November/ December 2011

On the day before Thanksgiving, I had visitors from way back! John and Anita Zavacky from Hope College days stopped in Ocho Rios for an afternoon while on a cruise. We had such fun eating jerk chicken and pork and reminiscing. They also came bearing Christmas gifts for me and my students. How neat is that!
Thanksgiving this year included a real turkey! I had truly missed that last year. Quite an expensive treat, but thoroughly enjoyed, and I have turkey soup in my freezer still! Diann, Juanita, Patrice and Laura, all PCVs, came to celebrate on Saturday. And we had a wonderful time together. A time to reflect and appreciate our blessings and eat down home food!


My next adventure was to travel to Negril to volunteer at the Reggae Marathon. This is an internationally sanctioned marathon (and half marathon and 10k). At least a dozen Peace Corps volunteers and staff participated. Ann and I were lucky enough to be assigned to the finish line to help put medals around every finisher. We managed to get photos of most everyone as well. We had to report to our spot at 4AM- its pretty dark out then! We got done around 11AM and went straight for a swim in the sea! We were impressed with how efficiently the meet was run; runners from 28 countries were there! The rest of the weekend we enjoyed the 7 mile beach at Negril (really only 4 miles, but beautiful all the same!). Sunday noon we left for the 4 hour bus/taxi trip home. It’s funny how accepting we have become about travelling public here.

At school the 4th grade literacy exam re-sit was held Dec. 6. This was the last chance for some grade 6 students to pass this exam. School had been running special sessions for these students and having practice tests for them.
There are 3 components to the exam- vocabulary, comprehension and writing. Students must pass all three sections. There is a lot of pressure- on the school to show that they have a high % passing this exam on the first or second try, and on the students because not passing means they cannot go on to high school in grade 7. Students are only allowed to take the exam 3 times. If a child does not pass, they will be moved on to a special remedial program; sort of a junior high school. At the end of grade 8 they may take another exam and if they do well enough they can move to a high school. Here high school begins at grade 7 and goes until 5th or 6th form (grade 11 or 12)

The Ocho Rios East Rotary Club was officially chartered on November 16. The big topic now is our charter ceremony- to be held Jan. 20th 2012. This will be a formal affair with dinner and dancing after. I am grateful for the financial support I have received from the Wallingford CT Rotary Club as well as friends and family. Otherwise I could not have afforded to become a charter member. Th club has ready adopted the Ocho Rios High School Track and Field team as one of our projects. Some kids on the team are running barefoot- and there is need for nutritional food for them as well. We are collecting used running shoes- if you’re coming to Jamaica, bring a pair with you and I’ll see they get to the right place! Thank you!
Schools here run on 3 terms per school year, so term one ends just before Christmas holiday. The last 2 weeks at Breadnut Hill were full of activities- first came exams- for all grades even grade 1. Then we had a fair and a crowning of Miss Breadnut Hill that evening. The Miss Breadnut Hill program was just like on TV- the 6 finalist had to model, give a talent (most of them sang, one said a poem), then they were each asked a question. There were 3 judges and then the crowning by the former Miss Breadnut Hill from 2009. Quite a production. (This didn’t happen last year) Then on Tuesday, we had a school Christmas Carol sing. The school choir sang a few carols including my favourite- Go Tell it on the Mountain. Their version is one I had never heard before- I hope I can download it for you to hear! Each class did a song and the grade 6 students did the Christmas story. I really enjoyed this; very Jamaican. But I was frustrated and sort of disappointed about how noisy the students were. Only 1 teacher was even sitting with her class. It didn’t seem as if that is a teacher’s responsibility here. The principal would occasionally yell at the students but that only lasted a few minutes and then it was noisy again. School does not have a sound system- that had been stolen with the office computer last year, but I'm not really sure that would have solved the problem. Wed. Dec 14 was a very rainy day and the last day of school for the year. Only 50 students (out of 240) even came to school. I had invited my 8 library helpers to an end of term thank you Christmas party on that day. Only 5 of them even came to school, but we had a fun time. My daughter Carrie had sent, on my pleading, How the Grinch Stole Christmas DVD. We showed that to most everyone that day. Only 1 or 2 kids had ever seen it. It has such a wonderful message I just love it. There is no Santa Claus here, and Christmas trees are only in the big stores or around tourist areas. Then our principal announced to the teachers that school would resume on Jan. 9th not Jan. 3rd as scheduled. Seems so amazing that the date can be changed so informally and at such a late day! I also observed how there really was no instruction going on at school for any of the last 4 days. Seems like not the best use of student time.


I’m getting ready for Christmas now, and enjoying the down time!
Merry Christmas to you all!

HALLOWEEN IN JAMAICA + GREAT SHAPE INC.


