Filed under: Donations, Friends, Jamaica, Kids, Life, Love, Photos, Positive, Travel, Volunteer
While on our trip to Jamaica, we contacted Chef of http://www.chefsjamaicatours.5u.com/ for a day trip to Blossom Garden Orphanage. First, let me say that Chef is an extremely personable man running a tour business in Jamaica. He was kind enough to not charge us for this trip as we were there to donate much needed school supplies. This was a very generous offer as gas prices in Jamaica are equivilant to ours here. We did pay for the gas and tipped Chef as well for his generosity.
As for the orphanage, I was pleasently surprised to see that the center was located in a middle class neighborhood in Montego Bay. The house was rather small for the sheer number of children residing at the center, which at this time is 60 children and currently at capacity. The home is for children ages 1 day to 7 years old and the children at the center were placed there through children’s services. After the age of 7, the children are moved into all girls or all boys facilities until they reach 18 years of age. Once the children are moved into an all girls or boys facility, they are however, mainstreemed into the public school system. At Blossom Garden, the schooling is done by the ladies that run the place and only for ages 5, 6, and 7.
We were told that siblings who enter the system there are immediately separated from each other. In one case, Andre (little boy in the red t-shirt) is a twin, separated from his twin and 7 other siblings. This is done immediately as they enter the system as it is usually impossible to keep siblings together. The theory is that the sooner they are separated, the easier it is on the children. Nonetheless, it is heartbreaking that they are separated from what was left of their families.
The center is quite health concious, very clean, but extremely basic. We were immediately sent to the rest room to wash up before we could visit with the children and receive a tour of the facility. We met a lot of the children. When we were first taken to meet them, we were introduced to the toddlers. The babies were having a nap, so we could not bother them, just take a quick peek into their room.
The toddlers instantly come up to you with their arms up, wanting to be held. It brought a smile to your face knowing these children, even in their situation, came to you with a huge hug and endless smile. Of course, they are toddlers, and a little pushing and shoving by a few to get picked up first, did occur. I just wanted to hold them all and tried to. I found it hard though as the one I was holding never wanted to get down for me to pick up the next.
We were then moved on to finish our tour of the center. All the children’s basic needs are met, food, clothing (although boys wear girls and girls wear boys clothes sometimes), shelter and a bed. Toys were minimal and the ones they had were very well used. The most commonly needed items at this center was for pampers, baby wipes and lotions. All of which are very expensive in Jamaica.
As for their needs, you immediately got the feeling that one thing these children needed most and probably don’t get enough (as most kids need a lot) are hugs and kisses. Being that there are so many children and only so many caregivers, they do seem starved for that extra bit of affection. All of the children were very outgoing and just loved to be held and cuddled. This was an easy task for me and I didn’t want to stop passing out hugs and kisses.
The center/house was comprised of quite a few large sized rooms. There was a dining area with a kitchen off to the side. An infant room loaded with cribs side by side by side. A room for the younger toddlers with rows of beds and a few more cribs for the 3 children there who were bed ridden with serious physical disabilities. There was a room for the older girls with bunk beds galore and one as well for the older boys. There was 1 classroom, sparsly decorated, but room for the children who receive instruction. I could see that the school supplies would go to great use!
All the beds had sheets, but there were no blankets on any of the beds. Mind you there is no air conditioning at all, so blankets are probably never necessary in Jamaica. I am sure they do have them, as the linen closet was quite large and stacked with clothing, shoes, sheets, etc.
We were then escorted us to the addition that is in the process of being added to the home as a multi-purpose room. Construction in Jamaica is as slow as molasses going uphill during February in Canada. It could be a while before this room is finished. However, there is a big yard where the children can run and play outside. The play equipment is sparce as you will see in the above photos, but we all managed to have a great time.
While we were visiting, there was also a group of teens from Houston, TX. They were spending a part of their summer break helping at the center and playing with the children. We ended up spending a few hours with the children and visiting, but alas, my heart started to break and I needed to leave. I really wanted to bring Andre (6), Ricardo (3 0r 4) & Makayla (3 or 4) home with us. I couldn’t and didn’t want to let the children see me cry, which I did, so we headed back to our resort.
