Two days in and it's already an eye-opening experience for us. That may sound cliche', but it is completely true.
After a much needed sleep from traveling all day on Friday, we woke up today well rested and excited to travel through and experience Jamaica. We were set to visit Saint Margaret's Human Resource Center, Christ the Redeemer Human Resource Center, Christ the Savior Early Education Center, and Riverton (which included a trip to the Zoo with our new friends)!
All smiles before our flight to Kingston!
Pictures from Saint Margaret's and Christ the Redeemer Human Resource Centers
Pictures from Riverton and our trip to the Zoo!
"It was not at all how I would have imagined it," said Alicia Girard. "During team meetings leading up to the trip, Riverton was referred to as a 'dump'; I did not know that they meant it so literally. There were piles and piles of garbage everywhere, there were stray dogs and goats roaming around eating trash, and children walking around barefoot with shards of glass scattered all over. To us, this place was unimaginable, but to the families and children living there, it was their reality. They welcomed us with open arms and huge smiles ... that sense of optimism and hope will stay with all of us forever."
Even though it is only the end to our second day here, we can already feel how much of an impact this trip will be on us. Tomorrow, we are looking forward to attending a church service in the morning followed up by setting up for camp next week!
Stay tuned for more posts and pictures.