Hello from Connecticut, where spring break thus far has been more like another winter break in regards to the weather.  But it's been wonderful seeing my family and friends from home, and I couldn't ask for a more relaxing break following the chaos of midterms.  

This week, I wanted to recognize the many college students who are currently dedicating their spring breaks to a service trip either at home or abroad.  Boston College's mission for forming "men and women for others" inspires students to contribute positively to the world outside the BC Bubble and foster greater justice in impoverished areas by participating in one of the twenty plus service opportunities our school offers.  Programs promote a respect and understanding for cultures that are different from our own, an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, and the chance to be challenged personally by the stories, experiences, and relationships that were previously unfamiliar to us.  Many other schools have similar alternate spring break trips.

Last spring break, I had the life-changing opportunity to participate in Boston College's trip to Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston, Jamaica.  Unfortunately, Jamaican children with disabilities are plagued by a stigma that often results in their being abandoned by their families and isolated by society.  Mustard Seed Communities often becomes a nurturing and caring home for these most vulnerable people, providing them with food, shelter, and love.  

Upon arriving I met Justin, a ten-year-old boy affected by severe hydrocephalus who instantly won my heart.  His feet were swollen, his bones poked through his skin, and his head had become so heavy that he was incapable of lifting it off of the worn pillow in his crib.  Eager to ease his pain, I spent hours simply sitting bedside, holding his small, calloused hand.  I would whisper lullabies into his ear, tracing his fingers with mine as he fell asleep.  Although Justin couldn’t vocalize his appreciation, I knew he loved our time together.  Whenever my voice grew hoarse, I would slowly loosen my grasp on his hand and try to slip away. But my attempt was never successful because Justin would instantly grip my hand tight, begging me not to go.  Of course I could not resist. 

I recently received saddening news that Justin had passed away, and I cannot help but wonder how his situation would have differed had he been blessed with the resources accessible to us in America.  This beautiful boy was the first and likely the last child I will meet who is affected by hydrocephalus because the condition is easily treated by surgical implantation of a shunt in the States.  However, this costly procedure is financially inaccessible to most Jamaicans, especially a severely disabled, non-verbal, and wheelchair-using orphan.  Without adequate care, Justin’s condition progressively worsened.  He had great difficulty eating, often painfully choking on his oatmeal as I tried so hard to support his head while he swallowed.  I am confident that tube feedings, which are commonly used by children with severe disabilities in the US, would have greatly bettered his quality of life.  I struggled to mimic the massages used so often by physical therapists on Justin’s sore, weak limbs, knowing that he would never have the opportunity to be treated by a professional. 

I learned so much from my experience at Jamaica Mustard Seed and from my work with Justin.  First, proper care, high quality instruction, and the latest technology are necessary in order to better the quality of life of children with disabilities and to allow for progress. As special educators, we must serve as advocates for our students and ensure that they have everything that they need and deserve.  Second, despite all our efforts, many children will be denied access to these resources.  We should continue to strive for a world in which all children with disabilities receive the care and education available in the United States so that someday youngsters like Justin will have amazing opportunities and the chance to live full, healthy, and happy lives.  

Best of luck to all of those serving others this spring break and a special thanks to those students working at Jamaica Mustard Seed this week.  And, to those readers stuck in the cold, snowy States like me, stay warm and keep your head up; the groundhog says spring is just around the corner!         

PS- Some pictures from my Jamaica Mustard Seed trip are shown below.  Enjoy!