The photos above are just a few of the many we could have taken. We had so much fun with the children, we didn’t take too many. I have the information where you can contact the head mistress of the center if anyone is interested in helping them. If you are interested in that information, please let me know and I will be more than happy to forward it to you.
I know that we will never forget these kids, especially Andre, Ricardo & Mikayla. They have touched our hearts. We will be looking into how we can send some other needed items to the center until we can visit again.
72 Comments so far
Leave a comment
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Semi- You are awesome! I am sure these kids appreciate your visit and your supplies, and especially your kindness.
Comment by mkrules July 23, 2007 @ 9:09 pmAll I can say is WOW! That is so inspiring. Awesome!
Comment by shadesofpink July 24, 2007 @ 8:55 amthis is really great. I’m glad you were able to go and contribute and I appreciate the information you brought back. Please let me know how to send items…
Comment by Kate July 27, 2007 @ 12:58 pmOMG! i went there with friends forever TV! and i miss them all so much, trishana and ricardo and andre. i miss there faces! Amazing placeee ever.
Comment by Becky July 31, 2007 @ 10:35 amBecky when were you there and what is Friends Forever TV?? I would love to hear all about it!
Comment by Semi~Charmed July 31, 2007 @ 11:14 pmHey this is so cool. I have been to Blossom gardens with Friends Forever. I love all of the kids there.
Comment by Tara August 10, 2007 @ 5:16 pmthats realy cool ive been to blossom gradens! I miss that place so much!
Comment by ashley August 10, 2007 @ 5:27 pmFriends Forever TV is a TV channel that Dr. Mark Muirhead has in Jamaica and it is called channel 93. You can go to the website at http://www.friendsforevertv.com or http://www.ilovejamaica.org.
Comment by Tara August 10, 2007 @ 9:02 pmThank you for that info, Tara. I will check it out. I really miss the kids myself. I would have scooped them all up and brought them home if I could have. Unfortuneately, finances for us would not make that possible, and I would really hate to take anyone from their home land. Now, if I could move to Jamaica……..
Comment by Semi~Charmed August 10, 2007 @ 10:36 pmHello! I was actually there the day you were. In fact, I’m the girl in the tie-died shirt. I also come with Friends Forever TV on a yearly basis. I was there with a group of people that spent a month in Jamaica ministering to Blossom Gardens and other schools, churches, and orphanages in the area. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for spending part of your vacation at BG. The kids in that place are my total heart. I have spent the past 8 years of my life going to BG and praying for them. Most people who come to Montego Bay have no clue that there are so many children hurting in the city and wouldn’t know or care that Blossom Gardens exists. I thank God for the time that you spent there and pray that He continues to put a passion in your heart for that place. Hope to see you there again some day!
Comment by Liz August 11, 2007 @ 1:17 amLiz, Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me a message. I am going to do some looking into Friends Forever TV as my teenage daughter would probably be interested in returning to Jamaica on that mission. I know I will be back, but probably not until next summer. I wish that I would have had more time to meet everyone personally while we were there. I feel like we came and left so suddenly, but my heart was breaking and I was left crying for some time. I definately did not want the kids to see me crying. You and the rest of your mission group have a passion not seen in many people at all. May God bless all of you and continue to keep that passion burning strong. ~ Krysti
Comment by Semi~Charmed August 11, 2007 @ 9:18 amHello. I’m wondering if you could possibly help me. I think the Andre in your pictures is the one I just tried to adopt (but was told he was “unavailable”). Is his twin Andrew? If so, are they both still at the orphanage? I was told last month that they were living in a foster home and being adopted with their sister. I’m curious to know if this is not true. Please let me know!
