About 7 new posts blow this one....

Posted newer entries below this one....

Site change! I have a lot to say about this but don't have the time right now. This is rough location.


View 18.358480, -77.914161 in a larger map




Kids and I took a hike into the hills. Only a few people regularly go into the hills. It's a spooky place for a lot of Jamaicans. I just don't like the plant "Courage"- horrible sting. Pain lasts 10 seconds, and 20 min, of a burning sensation.






This nearly blind man lives alone here.



This is one of the three taxis that run from my area to the nearest town. They normally hold 6 passengers but I have seen one carry 9 passengers, not including the driver.



The boys play cricket and "football"

January 20th

I had a little practice dodging the elements back in Texas. I remember as a kid running out into a hail storm and unsuccessfully trying to dodge the small stings of the falling hail. A January day in Jamaica is very similar, wearing a proper long sleeve dress shirt and a poorly planned thick pair of jeans I dart from the shade of a shop to the shade of a large bread fruit tree. Just as I could not avoid the small stings of hail I am helpless in my attempts to escape the oppressing heat. ITS WINTER!!!

Big news- I might be moving. This decision really has me torn. On one hand I enjoy working in one of the most rural places in Jamaica, on the other hand multiple factors are pushing me towards relocating. This is not an easy decision. I would move only a few miles away from where I currently live and maintain contact with the community.

Big Up-
Dr. Car for the tooth brushes and tooth paste- a portion have been distributed to neighborhood kids but most are being saved for a hygiene lesson.
Mrs. Hanna for the purses and toiletries- I have given out only one, to a poor elderly lady who just had her son pass away unexpectedly, will give out the rest soon.
My mom's book club for the Kindle, according to my mom checking football scores is not what it was intended for. I also use it to read Foreign Affairs magazine, and a few books.
Dan for the chess timer that will be used by me and residents at the AIDS hospice, great place
My dad for the washer set, turned out to be a huge hit.
Eileen Reed and Region 13 for the projector, don't know what to play first, Jaws, Scream, Bill Nye The Science Guy or Cops
The many people who have provided me with the love, support and prayers that keep me going.

January 8th

I thought some time away from Jamaica was exactly what I needed to reinvigorate me. Nope. Wow, do I miss home. I am sure my homesickness will pass, I just needed to get re-accustomed to life here on the rock. After a fantastic time with friends and family it was hard to say goodbye.

I have been sick since I arrived back in Jamaica yesterday. Think it's just a bad cold. Feel like it's sucking the life out of me.