October 21 & 22 was the Peace Corps All Volunteer Conference in Kingston put on by VAC. VAC stands for Volunteer Advisory Council. I was nominated and elected as one of 2 PCVs from my Group 81. Group 82, the newest group on island, also elected 2 volunteers. The 4 of us are like the board of directors for VAC, and are responsible to be the voice of the volunteers to the PC Jamaica staff. This conference was a step towards promoting better rapport between the 2 Peace Corps groups and with the PCJ staff. Various volunteers led small focus groups on a variety of topics such as organic farming, understanding the Jamaica school system, health and nutrition promotion and one titled “ What to do when you are bored in Jamaica”. I got a great recommended book list and recipes from some other volunteers. The conference went very well, and now the 4 of us are compiling the survey results and writing a report and recommendations for next year’s conference.

I had the chance to visit Ann and PCV G82 who lives in St. Mary parish- more rural than my site. We enjoyed the local beaches and I saw her school garden and the baby goats. I love visiting other PCVs and seeing their communities!

Halloween is not celebrated here in Jamaica but most of the students knew about it a little from cable TV and books. I made 2 Jack o’ Lanterns- one from a green pumpkin (that’s the normal colour of pumpkins here), and one from a calabash gourd. I brought them to the school library, and even lit a candle after closing the windows for Grade 2! The students loved seeing, touching and smelling them. I did not hand out treats to all 240 students at school! It was fun!

November 7-18 Breadnut Hill Primary was fortunate to have volunteers from Great Shape Inc, a NGO out of Oregon which is dedicated to assisting Jamaica in three areas. It runs free dental clinics, eye clinics, literacy programs and supplies computers all around Jamaica. The Sandals Foundation and Resorts host the volunteers. I was invited (Peace Corps approved) and was allowed to stay at the Beaches Boscobal Resort for the first week. Quite a luxury to stay at an all inclusive resort- with elaborate buffet meals, drinks of all varieties at no charge, two pools, a beach and a fitness centre. I’m sure I gained some weight!
The literacy volunteers went to 4 area primary schools near Ocho Rios. They had met with the Ministry of Education and were asked to concentrate on writing skills. On both the Grade 4 and Grade 6 exams there is a writing section which many students score poorly on. I was so impressed with these teachers and their volunteer assistants. They came prepared with a variety of activities to encourage writing skills. Teachers were asked to stay in the room with their class because helping the teachers learn new methods is an important part of Great Shape’s mission. This was not always successful, but it was encouraging to see some teachers excited about a new method and eager to learn more on how to implement it. Back at the resort I was able to share some Peace Corps stories as well as explaining some Jamaican culture and norms to the volunteers. We talked a lot about how to initiate change, and what Great Shape can do to be more effective and more sustainable. That is very much like Peace Corps discussions and concerns. I was able to arrange 2 groups to go visit Mel and see baby Hawksbill turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. That still awes me every time I see them! I met many good new friends at Great Shape and hope and intend to visit some of them when I return to the states and go on the road with my RV! (next dream to fulfil!)
Thank you Great Shape for your dedication to Jamaica and your kindness to me- I really enjoyed my Sandals vacation and getting to know some of you! Blessings!

BUSY DAYS IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2011

BUSY DAYS- SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2011
September 17th was the International Coastal Clean-up Day worldwide. I joined about 180 local participants including 2 other PCV’s and 2 of my summer camp boys at the White River. The organizers had buses ready to take volunteers to various beaches that needed cleaning. Our group of 5 ended up at Priory Beach near St. Ann’s Bay. We pulled a lot of black scandal bags out of the beach area along with shoes, clothes, cans and plastic. Everything was tallied up to be submitted for analysis. After we were bussed back, hot and hungry we had lots of donated food for lunch including my first taste of Lionfish soup! Quite tasty. Was so encouraging to see the local support and the number of school students who came out to help.

How appropriate- one Saturday in October a bunch of PC volunteers (16 in all) gathered to go tubing down the White River. We drove up into the bush where the river ran clear, cool and beautiful. No houses no trash. We divided into 2 groups and walked up the river with our tubes and floated down to meet our friends. The tubes were the same type you get at a water park- with the 2 handles. The river had a few ripples, some small rapids and one tricky spot that flipped out about half of the group!
I have been attending weekly formative meetings for the soon to be chartered Rotary Club of Ocho Rios East. In October we were visited by the District Governor Guy from Haiti. He has approved out charter and now we are planning our charter ceremony event! Then we can finally get to do some of the community projects we have discussed! Peace Corps volunteers are encouraged to get involved in community organizations, but they suggest we be just guest members since our monthly allowance is not enough to pay dues. I really want to be a “real” member so I have reached out to the Wallingford CT Rotary Club and past Rotarian Al Reynolds for financial support and they have graciously and generously helped me out! I am excited and proud to be a charter member of the Ocho Rios East Rotary Club! A “big up” to my supporters! (A Jamaican phrase to indicate a big thank you or accomplishment. )

Back to School!

