Inaugural Global Service Trip to Jamaica 2015: May 2015

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Journey into Jamaican Culture

When Jamaica comes to mind, visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal clear water comes to pops up. But what has been pushed to the back of our minds is the major differences of the culture and lifestyle compared to America. Yesterday, our group arrived around 6:00PM and one of the only interactions we got with the culture was from an air-conditioned bus traveling an hour and a half to our destination on a winding road passing small houses/huts and then massive vacation resorts. This was a culture shock in and of itself how almost poverty level could be juxtaposed next to expensive hotel living. People are making money off of this vacation hot spot while the actual natives are struggling to make a living. This service trip is an opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of Jamaican culture and interact with the locals and be of service to them.

Today was our first full day in Jamaica and for the morning we were told breakfast would be at 10:00AM, so we could do whatever we would like before then. Everyone seemed to be an early bird today because we were all up and about at around 8-8:30AM either going for a jog along the beach, reading a good book on the beach, or swimming in the beautiful waters. I could tell that this group would rather seize the day and do something, even at this relaxing vacation spot. But of course, we did not come here just to soak up the sun in Jamaica, but to experience Jamaica culture and make whatever difference we can during our time here.

At 11:45AM we embarked for a Pentecostal Church just past downtown Negril. Thea told us in advanced that it was similar to a Baptist church where the preacher and the fellow parishioners would just chant and shout praises to The Lord. We all filed into the church and sat in the back two rows, which were generously cleared for us because they knew we would be coming to participate. It was pretty much like what I expected, standing, dancing, singing, praising, except for one thing. They all had soul. Every single person there was shouting praises from their whole body to God, thanking him for everything and putting their entire faith into Him. Parishioners would stand up and share their experiences and everyone would yell, "Amen!" One lady talked about her misfortunes and instead of wallowing in self-pity, she fully embraced it and knew she could be saved by God, no matter what obstacles come her way. Now that is faith. I know I come from a very Catholic family and we go to church every Sunday, but there is such a difference between the cultures and faiths. The Catholic mass is so much more structured and there is not much parishioner interaction with the priest or bursts of songs randomly throughout the service. But in the service we participated in today, every person had the opportunity to stand up and speak at the service and others fully supported whatever they had to say, whether it be by clapping, yelling Hallelujah, or even singing along . I talked to Milton, who is our bus driver, and he said services can start around 10:00AM and last anywhere until 3:00 or 5:00PM. It was really neat to see this religious part of the Jamaican culture because they take almost a whole day to give thanks to God and show how much trust and faith they put in His hands.

After the moving experience at church, we had authentic Jamaican food at the Sweet Spice Restaurant. I decided to be adventurous and try the curried goat dish, which on the menu it said it was a "good Jamaican dish". I am in Jamaica and when would be the next opportunity I could try curried goat? And it was delicious. The only downfall was that I had to work to take out all the small bones to get the edible meat, but it just made me think how sometimes you have to do a little bit extra and in the end it will be well worth it.

And if going to a Pentecostal Church or eating local Jamaican food wasn't enough to gain a first impression of the Jamaican culture, we also got the opportunity to ride a glass bottom boat and take a tour around some of the coast of the island. We were fully aware of the impending thunderstorms that were going to be happening throughout the week, especially since it is the rainy season and soon to be the hurricane season. About halfway during the leisure cruise, we found ourselves in the middle of a rainstorm and found shelter at a cave that had some local history itself. It used to be a bar called the Pirate Cave Bar because people would drive their boats towards the cave and jump off and swim to the bar. But unfortunately, Hurricane Ivan has washed it away, but some of the remnants still remain. We found shelter in this cave and got to jump off the boat and swim around and climb onto the bar area. And like I said earlier, our group likes to seize the day. We did not let the rain "rain on our parade." We all still had a blast experiencing all we could of Jamaica and making memories.

What I actually really loved today was our first group meeting and reflection on our experiences of Jamaica thus far. We were first given a survey/test of general first expectations of perceptions of Jamaica. We were then given a short prompt to read called "IN THE SERVICE OF LIFE" by Rachel Naomi Remen about the difference between helping and serving. One quote in particular that I found interesting was, "When I help I have a feeling of satisfaction. When I serve I have a feeling of gratitude." When we are satisfied, we are occupied about our own feelings but when we feel gratitude, we feel for the feelings of others. In that situation, we fully understand they are human just like us and have God's grace and dignity and should not be treated any less. We want to serve because we see our likeness in them and want them to have the same opportunities we have. It was really great to have a group discussion because we gained the perspectives of others and see how they are motivated to go on this service trip. It really opens up my eyes to see and hear that there are really amazing people in this world who not only say they want to make a difference, but actually go out and do something. And not just for their own benefit, but because we see the potential for equality in everyone and want to do the best we can to bring it at that level. This group is actually really great and I am so happy I am getting the chance to partake in this journey with them. I am really excited for the week ahead of us.

