don’t have the systems or resources to support academic achievement. A good education helps its students prosper and learn more, which helps them gain more opportunities, like Learn Serve International.</p>
<p>I originally thought I was traveling to South Africa and was disappointed mostly because I wouldn’t be with my friends. As we continued to work on the garden and surprised Mr. Reed by how much we were able to get done, I know I was meant to be in Jamaica. It is after all a part of my history I don’t know that well. I can now say, the rows of plants we worked on are required to be a certain distance apart, next to the valleys that laid next to rows that would support other plants’ growth are the same rows that reminded me of the rows of desk at school, as the rows of books, as the seats on our transportation here and traveling across land and water, all representing order stacked up for our usage that we often take for granted.</p>
<p>Malik G., Eastern Senior High School DC</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/10/learnserve-jamaica-2017-seeds-of-education-73-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Seeds of Education (7/3)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8333</post-id> </item>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: St Anthony Mary’s Child Mission Home for Teen Mothers</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 21:45:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Paul Public Charter School]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6692</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Today we visited St Anthony- Mary’s child mission home for teen mothers founded by Father Paul Walsh. It’s a nice building and yard that houses […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: St Anthony Mary’s Child Mission Home for Teen Mothers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9856" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2/deni-204x300/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Deni-204x300.jpg" data-orig-size="204,300" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"10","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D810","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1497712044","copyright":"","focal_length":"35","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.0125","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Deni-204×300" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Deni-204x300-204x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Deni-204x300.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9856" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Deni-204x300.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="300" />Today we visited St Anthony- Mary’s child mission home for teen mothers founded by Father Paul Walsh. It’s a nice building and yard that houses on an average of 20 teenage young ladies that have been either neglected, abused, raped or abandoned. The administrative caretaker, Ms. Nadia Williams told us that Mary’s Child is one of the network of organizations run by Mustard Seed that serves and protects the most vulnerable populations in several countries. Their goal is to provide, legal, educational, emotional and medical support for these teens who are seemingly forgotten. But here these young women are taught to be good parents and how to take care of themselves.</p>
<p>They have a computer lab with 8 computers, a sewing machine room with 8 machines, a full kitchen for home economics, one washing machine and now the gardens we are assisting with building, tilling soil–soil, not dirt–and planting vegetables. At Mary’s Child, they function as a family learning to cook, clean, participating in religious activities (Catholic to be specific) and tending to their babies’ every need. In this mission home nothing is done for them. The teens are required to do everything themselves with a bit of guidance from adults who experienced in what it is they’re doing, that they referred to as mother.</p>
<p>I remember when I first found out I was a dad, I was confused and nervous. My mom was determined for me to figure it out. My first thoughts were money and how to get it fast. I see how lucky I am now. My mother can sometimes be tough on me. She is a single parent, raising me and my siblings with very little support. My responsibilities like the teens we are meeting are very different from just any teen. We have to really think about what we are going to do each day with a plan in mind that helps us support our children. Not having money is scary enough when its just you, but that fear triples when you think about your children. I can’t say at this point that I totally understand what my mother is thinking and feeling, but each day some of the things I deal with makes it make more sense. I’m happy I was able to discover a love for baking because I am good at it. The discovery that I could bake, helped me to sell my baked goods at my school. Baking led me to discover that I could cook, change diapers and find solutions to some of my daily challenges including staying in school and maintaining a B average.</p>
<p>I am an entrepreneur. I never thought about it like that until now. Challenge-Resources-Solutions, is what we are learning while here in Jamaica. I was able to do that for myself with thinking about it in that way on purpose. Its a challenge for me to get homework done with the responsibilities of being a dad. This opportunity has helped me see another perspective and how not all families will help you. I realize more each day how fortunate I am to have a mom who pushes me and holds me accountable. We don’t always think the same, but I know she is there for me.</p>
<p>Working here with the teens that live at the mission, I get to see the women’s side of parenting. I hope by talking to the teen moms I can inspire them in some way. I want them to know that they can still discover things about themselves that can help them continue to learn and grow and support their children.</p>