BACK TO SCHOOL IN JAMAICA
SEPT. 2011
The big event after summer camp ended and before I left on vacation was that the barrel of books the ROMEO group had shipped from Boston arrived in Montego Bay. The ROMEOs are a bunch of Retired Old Men Eating Out, including my father, who had set themselves a goal to collect and send books to my school. What dears! I had heard that getting a barrel was quite a process, but I did not expect 8 hours of a process! Fortunately, Ms Gowie came with me, and found someone with a truck to take us and get the barrel back to school. The process was to present papers at one window, and then take them to another window etc. for the whole morning. We skipped lunch because we didn’t dare leave our spot in case they called our name! Then when the barrel got to us, we had to wait for a customs official to open it so we could take everything out and have it inspected. I wanted to take a photo of the large sign in the warehouse which detailed the 8 steps necessary before you could leave with your barrel, but another sign stated NO PHOTOGRAPHS! Eventually around 4PM we did get to leave with our barrel! 3 of “my” summer camp boys came and helped unload the books and stamp the books. It was so cute to see these reluctant readers stop and look at various books! And such a lovely assortment was sent to us. A real blessing.
I spent the last 2 weeks of August back in the US having a wonderful family vacation visiting my daughter’s and meeting my new grandson, then off to my son’s and a family reunion in NH where we enjoyed a rain day courtesy of Hurricane Irene. Still no hurricanes in Jamaica for which I am thankful! I returned with a second suitcase of 49 pounds full of books and school supplies from Hallettsville Elementary School in Texas. One of the teachers had visited our school while she was vacationing in Jamaica and offered to send books. Since shipping is so expensive, I suggested she send them on to my daughter also in Texas and I would get them when I came to visit. Was I ever surprised when instead of 1 box of books there were 5 boxes waiting for me!
School opened on Monday, September 5. We have 3 new teachers and 2 who began in the spring of last year. The staff makeup and atmosphere is quite different and seems of more a positive, energetic nature. I hope so. I was asked to help train the new teachers in how to give the new MOE diagnostic test. That was a nice compliment! Along with the usual first week of school chaos, the MOE (Ministry of Education) was sending an inspection team on Sept. 13th for 2 days. So there was a lot of frantic cleaning, organizing, and meetings about what should be prepared. I helped out where needed. This was very stressful for the staff.
Now, the third week of school I have finally begun my pull out groups of 3 or 4 students from grades 3 and 4. This is my favourite part of my day- I truly love working with these small groups. And I am pleased that this year each class has a scheduled time to come to the library. This will, I hope, begin a regimen that can be continued when I leave Breadnut Hill Primary. The next project is to work out a computer room system that works. It is nice to get back in to the school routine.

Adventures in Learning Summer Camp for Boys
July 11-28, 2011 Breadnut Hill Primary School
The idea of this camp was to broaden the life experiences of a small group of boys who had been identified as being at least 2 grade levels below their grade in reading skills. The 13 boys were from grades 4 and 5. The plan was to create a learning environment that would excite them to learn and then use that to increase their reading and writing skills. Mr. Gooden, my Jamaican co-teacher, has a passion and interest in sports and art so these were included in the weekly schedule as well. There was also a service project component to the camp. This did not work out as planned and hoped for, but I feel still a valid idea. Swim lessons twice a week was also included (my passion!).
As part of the Peace Corps Jamaica grant, an introduction to HIV was included and 5 sessions were planned. HIV is of major concern in the Caribbean. I was fortunate that Tina Quinby, PCV in St. Ann’s Bay, was willing and able to run these sessions- she did a great job! I also had help from 2 other PCV’s for swim lessons, (thank goodness!) Daniel McDonald and Mark Bryson. For two days I had the luxury of having 2 PC trainees stay with me and help out at camp. Ann and Susan were a great help as well.
Trips were arranged to work around the cruise ship schedule and in a logical order. My landlord very generously arranged for the use of his 15 passenger van and a driver for a very small fee. I had planned a lot of site visits because I wanted the boys to be exposed to a large variety of places, people and careers. We went to: Rennie’s Auto Garage, Ocho Rios Library, Wassi Art Pottery Studio, Dr A Giles, optometrist, Jamaica Defence Force Camp, Durgan organic farm, UWI Discovery Bay Marine Lab, Hawksbill turtle hatching in Orcabessa. Plus swim lessons at Ocho Rios Beach and once we used Bucksfield football field for football drills. We had lunch supplied free to us once from Burger King and once from Island Grill for which we were very appreciative. The boys wrote formal thank you letters to some places and more creative thank you notes to others.
At Wassi Art, each boy was allowed to sit at the potter’s wheel and make a small pot to take home. That was a favourite experience for most of the boys. Dr. Giles very generously did a vision screening for each boy- and recommended that 2 boys return for a complete eye exam (free of charge!). I was able to make the arrangements and both boys have now had their eye exam and have their prescription for glasses. I am in touch with the Kingston Lion’s Club Sight Foundation to see if they can assist with the purchase of glasses. Just this made all the work worthwhile- no wonder these 2 boys have not been successful at school- they can’t read the blackboard!
We were really treated well on our visit to the JDF soldier camp. We toured the assault course, the regiment band played for us and we had lunch there as well. At the auto garage the boys had lots of questions of course and Rennie showed them his tools and equipment. The Marine Lab was neat- they had a touch tank with sea cucumbers and sea urchins, and they learned about lion fish- this is an intrusive species that is devastating the local fish population- it is edible if the poisonous spins are removed correctly. The hope is to develop a market for the fish so that their numbers will go down. A highlight for many was to see and hold the baby hawksbill turtles. Watching the boys watching them crawl to the sea was so special. At swim lessons the boys learned the buddy system and to “Reach, throw, but don’t go” in regards to water rescues. They had a blast at the beach, and we were still able to cover a few basic water skills!
Our last day was an American hot dog cook out- each boy had to find a stick to roast their hotdog (well everyone had at least 2). Mr Gooden made the fire after the boys rounded up some wood for fuel. After hotdogs and baked beans plus carrot and celery sticks (not big hit- celery was a total unknown) we made s’mores. I had drawn a diagram of how to make a s’more, and the boys roasted their marshmallows. They were a great hit. It was such fun to share a bit of American culture with them! At the end of the day parents were invited to come for an Open House, and we had certificates to hand out. Sadly only 4 parents showed up, but Miss Gowie, the principal, and another teacher came and cheered for the boys. I was happy to hear Miss Gowie say she wants to continue a boys’ summer program next year- and I will leave her a jump drive with all my letters, schedules and contacts.
This camp turned out really well- and involved a lot of community members. I hope the boys learned a lot about themselves and their community. I am grateful for all the people who helped make it a reality!

