Feeling De Evening Breeze & More

[Nylah]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze & More


I remember one of my first thoughts - yet again - when I landed in Jamaica and took in all the people around me....Good Lord we are a beautfiul looking set of people

The pictures of the kids just highlights that. I go back over and over just to look at their faces!

You made a comment about those few boys that seem to be on the fringe of everything - cant find the post at the moment - and said you werent sure how much of an influence you had on them. Trust me, the fact that they showed up even for a few days out of it and seeked your approval on many occasions means you have made a sustained impression in their minds. You cant doubt that because it is so obvious. And for one or all of them those memories that someone cared even if it was only for a short while maybe what carries them thru at some difficult time in their future. Giving kids a window into someone else's heart so they can see themselves reflected back is beyond precious.

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze & More

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Giving kids a window into someone else's heart so they can see themselves reflected back is beyond precious. </div></div>
When did you become so poetic? Seriously though, I hadn't thought of it that way but the rest of your comments put it rather beautifully; thank you. Would you believe a day does not go by that I do not think of those kids? Whatever impressions I made on them - especially my boys - is rather humbling, and I hope and pray that the lessons learned will continue to impact their lives for the better.

And yes, we are a beautiful people indeed.

[Nylah]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More





of course those kids would be on your mind 24/7 I hope you are able to return again next year b/c it appears that those kids really look foward to you and the team coming.

lovely report CD

[trelawnysmall]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChurchDude</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Junior...</span></span>

My buddy Junior (green shirt). On day one, it was obvious this kid was going to be a challenge. He was disruptive and didn't volunteer to do anything. I didn't see him on day two, and none of the other boys he talked to knew where he was. On day three, he was there and when I asked him where he was yesterday, he replied grinningly, &quot;A beach mi did deh, sah.&quot; During the different activities, he was still disruptive but was participating. I kept him close to me, trying to engage him as team leader in some of the sporting activities, but he declined.



On day four, Junior still wasn't volunteering for anything but he was far more cooperative. Now he was helping me keep the other guys in check when they were being disruptive. He brought his art work for my &quot;approval&quot; and grinned broadly when I &quot;high-fived&quot; his effort. His smile was infectious as was his laughter. He was shy, and under the facade was what I thought a great kid.

While waiting for lunch, some of the kids were showcasing their various talents. Amidst the singing and clapping I heard the most incredible drumming and turned to see who was playing. There he was - my friend Junior. My jaw dropped and he just looked at me with that broad smile.



When he was finished I asked him where he had learned to play like that. &quot;Mi play at ma church, sah&quot;. This kid could play those drums like nobody's business.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day, I thought that was the last I would see of Junior, but at the night service, there he was standing outside - the only night he had attended. He stayed for the entire thing before walking up to me, as if wanting our time together to continue. He asked when I was leaving, among other things, and we chatted as if we were the only two people in the building. After a while he said, &quot;Mi goin' home now, sah&quot;. I gave him a hug, told him to take care of himself, and that I was looking forward to seeing him next year. He grinned, &quot;Me too, sah&quot; he replied.

As I watched him leave, it occurred to me that for whatever reason he had come to say his good-byes. Maybe it was the budding bond we had developed, but it was important enough to him. For me, it was an example of touching a life; another memorable moment.
</div></div>


This makes it all worth the energy and effort, I love this!
Thanks.

[trelawnysmall]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

I read your report from the last page going backwards, and I want to say blessings and more blessings to you and your team for making a difference and changing people's lives in a positive way. When you do something from your heart for a child (and most people) they never forget that experience and they hold tight to the feeling they had when you made them feel special. How great it that. Each child is recognized as an important person, and of course they are indeed important. Big respect to you!!

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TSmall</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I read your report from the last page going backwards, and I want to say blessings and more blessings to you and your team for making a difference and changing people's lives in a positive way. When you do something from your heart for a child (and most people) they never forget that experience and they hold tight to the feeling they had when you made them feel special. How great it that. Each child is recognized as an important person, and of course they are indeed important. Big respect to you!! </div></div>
Thanks, TSmall. One of the things I really believe that keeps us close as a team is the passion we share to make a difference in the lives of others. It is quite the sacrifice to do these trips, but as in the case of this year's mission, the results far outweigh the costs. Thanks again, and I really do appreciate your tagging along.

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

Saturday was get-away day; some members were off to the airport for flights back to Toronto, while others were headed to other parts of Jamaica for a bit of R&amp;R. I was headed to Kingston to spend a few days with friends and family and I was looking forward to it. The plan was to stop in Ocho Rios at Coyaba Gardens, but one team member traveling with me had lost her grandmother (whom she hadn't seen in years and was hoping to spend a week with) the same week we flew down and now that VBS was over, reality had hit her like a ton of bricks. I thought it important that she be with family at the time, so I skipped Coyaba and we headed straight to Spanish Town where her relatives reside.