Comment by Anne August 20, 2007 @ 1:47 pmAnne, I did not meet any of Andre’s siblings. I was told that they were all seperated from one another and only got to meet Andre. I was in Jamaica July 13-21, 2007, and at that time Andre was at the center. I was also told that Andre was a twin and 1 of 7 or 8 siblings. Other than that, I do not have any information. He was the sweetest little boy ever. I do hope that you are able to find more information and wish you the best of everything in your endeavor to adopt. Please let me know how it turns out. Hugs and prayers your way!
Comment by Semi~Charmed August 22, 2007 @ 9:12 amI am very impressed by your story. I am in the process of saving to build an orphanage in Jamaica. I would love to visit Blossom Gradens when next I cvisit Jamaica. Can you please give the contact info for the head Mistress. Thanks and God Bless you.
Comment by Abi October 9, 2007 @ 9:19 amDid you ever get that orphage built? I came across your comments while searching for orphanages in Jamaica. I am 41 years old,married for 18 years with no children. I am at a point in my life where I am going be adopting a little girl, and I am praying that this will become a reality shortly.
However , I have also been thinking of starting an orphanage. I have access to quite a bit of land and would like to be able to give back and help these children in Jamaica.
I currently live on my parent’s property which is approximately, 7 miles from the city of Montego Bay. The area is called Anchovy,I would love to use some of the land on this property for an orphanage.I am starpped for funds , but would love to collaborate with someone who shares the same passion. I would be happy to discuss this in detail with you at your convenience.
Regards
Comment by Andrea Sawyers May 26, 2009 @ 11:15 amAndrea Sawyers
I go to Jamaica all the time and visit orphanages. I would love to talk to you. I would like to be a part of a place there.
Pastor connie
Comment by Connie November 4, 2009 @ 3:52 amMy husband are in the middle of the process to adopt siblings from Jamaica, we have not located or had any children referred yet but it would be nice to have the information for this place as it sounds as though there are many children there that need parents. Thanks for spending time with all the children!
Comment by Kandice October 12, 2007 @ 11:58 pmAbi & Kandice – I think there is a link in my blog roll, but here is the information from a business card that I have:
Blossom Gardens Child Care Centre
18-20 Appleton Hall, Montego Bay
St. James, Jamaica
Manager: Mrs. P. Genas-Brown
Tele: 876-952-6068
Email: blossomgch@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/jamaica_children
When we visited, we hired Chef, from Chef Tours (link in my blog roll) to take us. Chef is Jamaican and has done a lot of work with Sandy Bay School for children in Sandy Bay, Jamaica. He was a wonderful guide and very knowledgable about the area and dedicated to the children of Jamaica.
Good luck to both of you and please let me know how things go for you.
Comment by Krysti (f/k/a Semi~Charmed) October 13, 2007 @ 12:29 amAny chance that the new nursery was finished since last Dec? I am planning to stop in again. Mrs. Brown asked for a changing station like we have here in the states in most bathrooms. I want to purchase and deliver if they have not received one. I will also email but they rarely respond.:( Thanks
Comment by christine November 3, 2007 @ 1:28 pmI don’t recall seeing a fold down changing table when we were there, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. The nursery seemed very basic though and we only got a quick peak. When we were there the littlest ones were sleeping and we didn’t want to disturb them. They were in the process of adding a multi-purpose room, so I believe the nursery room is complete (less maybe items within it.) You may have better luck calling. You might also try to reach Chef with Cheftours (there is a link to him in my blog roll). He might be willing to contact them for you or even take a quick visit there again and let you know. He was extremely helpful when we visited by checking ahead and arranging the visit for us. Let me know. I would love an update on how things are there.
Comment by Krysti November 3, 2007 @ 8:24 pmMy husband and I will be visiting 12/30 thru 01/06. we are members of the optimist and I am hoping to be able to deliver some supplies that our orginization has collected. I have sent an email to Blossom House but have not heard back from them as of yet. Thank You for the link to chief, Im going to try to make contact. While I am really looking forward to it, as a mother and a social worker..Im sure my heart will break and I too will long to take them all home
Comment by Darci Janssen November 11, 2007 @ 11:27 pmDarci, what a great way and place to spend the holiday season.