June- July 2011 School Summer Holiday began noon, July 1!

Monday, June 27th the Breadnut Hill Primary Grade 6 students had their school leaving exercise at a nearby church. In other words; graduation. Unfortunately 9 students were asked not to attend due to behaviour issues. It was an elaborate affair, the students were in school uniforms, but the staff and most all the parents were very well dressed- more like wedding attire than church attire! Luckily, I have my one dressy dress (I wore it to the US Embassy for our swearing in ceremony). There were speeches by various persons, a guest speaker, and one by the top student. Trophies were awarded to those who scored the highest on the GSAT exam. A very nice event.
The last week of school was crazy- teachers were busy correcting tests and completing student reports. The students who did come to school pretty much had free time the whole day. Thanks to my daughter, I had brought back some Disney DVDs so the library became a movie house. The teachers loved that there was somewhere for the kids to go. I was busy all week! I was able to complete a report for the principal about the progress the students I had been tutoring made for the year. Out of the 36 students I worked with, 10 showed no improvement, 13 went up 1 grade level, 8 went up 2 grade levels and 3 went up 3 grade levels. The staff was pleased with this progress. I’m not sure that I’m that pleased, although when I look at the 10 who showed no progress, I found that they had the worst school attendance. They came to tutoring barely 50% of the time if that.
4th of July! Wow was I ever fortunate! The US Ambassador invited a few Peace Corps volunteers and staff to the US Embassy for the big American 4th of July Celebration. I was invited but wasn’t notified until that Saturday, and I was in the middle of the island helping at an eco-fest and spending the night at Baboo’s Garden, a fun little eco lodge (no electricity) in Accompong a Maroon village. Maroons are descendents of runaway slaves who hid out in the mountains and harassed the British for years until they finally signed a treaty and were given autonomy and their own land, sort of like a reservation. Very interesting history and they have their own unique culture. I then was heading to Juanita’s place for Sunday night so I had to borrow a skirt from her so I could be at least somewhat appropriately attired! There were all kinds of dignitaries there- from Jamaican business CEO’s, government ministers and directors, representatives from other embassies, etc. The US Marines presented the colors, the ambassador gave a short speech, and then we enjoyed an all American buffet! Hotdogs and hamburgers, ribs and wings, potato salad and baked beans, ice cream and cake... The 6 of us volunteers were in 7th heaven! And trying to fit in a little bit of everything! The Peace Corps put us up for the night at a little hotel near the PC office, and we came in to help out the next morning for a few hours. The office was really busy because the newest group of PC Volunteers had just arrived on island a few days before, and had just started their training. I haven’t met any of them yet, but will be hosting 2 the end of July when they do what is called “shadowing”. They visit a current volunteer to see and hear what life is really like as a PCV in Jamaica. I remember my shadowing experience was really, really helpful.
Monday, July 11 was the start of my 3 week Adventures in Learning Summer Camp for boys! Supply items were purchased- quite a process- first I had to go get an invoice with everything itemized, then go to the principal to have her write out the check, then she had to find a second person to co sign the check, then I could take the check and go get the items. But everything worked out fine. Schedules had been set, then rearranged, and reset. All 12 boys were confirmed and registered; actually 13 boys as 1 boy was going to miss the first week, so we asked another boy to come. I will share all about camp on my next blog, when camp is over. But the first week went GREAT!

