“So Long Farewell, to You My Friend… Goodbye for Now, Until We Meet Again”

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Aubrey and I woke up on Saturday morning almost already packed. It was certainly a bittersweet feeling; missing home and our loved ones but knowing we would be leaving. I will miss the warmth, the smell of spices and banana, and the smooth sounds of reggae. Ms. Brenda was serving breakfast at 7:30 AM; on the menu was Cream of Corn (a version of cream of wheat) and fresh pineapple, watermelon, and papaya. Don’t worry, in addition to that were the waffles, and chicken sausage. Our bus was scheduled to pick us up at 8:00 AM, so Aubrey and I spent the last few minutes saying our goodbyes to the little one-month old puppies living at Ms. Brenda’s house. Jamaica is truly run on Island Time, so the bus didn’t come until 8:30 AM. Both Aubrey and I gave Ms. Brenda a big hug and we loaded our stuff on the bus. We were the last picked up, so we headed right to the airport.

(Goodbye puppies!)

Our trek back to Montego Bay was about 1 hour long – we endured the bumpy roads and managed to not get motion sickness! We spoke with our driver for a bit all sharing our favorite parts of the trip. We got to the airport and headed straight to the kiosks to get our boarding passes and check our luggage. Trent got to change his seat to a window – lucky guy! We passed through security and got to our gate. We passed a few shops in the airport (including food) and killed a few minutes shopping and grabbing a bite to eat for lunch. Our flight began to board at 12:05 and before we knew it, we were in the air. I got to watch A Star is Born on the flight; it was hard to catch some Zzz’s.


(Driving in Jamaica)


(Car selfies: Angie, Trent, Emily, Jenna, Genesis, Valeria, and Lisa)

Finally the planed touched down in Philadelphia; it was such a wonderful sight to see the city line. It took us quite a while to get through customs, but once we were done, Ms. Autumn and her husband, Cody picked us up and we headed home. Our drive ride home was pretty quiet; I think it was safe to say that we all did some reflecting and we were all pretty tired. My favorite part had to most definitely be sharing this experience with Emily, Genesis, Jenna, Lisa, Trent, Valeria, and Aubrey. Thank you for being such a great team with work and grow with. You all represented Penn State Berks in the best way possible. I am proud to say I was your adviser. It has been such a joy to be “mom” while on the trip as well. Big thanks to Ms. Autumn Fritz for organizing such an amazing journey for us. I wish you could have joined us; next year!


(WE ARE…stateside: Trent, Valeria, Emily, Genesis, Jenna, and Lisa)

-Angie

Day 7: Perfect Last Day

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Today I woke up at 7:30 am by an unexpected mower sound. Perfect time to wake up to get ready for the last day in Jamaica. As soon as I woke up, I ate my delicious breakfast prepared by my host mom. Then 30 minutes after that, Genesis and I were picked up to go to Black River. One of the largest freshwater wetland ecosystem in Jamaica. It took us about 2 hours to get there. When we arrived there, we went on a boat and a tour guide showed us the river. In there, I saw many crocodiles, shrimp, and two unique birds: the ospreys and royal tern. It was my first time going on a boat in a river with crocodiles, I was a little bit scared but at the same time, I’m happy I was able to do that in Jamaica. It helped me to learn more about Jamaica’s flora and fauna.


(Our crew posing in some shade after a long week of sunshine: Lisa, Angie, Emily, Jenna, Trent, Valeria, Genesis, and Aubrey)


(Boat tour poses: Aubrey, Lisa, Emily, Valeria, Jenna, and Trent)


(Crocodiles up close)


(Another pose at the boat rentals: Valeria, Jenna, Genesis, Trent, Aubrey, Lisa, Emily, and Angie)

After visiting Black River, we headed over to a small town to shop for some souvenirs and to eat some delicious Jamaican Patties that many of us were craving. Jamaica has the best beef and chicken patties. If you go to Jamaica, I really recommend you to try them, you are going to love them. During our time shopping, I had the opportunity to observe what kind of products Jamaican’s consume for their cooking and daily life.