I also had a hard time getting through to the school. I did find that telephoning was my best chance to catch someone and get a minute to make arrangements ahead of time. Good luck on your trip and God Bless.
Comment by Krysti November 12, 2007 @ 1:30 amOh what lovely photos of the kids! I volunteer at BG every weekend and just adore every one of those kids. They have even more babies (new borns) now, if you can believe that! So the need for pampers is at an all time high.
Yes they do have many many blankets…but as you said, they are so unnecessary in Jamaica’s heat. They do put them on the beds for the babies occasionally and they do have mosquito nets for all the babies’ beds as well.
Toys : The reason toys are so scarce is not because of a lack of them, but rather because of the fighting over them when they are around!
Kids will be kids and no matter how many toys are given to them (especially the toddlers) they will all fight over two or three for some reason. If anyone wants to bring toys for them I would suggest stuffed toys, toys with no moving toys, toys that are almost impossible to tear apart and toys that don’t operate by batteries. I have been there when visitors bring toys for the toddlers and have seen those toys destroyed in less than half an hour.
For the older kids, search a word puzzles and colouring books are usually a hit.
The nursery room still isn’t completed
Comment by Ann (Mobay DP) November 12, 2007 @ 8:58 amI was really hoping it could be finished for the new year but that is hardly likely.
Ann,
Thank you so very much for an update on Blossom Garden. I totally understand the toy situation. I can picture the “chaos” just from our visit. The children were so affectionate. Every one of them wanted to meet you and have a hug. The toys would have an even greater “draw” for them, I am sure. Not much worse than a group of 2 to 5 year olds fighting over 1 toy, unless of course you are the one who needs to look that 3 year old in the eye when you take it away because of the fighting. Best to stick with basics, like you said.
Where I live children who visit the hospital (for an overnight stay or outpatient sugery) get a home sewn stuffed bear (very simple and basic) to keep them company. Wouldn’t it be nice if each of the children were to have their OWN stuffed toy? One that they slept with each and every night from the time they came to BG and to take with them when they leave? I know sometimes that a bear is not a necessity, but sometimes it IS a necessity. Hmmmm…. This, I need to think some more about!!
More infants at BG??? Oh my goodness. Pampers are a definite friend then. What more besides pampers and wipes can the nursery use? (*NOTE* I know they need pampers, BUT what in addition to pampers can be helped?) I hate to think it is getting crowded at BG. It seemed so full when I was there that I was under the impression that they were pretty full.
Our family hopes to make it to Jamaica in the Spring of 2008. Maybe instead of school supplies this time, we could bring a bunch of needed items for the infants, diapers, wipes, etc. I know disposable pampers there are extremely expensive and who has time to wash and use cloth diapers anymore??? (Although this “bear” thing has a hold on me at the moment.)
Bless all of you that have found the kindness in your heart to help Blossom Gardens. I know there are thousands of places and homes you could have chosen to help, but I am glad that you found BG.
I am not sure exactly why I feel the way I do about BG, but I do. Something about BG tugs at my heart and makes me want to give everything I can, be it time, love, supplies or a voice. I guess God works in His own mysterious ways and BG was the place He chose for me to feel the strongest about. I am great with that!
Hugs ~ Krysti
Comment by Krysti November 14, 2007 @ 12:46 amWow! That was long! Almost another post.
Comment by Krysti November 14, 2007 @ 12:47 amHi krysti,
I’m heading up to BG tomorrow, so I’ll try to find out what they really need and will post. I really wish they had a wish list on Amazon.com. It really would make life so much easier for volunteers coming wanting to know what they most are in need of.
These are more expensive than disposable diapers but I believe they achieve the same purpose and work out better in the end, as they can be reused over and over again.
I do like your bear idea
I think that would be a wonderful thing to do and the kids would love having something personal, something that’s theirs. Hopefully they would be able to have enough bears available so that everytime a new child was brought to the home he/she would also be able to receive a bear.
