We Are Here!!

Hi everyone we are here and having a great time!  I have absolutely fallen in love with the children here in Jamaica!  Mustard Seed Communities is an amazing foundation, they've literally taken in the most helpless children with severe special needs and given them a safe home.  These children are orphans in a third world country that lacks the resources and knowledge to adequately provide for them, but Mustard Seed is truly making a difference!  In the last week I've witnessed the poverty of the Kingston area and its something you don't truly understand until you see it.  The extreme poverty is in stark contrast to the amazing demonstration of faith from all of the members of the Mustard Seed Community.  I have learned so much in these few days about what it truly means to be grateful for the little things in life, I've seen children that can barely walk, talk, or eat on their own sing their gratitude for simply waking up in the morning.  So far I've seen just a small part of the beauty of Jamaica and the warmness of their culture, especially in the staff at Mustard Seed, and I can't wait to see and learn more.  I truly believe in the work they are doing here and I hope that I can help to contribute to their team.  Most people are quick to recognize the innocence and purity in a child, but I can tell you from my few years of experience as a special educator that there is something even more pure in a child with special needs and I know that these children have a special place in God's heart.  Please consider donating to this charity I wish I could find the words to express how amazing these children are! 

Thank you and miss you all!  Love, Christina

This is the link to my fundraising page: Fundraising Page

Thank You All Around!

This is one of the suitcases that we are packing that is FULL of donations for Mustard Seed thanks to our friends and family!!  We were able to purchase sensory materials, toys, craft supplies, ink cartridges, academic supplies, and a blender (the one orphanages blender broke and this is how the puree the children's food).  Thank you to all of our friends and family, your love and support is the reason Kathryn and I are going on this trip!  Guess I better go finish packing since we leave tomorrow!  Love to all and thank you again! 

Thanks to my family!

I just wanted everyone to know that my family is truly amazing and I feel so blessed to have their support!  My family has helped me raise enough funds for my flight (which is booked) and my room and board while staying in Jamaica!  I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, and donations...love you all!  PS...we are all set to leave June 26th!

This is a great video that talks about the mission of Mustard Seed Communities and shows some of the good work they are doing :)

GETTING EXCITED!

Hey everyone!  I'm so excited to start preparing for my trip to Jamaica in July! 

I’m volunteering through Mustard Seed Communities which is a Catholic non-profit organization that serves children and adults with varying severe disabilities and illnesses.  Most of you know that working with kids who have severe disabilities is my greatest passion.  I’ve learned so much from these kids and I’m so excited to see how much more I will learn this summer!  I’ve been looking for an opportunity such as this for awhile now, I’ve been so blessed growing up with so much love from all of you and I want to be able to share that love with those who need it most.  I will be helping run a summer program for their kids with autism and assisting wherever I’m needed at the different centers.  As you know Jamaica is a third world country and their resources and knowledge are very limited when it comes to assisting individuals with disabilities. 

I hope to be able to post pictures and links through this blog as I spend time down there. 

Thank you for all of your support!  If you are interested in supporting the children of MSC please visit their site and consider making a donation.   Mustard Seed Communities Fundraising I know that it is a very worthy cause and the children of MSC will benefit so much from your generosity.  If you are interested in helping me purchase classroom materials (sensory items, adapted feeding utensils, printer ink, etc.) that I will bring with me to Jamaica then contact me and I'll get you more information! 

Thanks for taking the time to check in! 

:) Christina