Remember: Don't wait for change. Make change.

Sincerely,

Jane

Culture and First Impressions

Today was our first full day in Jamaica. Naturally, I've been absorbing as much as I possibly can of my surroundings and the people I interact with here. We had some free time in the morning to rejuvenate from our full day of traveling yesterday so I went for a jog on the beach. There were some small shops where locals had goods for sale, restaurant/bars, and resorts along the way. The locals here did not seem to be shy about shouting out to get my attention or trying to sell goods to me. I jumped into the crystal clear and warm ocean water when I got back to the place we are staying and was able to interact with a starfish! I let it shift across my palm in awe!

Around noon we went to a local Pentecostal church to sit in on their service for about an hour. This was the first time I could truly get a personal glimpse on the culture by participating in it - and what an experience it was! The musical instruments being played and the person singing and chanting through the microphone were very loud. This encouraged the people in the church to fully express themselves through prayer. When a song was playing, the people in the church would dance and clap and sing along. When there was a break in the music, one person would remain standing to express their thoughts, experiences, and emotions to the entire church. This was very new to me in a church setting because I grew up attending mass at a Catholic Church where our prayers are structured and sometimes silent. The energy throughout this Pentecostal church radiated through me and compelled me to dance and clap along. One aspect of this type of prayer that stood out to me was the reactions of the people in the church as these people would individually express themselves. They would automatically show their support by their physical and vocal reactions. As a person sitting in on this service, they came across as a group of people who are not ashamed to express themselves, ask for support, and receive support in return. They portrayed a true sense of community.

"Too blessed to be stressed." I heard this said and extremely supported today during the church service. To me, it plainly represents an aspect of the Jamaican culture that I have noticed so far. They may have many important things to stress about; like shelter, food, caring for their children, and giving their children an education. Many of us take these things for granted back home in the U.S. and we tend to stress about other things in life that may actually be quite trivial. These people in church today were able to recognize everything they have to be thankful for. They know how they must keep in mind that everything will work out one way or another and as long as they have each other and life, they will be okay. This is a part of the culture here that I admire. I remind myself of this from time to time in order to keep my thoughts from racing out of control and stress from taking over, but to live by it is a completely different thing. This is one cultural difference I have noticed so far.

Reflecting with the group today about what we are here to do also helped put things into perspective for me. We discussed how service can be a different thing from simply helping somebody. The concept of helping somebody can create inequality between the parties involved whereas service is done through equality. It is a different way of thinking about the work we are here to do and what both parties involved will take away from the experience. It is a give and take relationship that is established and it is carried out while keeping in mind that we are all humans and equal. Throughout this trip, I am consciously going to put myself in others shoes to try my best to understand their point of view and their life experiences. I am hoping this will allow me to serve and not just help. I also think any work we do here is important because it creates experiences that people carry and pass on. Humanity is put as a priority during service and that is something that should definitely be carried and passed on by anybody who experiences it.

Let's do this!!
-Julia

Day 2: I'm Here

Today was our first full day of our trip. Yesterday we landed and today we got our footing I would say. With a late breakfast at ten, I woke up at a seemingly late eight in the morning (usually I wake up closer to nine or later back at home depending on whether or not I have class on that given day). With the sun shining, I took my first splash into the ocean with my fellow students. As others took care of their morning runs I definitely took a more relaxed approach to the late start in the day.

We ventured through the city of Negril to join The New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church for a portion of their Sunday services (their services typically last up to eight hours). Dressed in our Sunday best, we joined them in prayer for about two hours. The building itself was worth taking note of as there was the main hall surrounded by unfinished construction of an expansion. A lot of construction around here moves in fits and starts depending on availability of funds I later learned. We were welcomed into their service with open arms to join them in a celebration of life and faith. You could really feel the power of a community in that room as they chanted and sang. The dissonance of everyone praying at their own pace and volume created a song in it of itself on top of the band (which the minister played bass in).

At one point a minister from Africa via Canada (she didn't specify which country in Africa to my knowledge) spoke in the room, as every one did at one point or another to express their gratitude to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. She spoke something along the lines that she loved how everyone in the church prayed and that she could feel the faith of the individuals in the room. Before she began speaking, it started to rain. It started as a drizzle and you could hear the rain drops amplified by the tin roof. As she began to speak, the rain came down harder and harder but you couldn't hear a thing as the chants and prayers of the church drowned out the storm. As someone who does not really shape my identity around faith, it was truly a humbling experience to be a part of.