May/June 2011. It’s getting hot in Jamaica!


I’ve been busy with a variety of end of school year events at Breadnut Hill Primary. Miss Gowie, my principal, very generously makes sure I am included on all trips. I went along on a school field trip to the Prospect Plantation- only about 60 students went (out of a school population of 250) but it was a good trip, highlighted by camel rides (for an extra fee of course!)! As a chaperone, I got a camel ride as well! The students loved it! I also went along when the school’s 3 dance groups went to the parish of St. Ann dance finals. All the groups looked great to me- and we came back with 2 silver medals and 1 gold. The senior (grades 5 & 6) group won the gold and they qualified to go to Kingston and dance in the National finals on June 17. I went on that all day trip (6am until 10pm) and was proud of how well they did- but no trophy. The dancers were disappointed, as you might expect. The event on that day was just for class 3 dance groups (ages 10-12 year olds) and there were a variety of dance categories; folk, modern, praise, dance skit, and popular. That day there were 71 performances which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was truly impressed with the calibre of the dances and the costumes. Our group danced in the folk category and there were 9 other entries in that category.
At school the main focus has been the nationwide grade 3 and 4 exams held June 14 and 15. Teachers in those grades did a lot of reviews including mock exams. Each student was asked to bring in $200 J to help pay for the paper used for the exams. I’m not sure what happens if a student doesn’t bring in the money. The other students were told to stay home on Wednesday so that the students taking the exam could be spread out and monitored. We also had an unfortunate incident in which 2 Grade 6 boys got into a serious fight. One boy ended up in the hospital with 2 stab wounds, the other boy has been suspended for 2 weeks. The school atmosphere here is rough- lots of aggressive behaviour- such as pushing, shoving, and hitting. The girls are just as likely to be involved as the boys. The students are not fazed by yelling at them. Even though corporal punishment is not allowed per the Ministry of Education, there is a lot of ruler slapping on the desk, and other threats to enforce discipline. Positive reinforcement and clear behaviour guidelines are just beginning to be developed. Students at my school, and I think throughout Jamaica, have a different sense of personal space than I am used to. Most likely due to the smalling up in taxis and buses and in classrooms where 3 students share desks designed for 2. 45 students are in a one classroom with no space between the desks. There is constant pushing in lines, and cutting in front of others. I am having problems with students pushing to get in line for the computers at lunch even though I have explained that I check their names off and they don’t get a second turn until everyone gets a first turn. If they don’t get on a computer that day they just hang around the door watching. I find this very irritating and it disrupts those on the computers, or maybe not them, just me! Ahh, Peace Corps said we should get lots of chance to practice patience!
Besides school, I have been going to introductory meetings for a group trying to form a new Rotary Club in Ocho Rios. I have been impressed with this group and they have great ideas for community projects already. So maybe I will become a Rotarian soon!
I took a weekend trip to visit Juanita, another PCV, who is at a school in the bush- I stayed at her place and got a tour of her landlord’s farm- yams, and ginger mostly. Beautiful country side. We then went to Mandeville for an evening out with Diann and Benita, 2 other PCVs. Last week I journeyed to Lucea, west of Montego Bay to visit another PCV and saw yet another part of Jamaica. I enjoyed snorkelling in “her” bay, within walking distance of her apartment! I was a guest at her Lucea Rotaract social fundraiser event that night and was impressed with these young people and their efforts to raise money to buy a lightning guard for a small basic school located at the top of a hill in her parish. The school, built in 1970’s still does not have electricity! Apparently it has an electrical line but cannot hook up until they have the lightening guard! The group needs to raise about $150,000 J or $1750 US. So far they have raised about $50,000J. If you want to help, let me know! Patrice is working on a PowerPoint to share with Rotary in the US. When it is ready, I’ll pass it along!
After a week of lots of rain, it is now just HOT. And the mosquitoes are out in force! I look forward to weekends and the chance to get to the beach!

