Blog

Students made the most of their second day on South, despite the rain. Such weather would not keep them from exploring.  The students from Arizona were especially enthusiastic, having not felt real rain in years! As you can see in the photos, our students, and some tough local kids who simply love to play with us, even on a cloudy day, had a great time under the clouds yesterday. The best part about our fun is that it was not even planned.

I had planned to take a group of six students on an afternoon road trip to an abandoned plantation house on the island, where we would explore the old structure, farming grounds, and walled cliffs….and clean up (and enjoy) the adjacent beach. The roads were too flooded to make the journey so instead we embarked on foot, with softballs, mitts, and soccer balls in hands, and flexibility in minds, to see what we could get into in town. I called out the names of my young South Caicos buddies as we passed by their homes, and by the time we got to an open corner lot in the middle of town, we had five kids join us. For about an hour we played and had positive conversation until the rain, and a truly cool wind, hit harder. Can you see in the fuzzy action shots what we found as a bat? Improvisation is an important skill for a Student Affairs Manager on South Caicos!

It was a special afternoon for both our students and the local kids. Our students actually enjoyed the fresh water of the rain, after spending time in the salty Caribbean waters, but when the rain and wind proved to be sticking around, the kids darted home, and we walked to a local in-home restaurant for some ice cream.

SFS students, as alumni reading this can surely attest, are indeed one of a kind. As an alum myself, I can say that I have not lost the spirit of adventure I had as a student on South Caicos 13 years ago. Thanks SFS!

One more thing I’d like to mention (before I pass the SAM role onto the next lucky person!) is the role that churches play in the community of South. Our students are always welcomed at any and all church events, and the locals could not be more thankful when they see us in their midst. I have made a point to visit most of the 15 churches on the island, and upon hearing one congregation singing without any musical accompaniment, I asked if they ever had anyone play piano. That simple question led to me being their “organist” since April. Students have come to services, and I continue to play Saturday nights and Sunday mornings for the church. Regardless of whether we are religious, spiritual, or neither, taking part in this aspect of the culture is truly a unique and special experience for us. Thanks South Caicos!