the past few days have been ones of drastic contrast. Mr. Mullally loves telling the story of our meeting the notorious former police leader Renato Adams. in the story this meeting is likened to a snakebite that needed an antidote. luckily the story has a happy ending and Jamaicans for Justice co-founder and badass Carolyn Gomes sneaks in just in time to save us. while maybe not as easily analogized, the days since have held similar dichotomies, challenging our perceptions in a big way.
after our Adams visit on thursday, friday held our first full day at Marigold. and it was definitely full. during our morning time in the nursery we got to bring some of the babies out of their cribs and put them on the small bed that sits in the center of the nursery. the babies were so adorable playing with each other, giggling as they playfully wrestled a broken rattle from one another's pudgy little hands. it was incredible to watch them interact knowing that the time they are able to spend touching another person is so limited and so precious. the babies spend almost all of their time in cribs, and, although they are all lined up against one another, they are only able to pull themselves up to the top of the bars and look over at their neighbor. but despite the limit imposed on their interaction, the babies have definitely not forgotten how to play with one another.
Marigold does not send their children to school in the building in the backyard when it is raining (i know this sounds really weird--we've been told that it is either because of the children's asthma, leaks in the school building's ceiling, or the tempting mud that lies between the home and the school), so the children were inside the whole day. about mid-morning one of the nurses, a sweet woman who always wears white tops with little red and pink roses printed on them and has the brightest smile named Mrs. Grant turned on Franklin for the children to watch. Tara and i asked if it would be alright to read to children if they wanted to and we soon found ourselves encircled by children sitting cross-legged on the tile of the veranda listening to Sammy the Seal and Carebears: Everyday is a Cheerific Day.
i sat with a precious little girl named Danielle who is learning to spell her name but keeps forgetting the "i" in it and does not like it when she colors out of the lines. she picked the Sammy book and we began reading by talking through the title, going over every letter and its sound. as we read, Danielle pointed out every number on the bottom of the page and remembered every little detail about the story. by the third time through the book Danielle could practically dictate it, telling me that "this is the page when Mr. Johnson feeds the seals fish and then it is all gone" and "that's a zebra." she named all of the people in the book after her friends at Marigold, breathlessly laughing as she donned a blonde-haired, rosy-cheeked little girl in the story "Rodge" (an adorably pudgy little boy). she loved reading. she listened to every word, following the print on the page as i read aloud, chiming in with "seal!" whenever she recognized the word. reading with Danielle, i was just overcome with thoughts of my own little sister. my little sister could read before even entering kindergarten; now as she approaches 10 she is devouring series of chapter books, befriending Laura Ingalls and laughing at the humor of Lemony Snicket. and Danielle is almost seven. and does not know what the letter "A" looks like.
maybe it is my obsession with education, but i am just heartbroken at the thought of these children being robbed of the chance to learn. they crave knowledge, a want and need so apparent in their interactions with books (except for Jumani-he just likes to rip them up) that i am sometimes surprised when Davian does not poke himself in the eye trying to bring the pages and what they hold closer and closer. Tara and i have both been so compelled by their desire to embrace the scribbled nonsense under the pictures. we just so hope for the opportunity and wisdom to make learning available for them.
we got to talk to the teachers of Marigold on friday as well and they talked to us about the possibility of a festive fundraiser in july for the children. and she told us we get to do our first craft with the children on wednesday. aah!
saturday was our first day away from Marigold since arriving. and it was weird. it was strange to have a full day in the other side of Kingston, the side of pillows and water and wants. we started our day with a wonderful vinyasa flow yoga session and meditation, something that made me think about my sweet friend Katie who is about to travel to India to teach yoga to Hindu widows. and it made me realize how connected we all are. and how cool she is.
and today was, admittedly, a huge challenge. we spent today on a yacht in the bay of Kingston, parked feet away from a pristine plot of sand laced with sea shells and picturesque drift wood. and as we floated in the crystalline water this afternoon, i wished so much that my friends from Ferry were there with us. or instead of us. i was just so rattled thinking that we have only been here for a week and have been instantly swept up into the charmed life here. and as we dined on deck above the cabin below, the children at Marigold napped on the tile floor and Joan struggled to magically create a meal for sweet Abigail and Moses in their Ferry home. but, in trying to find sense in this contrast, i was really taught a lesson on judgement today. i was taught that my aperture does not let in much light and makes for a very narrowly focused picture. today, for reasons put in place by Someone always patiently, graciously hoping to teach me to love, i was reminded that possessions-no matter if it is an excess or lack of-cannot heal, fill or suture wounds on our hearts.