From there we departed to get some lunch at Sweet Spice, a local eatery owned by one of the members of the church. I was delighted to discover that they served Ting, a grapefruit flavored Jamaican soda. I ordered the Conch steak. Conch, for those who do not know, is a mollusk that lives in a pretty/spiraly shell and is a traditional dish served in the Caribbean. It was delicious! Served in a yummy fry batter with some rice, pasta salad and even an appetizer of chicken soup it was definitely a nice introduction to the local cuisine.

Our day concluded with a glass bottom boat tour. We were taken along the coast to a cave. Not just any cave, a cave that used to be a bar known as Pirate's Cave. As we were taken along the coast, I started to notice the buildings along the coast, some either abandoned or incomplete, every structure had some man made rock path to the ocean cemented on top of the existing rock formations. It looked as if the buildings could fall into the sea. As we arrived at the cave via boat, it started rain again. Taking shelter in the cave, we all went for a swim in what felt like the climatic scene straight out of The Goonies. It was one of those "never in America" moments as you see the remnants of a bar and a staircase that tightly spiraled up to the surface.

After some dinner and group discussion to prepare us for our service work this week, we lit lanterns on the beach in pairs. I don't recall the name of the lantern so I'll just describe it and if you know what I am referring to then just skip this paragraph. They were tissue paper lanterns with kindling at the bottom that fill up like mini hot air balloons that you let float off into the sky.

Today was definitely the start of something great and I am so happy I am here to be a part of it.

Best,

Evan Forman

Finding some Faith in Negril

Today, I found Jesus. Well, maybe not really, but I definitely was convinced that I had.

We traveled to a Pentecostal church in Negril, just several minutes away from the Whistling Bird (our first destination). We arrived, and at first I thought we had stopped at the wrong place. Half of the structure was still under construction; I couldn't imagine that this place was safe enough for people to be in, let alone pray in! However, a completed room that served as the church stood atop of the concrete, and it was a full house that morning! After waiting several minutes, our group walked in and Khay led us to the two back pews.

It was a service unlike any other. I come from a Jewish family, and at a typical Shabbat service, seldom would I hear shouting and clapping. The moment I walked into the church, I could feel the power resonating from the pastor's strong sermon. I could feel the men and women's devotion to God pouring out of their lips as they cried "Hallelujah" and "Praise God!" repeatedly throughout the sermon. It was an experience that was new, but not uncomfortable. I found it so comforting to know that these people trusted each other with their prayers; one woman openly spoke about her son and how even though he was ill, he knew God was going to help him heal. It's these moments that help give me insight into a new culture. Church here (which we were told lasts all day) is filled with song, praise, and joy, which sparked my interest and kept me clapping the entire time we were there.

One of the women welcomed "all visitors" who had come to church that day, and requested that we give a loud "Hallelujah." I did, humbled that we had been given such a gracious welcoming.

Being Jewish, I don't typically "Praise Jesus" at a Sunday mass. But today I did. And it was wonderful.

--Olivia

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Traveling and Expectations- Andrew

As someone who has went through their fair share of experiences with Customs and the TSA, I can safely say that the process of getting on the plane and progressing through the Montego Bay Airport was startlingly fluid. The flight itself was very smooth, and the bus ride from the airport to the Whistling Bird (which is the name of the resort we're staying at until Wednesday) gave us a good opportunity to see both the beautiful views, as well as the various towns and areas along the coastline.

In terms of expectations, I think that it's important if not necessary to address "the elephant in the room" so to speak and truly face the situations that are evident in not only Jamaica, but the entire world as a whole. I think it's safe to say that a vast majority of individuals are aware of the the poor living conditions in countless spots around the globe, whether it's by general knowledge or those commercials that everyone sees on TV and instinctually flip to the next channel in leiu of watching. The fact of the matter is that these are real issues that virtually millions of people are facing each day, and people either ignore the problem altogether or get excited to stand up and make a difference, only for that fire to slowly wither away as their own life complications take precedence. If I were to say I haven't simply changed the channel to save myself from watching those omnipresent commercials I would be a liar; but when you think about it it's unfortunate that it should even come to the point where commercials need to be made and broadcasted on television in order for people to pay attention to society's pressing issues(and even that's not working). I can say from the hour and a half that I spent on the bus ride from the airport to our resort, I couldn't help but think about why there is such a clear segregation between luxury resorts and tattered villages, and how mankind allowed it to progress to this level. I can admit that I've had my fair share of moments where I just thought "Oh I'm sure someone must be doing something to help out" and went along on my merry way; however after giving myself the opportunity to reflect on my thoughts/opinions I realized that everyone else could be using the same exact excuse, and that I was "ready to be the change I want to be". Sure, some may think that the work myself and the 10 other students will be doing this week will be minutely helpful to the cause ; but after investing some serious time into "Notice Notes", a reflection journal written by Jessica Pettitt, I was given the reassurance that our work does matter, and that we're on the right path to accepting all of the wrongs and actually doing something to combat them. Will our work make drastic impacts that will cure poverty all over the globe? Maybe not. Will our action fuel millions of people to pitch in to improve these conditions? Probably not. But hey, Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. had to start somewhere right? Their stories of great change has enshrined them in a way that makes us view them as being visionary martyrs and leaders; but at the end of the day they too are flawed mortals and had to start from somewhere. So now I ask the question, what's stopping you? Don't just wait around and hope that things work themselves out, be the change you want to be.

