Coconuts and green bananas are a common sight in our kitchen lately. Sarah has been filling the pick up with these Jamaican fruits and carrying back to our apartment. It’s quite fun to watch my roommate take our dull machete and try to break open the coconut to get some of the jelly out-a very nice morning treat in our house.
Tuesdays have become a blessing and joy for me in Mt. Friendship. The after school club finally started and is working out well so far. The kids are loving the opportunity to do some arts and crafts and play some outdoor games. I can’t describe their excitement. Their excitement is contagious, and quickly puts a smile on my face. I enjoy this time to get to know the students and share a good time together.
After our chore of having to clean up the evidence of our creativity and fun, some of the kids pile up into our pickup (when we have it) and ride to “entrance.” At entrance, they can either walk farther up the mountain to Mt. Pleasant, Mt. James, or Big Road. Or, they can travel down to Iron River or Golden Spring. Some have to take taxis, which is about 50 cents U.S. money.
Other days, walking some of the children home from school can bring great experiences. Last week, I accompanied a 2nd grade girl, to her home. I was able to meet her mom and new baby brother. At the door of her house, I took my flip-flops off as usual and left them by the door. When leaving the house, my shoes were missing. Their dog had chewed them and thrown one down “da gully!” Luckily, the mother lent me her shoes to wear as I walked up the road to catch a taxi/bus home. I can honestly say that walking in someone else’s shoes is a different experience.
This weekend, my 4 roommates and I traveled across the island to Negril (aka the most touristy hot spot in Jamaica). Sarah showed off her amazing running skills in the annual “Reggae Race.” Supporting her as she ran the 13.1 miles in the half marathon was certainly worth waking up at 4 in the morning for! The three times she ran by resulted in extreme noise from me and the other volunteers. Can you tell I’m proud of her?
Of course, a trip to Negril meant a well-deserved visit to the beautiful, white sandy beaches. I also certainly worked on my haggling skills at the craft market, as I browsed among the beautiful, local made artifacts from the island. I had some of the best jerk fish and ackee and saltfish I have ever had.
Thank you to all who have sent books for our Christmas book drive! I am so thankful and very excited to start distributing them in a few weeks!
Tuesdays have become a blessing and joy for me in Mt. Friendship. The after school club finally started and is working out well so far. The kids are loving the opportunity to do some arts and crafts and play some outdoor games. I can’t describe their excitement. Their excitement is contagious, and quickly puts a smile on my face. I enjoy this time to get to know the students and share a good time together.
After our chore of having to clean up the evidence of our creativity and fun, some of the kids pile up into our pickup (when we have it) and ride to “entrance.” At entrance, they can either walk farther up the mountain to Mt. Pleasant, Mt. James, or Big Road. Or, they can travel down to Iron River or Golden Spring. Some have to take taxis, which is about 50 cents U.S. money.
Other days, walking some of the children home from school can bring great experiences. Last week, I accompanied a 2nd grade girl, to her home. I was able to meet her mom and new baby brother. At the door of her house, I took my flip-flops off as usual and left them by the door. When leaving the house, my shoes were missing. Their dog had chewed them and thrown one down “da gully!” Luckily, the mother lent me her shoes to wear as I walked up the road to catch a taxi/bus home. I can honestly say that walking in someone else’s shoes is a different experience.
This weekend, my 4 roommates and I traveled across the island to Negril (aka the most touristy hot spot in Jamaica). Sarah showed off her amazing running skills in the annual “Reggae Race.” Supporting her as she ran the 13.1 miles in the half marathon was certainly worth waking up at 4 in the morning for! The three times she ran by resulted in extreme noise from me and the other volunteers. Can you tell I’m proud of her?
Of course, a trip to Negril meant a well-deserved visit to the beautiful, white sandy beaches. I also certainly worked on my haggling skills at the craft market, as I browsed among the beautiful, local made artifacts from the island. I had some of the best jerk fish and ackee and saltfish I have ever had.
Thank you to all who have sent books for our Christmas book drive! I am so thankful and very excited to start distributing them in a few weeks!
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