Jo has been in love with One Direction since they were formed on The X Factor. She's lusted after all the boys at some stage but had always fancied the enigmatic Harry Styles.
Jo decides to take off to Jamaica for a holiday as it's always been on h...
I decide to write in my journal for a while as everyone has finally boarded the plane. The bubbles that Luke has kindly poured for me are going down a treat. Business Class is nice, really nice. Shame I'm not ever going to be able to afford it so I enjoy the food, bubbles and great service whilst I can.
I open my Journal and look thoughtfully at it's entry. It's written in scrawly handwriting, the handwriting of a wide eyed 16 year old who got plucked from obscurity in a shopping mall in Auckland New Zealand who just happened to catch the eye of a talent scout from a model agency in New York. I thought I wanted to be a model. Doesn't every young girl? I'd gone in this stupid competition as a dare not thinking anything would come from it but it did. I was whisked away from my family, taken to New York and put in an apartment in Manhattan with a bevvy of other beauties. I had no idea about the modelling scene, how to walk, what to wear , how to look. I was compared to several other models who had come before me. I discovered quickly that the modelling scene was not for me. The parties, the drugs, the alcohol, the constant stress of worrying if I was too thin or too fat for some type of shoot. It took its toll on me and the second year into my contract I collapsed with severe dehydration and exhaustion at a Prada Runway Show.
My Manager Roz rung my Mum and I was let go from my contract on medical grounds. I'd never been so damn happy in all my life. I could be Jo again. Not Jo-Anne Ballentyne Model. I cried so much when Mum came to the hospital. "Oh my darling, what have you done to yourself"? "I'm sorry Mummy, I cried, I'm so so sorry I let you and Daddy and Jakey down". "You didn't let us down angel", I'm just glad your ok". I didn't feel ok. I felt pretty fucking far from ok. I'd gained a liking for Speed as it kept you thin and I'd also taken several other drugs to stop my weight gain. I'd also been diagnosed with Bulimia as is common in the industry. I was a walking cliche. Drug fucked and sick. I was lucky to be alive.
Mum took me home, back to Auckland and shortly after we left for the UK as Mum wanted to be close to her family. It was always the plan. That when Jake and I were old enough we'd go to the UK. We hadn't been in the UK long when my darling Dad had suffered a massive heart attack. He was as fit as a fiddle, eat healthily, never smoked, had the occasional drink but very seldom. We were all devastated and didn't know how we would cope. But we did. I got my strength back and enrolled at the University in Manchester studying Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology and Human Relations. I planned on working as a Social Worker for Marginalized Youth with Addictions and Mental Health Issues. I wanted to give back to all the amazing people who helped me get back to good.
I began a new heading on a fresh page.
Jamaica - Day One
Well here I finally am after all the planning, money saving and long hours at the Cafe. I'm not quite sure how to feel as I'm surprised to actually be here. I'm looking forward to testing my limits, doing things I normally wouldn't do and drinking a few nasty Cocktails :) I'm heading into this with an open mind. I'm looking forward to meeting Ngarita and Jacques at the centre for kids who have been abandoned or live on the street. I know its going to be life changing and I'm looking forward to see the processes they use. I am ready.
I'd found Ngarita and Jacques Canon on a Facebook page. They did some amazing work in Kingston with youth and their families and I was keen to visit them. I wanted to help as much as I could. We'd been talking, Emailing, Skyping for over 6 months now and they felt like family. I had filled my bags with supplies that I thought would be helpful for the centre. Ngarita and Jacques were going to pick me up from the Airport which was great. I was so excited to see them.
It was a long flight. Just over sixteen hours. Manchester, Heathrow Miami to Kingston and by the time I arrived I was well over it. Business Class did ease the discomfort though and I was pleased to have caught a few zs. The Captain made his "buckle up for landing announcement" and we started our descent into Kingston.
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The first thing I noticed was the lush green and several old brick buildings. It kind of reminded me of Manhattan Island a little. It looked stunning and the sun was shining so brightly. I'm happy when the plane lands and we are able to get our stored belongings from the over head compartment. First class is allowed off first and its great. I head down to the baggage carousel and collect my belongings.
I see Ngarita and Jacques in the distance. "Jo Jo" they call to me and I'm so pleased to see them. I'm wrapped in warm bear hugs and kissed on the cheek twice. "Welcome sweet girl, so glad you are here". Jacques is huge well not huge just really tall. I look up at him into his kind eyes. Ngarita holds my hand and grabs my case. "Come on sweet pea, Kingston awaits us and we've got soooo much to show you". I laugh happy that I'm finally here and follow my lovely friends out to their Jeep. It's an amazing day and I can't wait to get to the center to meet the kids.