Of course, for the sake of peace it would be better if all the bears for the toddlers looked exactly the same – same colour, same size, same material.
lol!
Comment by Ann (Mobay DP) December 14, 2007 @ 7:42 pmOtherwise it’s gonna be all out war!
Hi Ann,
Are you still volunteering at blossom gardens? I am coming to the area in June and hope to give as much time to them as possible. To be honest I think the kids will do more for me than I could ever do in such a short time.
Would you be able to help me set up time to volunteer?
Thanks so much…I can be reached at elenamolson@gmail.com
Comment by Elena May 30, 2009 @ 10:35 pmWe are going on a mission trip to Jamaica this June, and need the contact information for the orphanage. – Thank you.
Comment by JoKeeta January 11, 2008 @ 9:39 pmJoKeeta – I have misplaced the address and business card, but believe this link is still good: http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/jamaica_children/
You could also contact “Chef” of Chef Tours (see my links on my home page under “JAMAICA”.) Good luck, God bless, and please let me know how the center and the children (especially the children) are doing.
Comment by Krysti January 18, 2008 @ 12:28 amI went to Blossom Gardens in Feb of 2006 and I remember the kids that you are talking about!!! They are awesome and right now im a elementary education major and planning on going down there to teach…. was roy there when you went there??
Comment by lil_fish February 2, 2008 @ 1:43 amOur family is going to Ocho Rios on Saturday. Does anyone know of a school or orphanage similar to BG in the Ocho Rios area. We would love to visit and take some supplies, games, etc?
Comment by Lisa February 14, 2008 @ 11:17 amThank you.
Lisa
I haven’t been able to get much information about the health of the children in these orphanages. We are considering adoption but I was wondering about fetal alcohol syndrome and damage from drug use. Any input would be great!
Comment by Kristin March 26, 2008 @ 12:02 pmThese children are all soooo beautiful!
Does anyone know an orphanage in Ocho Rios. I have an appt. at Blossom Garden, but realized the distance of where our hotel is in Ocho Rios. Please if anyone has any ideas. I found one called the Pringle Home, but no contact info. Any ideas please send them my way.
Comment by Mandy April 22, 2008 @ 1:14 pmAwsome job. I adopted a little boy from Blossom Gardens in 2001, He was almost 3 years old at the time, now he is 9. He is doing really well in school and in sports. He’s a member of a swim team and a soccer team. Maybe you could help me with some information. I took him to visit there back in 2006 and someone at the home mentioned that his brother would be living there soon. The last name is Morgan. Would you have a contact there that you can send me.
Comment by Clovis Rainford May 28, 2008 @ 2:30 pmBlossom Gardens Child Care Centre
18-20 Appleton Hall, Montego Bay
St. James, Jamaica
Manager: Mrs. P. Genas-Brown
Tele: 876-952-6068
Email: blossomgch@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/jamaica_children
This is the contact information that I have. I hope it helps!
)
Comment by Krysti June 4, 2008 @ 9:18 amkrysti
I’m sorry that this is more of a question/plea for advice than a “comment” but…
For our Senior Spring Break (high school) a few of my friends, our mothers, and I are going to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Each friend is planning something to do during our trip. Although lounging by the pool, snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins sounds great, I want something with a deeper significance–an experience that we will cherish forever knowing that we made a difference in the lives of children. On TripAdvisor, it was suggested to bring school supplies to Jamaica’s Basic Schools and in my research I found your blog and from my understanding you’ve been to both this Orphanage and a (the) Basic School(s)? I would love to help both, but due to various constraints, at this time I think I will only be able to focus on collecting supplies for a/a few Basic School(s) or the Orphanage. In your opinion, which would be the best to focus on? This may be a tough question, but if I’m only able to help one or the other, I would like to assist in the greatest possible way. Thank you very much for any advice you (or anyone else) has to offer!
