After meeting Ian & Denver at the dock – we all donned
stylish, fluorescent orange life jackets and set off across Marigot Bay in
Sashame for a boat ride down the coast. The
cool breeze, sea mist, and breath-taking views of the coastline delighted our
senses. Arriving at the dock in Soufriere, Ian escorted us to a taxi and off we
went for a tour of the Botanical Gardens.
Our guide, "Alexander the Great" was truly a walking encyclopedia of the
gorgeous flora that filled the garden pathways.
From Helleconia, to Pink Torch Ginger Lilies, Avocado and Papaya trees,
we were awestruck ! Our next stop was
the Sulphur Springs. Carita agreed to
guard our belongings and be the photographer while the rest of us lathered up
with fresh volcanic pumice – to rejuvenate our skin. Although the mineral water was too hot for a
dip, we managed to shower off and as we emerged at the top of the spring, Ian
didn’t recognize any of us as we all looked a decade younger (not!).
After lunch in the village, and a stop at a local ice cream
shop, we boarded our "yacht" and headed down the coast towards Sugar Beach. Coming around a corner – we stole our first
glimpses of the Pitons. Absolutely breathtaking! Majestic peaks springing out of the Caribbean
Sea – towering over a palm tree-dotted white sand beach. Some of us took a refreshing swim, while
others found solace on a lounge chair under a tree. I took my towel down the beach for some
tranquility and found myself fixated on the majesty of the Gros Piton. The view surrounding me of the coconut and
palm trees, lush green mountains plunging into the sea was magnificent!
All too soon, and to our dismay, it was time to board Sashame
and head back to Marigot Bay. Listening
to some Caribbean Reggae and taking in the coastline – we all agreed it was a
spectacular day, which refreshed our spirits and helped us prepare for the work
week ahead.
Monday morning~ After breakfast and morning meeting – we
departed for our assignments. Margaret
& I were off to a meeting at Marigot Secondary School with Principal
Dujon, Vernett James, the youth officer from the Dept. of Ministry, and Ms
Fitz & Ms James – teachers from the Home Economics & Agriculture
program. We gathered to begin discussions about expanding the school farm,
Earth Box program and creating a school feeding program to provide nutritious
lunches to the students. Currently,
there is no government subsidy for such a program for Secondary schools in St
Lucia. We shared many great ideas and I
am encouraged by the excitement from all who attended at working together to
meet the nutritional needs of the students.
For the remainder of the afternoon, I finalized a schedule to
replant Earth Boxes with mothers in the Roving Caregiver Program later in the
week. Additionally, we visited the
shipping and brokerage firm in Castries in an attempt to complete the next step
at getting the Earthbox supply shipment out of customs. Sometimes, despite our best plans and
intentions, circumstances arise which are beyond our control, as we learned we
are still unable to have the shipment released. Although, I find this setback discouraging,
I decide to implement plan B as we drive back to Marigot. Tomorrow I will work
to schedule nutrition and hand-washing lessons at the pre-schools for later in
the week, if we are unable to replant Earth Boxes.
Monday proved to be somewhat challenging for other team members as well, and as we gathered for our meeting this evening, "Father" Warren gently reminded us, that
although we may be discouraged that our plans did not go as we had hoped today,
our challenges pale significantly to those of our friends in Anse La Raye.
Today reminded me of a message from Og Mandino, in book: The
Greatest Salesman in the World: “Failure will never overtake you if your
determination to succeed is strong enough”.
A tasty dinner of fresh caught Mahi-Mahi, vegetables, and plaintains – along with laughter and a few songs around the table at Julietta’s, rejuvenated our spirits. Tomorrow we begin anew.
- Dawn
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