(Store in Jamaica)


(Trent, Jenna, and Lisa modeling their patties)

Later, we went back to Petersfield, and our hosts for the week had a goodbye party was waiting for all of us. When we arrived there all host mom’s were preparing refreshments for the party. People from the community were invited as well. They also decorated the center with very colorful lights. In addition to that, they played music from Jamaica and the United States. The DJ made a really good mix of music, we all danced and had fun. Even Jenna danced with Mr.Brown and Trent danced to all of the songs, I think he had the music inside him. During the party, Mr.Brown and the host mom’s gave us a surprise gift of a customized mug with a group picture on it. At the end of the party, they played a song to say goodbye to us. I really enjoyed the party that Mr.Brown and the host moms planned for us, they made me feel I was home.


(Jenna dances on the last night)


(Dancing at the AOC, pictured: Jenna, Trent, Lisa, Emily, and Genesis)


(Valeria and Genesis thanking their host mom)


(Trent and Lisa pose with their house mom)


(Jenna and Emily pose with their house mom)


(The Penn State Berks pose with their hosts)

Overall, the day was perfect, a lot of fun. I just do not have words to describe how thankful I am of being part of the alternative spring break. I learned a lot every day about Jamaica and I also made new friends. I really going to miss Jamaica and especially my host mom.

-Valeria


(Our crew poses with some of the staff at the Association of Clubs)

Day 6: Out of Many, One People

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After an eventful day yesterday, Emily and I crawled into bed at around 1:15 this morning. It felt like I was sleeping for only seconds before my 7:00 alarm went off – which are the neighborhood dogs! Our host mother, Mrs. Haye, served us fresh watermelon, papaya, and pineapple. She also prepared us calaloo, which I have grown to love! This veggie is comparable to spinach, but Mrs. Haye also mixes it with cabbage, carrots, and sausage before serving it on top of bread.

We sat on the front porch waiting for the 9:00 bus, which arrived at 10:15. In the meantime, Emily and I hung out with Mrs. Haye’s son, Prince. He brought us a chick from their outside coop to pet for a while. Emily and I then showed him how to dance to “Kiki” by Drake while he showed us how to properly enter the wrestling rink as if we were John Cena. That then escalated into arm wrestling, which I’m proud to say that I won, although not easily!

We all climbed aboard the bus and made a pit-stop at a souvenir shop nearby Margaritaville.   Since this was our very first visit to a shop in Jamaica, everyone was very excited to buy some keepsakes! We arrived in Margaritaville a little before 1:00. Everyone was so anxious to jump in the water because the sun was so hot! As we swam, I talked to some of the locals and later danced in front of the bar with the rest of the crew. We were taught the electric slide for the first time as well as some common Jamaican dance moves. We grabbed a bite to eat before heading back on the road at 3:30 to travel to Rick’s Cafe, where we would go cliff diving! Trent was a real thrill seeker and jumped off a 35-foot ledge. For others (Angie, Genesis, and myself), even the smallest ledge of 15-feet was a real struggle. We wandered into the gift shop before watching the sun set over the water.


(Lisa, Emily, Genesis, Trent, Jenna, and Valeria pose)


(Learning some Jamaican moves, Emily, Trent, Genesis, and Jenna in addition to others at the resort)


(Emily prepared to jump)

At 6:15, everyone boarded the bus and returned to their host families for dinner. Emily and I quickly got ready for our nightly meeting at the AOC (Association of Clubs) and ate the dinner that Mrs. Haye left for us on the table. She prepared us wild dumpling, carrot, and potato soup with festival. It was very filling! In a half hour, we all gathered to learn about the education system. A management studies teacher from the University of the West Indies (UWI) explained the island’s progression in education from the age of slavery to the modern era. Now, schools are separated into primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. He emphasized Jamaica’s current problem of losing professionally trained teachers to oversees positions, which offer a better pay. This is commonly referred to as “brain train” in their education system. While the Jamaican government is doing their best to provide better funding throughout schools, the process is still quite a challenge.


(Mr. Bob, Principal of the Petersfield High School talks to the Amizade participants)

Following the presentation, there was a brief parliamentary procedure performed by the AOC. It wasn’t much later until Emily and I were dropped off at Mrs. Haye’s house for the night. As I laid in bed, I couldn’t help but think at how different Jamaica and the U.S. are from one another. Regardless of our similarities and differences, we both have things within our cultures to be proud of. But in a world of deceit and mistrust, it takes a true hero to be able to separate their pride and form everlasting friendships.

