I hear people talk all the time about wanting to save the world and make a difference, especially in Jamaica. The reality is, you can’t save the world without starting first with one person...

Four years ago, this is what the Lumley family did. It started with their loved one, who is a resident at the Golden Age Home. What began as a family gathering quickly grew into a feast for a large group of the community to enjoy! This Christmas I had the opportunity to join them in spreading a little Christmas cheer.

Here’s how I spent Christmas in Jamaica

We arrived at the Golden Age home in Vineyard Town right at 12:30pm to a mostly empty courtyard in Cluster F.  I joined the on duty nurses and other volunteers who were setting the tables for dinner. Slowly, the courtyard began to come alive with residents and in no time, each distinct personality began to shine through.

Dinner started with soup and rolls and then continued on to the main course: ham and chicken, mac and cheese, rice and peas, salad, mixed veggies, pumpkin and fruit cake for dessert. It all smelled, looked and tasted amazing. And judging by the empty plates, I’d say that was the general consensus. Shouts out to the chef, Ms. Lumley, who prepared the meal.

After dinner came the gifts. Many, many thanks to Stephanie of Delusional Divas and Cindy who made monetary contributions that went towards the purchase of handheld radios (and batteries), dominoes and a myriad of personal items for each resident. It was so much fun to watch everyone open their gifts and put them to use right away.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend my day with this amazing group of seniors and volunteers. In between serving food, cleaning up and passing out gifts, I had a chance to sit and talk with some of the residents who were all appreciative, not only for the food and gifts, but for the time and conversation. I made two special friends, Ms. Gibbs and Ms. Robinson, who vowed to keep me in their prayers and asked me to write to them when I return home. I think I can handle that and plan to return to visit them again in a few weeks!

The Seniors’ Christmas Dinner is the brain child of Chef Brian Lumley and Stephanie Lumley of Foodie Focused. Keep up to date with more Foodie Focused events via the site, Facebook and Twitter!