I just returned home from my 18 day trip to Jamaica. We stayed in Ocho Rios for the majority of our visit, we traveled by bus to Windsor House for Girls, Widows Mite, Hilltop Correctional Facility and up to a mountian where we had to hike up by a river with Mr. Campbell to meet the " Bush People". We then traveled to Kingston for a couple of days to visit Alpha House for Boys, Bellevue Mental Hospital, UNICEF, and Hope for Children where Richard Troups group was gracious enough to provide us with a guide to walk us through what they called "Trench Town" I saw some amazing things. We also went to the Lord's Place. We also were priviliged enough to attend Bob Marley House while we were there. Then back to Ocho Rios. The university paid for us to go to Dunns River Falls, I didn't make it up, I am too short, my legs just couldn't reach. I was rescued and escaped at the next exit after almost being drowned ( not really but I thought I might). Labor Day we painted School houses and churches, I really loved the crafts market in Ocho, and I made lots of friends there that I will miss very much. I loved the people so very much. Didn't like being acosted for sex all the time, but that didn't last long once they found out I wasn't like that. I have never cried so much in my life and my heart has never hurt so bad for some of the things I saw and learned. I also laughed with and loved and hugged so many people and learned so much about strength and resilance. I will never be the same person again for my experience in Jamaica. I am truly grateful for what this taught me. I wish I could give back just a fraction of what was given to me during this trip. Maybe this isn't the place where people want to hear these things. I don't know? I just needed someone to know what a rich country you have, I don't mean money, I have seen the poverty with my own eyes. I have also seen the people with their hearts so full of love for each other, talents like I have never seen before. I can not explain everything here there is not room. I fell in love with the people I met. I will forever carry them in my heart. Love to all Debs

Welcome back and thanks for sharing.

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Deb-I'm new on this site and came across this. You reminded me so much of me and my first trip to Jamaica some 12 years ago. I also went with my University and did some similar things. I can so relate to your post, it changed me as well and since I've traveled back countless times. I wonder if you'll go back? I'm interested to see where you are today in relation to the feelings you expressed here. Come back and tell us what changes you've made or how you look at life differently ok? Great post.

Putus, wanna share your story with us? Pleeeeeeasseeee.

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One World, One People

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