APRIL & MAY 2011 EASTER IN JAMAICA
Easter in Jamaica is an important holiday. School was off from Holy (Maundy) Thursday and all of the following week. Most businesses were closed Good Friday and Easter Monday. Church on Easter was at the same/regular time, no sunrise services. Lovely tropical flowers though! No coloured eggs or candy (well, I did buy myself a Cadbury chocolate Easter egg). The big Easter tradition is bun and cheese. The bun is a spice bread loaf and the cheese is a soft sort of processed cheese sort of like Velveeta.
On Easter Monday there were a number of big concerts going on island wide, but in St Ann it was kite flying day. I went to a huge field near St. Ann’s Bay to see the kite flying that afternoon. Lots of homemade kites- made by gluing plastic sheeting and using small sticks and long tails of old materials like sheets. The breezes off the ocean were pretty strong so the long tails were essential. I watched the builders of this huge kite made with bamboo struts and probably 8 feet across and 14 feet long try to launch their kite. They had about 6 men on the heavy nylon line. It went up maybe 6 feet off the ground then crashed. They spent a few hours patching and reinforcing the bamboo, but again it just barely flew. I wandered around watching lots of families, kids, and teens all with kites. For $1000 JA (About $10 US) I could have bought an entrance ticket to the official kite festival- with food vendors, contests, music (of course) and games, but I saw my fill of kites in the free parking lot, so skipped that.
The Tuesday after Easter my son Christopher came for a 1 week visit, he got to visit my school (but no students since it was Easter vacation). It was great to show him around, and he shared his expertise by doing some computer repairs at school and for a friend. We spent 2 nights at a rustic eco lodge in Portland parish called Great Huts, visited the Green Groto caves and Reach Falls. And cooked and ate jerk chicken and pork.
Our PCV group 81 had our mid service conference at the Shaw Park Resort- lovely accommodations and fabulous buffet food! We had 2 days of a behaviour change workshop which hopefully will come in handy for my year 2. Then another 2 days of PC business, reviews and policies. It was really good to spend some down time with our PCV friends in other parishes, and compare stories, frustrations and successes. Sadly 3 more of our group have left Jamaica for different reasons; we miss them and wish them well.
Great news from Texas, James Caden Grace arrived at 8 pounds +; both my daughter and grandson #2 are doing great!
On Saturday, May 21st, I traveled across the island for a funeral. Myrtle Drummond was my Hellshire host mother and she was a pillar of the community and her church. Her funeral was quite elaborate. There was an outside tent for the overflow crowd with a closed circuit TV; many guests shared a song, a greeting, or condolences. There was also scripture, eulogy and sermon. Diane and I had to leave before the end since we had to travel at least 3 hours to get home before dark. Sad, but lots of assurance that Myrtle is in heaven with her Lord.


Monday, May 23 was Jamaica’s Labour Day. A national holiday which emphasizes doing labour for your community. I heard 2 themes: It takes a village to raise a child, and Labour for Literacy. On that theme, the NCB bank chose Breadnut Hill Primary School to share their labour. Over 100 NCB employees descended on the school ready to paint and plant. It was amazing and impressive- paint brushes were in high demand- so many wanted to paint! They painted the inside of the library, computer room, the staff room, and grades 1 and 2. Then they started in on the outside! They also planted hardy plants around the school. Most of the NCB crew left in the early afternoon after lunch (donated by Burger King), but then the Breadnut Hill Police Club showed up and took over the outside painting. Up in the library the NCB had donated the funds to have 2 walls of library shelves constructed, and they were installed and anchored to the wall after the paint dried. The eager NCB volunteers helped put our books on the shelves. It looks fabulous! A real library. This is something Jamaica should be really proud of- this tradition of labour on Labour Day!

Year 2 in Jamaica!
It seems amazing to me that I have been in Jamaica for over a year! I continue to work with my at- risk students at school- and have seen some progress in their decoding and phonics skills. Just as important are positive changes in behaviour. Now that I know the students and the school better, I think I expect better behaviour from my students. I continue to struggle with how to run the library in a better fashion, and so have invited a grade 2 class and the grade 1 class to come up for class library time recently. Some adjustments still need to be made, but I think this format will lead to more opportunities to share some wonderful stories and teach some library skills to all the students not just the ones who come up at lunch time. This will be my new challenge! Another challenge is to work out a better computer room system that gives more children computer time.
Sports Day competitions are held in March and April around Jamaica. We had our school Sports Day at a neighbouring school’s field. The school had been divided into 3 “houses” – and each house had entries into all the races. A variety of race distances were offered- 80 yd for under 9 year olds, 100 yd for under 11, under 13 then 200 yd races for all except the under 9’s, 400 yd and a 800 yd. Then 4 x 100 relays. The only field event was the cricket ball throw. The kids were excitedly cheering on their teams and the winning team (house) only won by 2 points! The winning kids went on to a district competition between 4 schools, and then a few went on to the St. Ann parish finals. Winners there go on to the National Stadium to run. Breadnut Hill won 2 bronze medals at the parish finals; pretty good I think since our school doesn’t have a field to practice on nor any teacher willing to coach the students. Most kids ran their races barefoot. Jamaicans are rightly proud of their international track stars and the students want to emulate them.

