Jamaica Volunteer Getaway:: Making A Difference

While packing for your next trip, on the way down, why not give-in to this suggestion from Jamaica Adventure Secrets:

Collect and Distribute Gifts - Collect gifts of clothes, books, and school supplies in your community and bring them to schools or children’s homes in Jamaica.

www.yardedge.net/jamaica-vacations/enjoy-a-volunteer-vacation-in-jamaica-plus-10 -discount-for-yardedge-readers

Interview with Maureen Wright-Evans about Voluntourism:

www.yardedge.net/worth-a-visit/yardedge-talks-to-maureen-wright-evans-about-volu ntourism-in-jamaica


Meanwhile...Humm a Reggae version of Get Here (If You Can): Lyrics

You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway
You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind
You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man
I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

You can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree and swing rope to rope
Take a sled and slide down slow, into these arms of mine
You can jump on a speedy colt, cross the border in a blaze of hope
I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

There are hills and mountains between us
Always something to get over
If I had my way, then surely you would be closer
I need you closer

(interlude, then repeat bridge)

You can windsurf into my life, take me up on a carpet ride
You can make it in a big balloon, but you better make it soon
You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man
I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

I don't care, I dont care, I need you right here right now

I need you right here, right now, right by my side (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can.

Responding to what she considered her biggest challenges/reward, Maureen Wright-Evans, founder of Jamaica Adventure Secrets, had this to say:

Each time I have a group of volunteers and I see how much they make a difference in the lives of the people they work with, I feel blessed that I was the conduit.
I also feel rewarded that the visitors to our island love the culture and beauty. They always leave with big smiles on their faces just grinning from ear to ear.... My hope is that people will want to come to Jamaica to vacation but also give back even a day to the community they are staying.

The sun is shining...the sea is lapping...the cockpit sinks & rises...the mountains shelter...the rivers raft you to the sea...the stars cast down stories of the journeys outward...the night "blooms" with breezy intoxicants...there's good to be done...bring a generous spirit...a hungry belly for the Ital...Get Here (If You Can)

Oleta Adams' Video Version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-CtBBcMgsY&feature=related

Volunteering::Wealth Transfer

Believe in Parables?

In II Kings 4: 8, there was a wealthy woman who had much substance - but she still had a need that her money could not buy! But by volunteering - feeding the man of God, taking care of certain of his basic needs - shelter, food and such amenities, without asking for pay - a transfer took place.

He, in return, prayed unto God for her area of need to be filled (she had no son and her husband was old). As a result of her actions, the family lineage continued and their wealth maintained.

What Jamaica needs now is not young versus old, but a wealth transfer - from one generation to the next!

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110110/business/business1.html

Treasure Beach Foundation posted something about Packing for a Purpose or something that sounded similar. It was an easy way for visitors to get needed supplies to the local schools. Does anyone know how to find that information.

Treasure Beach Foundation's Prior Posting: Pack For A Purpose

Lots of visitors to Treasure Beach want to know what they can do for the schools and the children. We are proud to say we have joined forces with "Pack for a Purpose." This is a wonderful group who asks for no donations for themselves--only for things the children can use. If you have items that are needed, or you are willing to buy a few things and tuck them in your suitcase, you can help. It's that easy. For links to what the schools need, please go to:

http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/countries/jamaica/rainbow-tree-villa.shtml

You can drop off your contributions at either Rainbow Point or Rainbow Tree, and our staff will be delighted to deliver them to the local schools. If you don't have transportation, please ask the staff where you are staying to deliver them to one of our places when they get the time.

And, to make things even easier, here are some resources where you can get some much-needed supplies at a discount.

http://blog.bradsdeals.com/2010/08/10/71-stores-offering-discounts-to-teachers/

Thank you for caring.