Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer
WHEN I FIRST met Sister Monica I immediately felt warmth coming from her being. Her hands were firm in the handshake and very, very powerful.
My eyes immediately took her all in. Locks wrapped tightly in colourful head tie, immaculately clean and starched shirt over long pants, gold chains around her neck, a strong presence and aura combined with a warm huge laughter that echoed through the room at Country Country in Negril.
An American guest had insisted that I meet her. Gill had been coming to Negril for some 20 years and knew everything about this capital of casual, including Sister Monica. The circumstances of their meeting had piqued my interest -- Gill's injured shoulder had been healed by this Jamaican. Sister Monica and I talked, skirting around several spiritual issues. Little did I know that our paths would cross again.
A week after this meeting my back gave out. Just like that. The pain was horrific. Off to bed rest with tablets I went. Next day same t'ing. Pain every moving moment. On the third day, I hauled myself out of bed and walked to the beach. Sister Monica appeared, laid me down and proceeded to massage my lower back -- her instinct pressuring the exact problem areas. After the quick 15 minute routine, she said there was need for more work. I was invited to take part in a weekend of special cleansing and massage offered by Country Country and Sister Monica.
That night she came to the room. First I was rubbed and washed in healing bushes (her special secret). Then 'tea' was poured with the advice to stay close to the bathroom for the cleansing. It was one like I never have had. I fell asleep to wake to fruits with massage at my chosen spot in the gardens surrounded by birds and butterflies and caressed by a gentle breeze. Hmmm.
Monica began at the top, working her way all down my body using coconut oil and fresh aloes. She zoned in, with special emphasis on one middle finger and that surprised me. I had not mentioned to her that bending this finger had been impossible for awhile (arthritis or that carpal business from computer usage). As she massaged the pain was excruciating but Monica soothed me, telling me to hold in my breath as she pressed. "Breathe in. Big breath. Take it all in sweetheart, take it all in and now ... breathe out slowly, slowly throw it all way' and guided me through her 'healing'. For an hour, maybe more, this lady worked on me, every now and then clapping into the air, or slapping her hands on the nearby coconut tree -- an action that made me sort of smirk and smile to myself. However, this process continued, until totally exhausted with sweat running down her forehead, Monica whispered: "Rest for awhile." Then off she went.
I was able to remove myself from her massage table -- sent to her by good friend Dr. Randy J. Epstein from Chicago Cornea Consultants Inc., and oddly enough manufactured by Living Earth Crafts with the sign "There's no substitute for the human touch". The stiffness associated with back pain eased. I could walk without crouching. "It will take a little time, don't fret," was Monica's retort.
For lunch I had a chicken salad followed by much water through the afternoon, sunset was met with a half-hour foot massage and light dinner at Hunan Gardens (Chinese Restaurant at Country Country). A tonic made of Gawpa/meto Berry and Tansy was administered with enough left for the following day.
Next morning I jumped out of bed -- shocked myself, to be honest. You know they say we always think young in our heads -- those embedded memories staying but the pain of age slowing us down. Well, hello, I felt like a teenager. As I stood in the middle of the room, I kept looking at the bed and then at myself standing. I could not believe it as I turned to the left and then to the right with ease -- not possible since 1998.
Breakfast was another plateful of fruits followed by a half-hour full body massage with Monica smiling as she touched my 'trouble' spots. There was no groaning or crying from me anymore. "It will take time and more massage but all dis feel better to me", said Monica. Two fresh little bags of the tea tonic were handed over with instructions for preparation and usage and I was on my own.
Work is a terrible thing -- I have been so busy that it was impossible to have Monica touch me since that weekend but I am running around with an energy that is unreal. My back gives me a tweak here and there but that's all. I am still jumping out of bed in the mornings without pain. Monica keeps appearing from 'nowhere' when I least expect it. She watches as I busily run around, reminding me that the time is nearing for another go at my body. What can I say, except 'I know'.
Country Country has taken the innovative step of having Monica on property for reserved weekends. So far two friends have had good results -- Xavier Chin, owner of Country Country, would not talk about it (well, well, well), and renowned chef and restaurateur Norma Shirley. Monica sat Miss Norma down one day, took her hands and began working on them with Rosemary oils (she had not come to massage and had left her concoctions at home). Later on, driving to the airport, Miss Norma kept making fists, opening her hands in disbelief and promising to return for a complete weekend.
Sister Monica, 41 years old began massaging six years ago while working in the watersports business. "A lady had an accident in the water, me can't say how, it would not be right, but her foot was battered badly and I heard a voice that repeated to me three times: 'Monica go help dat lady, go help her'. So I did.
"It was the voice of God. I know because he made me realise then that I had healing hands. I massaged de foot. Did 'everylittleting' the spirit told me to do."
After two hours, according to Monica, "the blood start to dissolve from her foot and come back to normal. I knew then and there dat I had a giff. You know my grandmother from Hanover, Rachel Clarke, taught me all about the herb -- people used to come to her for pain relief, relief of all kind o'tings and I listened and learned but never used my knowledge until God insisted that I pay attention. That experience changed my life, true".
What about all the clapping? "What God asked me to do is to heal the sick, not raise the dead. The clapping is my secret that I have to keep for myself. Me nah say me can heal you, only God, but I try my best with what He has given me to help ease pain".
The invitation from Country Country to do work with them on weekends is a new step for a hotel, she notes. "People will begin to know the power of herb and spiritual healing. It's a good thing," adds Monica as she smiles and walks away from me to attend to a gentleman on the property.
It is now two weeks and I am still feeling fit and strong, jumping out of bed like a child. Mind over matter? Try a weekend with Monica at this beautiful little 'secret resort' in Negril and see for yourself. The worst that can happen is that you feel great after the cleansing, the rest, the pampering and massage mixed together with the joy of meeting this very 'rootsie' lady from Orange Bay.
"Their separation from Me prevents humans from using Me, calling upon Me, having a friendship with Me, harnessing the full potential of My creative and healing power, either to end suffering, or for any other purpose." - The words of God according to communion with God, Neale Donald Walsch
Sister Monica Spiritual Healings Weekend
Country Country
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril
COUNTRY COUNTRY COST:
Weekend: J$9,850 or US$210 per person based on double occupancy. Price includes massage.
Special arrangements can be discussed with Miss Melony - Front Office
Phone: 957-4341 Fax: 876-957 4342
e-mail: countrynegril@cwjamaica.com
web site: www.countrynegril@cwjamaica.com.jm.
