LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 14: Proud
Saturday, July 7 – Every morning and evening we gather as a group to share one word to describe our mood. “Excited,” “Tired,” “Positive,” and “Here” are the most frequent words mumbled in our daily circles. When it gets to me, I keep returning to the word “Proud.”
Our first few days in Jamaica were filled with non-stop shouting about lizards, running from bugs, and complaining about water pressure. The days trudged on as students and adults alike adjusted to the inescapable hot climate and the jam-packed, 17-hour days. But like the sunburn I acquired our first hour of the trip, it got better. The students were pushed so far out of their comfort zone they learned to abandon all US expectations and norms, and take charge of their own experience. This was perfectly displayed today.
It was our second time up the twisting roads of the Blue Mountains and our purple bus perfectly filled the gap between the cliffs edge and the scattered jerk-chicken and fruit shop shacks. We collectively held our breath as we narrowly passed a truck. We were visiting the Charles Town Maroon community, a people that began when slaves fled to the mountains to escape Spanish and British colonization. We arrived to a picturesque square tucked between the mountains with a stage hiding in the corner and community members drumming in the middle. Our tour guide, Douglas, walked us through the brutal yet powerful history of their people. Her 10-year old daughter, Jamokia, trailed behind us, explaining and demonstrating some of their traditions, including using an abinga (type of horn) to communicate births, deaths, celebrations, and warnings to other citizens.
They handed us coconuts to drink, and after we cracked them open to eat the jelly inside, we were led to the drumming stage and taught traditional dance. Everyone participated, whether it was dancing center stage with the Maroon children, or a simple foot tap on the side. To regain our energy after dancing they served us a jerk chicken lunch and then showed us to a clear river. Many immediately splashed in, still wearing all of their clothes, for a cool release from the sticky heat. Once swimming around students caught a glimpse of fish and took turns jumping off rocks. Others dipped their toes in the rapids above and skipped stones, with varying degrees of success.
This experience would not have been possible 14 days ago. I have watched our students grow and mature in so many ways on this trip. Whether it is by cleaning up after themselves without instruction, flipping their attitude to look at something more positively, learning to accept that bugs are a part of life, or making connections with our Jamaican partners, they have built on their leadership skills every day.
After our final adventure in the mountains we returned home satisfied with the day’s events. When our evening meeting arrived, the students reversed roles. Instead of the other trip leaders and me bombarding them with reflection questions, they asked us to meditate on our own experiences. It was through this activity that I learned my most important takeaway; your students can teach you just as much, if not more, than you can teach to them. My favorite part of the trip has been sitting down with each of the students every night, and working with them on their blog posts. However when it came to me writing this blog tonight, I struggled with a lack of motivation. They are the ones that have given me energy and encouragement throughout this whole trip, whether it was to climb to the top of a mountain, or finish this blog.
As I sit here, still smelling like river, surrounded by students journaling, playing cards, and giggling at inside jokes, I can only feel “Proud.”
Florence Rivkin, LearnServe Jamaica Trip Leader, Program Coordinator, and Office Manager