Volunteer Jen Moore writes about her lessons learned while in Jamaica, and we wanted to share them with you!
“I know that there are lessons I am still reflecting on and learning, and that each year I have been in Jamaica builds on the next. This year I was struck by the unconditional love and acceptance from the Jamaican people I met. Through conversations and interactions I began to realize the full inclusion and unconditional care that was being shown to everyone around. This came at the school with the teachers, between students, at the resort, and out in town. It was a willingness shown my local Jamaicans, to see each person as whole, beautiful, and without judgment. It is a contrast to life back home, with the media and images of the “perfect body” or defining how you should look to have value. I found it not only refreshing, but also a call to challenge my own judgments and views of others. I strive to be an accepting, loving, caring person and know that this is not always the case. To be around the Jamaican teachers, students, and friends, I was shown a picture of life with unconditional care and love. I hope to bring this back home in my own life. …and I know I will need a few more trips to Jamaica to keep reminding myself of this love.“