It all began when we pulled into the school driveway and all the kids were outside cheering, waving, and jumping with excitement at our arrival. I couldn't even fathom how they could have so much excitement to see people they have never met, did they really understand what we were coming there to do? I couldn't wait to have the opportunity to spend time with them during their recess, but until then it was time to learn about the process of how things were done here in Jamaica. Having had some previous experience on the work site before I was amazed at how "home-made" the process is here. Using your resources and reusing what you already have in order not to waste anything was a large part of our process today,whether it be removing nails from the old pieces of wood or shoveling dirt and sand to make concrete mixes, you really saw how every material held such value.
Most of the morning was filled with demo work, making concrete, and learning how to do mason work; while being able to work with the day laborers while learning about the processes was amazing, the best part of my day occurred when I was asked to help one of the other students on our trip get a piece of plywood. We began walking to the front of the school and before we could even enter to get the plywood, I had a group of school children surrounding me, they were intrigued with my hair, the texture, and the fact that it was blonde. While I tried to continue to make my way and be helpful, I couldn't resist the excitement in their requests to braid my hair and play with them. I sat down and at that exact moment the ability to play with my hair and make me "look pretty" was like watching kids on Christmas morning, running to the tree to rip open all the presents, fighting over who gets to open what, except in this situation it was who got to braid what portion of my hair. While there was a slight fear that I might be leaving the worksite that day with half a head of hair from them fighting over the different sides, all of that worry disappeared when one girl sat down on my lap. She was genuinely interested in who I was, learning all about me, and making sure that none of her schoolmates hurt me. For some reason I felt an instant connection with her, and when it was time for them to go back inside, she didn't want to be let go of, and the feeling was mutual. All the kids proceeded to give me hugs and you could see their genuine happiness in the fact that we were there and doing something as simple as playing with them for 40 minutes, however that one little girl made a point to say goodbye twice, and kissed me goodbye saying that she hoped she would see me again.
While this may seem to be irrelevant to what the point of going to the school was for, for me it opened my eyes to how innocent and trusting children can be. They see life in another way than most adults do, they realize there are struggles and hardships however they seek out the best in every situation. These children here have grown up with so little, and are going to a school that recently got electricity just a few months which provides very little light, they are dealing with a partially functioning bathroom, and many parts of the building that are falling apart; however this does not stop them from showing up and getting excited about counting or playing outside.
When we went to the school today, we were able to see the difference in cultures in a very clear manner, and for me it is disappointing that at home people get so easily caught up in what is thought to be necessary or fashionable, and everyone is willing to complain about the smallest things. Yet here, in a place that has so many more hardships than we do, has such faith and good spirits.
I not only learned today about the culture here and the work and how difficult it is, but it also opened my eyes to what is really important in life, appreciating what you do have in every situation. I don't remember the last time I have ever felt such pure happiness and self - wholeness than today when I was working on the school and playing with the kids. Personally, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings when we return.
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