May 8 & 9 I travelled into Kingston for two wardens’ meetings. We had an interesting discussion about 2 surveys recently done in regards to Peace Corps Jamaica. We heard about sustainability and the frustrations on some volunteers’ parts about expectations to write and get grant money. I found this curious and sort of naive and idealistic: even in the United States’ YMCA world, grants are useful and necessary sources of money that local communities cannot always generate. More important is the commitment and investment the community makes that goes into the grant request. I just think of the Habitat for Humanity philosophy of sweat equity and “lending a hand up not a hand out.” And I am pleased with the community support for “my” summer camp program. I currently have 7 boys registered for the 12 camp spots. I have been worried about this aspect of the program as signing up in advance is not usual. Jamaica is also suffering from the high gas prices and Ocho Rios is losing cruise ship berthings to the new pier in Falmouth. So Breadnut Hill families are just making ends meet.
Ann, our PC safety and security person, reminded us of personal safety behaviours and about the upcoming hurricane season – June 1- November 30. Be prepared- with food supplies, with radios and batteries and candles etc. We have quite a system in place; from alert stage to evacuation if necessary. Now my job as warden is to hold a St. Ann parish meeting for all the volunteers (12) living here and pass on the information.
I am looking forward to a visit from my son Chris arriving on April 26th for a week! We have a number of fun activities planned as there is no school for the week after Easter. I feel so fortunate that he will be my 3rd family visitor! I am also looking forward to the safe arrival of grandson #2 due around May 4th.

March Anniversaries!
The end of February came quickly and I submitted my SPA grant request for a 3 week Adventures in Learning Summer Camp for Boys. And on March 5th I learned it had been approved! I am really excited about this program and have found a young Jamaican, Mr. Gooden, to assist. He has been student teaching at Breadnut Hill Primary so he even knows some of the boys. The camp will include swim lessons (of course!) field trips, a service project (shelves for the school library) and basic literacy and math skill reviews. You’ll hear more about it as we get into more detailed planning. But I am definitely excited!
Peace Corps encourages us to be connected with a school in the U.S. I have a World-wide School in South Chicago- the Bradwell School of Excellence. We have just had the first set of pen pal letters between the two 5th grades. We hope to come up with some more creative ways to connect the 2 classrooms. This is part of what Peace Corps calls the 3rd goal: To help Americans have a better understanding of other peoples in developing countries. It widens the Jamaican students’ horizons as well.
March 1, 2011 Peace Corps celebrated its 50 year anniversary of being founded. I was one of the lucky ones who attended a Peace Corps Anniversary Celebration at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Kingston. There were speeches and dignitaries. Since I remember JFK’s original proposal and question of “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” this really meant a lot to me.
March 8 I flew to Texas to spend time at Carrie and Justin’s helping get ready for baby brother’s arrival around May 4. It was strange having traffic drive on the other side of the road, and to actually drive instead of taking route taxis everywhere. I did come home from a shopping trip to Target early because I told Carrie I was on shopping overload- too many choices and decisions! But it was great to spend time with Jackson (now 6) and his parents. I came back with 48 pounds of books collected and donated by the Romeo group of Exeter, NH. The books will be added to the Breadnut Hill Primary School Library. I feel very fortunate to have such great support from family and friends in the States- these books will really help the students here have a better education. Thanks Dad and friends!
I returned March 17th – exactly 1 year from when I flew to Miami and signed in to Peace Corps Jamaica! Seems amazing how much I’ve learned in one year, and what good PCV friends I have made! So on March 18 (1 year from actually arriving in Jamaica) a bunch of us met in Falmouth to celebrate. We went out in 2 boats that evening to see the Glistening Waters of Falmouth. Due to millions of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, the water in this lagoon actually glows! Because of the bright full moon, we didn’t see too much glowing at first. But when I slid in the water and swam around –true enough the water sort of glowed as I stirred it up- how cool! And sort of a fitting way to celebrate our 1 year anniversary of being PCVs in Jamaica: sometimes we feel as if we glow, and other times we don’t feel as if there is any glow at all.

Photos: Ms VanderWeele and gentlemen at school "Ladies and Gentleman's Day"
Connie and Pam on morning walk Ocho Rios Beach
Potter at Wassi Art Pottery Studio near Ochi
February 2011 in Jamaica
Happy Valentines’ Day- Jamaican style! There were some Valentine commercials on TV, no parties at school though. My sister Connie brought me 2 bags of those ultra traditional Valentine candy- those little conversation hearts. I put them in baggies for each classroom and explained to the students that US kids would have these at Valentine’s Day parties. Kids refer to most all candy as “sweeties” and many have come looking for more of those sweeties.
In February my sister Connie came to Montego Bay to help out with Mission Jamaica – an NGO who sends volunteers to help out at a home for disabled Jamaican children. She and friend Sandy did a lot of wonderful decorative painting. I joined them for a night at their all inclusive hotel- my first experience at one of those. I really felt like I was on vacation! (Which I was!) I loved the on-tap Pina’ Coladas and the 3 pools plus a beach- we did a little snorkeling plus a little kayaking and a lot of eating! Then Connie and I headed to my place. Connie came to school 2 days and helped out in a variety of ways- there is always something that needs doing! She also mastered the route taxi system into Ocho Rios and enjoyed the beach and the sun. We visited Coyaba Gardens and Wassi Art Pottery Studio. The Pottery Studio tour was wonderful- put it on your agenda if you come to Ochi. We saw how they treated the raw river clay from St. Mary parish into workable pottery grade clay, and then watched a potter at work. There are 13 artists employed there, each with his or her own style. We saw the firing kilns and the glazing process. So interesting! We saw wonderful colorful hand painted vases, cups, bowls and other items.

