St. Lucia Service Trip

One of the most interesting expereinces I had at The St. Aloysius R.C Boys School was the activity we had planned for them to help them to take and follow directions effectively. The idea was to make “mud pies” which consisted of instant pudding, oreo cookies and gummy worms; so in actuality, they were following a recipe.  This experience was profound for me because like the boys I’d never made “mud pies” before so I was just as excited as they were. As they read the steps off the chalkboard, I could see the interest and anxiety in their eyes, curious as to how exactly the finished product would look…and TASTE! I enjoyed this activity as it was not a dictative method in which we told them to “Do this” or”Go there” but rather into was an activty in which every student was able to participate and follow the instructions/ directions. At the end of the activity, we were all pleased with the result and like these young boys, I too had my very first “mud pie!”

I think of the youth in Anse La Raye and the potential which each and every one of them contains. Our time there, though short, proved to be very rewarding. Our main objective was to go there and help these young people put their emotions and thoughts into words by means of poetry, or song, and other form of literary expression which they would showcase at a community show called “Word Jam”. Our schedule and time constraints didn’t allow us to spend as much time as we’d have liked with the youths. However, on the day of the show, the young people brought out the pieces they’d worked on……absolutely Brilliant. It was clear that they had spent time even when weren’t around, perfecting their works, making changes where they thought were necessary for improvement, even in some cases coming up with brand new material. As I watched them perform their original pieces, as nervous as some of them were, I thought to myself, “Surely none of us (RC/LC students) can take any credit for these pieces.” Then I realized these young people just wanted to know that someone was interested in them, someone wanted to hear what they had to say, someone believed in them, and they put their best foot forward. So in St. Lucia, Anse La Raye Village, I saw a budding Mariah Carey, some Edgar Allen Poes and the next Mos Def, not to mentions they actors and actresses discussing real life issues through various literary expressions. I miss them all….Kiana, Magnus, Amy, Junior, Delroy, Sancha, Kezia, Latoya……….and the list goes on!!

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……..