-Jenna

Day 5: Life is Just for the Living

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After hours of planting corn and learning new card games, Mr.Brown decided to let us sleep in today. I think we all really appreciated this as I alone woke up with swollen ankles and sore legs. As I got ready this morning I was pondering what we may be experiencing today since we do not know much. That’s one thing about Jamaica, you just go with the flow and it always works out. Breakfast consisted of bread, eggs, papaya, water melon, and fried plantains. After breakfast, Mrs.Haye, Jenna and I waited for the bus to pick us up. After 5 parishes, 4 hours, and an amazing tour guide bus driver, we finally made it to St. Ann. In St. Ann we stopped at Discovery Bay where we learned of a Columbus finding a hat the Taunis has already developed. As you could imagine we were starving by the time we got to St. Ann, so we stopped at KFC. In Petersfield there are no fast food chains, but as you get into
the tourist areas, there are many of the ones that we have at home.


(Bus selfies: Emily, Aubrey, Lisa, Trent, Angie, and Jenna can be seen)


(Valeria and Genesis catch up on sleep en route to the Bob Marley mausoleum)


(Sightseeing photos, Front: Jenna, Genesis, Valeria, Lisa; Back: Aubrey, Trent, Emily, Aubrey)


(Sightseeing photos: Jenna, Lisa, Emily, Trent, and Genesis)


(Lunchtime photos: Valeria, Genesis, Emily, Trent, Jenna, and Lisa)


(Sightseeing selfies: Valeria, Lisa, Genesis, Trent, Emily, and Jenna; Aubrey in the back row)

At around 5 p.m. we made it to Bob Marley’s mausoleum over 2,200 feet above sea level! We toured and learned all about his  life. The color red represents blood of Jamaicans, yellow is gold, and green is the overwhelming plantation that surrounds Jamaica. As we toured, we saw his mothers resting place as well as his own and Marley’s place of birth. Inside the resting places were the sealed tomb and personal artifacts that each cared deeply about. Unfortunately we were unable to capture this amazing sight, making this experience truly once in a lifetime.


(BOB LIVES, outside the Bob Marley mausoleum)


(Mr. K, our fabulous tour guide for the evening)

We made our way to Ernie Smith’s house, a famous Jamaican Reggae Artist. It was a giant, beautiful, white and brown house with gates to the entryway, common of all Jamaican houses. We ate dinner around 7 p.m. while listening to Ernie sing song after song. It was rewarding to see everyone let loose, come together and sing and dance at our personal outside concert.

WHAT A SHOW!


(Ending our night with Ernie Smith, reggae icon! Front: Lisa, Genesis, Valeria, and Angie. Back: Emily, Aubrey, Ernie, Trent, and Jenna)

Reflecting back on the day, I now know that island time is a real thing. In Jamaica, there is no such thing as a problem, it is just a situation that can be solved. Jamaicans are so genuine to anyone of every culture. They bring you in and accept you as one of their own. As the Jamaicans say… “out of many, one people”.

-Emily

Day 4: Work Hard, Play Harder

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Tuesday. March 4th, 2019. Petersfield, Jamaica.

COCK-A-DOODLE-DO! A noise I never imagined would bring me so much joy at 6:00am. To natives of Petersfield, this call is routine. But for me, the roosters are a reminder that another adventure awaits within Jamaica. My host mother, Miss Staple, prepared a grand breakfast for Valeria and I. This included toast, fried plantains, Jamaican apples, bananas, a vegetable mix and the most wonderful French Vanilla coffee.

After filling ourselves to the brim, we headed out to Coke View Primary School. Our goal for today was to successfully plant a large number of corn seeds for students whose families may not be able to afford lunch. We headed to the school’s farm to find a man named Leonard who had 2 hoes, a fork tool, and corn seeds. He demonstrated how to use the tools to make a hole in the dirt, where four corn seeds would be placed and buried. We all took turns making holes, placing the corn, and holding water bottles as the sun blazed its rays full force. Covered in sweat, I watched my peers give this task their all. Though Leonard made it look easy, this was manual labor that none of us do on a daily basis. Through encouragement (and a few breaks in the shade), we finished filling the space with as many plants as possible. If things go to plan, there will be corn to feed all the hungry children at Coke View.

