An Amazing Experience!

Jamaica is the place where you can find peace and (if you are lucky) yourself!

Three days ago we arrived to Jamaica and to be honest with you I didn't know what to expect!  So far, it was a great experience with the children and the team!  This trip is truly wonderful and totally different from anything else I have ever done in my life!

I remember the first day when we all got together in Newark airport and even at that point we acted like a team!  The highlights of the  trip are: children in Sophie's place, Matthew 25:40, My Father's House, and Jerusalem!.

When I saw disabled children for the first time--it was a heartbreaking experience.  I wasn't sure how to act and what would be appropriate to do at that place!  I kept asking myself: what should I do? Then I looked at Andrew, Meghan, and Jordan, and they were talking to the kids, touching them (most of the children can't move!) and they just smiled at them!  I was amazed how easy they interacted. It was some sort of miracle for me!

One day later I've realized that interaction with the children is not that difficult!  Kids love attention and kindness and it was a key to communicate with them even though most of the time it was non-verbal communication.

Today we have visited Jerusalem and I fed one of the children and those 15 minutes made my day! Then I saw Matt taking pictures with 10 children around him, Mike running around with a kid on his back and two other kids were following him. In the same time Mark was playing the slaps game with the child sitting on his lap and there was one more cute kid that couldn't wait to join!

However, I want to salute to Lisa and Kristina for their contribution to today's project!  They, like true Heroines, were on top of our Jerusalem! duty till the end!  Also, I should probably have mentioned Andrew Romano and his dedication to Mustard Seed Communities!  He always gets everything done on time and he has an exceptional ability to deal with different people and their "challenging" characters.  It seems like children just love Sweetie Mon and aunties remember Andrew for years!  I felt lucky, fortunate, and special by MSC personnel treatment in Jamaica!  I wish I have more of that treatment in NYC!  Hm!  I guess that Jamaicans would take first place in the world for their warmness and hospitality!

In the end, I'm so privileged to be here right now! The trip is a journey that has already brought us to the children, to the radio (yes! we were on air!), and also to a wonderful Jamaican weather and delicious food!

Best,
Iryna (newbie)