and tonight Tara and i wrote a letter that we will send out tomorrow hoping it will return with the means for a new playground for the children of Marigold. and we started a PayPal account to collect donations for this cause. and we wrote out a calendar of the next seven weeks. and drank honey ginger tea. and enjoyed the blessing of making a wish list for Marigold that could come true.
with gratitude,
eeb
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Funny photo of the day: guess Jamaican's aren't a fan of George W. Bush
Caption on the t-shirt: "Good Bush: Bad Bush"
so cuteeee
Thursday, May 27, 2010
riding the rollercoaster
Today was wonderful. We settled in at Marigold as though we had been there for weeks. We arrived super early this morning and spent the first two hours waking up with the infants in the toddler room.
They are all soo precious... all 8 of them. Elin and I spent the first hour holding and bopping and kissing each one individually until one of the nurses came in to feed, bathe, and change all the babies. Before I knew it I was feeding, then drying, putting on diapers, and fitting them with their morning clothes. The babies all have their own personalities and little quirks. One of them has to be holding your two fingers at all times when your holding her or else she starts to get fussy... Another has the biggest brightest smile when you walk over to her and she starts shaking her crib and dancing if she thinks you will pick her up. They are the epitome of innocence. You look into their eyes and you get lost in a deep river that leads you straight to their souls. They are not afraid; they are curious of the world around them and trusting to all who come by them. They are never a moment ahead or a moment behind, but instead stay in the present moment focused only on what is happening in the now. I think we should all take a leaf from the baby book.
Later on in the day, Elin and I had some quality time to spend at the school with the children. The school room is one large room split into halves by a chalk board.. The older children on one side, the younger on the other. I admire the teachers for their patience and relentless stamina with the children. Frequently the children will run from chair to chair or take out toys from the cabinet and cause havoc. There is pushing and shoving at times, crying, and sleeping throughout the lessons. Any person under similar circumstances would throw their hands up and walk out the front door but instead these teachers support and push forward. Instead of spending their time disciplining the children and putting things away, they focus on the children staying engaged. They teach those that express interest and delight. Today we demonstrated the different properties of water through putting grape juice in clear water, and then freezing it in into tangible ice cubes. The children loved doing the experiment and were completely captivated. It also surprised me to see that such an automatic mindless thing for me such a writing the date on the top of my paper is a big struggle for many of the children. They try and try again and keep a positive attitude but get frustrated when what they write is not the same as on the chalkboard. After a few hectic hours the children took a break for recess. In a flash the children emptied the room apart from one. One boy who I have grown an affection for, Davian, pulled me into a chair and asked me to read to him. After every word I read, he repeated it and tried to match it for the words on the paper. He is thirsty for knowledge and is a smart smart boy. Here I was, completely in awe, and inspired by a 6 year old.
Dad picked us up at noon to attend the Rotary Club of Kingston's weekly body meeting at a hotel in New Kingston. The club meeting is held in a beautiful room on the 17th floor in a room that is quite literally and ironically called "Talk of the town." Next to this room was one called "Top of the world." We found these name quite fitting. Coming from the underbelly of Jamaica at the childrens home to the Rotary meetings was as stark a contrast as a black patch on a white canvas. The club is filled with high ranking powerful passionate leaders in Jamaican Society and in the Jamaican Political world. Leaders in the community committed to civil service and bettering the city of Kingston through service above self. We had arranged with the club secretary a few months back to visit their club in order to network with the members and share about our work at Marigold. We did fulfill on one of those intentions, but the other will have to wait until next week. A special guest speaker, Renato Adams was pleased to join us. He is a controversial figure to say the least, a leader in Jamaican society who worked alongside the people as police chief for over 41 years. Leading a similar but much less violent war on criminals in 2001, he can been seen on local television and heard on the radio giving his opinion on the changing political landscape. He repeatedly affirmed his intention to speak the truth and suggested looking in high ranking political leader's houses for alleged druglord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. Alongside these comments, he planted the seed that many Jamaican criminals have infiltrated the police force and Jamaican army. Talk about food for thought.
The conversation recently has been heavy. Every person has their two-cents to put in about the situation. The overall consensus seems to be in support of the government finally putting a stop to the corruption and infiltration. Elin and I hear horrific stories on the radio. First hand accounts of peoples experiences in the last four days held hostage in Tiviali. Stories that leave us aghast and hurting, thankful for our safety, and praying for the recovery and healing of the people in Tivoli and other affected areas. Unidentified bodies victim from the massacre at Tivoli are being buried in the morgue and people are outraged.