(Lisa, Trent and Jenna stand with students from Coke’s View Primary School)


(Our crew taking on their tasks to plant corn… my apologies for not guessing who is whom)


(Trent in his happy place, large tools in hand)


(I believe this is Jenna planting for the students, with Aubrey & Trent in the background)


(Emily digging in, while Valeria hydrates)

Our next stop was to Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park, “a historical landmark” according to Miss Staple. On our way there, she filled us in on the history of the park. When slaves came from Nigeria to the park’s location they believed it look like their home, so they named it Abeokuta. The main reason for us visiting the park is their most loved attraction. A pool that is fed with water channeled from a river! This was the best way to cool off from hard work. The water was quite clear, you could see the wildlife that lives there like tiny fish and snails. Lisa screamed as she yelled “SOMETHING TOUCHED MY FOOT!” All in all, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
(Time for playing harder, above photo: Valeria and Jenna swimming, below photo: Trent and Genesis pose)

After eating a big dinner of vegetables and white rice, we headed to the AOC for game night. The host mothers had different games set up for us to learn and play. After endless games of dominos and Uno, I remember Trent telling us something earlier along the lines of “Work Hard, Play Hard.” I couldn’t agree any more. I consider today a success.

Sending my light and positive energy your way,
Genesis


(Our crew, out in the world making things happen… no matter the amount of work involved: Emily, Lisa, Genesis, Angie, Aubrey, Trent, Valeria, and Jenna behind)

Day 3: Excellence through Education

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Our morning got to start a little later than yesterdays. The smell of breakfast was through the entire house. She made us pancakes!!!! And she gave me a cup of COFFEE (oh how I’ve missed it).


(Trent enjoys pancakes and coffee in Jamaica)

As we were finishing our breakfast, the bus pulled up outside and we had to basically run to get ready and get on the bus. Our plan was to go to Coke View Elementary and Galloway ECI. (They are next to each other) After some logistical issues we arrived to the schools a little late. Half of us stayed at Galloway and the other half walked over the Coke View. I was apart of the second half of the group. We walked into a large room with the entire school in it (grades 1-6). Today was the day of their award ceremony, award kids in academics and some other areas such as environmental monitor and peer counselor. Before the ceremony began they had a young gentleman by the name of Mr. Swaby. He was telling the kids about perseverance and to “Get up, Get out, Go get it”. After the very moving speech we sat through the awards being handed out. The principal (which we’ve been told is ex military) has his hands full with the entire student population. He did very well at controlling them. After the ceremony the kids had a snack time which was more of a free time where they got very friendly with the 4 of us. Many of them were asking questions and playing with our hair. They even got us to play red rover.After they were dismissed from school, the four of us headed over to Galloway ECI. After playing with some of the younger kids, we headed back to the AOC to reflect. After talking about all we experienced at the schools we headed back to the Host families homes. When I arrived back to my host mom’s home, i was assigned a task, which was to cut up starfruit and plums for the culinary presentation we were having later in the evening. I did not finished but took a break to have another fantastic homemade dinner. I finished cutting up the remainder of the fruits and went to sit back out on the porch and listened to the rain. After a bit we headed back to the AOC for the culinary presentation. We learned how to make curry and brown stew chicken, as well as festival and friend dumplings. We also got to try a little of the national dish, Ackee and saltfish. To top off all of that amazing food, we got to use the starfruit and plums i cut up to make a drink with both of those fruit and some ginger. We ate a bit and finally headed home after a long day. On that note I will be wrapping up the blog. We got another bright and early morning tomorrow morning for us!!


(Angie working with a group of students in the classroom)


(Aubrey holds students hands while they explore outside)

(Mural at the school the group is serving)

(A dog tries to sneak inside)  
(Angie pets a dog saying hello on the bus)

(dinner)
(Penn State Berks at the school, Left to right: Trent, Angie, Emily, Aubrey, Jenna, Lisa, Genesis, Valeria)


(Trent cutting up fruit for his host mother)

Day 2: Praise the Lord, Fun in the Sun!

