Jamaica, I'll be back soon
Where do I even begin.. Honestly words can't even begin to explain how I felt this week. As soon as I got here, day 1, I already knew I wanted to be a part of this country. There was a strong sensation that filled me with sadness, happiness, and anxiety all at the same time. I was sad because I knew I only had a week here. I was happy because I was living my dream and I was going to make a difference in the lives of everyone that I met. I was anxious because I wanted to talk, hang out, and hug everyone that walked by me but I didn't know how I would have time within the short 7 days. Day 2, I praised the Lord at a Pentecostal church with some of the citizens of Jamaica and I thanked Him for giving me this amazing opportunity. Day 3, I met so many children with huge hearts that only desired one thing, my attention. I also met a super cool dude that goes by the name of Scratchy. We instantly connected and became best friends, I appreciated his existence so much. Day 4, I sat in on a 3rd grade class and became best friends with so many of them; the sweet little girls and of course the rotten boys. Though they may act tough, when it came down to it, they were the ones who wanted the most love. Some of the same children approached me on day 4 but I got to meet so many more, too. I also met a stranger by the name of Lashan who reminded me of a best friend from back home. Again, we instantly became best friends; we were both upset that I had to leave the next morning but he thanked me for being such a considerate person to him but really it was him who brought the real "me" out. I'm really going to miss those guys, they have my heart and I couldn't stand to say goodbye. The night before we left for Negril, I didn't know how I was going to make it without them. I promised them I'd be back soon and I meant it with all my heart ♥
Day 5, also known as our day of rest. On our move from treasure beach to Negril we made some pit stops. We adventured at YS falls where I met some of the friendliest workers but one that was extra special to me, Jonathan. Jonathan and I only had a few hours to spend together but that's all we needed; he taught me a lot about Jamaica within those few hours and I will never be able to get his beautiful smile out of my head. He has never left Jamaica but now his next goal in life is to visit Pennsylvania and I promised him I would show him around so fingers crossed! We left the falls and stopped at a store nearby; this store had sooooo many cool items and I bought enough for those back home who missed out on my journey. Then a rad poster of Bob Marley caught my eye and I had to have it so I asked a boy that was working there to help me out; by the time I left the store, Alando and I had already known so much about each other. We were at the store for a max of 20 minutes and I had already made another friend that I promised to keep in touch with. We finally got to our new home called Whistling Bird and I decided to walk on the beach before dinner; within 10 minutes of my walk, I met another friend, Corey, my "security guard" for the day. Yes, another lifetime friend that I will see again soon! Day 6, omg day 6. We worked at a different school this time called Higher Heights Academy. The work was nothing close to being easy and we were completely drenched in sweat after about 5 minutes. But I didn't notice because most of my sweat came from running around with the kids; ages 3-8 and an 11 year old (Shanequa). Just picture 3 year old Jamaican kids running around. Yeah I know, it was ADORABLE. I immediately fell in love with them and they immediately fell in love with me! Not only did I get to meet heartwarming new kids, but also the workers Richard, Paul, and Shavon. I thank them for noticing how different I am and for making my journey home harder than ever.. 💔 Later during day 6, I decided to get a massage from a genuine lady by the name of Rosie. She reminded me of my mom; she took care of me and looked after me like I was one of her own. She healed my sores, my sunburn, and most importantly my mindset. Rosie has a special place in my heart and I will always appreciate her kind soul.
Our next stop was a beautiful restaurant, Catch a Falling Star, where I had a DELICIOUS meal and an unforgettable conversation with our driver, Junior. He let me be the dj in the van from then on so I knew we'd always be friends. Day 7...my last day... my hardest day.. We worked at Higher Heights academy again and got a lot of the build-on to the school accomplished. As I walked to the site from the van, the kids noticed and came straight to the door. The teacher there told me they had been waiting for me. 💓 She also offered me a job to be a teacher there whenever I want; that melted my heart and of course I gladly accepted. Leaving the work site on day 7 was one of the hardest things I have ever faced and I could not hold back my emotions. The connections between the workers and I. The connections between the children and I. The connections between the teachers and I. I was a part of that place within 2 days and in spirit, I will never leave.