<p>Deni M., Paul International Public Charter School</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-st-anthony-marys-child-mission-home-for-teen-mothers-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: St Anthony Mary’s Child Mission Home for Teen Mothers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8321</post-id> </item>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Hiking in the Blue Mountains (6/28)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 21:35:36 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SEED Public Charter School DC]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6689</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>As I walked the tallest mountain, I complained about going back down because there were too many bugs, rocks and shifting weather temperatures. It felt […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Hiking in the Blue Mountains (6/28)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9860" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/briana/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana.jpg" data-orig-size="414,276" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Briana" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9860" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana.jpg" alt="" width="414" height="276" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana.jpg 414w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana-230x153.jpg 230w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana-350x233.jpg 350w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Briana-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px" />As I walked the tallest mountain, I complained about going back down because there were too many bugs, rocks and shifting weather temperatures. It felt like the mountain would never end. But instead of giving up, I thought of different methods to push me through it . At first, I was using methods like running. I thought, wait I run track, its the same as track practice. That didn’t last long because of the challenge of the rocks and steep hills . Then another method I tried, was walking for 10 minutes and taking a break for 5 minutes . That ended up not working because we started taking breaks every two minutes instead . While walking up the mountains, you have to have some type of motivation. My motivation was to be the first girl to reach the peak . It gave me something to focus on instead of the need for comfort, I wasn’t going back down; I came to far to give up. As I climbed the mountain, left-left, left-right-left, a chant our group leader gave us as motivation to keep pushing, I thought about my upcoming school year. AP classes, advanced placement courses are probably just like this hike. Hot in places, cold in others, sharp rocks, slippery spots, steep areas and many, many turns. I was totally frustrated by the unpredictability of every step I took. The closer I climbed to the top the more impossible it seemed. This had to be a trick.</p>
<p>My peers were struggling too, but we hung on to the thought of the top. Looking out across the neighboring peaks, it was obvious why the peak was declared a national park. Its pristine landscape was well kept. You could feel the pride of the caretakers who meticulously manicured the edges of the pathway, not leaving one singular piece of trash from the bottom to the very top. Much different than areas in Washington, DC area, where there is trash everywhere. I think we can take way too much for granted at home. I can’t wait to get home to tell my mom how much I appreciate her. Continuing up, I read the signage. I learned that the Blue Mountains contained species of vegetation, including trees that aren’t found any other place in the world. Something else that caught my attention was that you could hear sounds of animals, especially birds, but you saw very few. The vegetation was so dense all movement and signs of life were deeply camouflaged. The mountain is a huge resource that the people of Blue Mountains have that can be used for many things. There are areas for with coffee, fruits, as well as, camping, bird watching and of course just walking. We saw the park rangers and other guides, who were kind, but if asked how long to go , they all said the same thing, just a few miles left, no matter where you were located on the path.</p>
<p>I’m amazed that so many of us achieved our goal today, especially me. I can honestly say that it was the group I was with and their positive reinforcement along the way that helped me make it. I guess that’s life, we can’t do things by ourselves, we actually need each other. This trip, so far, has definitely tested me in many ways. I learned a lot about myself and the importance of taking care of yourself. Water was definitely important on the hike, so the anger I had about carrying it changed because it was more than half done by the time we reached the peak. “Being comfortable; being uncomfortable,” has a brand new meaning to me. Knowing that even at the point that I feel that I can’t achieve my goals that surrounding myself with positive people is the key to my success. This method will definitely come in handy next school year and beyond.</p>
<p>Briana H., SEED Public Charter School</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Hiking in the Blue Mountains (6/28)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8320</post-id> </item>
<item>
<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: In the Blue Mountains (6/30)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-in-the-blue-mountains-630-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-in-the-blue-mountains-630-2</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:41:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6679</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Hello parents and family members of LearnServe Abroad’s 2017 Group to Jamaica, this is Daniel, and welcome to Day 5’s blog! We departed the Blue […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-in-the-blue-mountains-630-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: In the Blue Mountains (6/30)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9859" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-hiking-in-the-blue-mountains-628-2/daniel-m-316x300/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300.jpg" data-orig-size="316,300" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Daniel-M-316×300" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300-316x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9859" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="300" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300.jpg 316w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Daniel-M-316x300-230x218.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px" />Hello parents and family members of LearnServe Abroad’s 2017 Group to Jamaica, this is Daniel, and welcome to Day 5’s blog!</p>