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Sunday. May 3rd. 2019. Petersfield, Jamaica.
Waking up in out host families’ homes for the first time was… disorienting. Personally, it took me a few moments to remember where I was, how I got here, and what I had to do today. After getting ready for our first full day, we all enjoyed a big, homemade, Jamaican breakfast thanks to our generous host mothers. Trent and I had the honor of eating a delicious fried egg with chopped up veggies, bread with butter, fried plantains, a banana, papaya, and tea. After fueling for the day, we were picked up along with the rest of the group at their respective homes, and then off to church we went!
 St. Peter’s Church (located in Petersfield, haha) was beautiful and welcoming. Everyone there was dressed in- you guessed it- their Sunday best! The pastor and congregation sang lots of hymns and they also sang just about every prayer. It reminded me of my grandmother who used to tell me that singing was like praying twice. They were very generous about sharing their personal hymnals with us and helping us follow along; and then when it came time for the sign of peace, everybody (even the father) walked around the aisles and greeted one another. I really admired their openness and strong sense of community- so strong that it overflowed into us visitors! I also found it to be very fitting that the sermon was about friendship. Listening to the pastor talk about why we are friends with certain people and how we need friends in our lives made me feel grateful for the relationships and bonds I’ve made thanks to ASB!
At the end of the 2-hour long service, Aubrey and Angie were invited to the podium to say some words about Penn State! Aubrey eloquently thanked the congregation for welcoming us into their church and their home towns, and for the generous hospitality. She spoke of our goal to become move global citizens through travel and service, and then introduced each of us in our pew.
After church, we were picked up and taken to the Bluefield Beach. It was a bit of a drive, but the scenery was absolutely stunning: look this way for giant hills covered in trees, look that way for unique Jamaican homes, look back the other way for goats and dogs roaming around, but look straight ahead for 10 cows crossing the road! There was beautiful foliage everywhere you looked. As Genesis summed it up: “I spy with my little eye something green.”
(I spy something green, and it spells out Berks ASB 19)
Bluefield Beach park is a small, family beach. Not many tourists go here, so we got to experience an authentic Jamaican beach on a hot, sunny day. We all lathered up with sunscreen- or at least we thought we did. After spending a few hours swimming in the clear, teal, warm ocean water (yes I said warm, yes I’m aware it’s March 3rd.), laying out in the sand, and playing water games with a few kids, some of us found out we didn’t lather up as good as we thought, as our uneven and oddly patterned sunburns came to light. Regardless, it was a blast being able to spend the day in a picturesque (see Trent for said pictures!) paradise with friends and swimming in the Caribbean!
We took a lunch break, where our host moms made yet another delicious homemade meal. More chicken, pork, and fish, with sides consisting of salad, pasta salad, rice, and a small dessert. Everything was amazing in its own unique Jamaican way. After lunch, we went back to the beach for some more sun time, but after about an hour, the clouds started to roll in. We packed everything up, headed up to a small bathroom/shower/changing area nearby, cleaned ourselves off, and headed home to Petersfield. I think most of us were able to fall asleep on the ride home, but I’m not sure who or how many because I was sleeping!
We were all dropped off to our host families, where we stayed for the rest of the night. We enjoyed yet another homemade meal (Trent and I had more chicken with rice and beans and a side of peas), and Genesis and Valeria were even treated to some ice cream! After spending some more bonding time with our families and host mothers, it came time to call it a night. It was a long, fun, tiring day, and we have to be awake and refreshed for our first day of service tomorrow!
With that being said, I’m signing off. Goodnight, mon! -Lisa

Day 1: We Ja-Made it!

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Today was the big day! It’s 9:33   p.m. and we’re super excited for the week, but also exhausted from the travels. We were all up and hit the road by 5:30 a.m.; stopped at Wawa for some pre departure breakfast and got to the Philadelphia airport by 7:30 a.m.


(View of the snow on campus when the van was returned)

It was smooth sailing at the airport! We were at the gate by 8:30; which means we had an hour and half before we could board. Emily came in clutch- she brought Uno! Jenna won, kinda. We boarded and naturally, we were all split up. Aubrey, Genesis, and I all sat near each other which was by the bathroom- haha. Made for an interesting flight.


