Note: This post was written by Macy Passawe, a participant on the 2013 AB trip to Jamaica.
What happens in Jamaica STAYS in Jamaica…. While that may be true for many seeking refuge in beautiful Jamaica, swinging in a hammock on the sands of the Caribbean sea sipping on a cool bottle of Ting, while vibing to Bob Marley’s Is this Love over the crashing waves as the sun goes down; as a participant of Alternative Breaks winter break service trip to Jamaica 2013, I simply can not leave all that I experienced in Jamaica to fester under the sun; my experience must be shared.
From the time we landed at the Montego Bay airport to returning on the following Saturday, I was in a state of euphoria.
Working with the beautiful faces of Hope Basic School was beyond enriching and insightful. What an encouragement it was to see the two teachers and how dedicated they were to teaching the children despite the vast difference between the materials provided to them and the materials afforded to the average preschooler/kindergartener of the greater Washington DC area.
They were an extremely bright energetic bunch and their addition of Jamaican culture was so beautiful to experience. I practically melted each time any one of them spoke; their accent in combination with their tiny voices was enough to make me want to shower them with overwhelming hugs and kisses!
As a student majoring in global affairs, pursing a minor in teaching English as a second language I was in an atmosphere that I felt so connected with. Since 6th grade I’ve wanted to join the Peace Corps and now being less than a year from that goal, this alternative breaks trip was just a taste of what I will be experiencing on a bigger scale in just a few months.
The people of Jamaica were so welcoming and loving wanting to share their culture with us to the fullest extent. From ackee and salt fish to bonfires on the beach and all else in-between, they made sure we had a real taste of Jamaica.
I was blessed to go on such a great trip with a group of amazing women and lovely new friendships were birthed out of that experience. I am extremely excited for next winter break and look forward to going back to Jamaica with alternative breaks next year!
March 27th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
I loved reading this post; it sounds like you had a great time and make a true difference. Your goals are very similar to mine. I hope to major in Global Affairs as well, and pursue a teaching career; I have also dreamed of Peace Corps since I was in middle school! Nice to read about people who have similar passions.