Comment by rhi June 8, 2008 @ 1:30 amRhi, I do know that during the summer months the schools are closed for summer break. That was how we decided to take supplies to Blossom Garden. The Sandy Bay Basic School was also highly suggested to me as in need of supplies, but when we visited it was summer and the schools were closed. We are planning a trip back to Jamaica in December of this year, so it is my hope that I can take school supplies again, but deliver them to a school this time.
I think it is great that you want to do what you can to help! I also think that no matter where your help goes, it will be needed and appreciated, so I don’t think you can go wrong.
The Blossom Garden Contact Information is listed in this thread. You could always start there. Maybe if they do not have any immediate needs they could suggest another. Good luck, have fun and bless your heart!!
Comment by Krysti June 17, 2008 @ 4:26 pmKrysti
Mrs Brown, thank you so very much for allowing Rodrigo and myself help out at the center. We are so very fond of Brittney and want you to send me information regarding her, her history what you can share and her availability for adoption. Thank you for you attention to this matter, I know you are very busy. Thank you again,
Comment by Amy Flowers July 19, 2008 @ 6:33 pmAmy Flowers
Wow
Comment by Patricia Han July 27, 2008 @ 6:48 pmThis sounds amazing
my friend and I are planning to volunteer this summer
so if you can forward the information about the orphanage
it would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Hi
Comment by Annette August 9, 2008 @ 4:18 pmThanks to all for the information. I am from Jamaica and was looking for a way to help the kids in Jamaica. I will definitely use this information and contact the orphanage.
Thanks so much
My daughter’s father is from jamaica and we would love to send the children anything that we possibly can. My daughter will be 16 next April and I am planning taking her to see her grandmother in Jamaica. It’ll mean alot to her to be able to help in anyway. just let us know any information. I know she is getting ahold of her father for information too (He lives in Arizonia and we are in Ohio.) Thanks.
Comment by Maggie August 12, 2008 @ 5:35 pmhey i am from jamaica, kingston actually, my friends and i were wondering if we could support you guys in any possible way? we’re only fifteen and may not be able to donate much but we can offer our services. i can be contacted at 977-6570 or 292-8584 please call and let us know if we can help.
thanks in advance!
Comment by danielle August 18, 2008 @ 10:45 pmYou don’t know me, but I stumbled across your page after googling the Garden Blossoms Orphange. I recently returned from a trip to Jamaica (just a month ago) and visited the orphanage while I was there. Our group loved the kids there! It was so calming to hold all the babies and I heard the toddlers were very active! (I didn’t leave the baby room haha) As I read through your description of the building, I could picture everything just as you mentioned. I was recently talking to a friend about international adopting, and I was trying to google information about adopting from Garden Blossoms. I would’ve brought back all of the kids, if I could’ve! I saw also where you visited Dunns River Falls…We went there, too and now I’m onto that page now to check it out!
Comment by Lindsay August 21, 2008 @ 12:05 amHi all! It’s been a long while since I have been on this blog. So nice to see all the new information and visitors here. I have been pretty busy with the family and have lagged on the blogging, but should be getting back in the swing of things soon. (Kids go back to school next week – woo hoo!) We are planning a return trip after Christmas this year. I can’t wait to visit the kids again. I love hearing your stories, so please keep them coming. ~ Krysti
Comment by Krysti August 28, 2008 @ 2:28 amHello! My church is planning a trip to Montego Bay/Falmouth in January. There are just a few of us but could you tell me how you set up a visit with an orphanage? What do you do while you are there? Do you take supplies with you? Any information would be appreciated!
Comment by CLB September 11, 2008 @ 11:31 amThanks!
CLB, I sent you an email, but here is the information as well:
Blossom Gardens Child Care Centre
Comment by Krysti September 11, 2008 @ 4:22 pm18-20 Appleton Hall, Montego Bay
St. James, Jamaica
Manager: Mrs. P. Genas-Brown
Tele: 876-952-6068
Email: blossomgch@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/jamaica_children
blossom gardens kids are great kids for lil fish roy isnt at hte home anymore
Comment by heart September 30, 2008 @ 6:52 pmthe pampers situation at blossom g is not going too well.the new nursery is finally finish,it is perfect and they have also included a pre shool for the 3year olds they are just great. they need pampers like cazy.
