The Veil Has Been Lifted
In September 2023, I took a much-needed escape to Jamaica. It was a couples’ trip, a celebration honoring my best friend, but for me, it felt like a lifeline. Just two months into my second year as a high school computer science teacher, the stress had already piled up. Even taking time off meant risking a write-up from my school leader. But when I landed in Jamaica, I made a choice: I left every bit of that stress—along with my relationship troubles—back in the States.
Jamaica was everything I needed. I felt healthier and more alive, both mentally and physically. I faced my fears, riding a horse and even venturing into deep water. My bonds with my best friends strengthened, and I discovered a love for Jamaican food that I still indulge weekly (shoutout to Jamaica Ponder Rd. in Acres Homes!). More than anything, though, I was captivated by the Jamaicans themselves. They lived boldly, loving their country, their heritage, and themselves with pride that was palpable. It was a beautiful thing to witness.
I felt at peace in a way I hadn’t in years. I was so relaxed, I actually got bored at one point—that’s how content I was! And for the first time, I heard God’s voice clearly, resonating deep within my heart and spirit. I realized that this was how I wanted to experience my life—not just during the rare vacation but as a constant rhythm.
But when I returned to the U.S., I felt like a stranger in my own life. America felt foreign, the daily grind glaringly apparent. It was as if the veil had lifted, and I could finally see things as they were. America felt like a place where people are expected to work until they die, with joy and rest doled out in rare intervals. I knew I couldn’t live like that.
My home life fell back into its old, strained patterns, and my job felt as draining as ever. I wondered how I’d been able to keep up the facade for so long. It felt like I was stuck in a long, dark tunnel with no end in sight. But then January 26, 2024, arrived, and everything changed.
To be continued…