In Kingston, I would spend the time by my sister. It was also a great time to catch up with my nieces (both sisters' kids).

One would not believe her hair was done the day before. She started off with &quot;Uncle, uncle, I want to sit on the step of the pool&quot;, and before we knew it she had wormed her way <span style="font-style: italic">into</span> the pool, ignoring her mother's instructions to not get her hair wet.


Her sister


Her cousin; she's so &quot;cool&quot; it seems she swims - and does everything else - in slow motion!


A mother (sister #2) and daughter moment


I'm &quot;green&quot; with envy at what sister #1 seem to do so naturally; she painted and arranged it herself. I wish I had her boldness with colors!

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

Sunday, and unknown to my mother, my sisters decided to attend the church we all grew up in. It was the first time in over 25 years that all three of us (two brothers weren't there) were there together. Of course I always go back there whenever I'm in Kingston, but it was really great to see the warm welcome we received and the excitement my sisters' and nieces generated. Needless to say, my mom was as proud as a peacock

Sister #1 walking toward the building. I have fond memories of when it was being built and the many hours we - adults and kids alike - spent tearing down an old house that was on the site and pushing wheel barrows and doing just about everything else to get this building up. It was also the place I strained by back for the very first time, and have that as a lasting legacy Lots of memories in this building, and lots of friends who still attend and with whom we joyfully recalled some of the stuff that happened back in the day. It was also great catching up with an older lady that was like a spiritual mother to me, and who I still hold very dear to my heart.




Sunday evening, sister #2 invited me to tag along with her to a sing-a-long. As a lover of hymns I was delighted, however this turned out to be a different kind of sing-a-long. It was Singphony #Twenty, put on by the St. Andrew's Scots Kirk United Church with the Rev. Dr. Ralph A. Hoyte as director. A wonderful, wonderful free event put on to raise funds through freewill offerings to repair a church organ. What was unusual was that the sanctuary was divided into bass, alto, tenor, and soprano parts and as people filed in, they sat in the areas most appropriate for their voices. The theme of the evening was &quot;A Song for All Seasons&quot; with the program and songs divided into the respective life seasons - A time for beginning, a time for building and planting, a time for struggle and survival, and a time to end.



Many beautiful renditions, some of which were new to me, but I really enjoyed songs like: I Want to Sing Something for Jesus, Make God Your Choice, You'll Never Walk Alone, When Human Voices Cannot Sing, to name a few. The finale was terrific:

<span style="font-style: italic">Come Miss Clare, tek de bankra off you head, me dear
Evening breeze a-blow, come dis way Miss Flo
Help down yag, after yu no beas' a burden mah
Rest yourself at ease, feel de evening breeze.

Evening time, work is over now is evening time
We dah walk pon mountain, dah walk pon mountain
Dah walk pon mountain side
Mek we cook de bickle pon de way
Mek we eat and sing, dance and play ring ding pon de mountainside
Ketch up de fire Marta, pass me de gungo peas
Rub up de flour Sarah, lawd, feel de evening breeze.</span>

The event was well attended with the next one scheduled for January 24, 2010. I give it 5/5 bag juice and unreservedly recommend it to anyone who is able to attend

Monday - Somerset Falls.

[Nylah]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

My interest in Somerset Falls stemmed from a trip report I read in which it was mentioned as a place to visit, so I figured I would check it out. Along with my mom, brother, sister, nephew and nieces, we set out for the drive to Portland. Prior to reaching the new highway the roads were terrible, and but for a spot check by some of the most pleasant - though heavily armed - Jamaican police officers I've ever come across, and a brief stop because of road repairs, the trip was uneventful. I thought it a tad funny the amount of Bays we had to go through to get to our destination, as it seems every town was &quot;something Bay&quot;. I was quite impressed with the new highway and didn't miss the bumps and abuse associated with some of the rougher parts of our drive. I quickly forgot about all of that when we got to our destination.



Don't follow the arrow. This sign was leaning against the tree.


Simply beautiful






I love the design

[Nylah]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

I love the design





Excellent taste I think the tables were gorgeous

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More


The clan in the background


Beautiful table top




Brother, sister, and nieces with nephew to the extreme right






More to come...

[Nylah]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

your pix of the Falls are much prettier than mine

[Diplomat]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">your pix of the Falls are much prettier than mine </div></div>
Oh, you haven't seen anything yet

[MarieK]

Re: Feeling De Evening Breeze &amp; More

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Well it is official - I need to get knocked up

All of those kids are beautiful looking to me </div></div>

a st bess pickney wat u expecc we all pretty like dat