Jamaica. I had heard the name of the small island in the Caribbean Ocean throughout my childhood. This was where my father had grown up on the beautiful grounds that are called the Round Hill Resort. Fueled by my dad’s stories of cliff diving and bonfires on the beach, I dreamed of a lush green landscape with Blue Mountains and reggae music. In my mind, Jamaica was an endless summer where every day was spent at the beach under the baking sun and in the sparkling, crystal waters. Of course over time, I understood that not every day was paradise in Jamaica but I held on to the belief that this island was one of exceptional beauty.
It is with this preconceived notion that I excitedly applied to my school’s mission trip going to Jamaica. The trip entailed traveling to multiple homes for children in need, run by Mustard Seed, an organization that helps the less fortunate. Each home was there for a specific need. The one where my group was staying was called Sophie’s Place and was for kids who were severely mentally or physically disabled. After being selected, my friends and I were so happy and eagerly waited for when we would leave. Finally, the day arrived and all the supplies were packed. We struggled to get everything documented and ready for the flight but there was such excitement to finally be on our way that every one was cheerful.
We arrived just as it turned dark and were slowly loaded into a large bus that would take us to Sophie’s Place. The bus drove along the one main road in Jamaica, speeding past cars, shacks, and colorful signs telling the reader that “running a light could put out your light”. Soon we began winding up a treacherous path that twisted around the scraggly mountains. Minutes later, we reached a poor section of Kingston where Sophie’s Place was. Exhausted, everybody collapsed into the bunks made ready for us and fell asleep.
The next morning we awoke to screams. The painful shrieks were coming from the small houses where the disabled kids stayed. We later found out it was feeding time and that was their way of calling for food. Our group spent that first day meeting all the kids who lived there. Most were in wheel chairs but some could walk around. We got to know these children and had so much fun staging wheelchair races and singing as many songs as we could think of. We spent the following week working for Mustard Seed and helping these kids in many different ways.
Some days we left and traveled to another homes such as Jacob’s Ladder or My Father’s House. One home was for HIV positive kids, another for pregnant teenagers, and more for the children with a range of disabilities. Everything we did was for the children, from weeding and planting an entire garden to feeding the kids whose movements were restricted to blinking. There was sadness and anger in some of the children but most were happy. It was the simple things that alleviated the despair some felt. A small bowl of oatmeal or a high five made the day of a child. Each day we learned more about living with less focus on ourselves. Living selflessly for this short amount of time, opened my eyes to how little other worries matter when you see a suffering child smile at you. I entered Jamaica with an idea of what I would find and I left with the discovery of what exceptional beauty truly is.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Unexpected Beauty”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!