Juxtaposed to Renato on the opposite of the spectrum is Caroline Gomes, a woman who started Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), a citizens rights activist group in Kingston in '99. She is a family friend and a huge inspiration. We went over after the Rotary meeting and she was scheduled to be on the 5:30 radio program to talk about the JFJ's position on the news that the police were burying unidentified bodies. A woman fighting for the rights of the people, standing up for what is just, not what is convenient. Although her life is threatened on a day-to-day basis she spends time proudly on her veranda, without a security guard or alarm system. When Elin and I spoke to her about her fears of being killed, she looked at us without a drop of fear in her eyes. She said:
Rasta Dog
On a lighter note, I am so happy to be eating Patti's and jerk chicken and festival again. When we first moved, I used to cry because I couldn't understand why San Diego didn't have rice and peas or kola champagne.. no joke. I can't seem to get enough of it. We have 10 chicken patties in the freezer as I write this waiting to be munched on over the next couple days.
Everywhere we go, (by we I mean Dad) runs into people he knows. On the sidewalk, in the car at a stoplight, and even the street people selling the newspaper all call out "MULLALLY".. Elin and I are now used to the long conversations and the exchanging of numbers. I would not be surprised if half the island knew we were here by now. We feel fortified and safe to say the least. We have an abundance of phone numbers to call if we need anything or anybody, or in case of an emergency. (Mom, you can stop holding your breath now). We have been going out to dinner every night with different family friends. Last night, we went to a DEELLLICIOUS lebanese restaurant with Auntie Odette, one of my moms closest friends here and another mother figure to me. She owns Rainbowland, a pre-k and kindergarten that I actually went to! E and I are planning on stopping by next week for a couple hours.
We have been gym shopping as well. We visited a few popular gyms around the area and finally settled on a yoga/pilates/spinning type place today. The moment I walked inside I knew. It is literally an oasis in the middle of city with green jungle type plants in the yard encircling the property. Empowering quotes line the walls, along with large rooms for yoga and weight lifting. My favorite room is the "relaxation meditation area" with large beds, fresh tea, Wifi, and pillows to relax on after showering. It will be the perfect spot to unwind in the late afternoons after working with the vibrant children all day.
This first week has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I encounter daily struggles at marigold with the children, with our presence there and the temporality of it all. I am already growing attached to them and know mostly all the children's name. There is one young girl, Annakay, who follows me around the room until she is in my arms. She is around 3 or 4 and doesn't say a word. Instead she latches like a little monkey to my chest as I read to the other children and play games. Whenever my hair is loose, she'll grab onto the strands and look at me like i'm an alien from a different planet. Today she curled up in a little ball on my stomach and fell asleep. All I do is shower her with kisses and hugs and as much love as I can give her. I can already forsee it will be hard to leave them.
Today, we met with the teachers and will start doing crafts next week with the children! Elin and I have some organizing to do this weekend to decide how to best go about introducing the art. We plan to pair any activity with a book and writing. The four of us (two teachers, Elin and I) will be working on "Jamaica Day" for the next few weeks. It will be an acting, singing, fashion show, luncheon fundraiser with the kids on July 8th. We have huge aspirations for our time here, after this week of assimilating, I'm ready to hit the ground running and be as much of a tool to be used by the staff at Marigold as possible.
keep it irie,
tkm
Later on in the day, Elin and I had some quality time to spend at the school with the children. The school room is one large room split into halves by a chalk board.. The older children on one side, the younger on the other. I admire the teachers for their patience and relentless stamina with the children. Frequently the children will run from chair to chair or take out toys from the cabinet and cause havoc. There is pushing and shoving at times, crying, and sleeping throughout the lessons. Any person under similar circumstances would throw their hands up and walk out the front door but instead these teachers support and push forward. Instead of spending their time disciplining the children and putting things away, they focus on the children staying engaged. They teach those that express interest and delight. Today we demonstrated the different properties of water through putting grape juice in clear water, and then freezing it in into tangible ice cubes. The children loved doing the experiment and were completely captivated. It also surprised me to see that such an automatic mindless thing for me such a writing the date on the top of my paper is a big struggle for many of the children. They try and try again and keep a positive attitude but get frustrated when what they write is not the same as on the chalkboard. After a few hectic hours the children took a break for recess. In a flash the children emptied the room apart from one. One boy who I have grown an affection for, Davian, pulled me into a chair and asked me to read to him. After every word I read, he repeated it and tried to match it for the words on the paper. He is thirsty for knowledge and is a smart smart boy. Here I was, completely in awe, and inspired by a 6 year old.
