Forever in our hearts

Today was our last day in Jamaica. It has really been a journey.

Okay, I’ll admit that I was intimidated when this idea of coming here was first mentioned. Although, I think all of us were. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough” was the quote that really captioned this adventure. 

I was nervous before this trip. Not because of it being a different country and the traveling part of it, but I was nervous about how we would be received by the students and the teachers at the school. I came here not knowing what to expect. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures, but this trip is different than traveling here for vacation. We actually came into a community and tried to help them. I felt like somehow I was invading. However, when we first arrived and met the children, I was very surprised to be greeted with open arms. And it stayed that way. 

All week long we got to interact with the kids and truly get to know them. They opened up to us, and we to them. Today, as we took pictures in front of our newly painted, beautiful murals, I realized how much I would miss this place and the people. I have had so many new experiences here, and I have been touched by the beauty of this culture. 

As we left the school and saw all of the kids waving to us and chasing after us, we realized that we have truly made an impact on their lives. But they have made a bigger impact on ours. Today we said goodbye to our new friends, but they will forever be in our hearts.