One Love

My brother, Demar

One of my favorite things to do when I get a free moment is to play with the Jamaican kids outside. I don't care if we are running around, playing a card game, or "romping" around as they call it. Actually, I have been told many a times that I romp too much...oops. Anyway, it has become a matter of me, Sarah, and them, Demar, Kiaeem, Jordeen, Asanya, etc. hanging out and having a good time. It is not the awkward American on one side and the Jamaican on the other.  No, I would like to think I am now a part of their group. Some of the best memories I have are ones of going over to their houses and simply sitting on a bed talking about trivial things or making jokes. I call some of my closest friends here my "brothers" (which is interesting because they are eleven, just like my real brother). I can honestly say that I have grown to love my Jamaican brothers just as if they were a part of my family. I couldn't imagine life without them.

Although we still have three more weeks, my mind has been slipping to the awful, terrible, disgusting subject of...going home. I miss my American family so much, but I have grown to be so comfortable here in this beautiful community and don't want to think about going back to my old life in the USA. Which brings me to my next point... Our spiritual leader, Jim Newberry, actually prayed an amazing prayer during our retreat week that has stuck with me ever since. It went something like, "And be with our friends back in Harmons, whom we love so much. Friends who are no different from us, except they were born on the other side of the ocean". Hearing these words struck me. It made me really think about the fact that I could have just as easily been born here in Jamaica, like my new brothers. Only by God's wisdom and divine plan was I chosen to be born in Pennsylvania instead of a little village here in Jamaica. Some would say I was lucky to be born in the States. I wouldn't. I would say God had a purpose for me to be born in one country and fall in love with people in another country. He has a purpose for me spending my summer in Harmons.  I would say I am lucky to have two families; my biological family in the States and my other family here, 1500 miles from home.

With love, 

Sarah