Dad picked us up at noon to attend the Rotary Club of Kingston's weekly body meeting at a hotel in New Kingston. The club meeting is held in a beautiful room on the 17th floor in a room that is quite literally and ironically called "Talk of the town." Next to this room was one called "Top of the world." We found these name quite fitting. Coming from the underbelly of Jamaica at the childrens home to the Rotary meetings was as stark a contrast as a black patch on a white canvas. The club is filled with high ranking powerful passionate leaders in Jamaican Society and in the Jamaican Political world. Leaders in the community committed to civil service and bettering the city of Kingston through service above self. We had arranged with the club secretary a few months back to visit their club in order to network with the members and share about our work at Marigold. We did fulfill on one of those intentions, but the other will have to wait until next week. A special guest speaker, Renato Adams was pleased to join us. He is a controversial figure to say the least, a leader in Jamaican society who worked alongside the people as police chief for over 41 years. Leading a similar but much less violent war on criminals in 2001, he can been seen on local television and heard on the radio giving his opinion on the changing political landscape. He repeatedly affirmed his intention to speak the truth and suggested looking in high ranking political leader's houses for alleged druglord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. Alongside these comments, he planted the seed that many Jamaican criminals have infiltrated the police force and Jamaican army. Talk about food for thought.
The conversation recently has been heavy. Every person has their two-cents to put in about the situation. The overall consensus seems to be in support of the government finally putting a stop to the corruption and infiltration. Elin and I hear horrific stories on the radio. First hand accounts of peoples experiences in the last four days held hostage in Tiviali. Stories that leave us aghast and hurting, thankful for our safety, and praying for the recovery and healing of the people in Tivoli and other affected areas. Unidentified bodies victim from the massacre at Tivoli are being buried in the morgue and people are outraged.
Juxtaposed to Renato on the opposite of the spectrum is Caroline Gomes, a woman who started Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), a citizens rights activist group in Kingston in '99. She is a family friend and a huge inspiration. We went over after the Rotary meeting and she was scheduled to be on the 5:30 radio program to talk about the JFJ's position on the news that the police were burying unidentified bodies. A woman fighting for the rights of the people, standing up for what is just, not what is convenient. Although her life is threatened on a day-to-day basis she spends time proudly on her veranda, without a security guard or alarm system. When Elin and I spoke to her about her fears of being killed, she looked at us without a drop of fear in her eyes. She said:
"There are two ways to go out in life. As a brave man or a coward. Either way your going to die, but you might as well do it standing up for something you believe in."
On a lighter note, I am so happy to be eating Patti's and jerk chicken and festival again. When we first moved, I used to cry because I couldn't understand why San Diego didn't have rice and peas or kola champagne.. no joke. I can't seem to get enough of it. We have 10 chicken patties in the freezer as I write this waiting to be munched on over the next couple days.
Everywhere we go, (by we I mean Dad) runs into people he knows. On the sidewalk, in the car at a stoplight, and even the street people selling the newspaper all call out "MULLALLY".. Elin and I are now used to the long conversations and the exchanging of numbers. I would not be surprised if half the island knew we were here by now. We feel fortified and safe to say the least. We have an abundance of phone numbers to call if we need anything or anybody, or in case of an emergency. (Mom, you can stop holding your breath now). We have been going out to dinner every night with different family friends. Last night, we went to a DEELLLICIOUS lebanese restaurant with Auntie Odette, one of my moms closest friends here and another mother figure to me. She owns Rainbowland, a pre-k and kindergarten that I actually went to! E and I are planning on stopping by next week for a couple hours.We have been gym shopping as well. We visited a few popular gyms around the area and finally settled on a yoga/pilates/spinning type place today. The moment I walked inside I knew. It is literally an oasis in the middle of city with green jungle type plants in the yard encircling the property. Empowering quotes line the walls, along with large rooms for yoga and weight lifting. My favorite room is the "relaxation meditation area" with large beds, fresh tea, Wifi, and pillows to relax on after showering. It will be the perfect spot to unwind in the late afternoons after working with the vibrant children all day.
This first week has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I encounter daily struggles at marigold with the children, with our presence there and the temporality of it all. I am already growing attached to them and know mostly all the children's name. There is one young girl, Annakay, who follows me around the room until she is in my arms. She is around 3 or 4 and doesn't say a word. Instead she latches like a little monkey to my chest as I read to the other children and play games. Whenever my hair is loose, she'll grab onto the strands and look at me like i'm an alien from a different planet. Today she curled up in a little ball on my stomach and fell asleep. All I do is shower her with kisses and hugs and as much love as I can give her. I can already forsee it will be hard to leave them.
