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Reflections from Jamaica Thursday, March 7, 2013
Institution: Moravian College Year: Sophomore First time participant in Jamaica Service Trip. This trip has inspired me and allowed me to get a different perspective on how other parts of the world live. I will be going home with a greater appreciation for the things I have, and hopefully I'll be able to apply what I've learned and seen here in my every day life. I would definitely encourage more people to get involved with service and helping others, which I will continue to do as well.
Name: Brett Rentzheimer Institution: Moravian College Year: Junior First time participant in Jamaica Service Trip. Jamaica has truly been beautiful so far; the atmosphere and people are wonderful. The friendly citizens of the country welcome you to this amazing place. The school children are well-behaved and address one with manners not seen most places. Sports play an intricate part in society here, with soccer (football in the local dialect) and track being the primary activities. The kids love hanging out with us at the work sites, and being involved in some of the hands-on work. The view is stunning with baby blue water, calm waves, and photo perfect beaches. Laura / 0 comments Day 3: A Time to Serve Today began our service here in Jamaica. Four teams headed out to help with projects around the area. One team headed to Salem Primary School, one to Carmel Primary School, another to Bog Basic School, and the third to Miss Helen's house, a local woman who welcomed folk to paint her house in fresh colors. Painting was the task of the day, along with enjoying the company of our Jamaican friends!
Later that evening, a few of us returned to Salem Primary & Junior High School to share in some activities with the children. From sharing in new songs, activities exploring the theme of love, and a game of Huggie Bear, fun was had by all!
NOTE: Pictures from the team at Carmel to come...
Laura / 0 comments Reflections from Jamaica
Name: Emilie Bortz Institution: Moravian College Year: Sophomore First time participant in the Jamaica service trip. If there's one thing I absolutely have to write about, it would have to be the island energy. Everyone I meet is enthusiastic about our visits. The community in Jamaica is so unlike home; everyone is a friend. Even within our Moravian group, the island is getting to us. We feel energized. Everyone is trying new foods, willing to take on all types of roles during projects, and soak up as much culture (and sun) as we can. This is Jamaica time. No fear! Name: Alex Irwin Institution: Moravian College Year: Sophomore First time participant in the Jamaica service trip. This has been an incredible trip so far. The people here are so kind and friendly. I've gotten so used to the kindness of the Jamaicans that when we went to YS falls and saw Americas I was shocked that they did not say "Hi!" and wave to us! Jamaica is so beautiful! Everything is bright and vibrant here! Helping the people here makes me so happy because they deserve it more than anyone. I am so glad I decided to take this trip. I am finding myself here. Laura / 0 comments Day 2: Getting Acculturated What better way to experience Jamaica then to do as Jamaicans do! Our day began with a filling Jamaican breakfast of Ackee and Saltfish, eggs for the less adventurous eaters, and a wide array of Jamaican fruits. We then made our way up the mountain (including some rough terrain) to Salem Moravian Church in Beeston Spring, Westmoreland, where we participated in Sunday worship. It was Harvest Sunday, and folks from the town made their way to the church bearing crops of all kinds - coconuts, sugar cane, various fruits, eggs, and homemade pastries. All were presented and celebrated in the morning service.
The service was much longer than the 45 minutes to an hour many of us have come to know, with liturgy, readings, prayers, much joyful music, and the sermon delivered by a local Church of the Brethren preacher who joined us. The Reverend Phyllis Smith-Seymour, the Moravian minister assigned to Salem (along with three other congregations and Camp Hope), led worship. Our own Nick Roberts shared the Old Testament reading, and Bishop Hopeton Clennon offered some words of welcome along with the benediction.
Though many of us hail from different walks, this was truly a cultural experience in a country in which separation of church and state has no meaning. Schools, run and paid for by the government, are also Christian institutions. For many of us, participating in worship was a way of experiencing a different way of being.
Worship ended with the tasting of harvest fruits outside of the church, all proceeds benefiting the church. We then made our way up to Reverend Phyllis' house for a Jamaican supper, complete with potato pudding, jack fish, and curried goat. Trying so many new foods was in itself a cultural experience, and we went home with bellies full from the food, hearts full from the wonderful hospitality of the people we met, and heads full of much to ponder.
