BY RACHEL KOEHLER
Coming to Jamaica, I had no idea what to expect. After hearing about how this trip was so life changing for those that went on it in the past, I instantly knew that I wanted to participate. So far this trip has been the perfect escape and a great eye opener. I have been able to leave all of the college stress behind and really focus on being of service for those here in Jamaica as well as bonding with other Butler students. In addition, this trip has allowed me to realize that I lead a very blessed life. At the end of the week, I am going to be able to call my parents, and they are going to be anxiously waiting to hear about my week. Many of the kids at Hanbury Home do not have this privilege, and it breaks my heart. Also, since I have been at the home and walked around their living quarters, I have noticed that the kids do not own much. When comparing my belongings to some of theirs, I think that I may have brought more in my suitcase. Every time they are given a new little gift, they covet it like it is the most precious thing that they have ever received. I take so many of my many blessings for granted, and after this week, I hope to take notice of these more often. One boy, who I have had the pleasure of meeting this past week, name is Damarius, I believe. He mutters it every time I ask and has a very shy personality. I didn’t meet him until the second day, but I was able to draw him out of his shell using the power of chalk. We spent awhile drawing various pictures, and every time I asked him to draw a picture he would say, “Yes miss” and proceed to draw a very accurate picture of whatever I asked him to do. Then, when I decided to try to draw something, he erased my drawing and fixed it to be much better. Once it started raining we moved inside, and Damarius was content for a good hour molding play dough into different shapes while all of the other kids were running around. He was so adorable and taught me that one can find happiness in the smallest of things. The following day after we had spent several hours painting the boys’ dorm, all of the boys ran in, and I caught the eye of Damarius. He broke out in the biggest smile and made my heart melt. I never thought that I would grow so attached so quickly, but I do not want to leave him and all of the kids that I have met. They all deserve so much more, and I want to adopt them all.
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