May 28, 2014 - Week 18

Who knew this week would involve a Pageant, climbing up a waterfall, canoeing, paddleboarding, and saying goodbye to my new best friend?

Let's start with Mr and Miss Abilities (the Pageant). This is an annual event at the school to select a gentleman and lady representing the school's values - diligence, self-confidence, talent, and congeniality. Unlike other Pageants, it is not selected based on looks. The emphasis was on a well-rounded and well-balanced approach to skills and personality. As the photographer for the day, I captured many smiles during the dancing, anxiety during the Q&A portion, pride in the fashion walk of recycled costumes, and elation during the announcement of the winners. I am proud to say that one of the students I tutored and guided in their musical presentation piece won the Talent portion; it was extremely rewarding to see a shy individual grow out of their shell to sing with a mighty voice and move confidently around the stage.

On Labour Day (when Jamaicans would spend the day cleaning up their homes or community), I took the opportunity to head up to Dunn's River Falls. Starting from the beautiful turquoise water beach, I climbed up the falls - testing my balance and confidence when the rocks were a bit slippery. I climbed the falls twice, once when it was raining, and also managed to catch a rainbow over the beach.

Next stop on my list was Montego Bay. Here I spent the weekend next to Doctor's Cave Beach. We enjoyed a sunset in the cool waters the first evening and ramped up our energy for canoeing and paddleboarding the next day. There really is nothing like seeing the sun drown into the waters on the far horizon to be replaced by pink hues hugging the clouds.

To wrap up, my 6-year-old friend told me she was going to migrate to England this week with her parents. It was precious to have enjoyed her company; during the time we shared (with her often perched at the end of my work table playing games on her tablet) I have learned how in the eyes of children age, skin color, and language barriers do not matter. However what matters is that next time I draw a portrait of her, I must remember to include her 'edges'!