Hold My Hand

After four years, the 3 a.m. wake up call to go to the airport does not get any easier, but my excitement to get to Jamaica and see my “Jamaican babies” grows every year. We arrived in Jamaica this morning to be greeted at the airport by Leroy, Jamaican Kevin (aka KJam), and Howard. After stopping for our traditional lunch of patties, we arrived at Sophie’s Place, our home for the week, to be welcomed by a waving and smiling Donovan.

We settled in and unpacked at Sophie’s and had orientation with Leroy. It was finally time to go downstairs and see the kids! It is always so wonderful to see all of their familiar faces and to see how they have changed and grown over the past year.

One of my favorite things about being in Jamaica each year is how much time we get to spend just being present with the residents. I spent a lot of time today holding hands with Courtney, Duran, Nathaniel, and Laura in particular. They each have varying degrees of alertness and responsiveness. Duran gives you a giant smile and is content with sitting with your hand in his for hours. Nathaniel holds on with his strong grip as he wiggles around in excitement. Courtney is calmer and more subdued and it sometimes seems like he doesn’t even notice that you are there, but there is something about just sitting with him and holding hands that makes you feel connected with him.

In my hectic fast-paced life back home, my time with the kids in Jamaica is always a nice reminder that sometimes words are not always what matter most, but just being present can have an impact. Sometimes it’s nice just have someone hold your hand.

-Meaghan (4th Year)