Well to start with my name is Joel and i currently reside in Minnesota. I was in Jamaica two weeks ago for my seventh year in a row.
Seven years ago when i was only fifteen my parents approached me asking me if i would like to go on a mission trip to Jamaica. I instantly turned the opportunity down rebelling against my parents wishes. I then changed my mind thinking of Jamaica in the winter. This process of mind changing went on for roughly fifteen minutes before i decided to go based on the idea that i would miss a week of school.
The mission trip consisted of many elements. One item we did was visit Blossom Gardens orphanage in Mobay, which struck me the hardest. Another thing we did was visit a younger girl who built her own house on the side of a rocky cliff all by herself. The first year i went on this trip it was lead by Harold Peterson. The final place we visited was a school he had started building in Accompong town. Many things happened this first year that caused me to long for a returning trip.
When i caught word the next year of the organization of another trip i instantly ran home and told my parents about it. They responded calmly with "And?". I proceeded to ask them if they would pay for it. When the laughing had supsided i was left with a hole in my heart. That night i told a friend about the situation i was in. She told me to come down and apply where she works, she would talk to her boss. This led to me going out and getting my first job, i needed to make enough money to get back to Jamaica! I have hence forth payed my own way to Jamaica despite living on my own and attending college.
One of the years in there my mom started coming on the trip. She was so deeply moved by her experience she felt the need to start another group going from her church. The first year she attempted to get a group to go was 2001. The attacked on the World Trade Center managed to scare a majority of folks into not going so her group joined up with another group. My mom talked to the orphanage director that year about possibly adopting a Jamaican child however it seems as if some things are not ment to be. My mom then thought that perhaps she can not adopt a Jamaican but that there are plenty of kids in the United States who could be adopted. Through a long process (more story here if anyone is intrested) i now have an adopted sister.
Over the years Jamaica has touched me in many ways and i have made many contacts along the way. Someday I hope to have a yard in Jamaica so i can do more good for the people.
Welcome to ETJ jjshoe! I very much enjoyed your story! Very touching! I too just returned from Ja two weeks ago! Wow, we could of passed each other or been on the same plane! This trip was my 6th. my 7th hopefully: July 29 til Aug. 8.
I afford to go to Jamaica from quiting smoking! a pack and a half a day, $1800 a year, 4 trips paid, 2 all expenses included,in 2 and a half years. I wanted Ja more than my smelly cigs! Feb. 6 th is 2 years!!! I even bought myself a jewlery set to celebrate too!!! Dam I'm good!
I hope you hang out alittle,get to know us, check out my Ja trip in travel.....
__________________ Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured, every step of the way....
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Ghandi
"Hate the sin and not the sinner is a precept which though easy enough to understand is rarely practiced, and that is why the poison of hatred spreads in the world." - Ghandi
Hey welcome and if you are going on any more mission trips halla at your girl I promise that I will not runaway once I am on Jamaican soil .......the name is delicious and welcome again.....Jamaica sunshine Jamaican love.... one love
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Heres my invatation to come try Jamaica you can go to Ochio Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, Port Antonio,or even down Kingston. Jamaica is paradise the people are real, the food is great, the water meets the sky, the sun perfect next to your skin. So start packing your bags and I will see you down in Jamaica ,sweet Jam down...Delicious
Welcome, you are doning just the kind of thing I want to do let me know when next you are comming I would love to link up with you and mobay is my home town
Feb. 6 th is 2 years!!! I even bought myself a jewlery set to celebrate too!!! Dam I'm good! 
Ms. Classy
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