JAMAICAN EXPERIENCE

The Jamaican Experience is a faith-based immersion that seeks to invite the Loyola Community to respond to the Gospel mandate and to work for peace and justice.

The Jamaican Experience allows participants to learn about the lives of and to be in solidarity with people who have been socially, economically, and/or politically marginalized.

Goals & Objectives: 
Through these ministries,The Jamaican Experience seeks to offer the opportunity t
 • Encounter the economically poor and marginalized of Jamaica through interpersonal dialogue and service. 
 •  Learn about aspects of Jamaican culture through a series of readings, discussions and speakers.
 •  Share individual skills, resources, and gifts for the purpose of creating a more just society and world.
 •  Nurture and challenge faith lives through worship and daily encounters with Jamaicans in an ecumenical setting.
 •  Reflect critically on issues of faith and justice in the world.

A TYPICAL DAY/WEEK:
We depart BWI airport via Air Jamaica for a non-stop flight to Montego Bay, where we are greeted by our driver and host.  After perhaps a quick swim in the crystal blue Caribbean, we begin the long drive to the mountains and Mandeville; where we are treated to a home-style Welcome Dinner. We begin our normal day with breakfast followed by Morning Prayer.  Our group will then be transported to work/visitation sites in the greater Mandeville area.  These could include sites such as a home for the sick and elderly, a community center for at-risk youth, a school tutoring program for children, or working at the Hope Distribution Center operated by the Diocese of Mandeville.  Groups often perform manual labor, such as building basic shelter for some of Mandeville’s most needy families.  Days are usually quite full, with little time for a nap or relaxation.  The team is encouraged to relax and enjoy the quiet evenings afforded by the mountain-top retreat where we live for the week.  Some evenings will consist of lectures on Jamaican culture and contemporary concerns. Most evenings conclude with prayer/reflection service.  All members of the Team are expected to help lead one of the daily reflections.  Although each trip will vary somewhat  - Saturday is usually the day to head to the beach or the river falls to experience the natural wonders of Jamaica, meet native Jamaicans, and enjoy the countryside and Jamaican cuisine.  On Sunday we go to Mass at one of the local parishes and usually spend the day visiting friends or Community agencies. On Monday morning we drive back to Montego Bay for a last stop at a Craft Fair before heading home to BWI.

Trip Dates:  January 2 - 8, 2009

Eligibility: This Application process is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and friends of the Loyola community.

Cost: The actual cost of the trip is approximately $1,000.00 per person.  Unfortunately – due to peak travel season rates we pay very high airfares and expenses (the trade-off is the beautiful Jamaican weather in January)!  In the past individual fundraising has enabled us to lower the fee that individuals must pay out of pocket. These costs cover meals, accommodations, guides, and all travel arrangements.  Participants should expect to pay for the airfare portion of your trip at the very minimum.  Do NOT, however, let financial concerns inhibit you from applying!  Those for whom the fees may pose a difficulty are encouraged to speak with Mr. George Miller.

Time Commitment:  Participants will be expected to attend regular weekly group meetings (TUESDAYS: 7:30-9PM), fundraising efforts, individual preparation, and a Communal Day of Reflection (TBD).

How to Apply: The application process is very important.  We also wish to take a diverse group of students, alumni, college employees, and community friends. We are limited to 10 participants.

• Apply online!
• Q&A Information Sessions: 
• • Mon. Sept. 8th, 6:00 PM, Conference Room 113
  • Wed. Sept. 10th, 6:00 PM, Conference Room 113
• Completed applications are due: Fri. Sept. 12th by 3:00 PM
• Sign-up immediately for interviews: Mon. Sept. 15th - Wed. Sept. 17th
• Team Decisions Letters will be available: Mon. Sept. 22nd

For more information, please contact:
Mr. George P. Miller, Associate Director of Campus Ministry
gmiller@loyola.edu