We got back to our place and quickly were on the move again. This time, we took a boat ride to swim in some caves and jump off a few cliffs. But that would be silly of me to just do fun activities without bringing any meaning to those around me. So on the boat, I met Shantel; her middle name was Shain (pronounced like Cheyenne). That's all it took and we were friends. When we got back, we hungout on the beach and made plans for the next time I come to Jamaica. She has a few fears in her life and I broke 2 of them within those short 3 hours we spent together. Also on the boat ride, I met a 14 yr old who right away asked me for money. I then immediately told him not to ask me for money; but instead I told him to ask me my name. He did and then told me to call him Money; he was a fearless boy so I could relate. He meant no harm and reminded me of my cousins so much, I'm going to miss Money. We left the first cave and ventured to the cliffs where I met another friend that jumped off the cliff with me for the first time: he said "cmon no worries mon" and I was fine 😌
After dinner, I couldn't contain my tears again as Kaye (an extraordinary woman and leader that I aspire to be someday) and I set a lantern off into the sky to perfectly end the breathtaking week we had. I sat on a bench by myself for a little until a worker came up to me. He gave me so many words of wisdom and was a very wise man (a lot of Jamaican men are). He made my tears turn into laughter and filled my heart with his hopeful messages; I thank him for that, thank you Craig. I spent the rest of my last night with a young security guard at our place, Chris Brown. He told me numerous times that he enjoyed my company and I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my last night with. We were both heartbroken this morning but he walked me to the gate and we said our goodbyes.
Being at the airport, I realized something: I was at the front of the group when we first came to the airport and now that we're leaving, I'm the last. Then I realized that was me the whole trip; always first to be on the work site, first to say hello to the workers, kids, teachers, citizens of Jamaica. First to do a lot of things on this trip, & a lot of firsts for me, but most certainly not my last. & here I am, on the plane, still thinking about those I left behind, regretting not bringing them home with me. But it's okay because I'm coming back for them. I left too early and I promised too many people I'd be back to help, hangout, and keep them company. That's all they ever want, is some good company 💕
Some things I learned on this trip is that this place is my home, I belong here. These are my people and they all know that. There is nothing to be afraid of in Jamaica and yes they might be struggling but from their optimistic personalities, you'd never be able to tell. That's what makes them so special. During this whole trip, not a single Jamaican I met and/or talked to complained about ANYTHING!! (think about that Stevens group cause that's all y'all did smh). None of them are selfish, they're there for you whenever you need them, to do whatever you want them to, no matter who you are. They have open hearts and open minds and are able to see the true person inside of you; they were able to see that I was different before I even spoke to them and that alone makes me want to cry (happily). Many of them probably did not realize the impact they have had on me and I know I had an impact on every single person I met. I respect this country with everything I have and still have so much to say about it. I still have so much to give back to it. Yes the scenery is breathtaking and the food is mouthwatering but the people.. It's all about the people. They are what makes this country so blissful. I have been truly blessed to been given this opportunity and once again I thank Thea Zunick for giving it to me in the first place. I'm glad she could see my strong desire to be a part of this trip and I'm sure I didn't disappoint her. I came on this trip with expectations of course and they were all met. My biggest one is that I would be remembered & believe me, I will be remembered..
Until I see you all again, I will continue to share the jokes, the insights, the wise words, the stories, the facts, the pictures, and most importantly the impact. I love you all and you have showed me exactly where I belong. I thank you all for that & I will never forget you.
One love,
Cheyenne 💘
Day 5, also known as our day of rest. On our move from treasure beach to Negril we made some pit stops. We adventured at YS falls where I met some of the friendliest workers but one that was extra special to me, Jonathan. Jonathan and I only had a few hours to spend together but that's all we needed; he taught me a lot about Jamaica within those few hours and I will never be able to get his beautiful smile out of my head. He has never left Jamaica but now his next goal in life is to visit Pennsylvania and I promised him I would show him around so fingers crossed! We left the falls and stopped at a store nearby; this store had sooooo many cool items and I bought enough for those back home who missed out on my journey. Then a rad poster of Bob Marley caught my eye and I had to have it so I asked a boy that was working there to help me out; by the time I left the store, Alando and I had already known so much about each other. We were at the store for a max of 20 minutes and I had already made another friend that I promised to keep in touch with. We finally got to our new home called Whistling Bird and I decided to walk on the beach before dinner; within 10 minutes of my walk, I met another friend, Corey, my "security guard" for the day. Yes, another lifetime friend that I will see again soon! Day 6, omg day 6. We worked at a different school this time called Higher Heights Academy. The work was nothing close to being easy and we were completely drenched in sweat after about 5 minutes. But I didn't notice because most of my sweat came from running around with the kids; ages 3-8 and an 11 year old (Shanequa). Just picture 3 year old Jamaican kids running around. Yeah I know, it was ADORABLE. I immediately fell in love with them and they immediately fell in love with me! Not only did I get to meet heartwarming new kids, but also the workers Richard, Paul, and Shavon. I thank them for noticing how different I am and for making my journey home harder than ever.. 💔 Later during day 6, I decided to get a massage from a genuine lady by the name of Rosie. She reminded me of my mom; she took care of me and looked after me like I was one of her own. She healed my sores, my sunburn, and most importantly my mindset. Rosie has a special place in my heart and I will always appreciate her kind soul.
