St. Lucia Service Trip

Saturday, May 31st, all students and faculty on the greater trip (including the nursing and education students from LC who carried out their own program screening 3-5 year olds) took a chartered boat ride from Gros Islet down to the town of Soufriere (French for “sulfur air”), so named because of vapor escaping from live volcanic activity nearby. We went by land into the volcanic area for a guided tour and visited one of many large waterfalls for a swim (refreshingly cold!). The sail afforded students a close view of the famous volcanic twin peak called the Pitons, which rise dramatically off the beach. The languorous trip back by catamaran included some great music and group dancing. Something usually done by tourists, this was fun because we had the entire boat to ourselves.

Friday, May 30th, all 22 of our students, including those who had been working with CARE that week, joined with Ms. King and Don Howell, teachers at RC Boys, for a day-long picnic for our third graders at Pigeon Island Park. Ms. King commented that about 90% of her students (who lived just a couple of miles nearby) had never been to the park, which usually requires a nominal fee. It was another day to reinforce following directions and their confidence as students since upon arrival the boys participated in team scavenger hunts on the park grounds. After successfully working through clues to collect things around the park (like old coconuts), they traded their items for a treasure map that led finally to a buried treasure: a nylon school supply kit for each student stuffed with needed school supplies (like a solar calculator required for fourth grade studies). The delight of the children in both the hunt and their treasure is a lasting memory. This was followed by a climb with the kids to the top of the park for the beautiful views and some short history and environmental lessons. When we returned, back to the park beach, we all had hot dogs, local fruit, grilled marshmallows and other treats. It was a glorious day for the kids and the weather was likewise beautiful (especially in the shade). At last, after some rest, we went directly outside the well maintained park to do one last activity: letting the boys lead us in a beach clean up. With the help of Ms. King, we emphasized the pride they should have in the beauty of their beaches, and needed efforts to encourage St. Lucians and guests to respect them and the creatures that lived there. We parted ways with some tears and much fondness, and the boys presented us with lanyards they had hand-crafted for each of us (called there “scooby-doos”). Ms. King also presented a package of thank you cards made by each of the boys (given to the students on a bus ride for a special Sunday brunch described below).

The evening found us all back in Anse La Rey for their famous Fish Fry (last Friday of each month). A somewhat smaller and more intimate version of jump-up in Gros Islet the previous Friday, the food and dancing was enhanced by a local beauty pageant and our meeting up with many members of the community we had become acquainted with that week. Ms. King and other RC Boys teachers also met us there. It was a joyous time with St. Lucians, among the friendliest people on earth.

Thursday, May 29th, our last official day with our third graders, we reinforced reading and compound words by using mixed up, laminated cards that could form familiar compound words. The students had to work in teams to form words and decide which combinations were inappropriate. Also, they had to look for compound words in the books we had been reading together. Meanwhile, some of our students were setting up the “store” with items priced for the play money the students would “spend” for at least one book and any other prizes they could afford. The students that first answered questions about the activities we had done all week were allowed to go to the store first, and they had to make sure to “pay” for their purchases at our own check out counter where they had to verify their change made by others of our students. When everyone had exhausted their play money, the remaining supplies were donated to the school.

A few of our students and me volunteered to meet some of the youth at Anse La Rey to finish the painting and cleaning of the hall. We were driven there and helped by Drew Cogbill, a staff member with Peacework, the organization hired to help organize and run logistical details for this trip. More specs of blue paint covered the returning volunteers.

The sentiments I feel now that the trip is finally here is anxiety. I am anticipating an excellent trip. I believe I will come back somewhat of a changed person, because I would have actually helped some children to help themselves.

I am thoroughly excited. I won’t be able to sleep tonight. I will be making sure that every detail for this trip is perfect.

I intend to go to St. Lucia with open eyes and an open mind, not as a tourist but totally and utterly as a student who will be molded and shaped by this experience. To add to all this, I am thrilled to experience Caribbean cuisine again.

Oh my God!! 6 hrs before I get on the plane……..

I am both excited and nervous about going to St. Lucia. First of all I have never flown before. The whole flying thing makes me a little sick to my stomach. I know I will be a pro at flying once the trip is over but I am still worried about the first take off. After I get off of the plane I know that I will do nothing but enjoy myself. I can’t wait to see the beautiful island, especially the water.

The service learning aspect of the trip is going to be a life changing experience. I love kids and I can’t wait to interact with the third graders at the RC Boys School. I look forward to being able to touch the kid’s lives and possibly help them improve their future. I am anxious to leave for St. Lucia. I can’t wait to experience such a different culture. I may just decide to stay and live in St. Lucia.