When I first arrived in Jamaica there were many times I didn’t feel “at home.” Things were new and different and uncomfortable for me. There were times I wondered when or if it would ever get easier and feel more comfortable. Then I found Mt. Tabor Beatitudes Home, a home for boys with special needs. I came across this home in October while on a retreat at the Mt. Tabor Home in Iron River. I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the boys’ home while on retreat, but returned later that week and fell in love with the boys and the home itself.
These boys have been abandoned by their parents and are cared for by the Brothers of Missionaries of the Poor and local community supporters. The home has forty young boys with a wide variety of disabilities. Some are wheelchair-bound, non-verbal, and have body deformities. In my opinion, their greatest challenge is the lack of parents who can play a role in their lives. For the young boys without a mother figure in their lives, I tried to step in and take on that role myself.
With forty boys at the home lots of attention is needed. At times I have felt like there isn’t enough of me nor time to get to each of them. The brothers gave me the opportunity to have ten of those boys in a class, teaching them basic skills and activities. We color, blow bubbles, draw outside with sidewalk chalk, read, sing songs, play outside on their new play ground. The best part of all is seeing the smiles on their faces! It is not uncommon for me to be ambushed with hugs from Anthony and Bradley upon arriving at the home and it’s always a struggle for me to leave at the end of the day with arms outstretched from Shaky who is asking for one more hug.
While getting involved in this experience I soon learned that I wouldn’t be able to provide all that I wanted to for the boys. This is something I have had to learn to accept and to be ok with. It is really hard when I sit with Charles on my lap and he insists that I give him all my attention. I must, at the same time, cheer for Andrew when he has colored a really pretty picture, or take Mark outside for extra play time on the swings.
I have learned that it’s not about giving these boys everything I want to. It is really about giving them love. Families and homes come in all different shapes and sizes and together the boys and I have built a family and a place to call home.
Sarah Vickers is serving in Jamaica with Passionist Volunteers International.
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