Comment by heart September 30, 2008 @ 7:00 pmhi there,WOW me and my family are going to jamaica and would love to visit the orphanage,any information would be great,can we take supplies? if so what would be best? do we need to contact the orphanage first? the list goes on and on,any information would be great as we are flying to montego bay in about 5 weeks
Comment by debbie November 7, 2008 @ 6:34 amregards Debs
There are links on my home page to the orphanage and the driver who took us there. Also if you look back through the comments, I have posted the address and phone number and contact information. Good luck and God Bless.
Comment by Krysti November 7, 2008 @ 2:54 pmi have done some mission nursing work around the negril area…i am returning in february and it is terribly difficult to get information on orphanages in jamaica. i wanted to visit one while i was there on vacation in feb to see what needs they might have and to see if we can be of any assistance when we return in sept. do you have any information, numbers, contact people, addresses…any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated
Comment by karie January 8, 2009 @ 4:56 pmhello my name is marcia i live in the state i would like to now if eny of thease kids is up for adoption please let me no if so i would like to adoption one the age i want is zeo to three years please respond to me thank you
Comment by marcia January 20, 2009 @ 9:27 pmI would like some information on visiting some orphanages regarding what i could bring to help, where to go etc. Thanks,
Comment by HEATHER MARTIN February 27, 2009 @ 12:44 pmIm looking at coming to jamaica to live,therefore im searching around for a job to come in to.this place seems like a place i would enjoy working,because i work in a nursery in London England,with ages 0-5years.im also qualified for this with over 8years experience.
Comment by CHERRY March 4, 2009 @ 4:24 pmi would like to get in touch to have more information please.
It sounds like you are doing agreat job there God bless you all as you continue.
hi! my name’s ashlee.
Comment by Ashlee Sumilat March 8, 2009 @ 10:35 pmi’m working on a scholarship essay, and i’m including information about blossom gardens. do you mind if i use some of your observations about the orphanage in my paper? it would help a lot!
*ps. the scholarship that i’m doing is the Arrowhead Credit Union Foundation Scholarship, in case you wanted to know.
Comment by Ashlee Sumilat March 8, 2009 @ 10:41 pmthe essay prompt is: “If you could run any single company, institution, or organization in teh United states which would you choose and why? What would be the first thing you would change?”
i was going to write about how i would pick an orphanage that mainly took in infants or younger kids & i would hire and screen volunteers to just play with the kids and touch them. there are a bunch of studies on how physical touch help growing children emotionally and even physically in the future.
i came across your blog while googling blossom garden orphanage, & some things that you wrote are perfect for my paper. i’ll definitely give you credit in the essay, but i just wanted to make sure that you were okay with me using it..
hi again still waiting to receive some info,a number are something please.even if there is no job there at the moment still would like some info would be good to bring things and also do voluntary work.
Comment by CHERRY March 10, 2009 @ 3:48 pmI have lots of questiona about this trip. Can you contact me please. eden696@yahoo.com. Thanks
Comment by Kerri-ann March 11, 2009 @ 4:05 pmI went here and it was one of the most amazing experiances ever! doooonate
Comment by K March 12, 2009 @ 2:04 pmWhat a wonderful story. I too am touched by these children and hope that you can forward the information to me to contact the head mistress of the center, it would be greatly appreciated.
Comment by lorie March 17, 2009 @ 4:32 pmas a young boy i was in a home like the one you visited i find your story rewarding your heart warm and your love amazing god bless you and keep you.you bring sunshine to days that make a difference in a child life and i promise you they will not for get you:}:}:}:}:}
Comment by WALT April 15, 2009 @ 12:12 pmI am Australian and am marrying a Jamaican man this year and we want to adopt a Jamaican boy aged between 1 and 3. Could anyone send me information on the process and costs etc of being able to do this. Any help will be appreciated. My email address is sharmane.jackson@yahoo.com Thankyou in advance!
