Mariemont on a Mission
Lauren and classmates from Mariemont High School with Fr. Jim and friends in Jamaica
On Monday, June 29th, eleven volunteers from Cincinnati arrived in Negril, Jamaica. John, Amy, Lauren and Parker Getgey were making their fourth trip to The Capital of Casual and Lauren’s friend, Jackie, making her third. This time they brought other high school volunteers—and school supplies, clothing and arts and crafts for a “camp day.” Lauren and Jackie, having been to Negril in the past to assist with Bible Camp, wanted to organize a volunteer mission trip from Mariemont High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. After months of planning and fundraising their dream was fulfilled.
I interviewed Lauren after they returned to the States. After getting her responses to my questions, I have to admit that I was blown away by the incredible wisdom of this young girl. I think you will be too. Check out the interview. I hope it makes you feel as good as it did me to know that you really are making a difference in the lives of the people of Jamaica. Enjoy.
Lauren and friend
How many years have you done the mission trip to Negril?
I have been to Negril the past four summers.
What keeps you going back?
There is so much work to do/ to be done. Each year, I feel as if there is so much more I can do. However, the amazing people are what keeps me going back. I feel so loved and appreciated for everything we do for these people. Going to Negril is like coming up for a humbling, much needed breath of fresh air.
How old are you?
I turned 18 in September and started my senior year at Mariemont High School.
On your first trip, can you remember if there was anything that really surprised you or shocked you regarding the difference between here and Jamaica?
Though many people associate words such as “poverty” or “desperation” with a mission trip, I remember being completely and pleasantly surprised at the pure joy of the people living there. Despite facing hardships of daily life and struggling for survival, the people of Negril are some of the most joyous and gracious I have/ will ever meet.
Painting a house
Tell me your first impressions of Fr. Jim.
“This guy is a priest?!!” Of course, I am kidding. But in all seriousness, I immediately noticed how laid-back Father Jim was in all the Jamaican madness. From a crazy airport pickup in Montego Bay, to hosting a vacation bible camp of 50 kids in the church yard, Father Jim does everything with patience and in the best intentions of others. He is so gracious and puts everyone before himself. I wouldn’t have half the experiences in mission work if it weren’t for Father Jim.
What made you want to encourage your friends to go?
Every year on the plane ride home from Negril, I always think how lucky I am to be touched by the amazing experience of serving the people of Negril. With this said, I felt like keeping this experience to myself and my family would be a disservice to so many of my amazing friends. Everyone deserves to experience a life-changing trip. Its humbling and shapes us as young adults
How did you raise some of the money to go?
We asked for donations and prayers from family and friends. Along with that, we organized several fundraisers to make ends meet. On Valentine’s Day, we held a “babysitting night” which allowed parents of our community to drop their children off while they enjoyed a night to themselves. We played games, bounced on a bouncy house, made crafts, and watched a movie to finish off the night. We also ran a bake sale at our school-hosted basketball tournament. We sold baked goods for two days straight!
Hunger abounds in Jamaica
Do you have a story of something or someone that particularly touched you?
The people of Negril are always hungry. One year at our vacation bible camp, we heard a little boy cry in pain as his older sister twisted his arm at lunch. We later found out that the sister had the responsibility of bringing home food to her mother and sick grandmother. She had asked her younger brother to save his food, but he was so hungry that he continued to eat his meal until she punished him. Hunger is laced through the houses of Negril.
If somehow you or someone else were able to raise a lot of money for Negril, what would you like to see it used for?
One thing that never fails to shock me is the housing of Negril. Houses are small, many are built of scraps of tin and wood etc. Many houses only have one room. I hope to raise money to fund building of sturdy homes.
What was your most rewarding moment?
My most rewarding moment was when I met Miss Ellen, a 109 year old woman at the time. Miss Ellen lived in a one room house with four generations of family living in houses around her. Miss Ellen is very dependent on the help from others (for things like sitting up, getting her diaper changed, eating, etc). One day, as we made our rounds for delivering packaged meals to shut-ins, we stopped in to say hi to Miss Ellen. She immediately began to cry in utter shock that such a large group had come to see her. She sang a Bible hymn and thanked us repeatedly. For me, this moment stood out because it was the first time that I realized that people need love just as much, if not more, than they need clothes or food etc. Providing the people food and clothing was not the only way we were touching lives.
Lauren with Miss Ellen who is 109 years old
What would you like to see change in Negril?
There are so many things I would love to see change. One of the biggest issues is the unemployment rate in Negril. Often times, there are beach vendors that sell goods day and night for little to no profit. Ideally, having a place for these people, both disabled and able, to work or volunteer would be an amazing change. The soup kitchen in Negril is run by locals. This phenomenon of the workers helping their own people is so important for unity and spreading God’s love.
Will you be going again next year?
Yes! Already counting down the days.
How can I help in your efforts?
Prayers and spreading awareness of this trip and the importance of serving others is a great way to start!
See more photos of the mission trip to Jamaica at:
Volunteers to Jamaica
Houses are built of scraps of tin and wood
Posted in: Missions, Newsletter, Prayer