<p>We departed the Blue Mountains for Kingston this morning. Living in the Blue Mountains was an absolutely mind-blowing experience. We met wonderful, welcoming, and friendly people there such as: Euton, the leader of the Blue Mountain Project; Ron, our Blue Mountain Peak Hike tour guide; and all our host families and the other members of the community. Everyone there was very hospitable. They were all doing things such as passing by with a friendly “Hello” and a smile on their faces. They were always eager to talk with us each day. The sense of community between the people there was very strong. They gave their time and effort to immerse us into their community and allow us to experience a new lifestyle in one of the most beautiful and scenic places the world. They made me feel very at home, welcome, and I sincerely appreciate the presence and actions of everyone there.</p>
<p>Living in the Blue Mountains gave us the opportunity to see a variety of family raised animals like goats and chickens, as well as experience very fresh and clean air. The animals wandering and making noises around the grassy fields and dirt roads and provided a farm like scene. The openness allowed us to interact with some of the animals. The adventures and opportunities bestowed upon us were truly once in a lifetime chances. From visiting Euton’s family run coffee farm, teaching 3-6 year olds at the Penlyne Basic school, hiking to the top of the Blue Mountain Peak, and living with the host families, I am very grateful to have this chance given to me. Of course, each adventure provides its own challenges, with walking up and down the mountain being one of the main obstacles for many people in the group, but the sense of achievement after going through the stress and difficulties the challenges threw at us made the final achievement worth a lot more for me. I knew I put forth my best foot to achieve a goal, and the more challenges I completed, the more I could see, learn, and mature through the expericence.</p>
<p>The most meaningful events for me in the Blue Mountains was the visit to Euton’s Coffee Farm and the Blue Mountain Hike. The coffee farm visit gave me the chance to learn so much about the process of how to make great Jamaican coffee. The hike really challenged my mindset and it allowed me to test the physical and mental limits. I am extremely grateful for everyone in the Blue Mountains for taking care of us these days. I left the Blue Mountains with a feeling of sadness and joy because of the relations I formed with the people there. Kingston is a very busy, yet beautiful city. The beauty of the city’s environment, such as the trees and the plants, and even traditional architecture, really make the city stand out. No matter the age of the buildings, they all have a similar design to keep things as traditional as possible. The diversity of the people there also makes the city very great. But then again, I was expecting to see different faces in the capital city. The college campus we are staying at is rather big and cozy, and the buildings are built with a simple layout. Although it’s simple, the campus environment is filled with grass, plants, and trees, and it makes it a very comfortable living environment. I hope to see what more Kingston has to offer in upcoming days!</p>
<p>Daniel M., Georgetown Day School</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-in-the-blue-mountains-630-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: In the Blue Mountains (6/30)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8318</post-id> </item>
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<title>LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Planting seeds and building skills (7/3)</title>
<link>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2</link>
<comments>https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:31:07 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jamaica '17]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=6676</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Today we had a very chill day. I had finally gotten some food that reminded me of home: Sausage, eggs, toast and cereal. You’ll be […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Planting seeds and building skills (7/3)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9867" data-permalink="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2/rose/" data-orig-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose.jpg" data-orig-size="209,208" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Rose" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose.jpg" data-large-file="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose.jpg" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9867" src="http://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose.jpg" alt="" width="209" height="208" srcset="https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose.jpg 209w, https://learn-serve.org/assets/2017/07/Rose-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209px" />Today we had a very chill day. I had finally gotten some food that reminded me of home: Sausage, eggs, toast and cereal. You’ll be surprised by the littlest things you can miss from home. We went back to Mary’s Child home to see the girls and to make progress on the new garden we are making for them. Some of them joined us. I felt that we broke the awkwardness between us and the girls. Making a lot of jokes, small talk, sharing music and even dancing helped get us through the tough work in the yard. After lunch, we tried to have one-on-one time with the girls. We introduced them to the Khan Academy which helps boost your education with free tutoring online. I even downloaded Adobe Flash Player and taught some keyboard techniques that will help with typing. The moment that most stands out in my head from today is when I taught how to use the delete button on the keyboard. This made me realize that no one had taught her how to use a keyboard, which is a skill important for future jobs. That moment made me want to help them more. I enjoyed that little time with the girls. I know that little things like this matter to others. I can’t wait to visit them next time.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2017/07/05/learnserve-jamaica-2017-planting-seeds-and-building-skills-73-2/">LearnServe Jamaica 2017: Planting seeds and building skills (7/3)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p>
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