One Love Jamaica

During my trip to Jamaica, at almost every destination I visited, I was asked, "First time in Jamaica?" When I answered yes, they told me it wouldn't be the last, and now I understand why.

It may seem stereotypical to associate Jamaica with the phrase "One Love," but in the span of one week on the island, I learned exactly what it meant. Visiting small communities such as Lethe, the sense of unity was remarkable. People everywhere were welcoming, and they put family and joy above material things in a way I am not used to seeing at home.

The natural beauty there seems to be a big part of many lives, especially with tourism being one of the main sources of jobs in Jamaica. It was wonderful to see people appreciating and caring for the sights that draw visitors from all over the world. Unfortunately, Hurricane Melissa struck many parts of Jamaica that relied on tourism, and caused businesses to stop running, whether through the destruction of buildings or a lack of resources. Many of the places where people go to experience Jamaica's wilderness were clearly affected by the storm, but those who live there are doing their best to restore them and make the most of the situation. That told me a lot about the mindset there.

I went to Jamaica to volunteer, to see the island properly, and to help deliver donations to organizations that were devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The donation was a small part of a much bigger week, but it was the part that took us to places most visitors never see.

One experience that moved me was visiting the Mustard Seed Communities children's home, which houses many disabled children who need extra care. A pastor we met explained that during the hurricane, the children were trapped in the upper levels of the dormitories for weeks because of flooding. It was clear that the facility had been severely damaged, even though the staff have worked very hard to repair the major parts of the buildings.

Despite all that destruction, the attitudes of the staff never failed to be optimistic and positive. As someone working toward a career in healthcare, it was inspiring to see how this was handled, because a big part of success in an institution like that is being able to overcome challenges that require an enormous amount of perseverance. All of the children staying in the home were clearly very happy as well, keeping that same cheerfulness I observed all over the island. Being able to visit the Mustard Seed community and interact with the children there was extremely impactful, and I hope to see this organization grow, and more places like it emerge, because the care they provide is irreplaceable.

Overall, the week I spent in Jamaica gave me insight into a new perspective that I will keep by my side for the rest of my life.