Today, we met with the teachers and will start doing crafts next week with the children! Elin and I have some organizing to do this weekend to decide how to best go about introducing the art. We plan to pair any activity with a book and writing. The four of us (two teachers, Elin and I) will be working on "Jamaica Day" for the next few weeks. It will be an acting, singing, fashion show, luncheon fundraiser with the kids on July 8th. We have huge aspirations for our time here, after this week of assimilating, I'm ready to hit the ground running and be as much of a tool to be used by the staff at Marigold as possible.
keep it irie,
tkm
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Jamaica, Land We Love.
Guard us with thy mighty hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours,
To our leaders, great defender,
Grant true wisdom from above,
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love,
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty's call,
Strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish,
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above,
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love,
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love
we were welcomed to Marigold today with the sounds of the school children singing their National Anthem (above). the lyrics seem especially fitting for the time, calling for the kind of solace the people here crave so desperately. and to hear it from the children of Marigold was so poignant. because they have always craved this. their very lives are a prayer for solid ground, for love, for hope. they ask for these things every time they raise their arms to be held. every time they cry for attention. and it is so strange to see the society around them mirror this hunger that i have only seen at Marigold before. and, interestingly, we've seen a similar response in both places to the suffering. at Marigold, the children still laugh. today Aryana giggled until she was gasping for air as she walked around the kitchen on her newly-operated-upon club foot. she has a brace that has completely freed her. although it would seem a limited one to almost anyone else, Aryana's life right now is a string of gifts. she can stand. she can walk. she can fall. she can get back up. she can feel the tile rather than stare at it from the bars of a crib. she can walk to the door and look outside. she can playfully bat our hands away when we try to pick her up because-finally-she can do it on her own.
and outside the yellow and orange walls of Marigold, the people of Jamaica are celebrating similar moments of joy. Tara's Godmother is welcoming her first grandchild into the world. today we gave blood and sat in a room filled with people who were there simply because they care. an article in the Daily Observer today quoted locals' perspectives on the situation, asking what they believe the country needs to do to pull themselves out of their current situation, and one man said that he believes the country needs to embrace unity again. that they need to really love one another.
but i am not trying to be trite. i am not blind to the hurt going on all around us. it is too raw for that. we went to sleep last night listening to the echoes of guns shooting ten kilometers away. this conflict is piercing the calm of night. it is hurting people. it is killing people. but love persists. and love has poured into our hearts from every possible source—our families are here with us; our friends send us dozens of news stories every day, watching for any signs of danger for us; strangers in the grocery stop and offer advice on how to ripen papaya; the Mullallys’ family friends have us over for dinner without pretense or show, welcoming us into their homes as family; when sharing news with us, locals ask to make sure we are not scared. so here we are, encircled by conflict but embraced by compassion.
the night before i left my sweet friend Ella gave me a huge hug said: “now that is not all for you. share it with our friends” i have been so compelled by her words today. we have not been given all of this love for our own comfort. our plans for the trip have worked out in a way that has made His purposes for our even being here so humbling. we’re here to pour that love out. we just hope to be really good funnels.
love.ing.you.
eeb
love.ing.you.
eeb
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
home sweet home?
Yesterday was quite the Journey into Jamaica. I arrived from LAX to Miami around 6am yesterday morning unsure if the flight to Kingston was canceled due to the political and civil unrest that has recently broke out in concentrated ares in the capital. Overnight the situation had escalated which left a wake of uncertainty. Nonetheless, after talking with my Dad, the US embassy in JA, and with my summer adviser, I boarded the flight to Kingston with butterflies in my stomach and a handful of reassurance.
The hour and twenty minute flight down to Kingston was filled with jitters and deep reflection. I sat in my seat looking out the window for the majority of the flight. I questioned my past here and the soon to come gravity of the current situation. I also couldn't help but wonder how my history here would impact my interpretations of my present reality. I know Jamaica to be a place filled with passion, joy, loyalty and strife. It is a place made special and unique by its people. A humble people whose spirit is impenetrable by the violence or ills around them. A people who view the glass as half full, and who value positivity over naive insensitivity. Amidst these thoughts, an elderly Jamaican man next to me placed his hand over mine and said "don't worry darling, this too will pass. it always does." I was touched by his tender gesture. Apparently my uncanny characteristic to be as easy to read as an open book doesn't transverse nation lines. As we landed in Kingston a quiet peace settled over me. I was desperately looking forward to seeing Elin again along with old family and friends who I have missed so dearly.
