Really don’t know where I begin describing how amazing working with the Ignacio Volunteers of Loyola University New Orleans was. This is an experience I can’t really describe in words, so I did my best to document the feeling within my photographs. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to portray the people I’ve met & the wonderful actions that I’ve witnessed. I had the privilege to join up with the Ignacio Volunteers on their Spring trip to Kingston, Jamaica. During their time their everyone splits up into groups & we visit 4 different sites each day, rotating appropriately so everyone gets a chance to serve at each site. I arrived in Kingston on a Thursday morning & after grabbing a famous beef patty at a local dive (which are amazing!!) the staff took me to meet one of the groups that was already at Riverton Elementary. My cousin Heather is actually apart of the Ignacio Volunteers staff, and I can’t praise her enough! She is so wonderful at what she does & of course Peter, who is actually from Jamaica is incredible. You’d have to meet the amazing Peter to even get an idea of how wonderful he is.
Anyways, so we’re driving & all of a sudden we turn down this dirt road into what is a garbage dump site. I kid you not…..garbage, scraps, and dirt everywhere. As I advance more into the city, shacks line the dusty road. Scrap metal tin homes, created within ruins. We then pull up to a small gated elementary school. I hop out eager immerse myself in the culture. This is just part I of my trip, I have TONS of more photos and stories to share, so be on the lookout! If you get the time please read more about the Ignacio Volunteers on their site http://mm.loyno.edu/volunteer-service/ignacio-volunteer-programs
Press play & enjoy.
[audio:https://blog.kristencurette.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ThereOnceWasaHushpuppy.mp3]
When we were leaving, these kids came up & started running beside the van, waving us goodbye. My heart melted. 
I only had the chance to visit Riverton once, as there where the other 3 sites I had to photograph. One day while I was at another site, I gave my phone to Kendall, another volunteer with the group (who loves taking selfies lol). Here are some of my favorites that were taken at their time at Riverton!
1 Thessalonians 5:11