Our day ended with some time at a local beach (including the unwelcome presence of two sea urchins who made themselves known to a few of us), dinner, and some time to debrief on our experiences of the day.
A good night's sleep was ahead of us, as we prepared for our first day of service in the morning. Laura / 0 comments Reflections from Jamaica Monday, March 4, 2013
Name: Kyle Stackhouse Year/Position: Senior Second time participating in the Jamaica service trip.
During my time here, my group worked on a site in Petersville, where we were painting both the inside and outside of a family's home. It had been in the James family for at least three generations and we had the task of touching up three rooms, a porch, and the front of the house. It was a hot day to work and all the group members felt this. No matter the heat or the amount of work to do, everyone kept in good spirits by singing, joking, and telling stories. The day seemed to pass by quickly and the amount of change thanks to our work was quite noticeable. It’s days like these that bring you back to the projects you work on, but they also make you want to do so much more with the time you’re given.
Being able to attend two service trips in Jamaica, I find so many new things during each new day. I find that this trip is a chance to learn far more on a school break than I could ever learn anywhere else. Every day, every assignment, every goal met is a great feel in and rewarding beyond words.
Name: Craig Bunting College: Moravian College Year/Position: Junior First time participating in the Jamaica service trip. My service trip in Jamaica has been a wonderful experience so far. Not only have I had the opportunity to assist those in need by painting and tiling a classroom a various schools, but I have also had the privilege to interact with the children. The second day I was here, we were at Hopeton's old house (where Pastor Phyllis now lives), and I met an eight-year old boy who was extremely shy. I was able to see him at his school the following day when we went there to paint the exterior. When I tapped him on the shoulder, he was so surprised and his eyes lit up with excitement. I had an awesome time playing with him during his recess and after school. He was very persistent in wanting me to be on his yellow team during his Sports Day. When we showed up for Sports Day two days later, he surprised me with a hug and dragged me over to his teammates. Overall, the bond that was made between the two of us has had a positive influence on me and has definitely made this Jamaica Service Trip extraordinary. Laura / 0 comments Day 1: Welcome to Jamaica, Mon. Irie! After a sleepless night of travel from Bethlehem (Moravian folk) and Collegeville (Ursinus folk) to JFK in New York, we finally boarded our 6 a.m. flight to Montego Bay (MoBay), arriving around 10 a.m. Though cloudy with some rain, the warmth of the Jamaican weather and people was welcome after the frigid temperatures up north.
On our trek, we brought along 23 suitcases of supplies, in addition to our personal luggage. From paint rollers and brushes to toiletries to clothing to crayons and school supplies, these items will be used for service projects here and remain behind when we leave.
We enjoyed our first meal on the island at the world famous Pork Pit. Christian Rice tells us that this establishment is listed in 1000 Places to See Before You Die. (Here's a link to find out more. Unfortunately, our wireless is too slow to load the page! http://1000places.com/#caribbean) The food was, indeed, to die for, from jerk pork to jerk chicken to sausage and all the local fixins. Our vegetarian friends enjoyed local cuisine from a place down the street, joining us around the grills for a filling lunch.
Finally, we relaxed on the beach for a few hours (some of us sans sunscreen - ouch!), before making the trek up into the mountains to Camp Hope.
Check back for more updates on our time here, along with reflections from members of the team!
Laura / 4 comments |
About the Adventure When: March 2-9, 2013 Where: Westmoreland, Jamaica What: 12 Moravian College students plus another 6 members of the college and seminary community will participate in a week of community service in some of the poorest areas in the western region of Jamaica. The work projects for the week include painting an orphanage, two elementary schools, and a youth camping facility. Schedule: Departure from the HUB at 1:00am on Saturday morning for a 6:00am flight on Caribbean Airlines from New York JFK International Airport. The first two days will provide opportunities to visit beaches, tour a typical tourist resort, and the option of worship on Sunday morning. Monday through Friday provides a routine for work projects in the mornings and early afternoons. Late afternoons include trips to the beach and other attractions, ending with evening reflection sessions. There will be campfires, climbing waterfalls, craft shopping at the market, and an abundance of Jamaican cuisine. Blog Archives |
