Last Two Days in Jamaica

During the last two days of the trip, the ambassadors: hiked on a nearby mountain, trained and went tubing at River Rapids. We also had a hard fime saying goodbye to our new friends — only until next time.

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"My favorite part of the day was probably the soccer training at the beach!" -James

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"It was such an honor to work by Mrs. Rose's side and watch her as she did physical exams on about 20 little boys. It was so fascinating to listen to her as she would explain what something as simple discoloration or a mole on the skin can mean." - Alex

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"What I liked about today was when we trained with the kids at the beach because they had a really good time and learned a lot." -Maiya

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"I met a kid who was about half my size but had sick skills; we juggled together, etc.  The crazy thing was that together, we got further than I have ever gotten with anyone before in that skill. It just goes to show the passion they have and how they pursue it." -Emily

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"I liked playing handball and soccer on the beach, even though we lost every game." -Jordan

What I Learned From Yesterday (June 23)

"Seeing the school further clean up with paint was great but the music of the kids singing Christian songs and reading scripture was truly inspiring. I had a chance to teach a class of 35 students; it was amazing to see them excited to learn simple math. The best part was that after an hour of teaching the kids, they begged to keep learning, even though the lunch bell had rung. Even better was the kid that stayed behind who refused to participate, but after working with him for 10 minutes his eyes glowed with excitement as I broke down the math for him and understanding came to him. Later, I realized that he had recently lost his mother to a heart attack a week before. The impact I had was small but I am glad I got the opportunity." -Mr. Smith

Highlights of Yesterday (June 22)

(The ambassadors participated in a Church service during the morning. The building is over a century old, and one of the only remaining churches built by Jamaican slaves)

(In the afternoon, the ambassadors took on a group of community soccer players in a fun and engaging game)

Highlight of Yesterday / Unforgettable Experience (June 21)

"I thought it was cool how the kids took a wooden board that was laying around and made a toy out of it. When I saw this, I realized even more just how blessed we are in America." -Emily 

Highlight of Yesterday / Unforgettable Experience (June 21)

"Painting at the school was fun and the feeling of helping the kids and teachers made me feel happy." -Gigi

"Playing with the kids at the beach and beating Emily's team was awesome. I had a really good team." -Jordan

"Painting Duncan Elementary school was really fun." -Michael

Highlight of Yesterday / Unforgettable Experience (June 21)

"I really enjoyed painting and cleaning the school and seeing the huge difference we made to the building." - Gaby

"Getting to spend time with the kids during the morning while painting the school and in the afternoon on the beach was really fun. They are great company as well as friends." -Alex

Highlight of Yesterday / Unforgettable Experience (June 21)

"It was one thing to paint the Duncan Elementary school building with some students from the school, but a whole other to paint with Jordan Hayes, who is the great-great-grandchild of Paul bogle. It was inspiring and rewarding." - Mr. Smith

"I liked painting at the school because it was fun to work with the kids and it was a new experience." -Maiya