Comment by Sharmane April 28, 2009 @ 8:32 amWow…I was so glad to find this thread. I am leaving for Lucea in June and have been searching for some type of volunteer opportunities around there or close like MoBay. I have found all sorts of trips that cost a lot of money. Unfortunately all I have to donate is an able body and a loving heart. I will be contacting Blossom gardens and hope to volunteer 3-4 times a week while i am in town for the month…THANK YOU and God Bless
Comment by Elena May 30, 2009 @ 10:31 pmHello!
I am so glad I found this website. I am coming to Jamaica in July of this year from the 9-13. And I was looking for something like this while working with the children. I wanted to bring things to donate as well, what should I take. I will check the link for Chef and I also wanted to ask you if you had the contact information for the head mistress so I can speak to her and arrange something for when I arrive in MoBay.!
Comment by Sadaf June 4, 2009 @ 7:31 pmIt’s been two years since you visited the Blossom Garden Orphanage. We are going to stop in Montego Bay for a shore excursion in Sept 2009. Do you think we could get to the Blossom Garden Orphanage and back to the port in four hours?
Comment by Jenny July 12, 2009 @ 7:47 pmHello I am practal nurse here in canada and have just came back for the second time from jamacia its so beautiful I wanted imformation in comming to volunteer my services doing anything to help with the children for one month could someone please contact me with this imformation on comming out for a month thank you so much god bless B renda Grenier
Comment by Brenda Grenier August 3, 2009 @ 8:22 pmWow. I went on a Missions trip this last January with a couple of people from my church area.. and we all went down to Jamaica. We went to Blossom Gardens a couple of times during the week. Now, I’m only 17 years old, but the first day I got to hold the children, truly was god’s blessing! A little girl named Rihanna stole my heart for good! I wanted to take her in my arms and never let go! This next January, I plan on going down to Jamaica once again and relive an INCREDIBLE experience! I also want to gather a couple of Church friends, and live down in Jamaica for a whole summer. I would have the time of my life! That one little girl has definatly changed every aspect of my life for the better! I love you Rihanna! It truly is an experience like no other. I don’t know any information on Rihanna and if she is still there or not. I would give everything of mine just to be with her for one more day! God’s blessings! Thank you so much for this website!
Comment by Tiffany August 23, 2009 @ 5:18 pmOff topic – Help with PM?
Comment by Boss Resurfacing September 6, 2009 @ 10:23 pmlost password
Boss Resurfacing
Boss Resurfacing
Hello,
Thank you for your inspiring post — Great information!
Question:
Are the needed supplies easy to purchase in MB? My husband and I would like to bring donations to the orphanage, but with all of the airline baggage restrictions, we are hoping to buy the bulkier items (diapers, etc.) after we arrive. Any experience with this?
Thanks again!!
Comment by trisha September 23, 2009 @ 11:45 pmHi,I have been working with our missions dept.at our Church here in Colorado and the Pastor who heads up this dept has always had a heart particularly for Orphanges in Jamaica so trying to help him get connected came upon your site and would love any and every info you can give me as far as helping on the Island and possibly brining a mission’s team down.
Comment by Norma Gordon October 2, 2009 @ 11:31 pmAs a native Jamaican and one who grew up in an Orphanage just outside of Kingston in St.Andrew,I look forward to being able to help in anyway I can as I know that there is a great and overlooked need in the Orpanages on a whole world wide.Thank-you for sharing your love,kindness and service with my countryfolk.God Bless you!
Please send me the info u have for the orpahanage as my husband and I wanting to go this Christmas.
Comment by Rachel October 19, 2009 @ 2:53 pmThank you much for your help, Rachel
I submitted an application to the CDA this year and want to adopt from Jamaica. Anyone who has helpful information can reach me at misslovely68@yahoo.com
Comment by Tonya November 19, 2009 @ 1:47 pm