Our next stop was a beautiful restaurant, Catch a Falling Star, where I had a DELICIOUS meal and an unforgettable conversation with our driver, Junior. He let me be the dj in the van from then on so I knew we'd always be friends. Day 7...my last day... my hardest day.. We worked at Higher Heights academy again and got a lot of the build-on to the school accomplished. As I walked to the site from the van, the kids noticed and came straight to the door. The teacher there told me they had been waiting for me. 💓 She also offered me a job to be a teacher there whenever I want; that melted my heart and of course I gladly accepted. Leaving the work site on day 7 was one of the hardest things I have ever faced and I could not hold back my emotions. The connections between the workers and I. The connections between the children and I. The connections between the teachers and I. I was a part of that place within 2 days and in spirit, I will never leave.
We got back to our place and quickly were on the move again. This time, we took a boat ride to swim in some caves and jump off a few cliffs. But that would be silly of me to just do fun activities without bringing any meaning to those around me. So on the boat, I met Shantel; her middle name was Shain (pronounced like Cheyenne). That's all it took and we were friends. When we got back, we hungout on the beach and made plans for the next time I come to Jamaica. She has a few fears in her life and I broke 2 of them within those short 3 hours we spent together. Also on the boat ride, I met a 14 yr old who right away asked me for money. I then immediately told him not to ask me for money; but instead I told him to ask me my name. He did and then told me to call him Money; he was a fearless boy so I could relate. He meant no harm and reminded me of my cousins so much, I'm going to miss Money. We left the first cave and ventured to the cliffs where I met another friend that jumped off the cliff with me for the first time: he said "cmon no worries mon" and I was fine 😌
After dinner, I couldn't contain my tears again as Kaye (an extraordinary woman and leader that I aspire to be someday) and I set a lantern off into the sky to perfectly end the breathtaking week we had. I sat on a bench by myself for a little until a worker came up to me. He gave me so many words of wisdom and was a very wise man (a lot of Jamaican men are). He made my tears turn into laughter and filled my heart with his hopeful messages; I thank him for that, thank you Craig. I spent the rest of my last night with a young security guard at our place, Chris Brown. He told me numerous times that he enjoyed my company and I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my last night with. We were both heartbroken this morning but he walked me to the gate and we said our goodbyes.
Being at the airport, I realized something: I was at the front of the group when we first came to the airport and now that we're leaving, I'm the last. Then I realized that was me the whole trip; always first to be on the work site, first to say hello to the workers, kids, teachers, citizens of Jamaica. First to do a lot of things on this trip, & a lot of firsts for me, but most certainly not my last. & here I am, on the plane, still thinking about those I left behind, regretting not bringing them home with me. But it's okay because I'm coming back for them. I left too early and I promised too many people I'd be back to help, hangout, and keep them company. That's all they ever want, is some good company 💕
Some things I learned on this trip is that this place is my home, I belong here. These are my people and they all know that. There is nothing to be afraid of in Jamaica and yes they might be struggling but from their optimistic personalities, you'd never be able to tell. That's what makes them so special. During this whole trip, not a single Jamaican I met and/or talked to complained about ANYTHING!! (think about that Stevens group cause that's all y'all did smh). None of them are selfish, they're there for you whenever you need them, to do whatever you want them to, no matter who you are. They have open hearts and open minds and are able to see the true person inside of you; they were able to see that I was different before I even spoke to them and that alone makes me want to cry (happily). Many of them probably did not realize the impact they have had on me and I know I had an impact on every single person I met. I respect this country with everything I have and still have so much to say about it. I still have so much to give back to it. Yes the scenery is breathtaking and the food is mouthwatering but the people.. It's all about the people. They are what makes this country so blissful. I have been truly blessed to been given this opportunity and once again I thank Thea Zunick for giving it to me in the first place. I'm glad she could see my strong desire to be a part of this trip and I'm sure I didn't disappoint her. I came on this trip with expectations of course and they were all met. My biggest one is that I would be remembered & believe me, I will be remembered..
Until I see you all again, I will continue to share the jokes, the insights, the wise words, the stories, the facts, the pictures, and most importantly the impact. I love you all and you have showed me exactly where I belong. I thank you all for that & I will never forget you.
One love,
Cheyenne 💘
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