Adapting to Change

As an arguably well-rounded individual, I have always been able to adapt to change without second thought. I love to travel, move, see new things and the idea of a scheduled routine leaves me feeling claustrophobic with the desire to run. That is why I find it surprising that I am having such a hard time adapting to the changes of this summer in Jamaica. I'll start by saying I feel so fortunate that I am able to be here, even just for the week. I have had several BIG changes in my life this year and wasn't sure that I'd be able to take another week away from work, the family and wedding planning. With the support of the best fiance on earth and a plan that could only be of God himself, I'm here... trying not to think about our currently unpacked house and move that will be taking place as soon as I land back in Vegas! With the worry of leaving Chris home with so much to do before our move, 1 week seems like the longest trip of my life. At the same time, this is the first time in 10 years that I've only been here for 1 week and that has been one of the hard adjustments. I usually feel like I have plenty of time to visit with the Jamaicans and am able to see several of the returning teams week after week. I'm used to quickly molding into family with all of the IsleGo staff as we stick together throughout the summer and I'm really missing that. I do, however, love that I get to be here with Michelle, Ashlin & Ella and they've given me the feeling of "just like home" as the girls are learning things about Jamaica and themselves. The only thing better would be to have them at the worksite with us! Yesterday was our first day on the job and I've been working at Bright Beginners, the pre-k school where Cynthia has dedicated her heart to creating a group of children that value education. Dusty called me a few months ago with the horrible news of Cynthia's unexpected death and I really wasn't sure what to expect upon returning. Cynthia has been one of my angels on earth in Jamaica and is one of the people I look most forward to spending time with. She is one of those educators that spent all of her life giving the students everything she had to offer and Steer Town will greatly miss her presence. This week we are repainting the school and of course, spending time with the kids. I had a chance to sit with Ms. Shaw and Mr. Allen (the new principal) and hear about Cynthia's last days and the funeral. Ms. Shaw was comforting and wiped the tears with words of "she's with the Lord now" and "she is our angel in heaven." I think it's hard sometimes to realize how much you appreciate somebody until you don't have them anymore and words can't explain how much I miss her presence at Bright Beginners. The past two days I've just been remembering her laugh and know that if she were here she wouldn't let me walk away without baking coconut bread and gazarda to put a smile on my face... only after teasing me for crying in the first place! She would be incredibly happy with the work that's being done and I'm sure it's driving her crazy having to watch without being able to thank us somehow! Ms. Shaw asked me to present the trophies at this year's graduation, in honor of Cynthia. I have to say that I'm not as disappointed that I'll be back home and wont be having a breakdown in front of everyone in Steer Town! The team this week is working at Seville, repainting IsleGo houses, putting in a floor for Domain, delivering food baskets, visiting the infirmary as well as other heavy-duty construction projects. This afternoon I'll be going up to Seville with a team to deliver a food basket and can't wait to see how far the community center has come! I hear Mikey yelling for me but will update later on tonight. Missing you all back home & know that I'm thinking about you! K