(Previous 2 photos of our crew outside the airport, left to right: Emily, Jenna, Genesis, Aubrey, Angie, Valeria, Lisa, and Trent)


(made it to the gate selfie, courtesy of Trent, also pictured: Jenna, Genesis, Valeria, Emily, Lisa, Angie, and Aubrey)

(on the airplane selfie, courtesy of Lisa, also pictured: Valeria, Trent, (unknown passenger), Emily, and Jenna)

Finally- we got off the plane and we felt the tropical heat hit us. It was magical. Immigration and customs was disappointing; we didn’t get out passports stamped!! 😡

We were able to swap out our American dollars for Jamaican dollars and met one of our host mothers, Ms. Staple. She hosted our travels to Petersfield. The 8 of us climbed into a van and headed off. Oh my- the van ride felt more like a roller coaster than driving. Unfortunately, the Westmoreland Parish of Jamaica roads are underdeveloped. The parish is currently paving its roads; however, it’s not paved yet and there were several times we thought we were going to get stuck. Good thing we were prepared with Dramamine and Sea Bands to help with the motion sickness.

Our destination was the Association of Clubs in Petersfield; we made it! We met Mr. Brown and all of the host mothers who prepared a wonderful meal! We had beans and rice, baked and fried chicken, fish, pork, salad, vegetables, fresh fruit including watermelon, pineapple, and papaya. Mr. Brown reviewed our schedule for the week too! We broke bread with new friends from Agnus Scott College- they brought 21 people on this trip, woot!


(Photos from dinner, in the top photo: Mr. Brown introducing the groups, in the middle photo: Jenna, Trent, Lisa, and Genesis; bottom photo: delicious food)

We were assigned our house mothers and were sent on our way- Aubrey and I are with Ms. Monroe. She apparently was named after Marilyn Monroe 🤗 She’s fabulous and has so many fantastic meals planned!

Tomorrow, we’ve got church at 7:30 am. This means, I’m signing off- time for sleep folks! Check our Lisa’s post for Sunday’s festivities!!

 

Let’s Get READY!

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Alternative Spring Break is almost here! We are getting so excited to travel to Petersfield, Jamaica on Saturday, March 2; 2 more days! We are all gearing up for the big week in Jamaica; this year should be very special. Through Amizade, we are participating in a Homestay program. That means we get the opportunity to stay with families in Petersfield! We are so excited to finally meet these families and our site director, Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown has lived in Petersfield his entire life and is the catalyst for the Amizade collaboration in Jamaica. Mr. Brown starting the Association of Clubs which is the organization that we are partnering with to conduct Fair Trade Learning. Throughout our stay, we will be working with the local elementary schools to facilitate lessons with the children. Our students have chosen a variety of activities that cover topics such as mindfulness and caring for our environment. We’ll learn more about Jamaica’s education system, culinary arts, Rastafarian culture, and more. We’re also super excited to have the opportunity to explore the area and really immerse ourselves into their culture as well as exchange our experiences with the families.

First and foremost, we got to get ourselves down there! Our flight leaves on Saturday and we are hitting the road at 5:30 AM. I suspect there will be plenty of naps on the way to the airport. Big shout out to Ms. Autumn Fritz for getting us there and of course, all of the work she has put into this trip leading up to this point. Make sure you check back to read more about our adventures in Petersfield, Jamaica!

-Angela Cuva
Assistant Director of Campus Life

March 10: The Return to the Real World

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Thank you to everyone that has followed the journey of our students as they have shared their insights, hard work, and excitement for the in the Puertan Rico community and working with Caras con Causas! At 7:50 a.m. (EST) I got a text from Aubrey that they were on the plane and ready for take off. They are anticipated to land at 12:08 p.m., after which we’ll be stopping for lunch before returning to Penn State Berks. To hold you over until Aubrey is able to write a wrap up post, here are some of the latest photos they’ve sent me from their time in Puerto Rico. After reading about their experiences, being involved in their group messages, and especially after seeing the first photo below– I am not surprised that they don’t want to leave!

–Autumn Fritz, Assistant Director of Community Development

Dawn in San Juan

One last photo before leaving Puerto Rico