After a long wait to clear customs and security I was home free! The Jamaican air hugged me tightly like a blanket wrapped tightly around an infant in the first few moments out of the cool airport. I eagerly embraced my Dad as relief poured out of me to be there safely and to see a familiar face. He placed my luggage into the back of the car he was borrowing for the week. Tucked away in the fold of the trunk was a maceti... safety first right? In the drivers seat sat an armed security guard who was escorting Dad and I back to Kingston. Thank God he was there. He was receiving radio updates about what streets to avoid due to gunshots and road blocks to ensure our safety. The city was eerily quiet. Very little movement on the streets, people were indoors and businesses were shut down. It looked like something out of Ghost town. Every couple of minutes trains of police trucks would pass us in the streets, armed men sitting on the cars and in the trunk with guns protecting and patrolling the airport route. I sat in awe and dismay in the backseat.. the brevity and seriousness of the situation finally hitting me.
I was incredibly comforted on the way to our apartment. It is nuzzled away in the upper part of town, far from the violent areas, (well as far as you can be on an island haha). Once arriving in our apartment complex, I had an emotional and joyful reunion with my old nanny, Lorna. Growing up she was closest thing I had to a second mother... being in her embrace again was a surreal experience. Along with her I greeted her husband, Elin!!, and Lorna's two baby twins. Playing with the infants was exactly the remedy and therapy I needed after over 12 hours of traveling!
Soon after, we made our way to our apartment in the same complex. I was in awe when I walked inside. Its fully furnished, filled with anything and everything that Elin and I would possibly need throughout our stay here. The lady that we are renting it from was kind enough to even fully stock our bathrooms, kitchen and fridge. What a relief! To know that each and every day we will be able to relax before and after work in a peaceful, secure, and serene environment.
I spent the next three hours sleeping after learning that our apartment was equipped with free WIFI and a landline! I am so thankful to have Elin here through all of this. She is a source of raw inspiration and she doesn't even know it. I slept like a rock last night, Elin and I woke up this morning to AM Yoga at 7am. If the conditions allow, tomorrow we will go to Marigold Childrens Home.
keep it irie,
tkm
The hour and twenty minute flight down to Kingston was filled with jitters and deep reflection. I sat in my seat looking out the window for the majority of the flight. I questioned my past here and the soon to come gravity of the current situation. I also couldn't help but wonder how my history here would impact my interpretations of my present reality. I know Jamaica to be a place filled with passion, joy, loyalty and strife. It is a place made special and unique by its people. A humble people whose spirit is impenetrable by the violence or ills around them. A people who view the glass as half full, and who value positivity over naive insensitivity. Amidst these thoughts, an elderly Jamaican man next to me placed his hand over mine and said "don't worry darling, this too will pass. it always does." I was touched by his tender gesture. Apparently my uncanny characteristic to be as easy to read as an open book doesn't transverse nation lines. As we landed in Kingston a quiet peace settled over me. I was desperately looking forward to seeing Elin again along with old family and friends who I have missed so dearly.
After a long wait to clear customs and security I was home free! The Jamaican air hugged me tightly like a blanket wrapped tightly around an infant in the first few moments out of the cool airport. I eagerly embraced my Dad as relief poured out of me to be there safely and to see a familiar face. He placed my luggage into the back of the car he was borrowing for the week. Tucked away in the fold of the trunk was a maceti... safety first right? In the drivers seat sat an armed security guard who was escorting Dad and I back to Kingston. Thank God he was there. He was receiving radio updates about what streets to avoid due to gunshots and road blocks to ensure our safety. The city was eerily quiet. Very little movement on the streets, people were indoors and businesses were shut down. It looked like something out of Ghost town. Every couple of minutes trains of police trucks would pass us in the streets, armed men sitting on the cars and in the trunk with guns protecting and patrolling the airport route. I sat in awe and dismay in the backseat.. the brevity and seriousness of the situation finally hitting me.
I was incredibly comforted on the way to our apartment. It is nuzzled away in the upper part of town, far from the violent areas, (well as far as you can be on an island haha). Once arriving in our apartment complex, I had an emotional and joyful reunion with my old nanny, Lorna. Growing up she was closest thing I had to a second mother... being in her embrace again was a surreal experience. Along with her I greeted her husband, Elin!!, and Lorna's two baby twins. Playing with the infants was exactly the remedy and therapy I needed after over 12 hours of traveling!
Soon after, we made our way to our apartment in the same complex. I was in awe when I walked inside. Its fully furnished, filled with anything and everything that Elin and I would possibly need throughout our stay here. The lady that we are renting it from was kind enough to even fully stock our bathrooms, kitchen and fridge. What a relief! To know that each and every day we will be able to relax before and after work in a peaceful, secure, and serene environment.
