Looking back, there has always been a river that represented a time in my life. When I was little, it was the Westfield River that I used to see on trips to my Daddy’s work or up to my Aunt and Uncle’s house in Chester. When I was in New Orleans, it was the Mississippi that offered peace and tranquility in the midst of destruction. On my daily drives to College, it was the Connecticut that I had to cross. In Jamaica there is one particular river that has more meaning than I thought a river could ever have.
I’ve mentioned Niki and her “pickneys” before. Her pickneys, or children as we call it, are a big part of my time in Mt. Friendship. I love them to death. These children live a life very different than I did as a child. I never had to walk to go get water, or miss school because there was not enough money for lunch. I never had to wear a nicely pressed uniform to school, or have to go to the river to bathe. These children do.
“Miss, will come over my yard today?” When I hear this invitation out of Nia, Zuta, Jeney, or Punnonose’s mouth, I know that we will likely end up at the river.
It’s a walk down Lime Edge and Banana Hole to get to the path that will lead down the mountain, through the gully, and finally to a beautiful swimming hole provided by the river.
The hike to the river is almost as enjoyable as getting to actually cool off in the river itself. The workout is quite exhilarating, but a break to pick oranges or tangerines is always necessary of course.
One time, as we walked down the little dirt path, we came across some ram goats directly in our way. Now sometimes, I have learned, that “ram” doesn’t mean that the goat will try to ram you. But in this case it did. So one of the boys had to hold the ram’s little horns and push his weight into him, so that the rest of us could pass. I was careful whenever I saw a ram goat from that point on.
Once we hit flat land and start to see an abundance of banana trees and coffee bushes, I know we have reached the river. Splashing and playing there way to my heart, they always make the river such an enjoyable time. A time that reminds me of simplicity, exploration, and celebrating God’s wondrous Earth.
It’s because of this river, that I now wear my bathing suit under my clothes to Mt. Friendship, just in case.
I’ve mentioned Niki and her “pickneys” before. Her pickneys, or children as we call it, are a big part of my time in Mt. Friendship. I love them to death. These children live a life very different than I did as a child. I never had to walk to go get water, or miss school because there was not enough money for lunch. I never had to wear a nicely pressed uniform to school, or have to go to the river to bathe. These children do.
“Miss, will come over my yard today?” When I hear this invitation out of Nia, Zuta, Jeney, or Punnonose’s mouth, I know that we will likely end up at the river.
It’s a walk down Lime Edge and Banana Hole to get to the path that will lead down the mountain, through the gully, and finally to a beautiful swimming hole provided by the river.
The hike to the river is almost as enjoyable as getting to actually cool off in the river itself. The workout is quite exhilarating, but a break to pick oranges or tangerines is always necessary of course.
One time, as we walked down the little dirt path, we came across some ram goats directly in our way. Now sometimes, I have learned, that “ram” doesn’t mean that the goat will try to ram you. But in this case it did. So one of the boys had to hold the ram’s little horns and push his weight into him, so that the rest of us could pass. I was careful whenever I saw a ram goat from that point on.
Once we hit flat land and start to see an abundance of banana trees and coffee bushes, I know we have reached the river. Splashing and playing there way to my heart, they always make the river such an enjoyable time. A time that reminds me of simplicity, exploration, and celebrating God’s wondrous Earth.
It’s because of this river, that I now wear my bathing suit under my clothes to Mt. Friendship, just in case.
Tracy, thank your for your generosity to the Passionist Mission in Jamaica. Hundreds of Passionists would love to hear experiences there in Jamaica, WI at The Passionists: http://passionists.ning.com/
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