We have arrvived!

Friday, May 29, 2015

Traveling and Expectations

I first fell in love with traveling when I went on an international trip with my Latin class in high school. The food, the culture, and the history all really hit me, along with the fact that I could not believe I was thousands of miles away from home.

Traveling not only helps you learn about other people, but also about yourself and your relationship with the world. It can either make you think the world is huge, or it can make it seem smaller almost, as there is always something that you can relate to across cultures.

I've been to around 17 different countries, so I consider myself a somewhat seasoned traveler. It used to terrify me, but even when you do not speak the national language of a country you are visiting, smiling and charades can get you almost anywhere.

Already everyone at the Whistling Bird (the place we're staying) has been really friendly! I think it's a safe assumption that most people we meet will be friendly too. I'm excited to go to church tomorrow for a short while, apparently in Jamaica they hold service for most of the day so we are dropping in for an hour or two!

Elise

Preparing For Jamaica

When preparing for the trip to jamaica, there were several things that were required. To keep in touch a Facebook group was created for the trip. This was used to learn about the members of the group and share any information that would be helpful, for example a packing list. Fundraising ideas are available if the trip seems too expensive, so don't let the pressure of paying prevent you from going!

Once you're confirmed for the trip the first important thing I was required to fill out was the Stevens study abroad portal with information such as; passport data, international medical insurance (which was provided by the school), release/terms and conditions, and a Stevens summer health form. This portal is used for convenience, if any records are needed while I’m abroad on the trip I can find it there.

Before the group leaves for the trip there is a required departure meeting that goes over the final details of the trip which include; flight information, itinerary of the trip, packing requirements, and trip expectations. This meeting was a good place to have all my questions answered. All flights are booked by the program through a travel agent and this information is given via email. If required, transportation was provided by the school to bring me to the airport.

A general packing list is provided by the program and questions/concerns about it can be answered in the meetings. I packed the basic toiletries and anything else that I felt was relevant to where I was going, for example, medicine that may not be available to me. Since the trip was in Jamaica, beach items were a must! T-Shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, and work gloves were very important items for the work days. I brought some cash with me for expenses even if a credit/debit card could be used. Bringing gifts for the kids is encouraged, so I bought basic schools supplies like pencils and markers. A water bottle, drawstring bag, and t-shirt were given to us by the program. Lastly, our phone plans don’t work in Jamaica, so bringing any other electronic devices besides a phone or camera for pictures was not necessary.

Overall, the preparation for this trip was very easy. With the use of the packing list, I found it easy to pack all the items I needed. Just keep in mind luggage restrictions by the airline. If you kept on top of submitting the information on the portal website and were punctual with responses to the trip leader/representative nothing felt too overwhelming. Now here I am the night before leaving and I can’t believe it's actually happening!

Let the trip commence!

Morgan

Aside from preparing for this trip, the excitement of being in Jamaica in less than 24 hours is overwhelming. I was the last person to sign up, and over the past 4-6 weeks I have been funding and preparing for this upcoming adventure. But in this crazy, hectic 4-6 weeks, I didn’t have the time to stop and think that this is actually happening. When I started my funding, it seemed so far away (not just geographically). Through the love and support of my friends and family, I have been granted the opportunity to go to Jamaica to help others who are in need. Overall, I am very grateful both to those who who have allowed me to join this group and to those that have helped me along the way of my funding. I’m excited for what’s in store tomorrow and for my amazing experiences in the week to come.

Kevin

It's so hard to believe that the trip we've been anticipating for months is less than 24 hours away! The meetings and emails, fundraising campaign, the excitement of renewing a passport, and the conversations with ecstatic friends and family have prepared me immensely for this, but nothing has made it feel as real as my last-minute packing scramble (which I told myself I definitely would NOT do... Oops). My imagination has been wandering towards all of the work and play that are bound to come in Jamaica, but I'm so thrilled to be leaving for all of these adventures tomorrow that I'll probably be unable to sleep tonight - that's what plane rides are for, anyway. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported myself and the other students in this endeavor - I can't wait to get there and update everyone throughout the experience!!

Alli