I spent the next three hours sleeping after learning that our apartment was equipped with free WIFI and a landline! I am so thankful to have Elin here through all of this. She is a source of raw inspiration and she doesn't even know it. I slept like a rock last night, Elin and I woke up this morning to AM Yoga at 7am. If the conditions allow, tomorrow we will go to Marigold Childrens Home.
keep it irie,
tkm
Monday, May 24, 2010
mark her good
i feel like it's Christmas and Valentine's and my birthday and the day when they have chocolate chip banana bread for breakfast in the commons all at once. i am actually in Jamaica! and it feels so incredible to be home.
i was welcomed by Tara's dad Mr. Mullally at the airport yesterday and the first thing he said to me was: "well, you're here. you can start smiling now." i think this might have been his kind response to the mess i was, but it was such a sweet way to begin the trip. i can start smiling now. i'm here. after waddling to the car with the 190 pounds of luggage i somehow brought on the plane with me (thank you Delta), we celebrated by drinking the water out of freshly cut coconuts. yummy.
on our drive from the airport to the apartment, i found myself recognizing things along the way and getting soo excited. and then we saw Marigold. and i about passed out. they have a new sign! and i could see children through the bars on the porch. and the same broken toys were strewn on the ground and the gingham dresses of the workers were visible through the windows. and i got that same feeling of butterflies and elephants in my tummy, so happy to see them but equally as heavy-hearted to realize they have lived every day since i saw them last in the same situation.
we arrived at our apartment and met Lorna, a beautiful, sweet woman who was Tara's nanny while she grew up here. Lorna is married to Joe and together they have precious ten-month-old twins, Rebecca and Matthew. Lorna showed us our apartment, which is great. it's decorated in an interesting African theme (probably to remind us of our sweet friends there this summer!) and already feels comfortable. it just needs Tara.
i enjoyed spending the rest of the day at a Rotarian's home in the mountains of Kingston. Tara's dad is member of the Rotary Club here and graciously brought me along to a dinner one of the presidents of the chapter held for the members.
the people i met there were so wonderful, all driven to embrace the challenge of poverty that surrounds them. they are doing incredible work here, running programs with middle and high school students that encourages activism and leadership as well as fundraising to build and develop things for communities such as the playground Marshall and her team are currently building in St. Andrews. at one point Mr. Mullally brought me to the home's porch and pointed out the areas of Kingston we could see below. when he pointed the convent i have always stayed in on past trips, i was struck by the strangest thought. when we stay at the convent, we sit on the porch of our room at night and share with one another our gratefuls. from our porch we can see up into the mountains, and i still vividly remember feeling such bitterness towards the people who could so blindly live in the mountains while such suffering existed below them. and i realized that at that moment, i was with those people. and those people are compassionate, humble, and more aware of what their friends in the shantytowns experience than i ever have been or maybe will ever be. so i sat my self-righteous self down with them and listened with a refreshingly humbled perspective.
while still at dinner, a State of Emergency was raised for Kingston. civil strife has broken out in the downtown area of the city and civilians of those areas were being evacuated. Kingston is hurting right now, stripped of their peace and forced to grapple with the reality of horrific gang violence. drugs and money and guns have supplanted the truth and justice and hope that their government is supposed to be rooted in. boys are watching their fathers burn down police stations and all children are supposed to be taking country-wide examinations this week.
this morning God calmed my heart through a beautiful conversation with my friend here, Amoy. when i called to check on her this morning, she told me that she is scared. that everything going on here is "just horrible." but that we need to pray for innocence. that we need to pray for our hearts to remain filled with love for these people because they are still our friends, they have just gotten a little lost. this is a woman two weeks from having her third child. she has no comforts but instead every reason to let her heart harden. but she has beautifully embraced mercy as her shield rather than indifference or hate. what a precious soul. please let me learn from her.
things in Kingston are expected to calm down in the next fews days (then we will be able to go see our friends!) but until then we are laying low. hopefully everything that is going on will guide the country in a new direction with less corruption.
i watched a TED talk this morning that gave me the biggest smile and is in a weird way so perfect for this time. it's about hope. and learning from children.
i was welcomed by Tara's dad Mr. Mullally at the airport yesterday and the first thing he said to me was: "well, you're here. you can start smiling now." i think this might have been his kind response to the mess i was, but it was such a sweet way to begin the trip. i can start smiling now. i'm here. after waddling to the car with the 190 pounds of luggage i somehow brought on the plane with me (thank you Delta), we celebrated by drinking the water out of freshly cut coconuts. yummy.on our drive from the airport to the apartment, i found myself recognizing things along the way and getting soo excited. and then we saw Marigold. and i about passed out. they have a new sign! and i could see children through the bars on the porch. and the same broken toys were strewn on the ground and the gingham dresses of the workers were visible through the windows. and i got that same feeling of butterflies and elephants in my tummy, so happy to see them but equally as heavy-hearted to realize they have lived every day since i saw them last in the same situation.
we arrived at our apartment and met Lorna, a beautiful, sweet woman who was Tara's nanny while she grew up here. Lorna is married to Joe and together they have precious ten-month-old twins, Rebecca and Matthew. Lorna showed us our apartment, which is great. it's decorated in an interesting African theme (probably to remind us of our sweet friends there this summer!) and already feels comfortable. it just needs Tara.
i enjoyed spending the rest of the day at a Rotarian's home in the mountains of Kingston. Tara's dad is member of the Rotary Club here and graciously brought me along to a dinner one of the presidents of the chapter held for the members.
while still at dinner, a State of Emergency was raised for Kingston. civil strife has broken out in the downtown area of the city and civilians of those areas were being evacuated. Kingston is hurting right now, stripped of their peace and forced to grapple with the reality of horrific gang violence. drugs and money and guns have supplanted the truth and justice and hope that their government is supposed to be rooted in. boys are watching their fathers burn down police stations and all children are supposed to be taking country-wide examinations this week.
this morning God calmed my heart through a beautiful conversation with my friend here, Amoy. when i called to check on her this morning, she told me that she is scared. that everything going on here is "just horrible." but that we need to pray for innocence. that we need to pray for our hearts to remain filled with love for these people because they are still our friends, they have just gotten a little lost. this is a woman two weeks from having her third child. she has no comforts but instead every reason to let her heart harden. but she has beautifully embraced mercy as her shield rather than indifference or hate. what a precious soul. please let me learn from her.
things in Kingston are expected to calm down in the next fews days (then we will be able to go see our friends!) but until then we are laying low. hopefully everything that is going on will guide the country in a new direction with less corruption.
i watched a TED talk this morning that gave me the biggest smile and is in a weird way so perfect for this time. it's about hope. and learning from children.
sending so much love from Kingston,
eeb
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Departure!
Elin officially arrived in Jamaica 48 minutes ago! My dad, who arrived in Jamaica on Thursday for work excitedly called me early this morning to confirm Elin's flight information. He is waiting in a sea of people outside of the terminal Gate scouting for Elin with only a phone number and photo in hand. Once picking her up, they will drive to Elin and I's apartment in the city and get situated.
As her journey down to Kingston has just finished, mine is just commencing. I leave from LAX airport tonight at 10:10 pm on a red eye. I am all packed and ready to go, One big duffle bag filled with all my necessities and the other filled with books to take down to the orphanage. Tomorrow is a national holiday in JA so we will have that time to run errands such as setting up our cell phones, getting groceries, and the like.
I just got a lovely phone call from an excited Elin on her way back from the airport. Her and Dad stopped on the way into the city to drink a coconut from a street vendor, Elin was beaming on the phone!
Let the journey begin :)
keep it irie,
tkm
As her journey down to Kingston has just finished, mine is just commencing. I leave from LAX airport tonight at 10:10 pm on a red eye. I am all packed and ready to go, One big duffle bag filled with all my necessities and the other filled with books to take down to the orphanage. Tomorrow is a national holiday in JA so we will have that time to run errands such as setting up our cell phones, getting groceries, and the like.
I just got a lovely phone call from an excited Elin on her way back from the airport. Her and Dad stopped on the way into the city to drink a coconut from a street vendor, Elin was beaming on the phone!
Let the journey begin :)
keep it irie,
tkm
Sunday, May 16, 2010
But let us begin.
our name..
irie is a Jamaican saying that means I Respect I Eternally.
which is a way of saying that you regard every soul with compassion and appreciation for their inner human, loving with open arms unconditionally.
and blossoms captures the hope. the hope that stems from knowing that the children have the love of irie in their hearts and just need a way to let it shine, our forever faith in the resilience and goodness of the human spirit and the existence of love in every being and every place. because we wish for this summer to be one of blossoming-of new beginnings and new friendships. of humble hearts and genuine love. of family. of faith. of home.
and we're so thrilled for you to join our little 80,640 minute long journey to Kingston.
blessings,
eeb
Friday, May 14, 2010
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