We enjoyed home cooked jerk chicken at a birthday party for everyone living in Steve’s “yard” – Steve is my super landlord who is always making sure I am safe, and taken care of. There are 5 tenants who rent from Steve in our yard. We listened to “vintage” reggae- the Bob Marley era which I really enjoy.
I have become a “regular” guest at the Ocho Rios Rotary Club. I am hoping to become a “real “member at some point. I have met John, a dentist trained in Cuba, and Chris, a structural engineer who studied in Trinidad and is the only one of 6 Jamaicans in his engineering class who returned to Jamaica to work. Brain drain is truly a problem here.
Right now I am busy finishing up writing a grant for a boys summer camp I am hoping to run this summer. (It is due on Feb. 25th.) Peace Corps has some US Aide money for Small Project Assistance grants for amounts up to $3000 US. I am hopeful that I will be approved for some of that money! (Thanks Wallingford YMCA for all that grant writing experience!)
Thinking of you all!

my Christmas tree on my veranda






Holidays in Jamaica

There is no Thanksgiving Day in Jamaica but Peace Corps tried its best to help us celebrate. They arranged for some necessary meetings to be held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving . So Friday night we had a pot luck Thanksgiving dinner with about 70 volunteers and PC staff and their families. It took some creative thinking on how to transport your potluck item via public transport to Kingston. We had jerk chicken- turkey is available in the more extensive grocery stores but very expensive. We had all sorts of Jamaican and US dishes and was really very nice for a lot of us to be together. Luckily for me, I had one of the Sat. morning meetings and there were even leftovers!
Christmas- not a lot happened at my school- no Christmas program, just some readings at morning devotions but not the singing of Christmas carols or spirituals that I had expected, and looked forward to. I did attend the Prospect Academy Christmas Carol Service. That was absolutely wonderful. This is a small military academy offering a free education to poor Jamaican males. They have to be tested and interviewed and only 13 are admitted to each class. They live on campus, help with chores, and they were the ones giving the concert. They marched up the drive at dusk with candles in plastic cups along the path. Full military uniforms and even bagpipes! The song selections were wonderful, some traditional, some Jamaican, some fun. It included a saxophone solo, organ solo and a trio of bagpipers!. Was a perfect evening, just what I had been missing.
My students tried to explain Grandmarket to me- this, in their opinion, is the epitome of the Christmas festivities. Jamaican have not been Americanized with a concentration on gift giving and receiving. It was explained that a Jamaican family would splurge on home decorations; new bed spreads, curtains etc. and maybe gifts for the children. No Santa, and no 3 Kings Day like in some other countries. Boxing day is celebrated as a holiday.
December 21-23 I made the trek to the Blue Mountains. After 2 buses, 3 taxis and a pickup truck, a bunch of PCVs and I arrived at Jah-B’s hostel in the Blue Mountains. The plan was to leave at 1:30AM to hike the 4 hours up to be at the peak for sunrise. My goal was just to get to the peak! There was a full moon, hence the date selection, But it was still dark along the trail! It was cool to look down on the lights of little towns and even Kingston. They kept warning us how cold it would be and to dress in layers, but I don’t think they know what Minnesotans think is really cold. I had on too many layers and had one off pretty quickly! Eventually I was at the end of the group ( 2 chose not to continue) but I kept trudging along, just determined to get to the top eventually. And I made it! About 7AM, a 6 mile hike, one way. Up to 7,404 ft. I was exhausted, and most of the group had passed me on their way down! But the views were worth it! I was adopted, thankfully, by 4 Jamaican college students who got to the top the same time ,so we all went down together. At least now you could see the trail and the views and the flora, and stop to take photos. Carol and Ron (Blue Mt PCAs) were waiting at the Rangers Station (halfway mark) for me and we finished the hike and collapsed into a bed! I spent a second night at the Wildflowers Hostel- no electricity but running water- I was given a lantern, and I had a whole bunk room to myself. The next morning at 6AM I headed out for the long trip home, sore calves but no blisters, and a great feeling of accomplishment!
Juanita came down from her “back a bush” site to spend Christmas Eve with me. My landlord Steve and his family took the 2 of us to Grandmarket around 7PM. Ocho Rios was full! A giant street party with vendors of all sorts- food, trinkets for kids, those glow stick necklaces , all sorts of clothing, and shoes galore! Just spread out on a tarp practically anywhere. Juanita and I were fearful of getting separated but young Steven, (11) made sure he was holding my hand or arm and I made sure Juanita was behind me. After walking around for a few hours- looking for some specific shoes for Chantal (age 14) we stopped at the Island Grill around 11PM for something to eat. Then home by around midnight, We understand the street dancing started closer to 1AM and ran till dawn. I had been looking for a Christmas Eve church service but no one seemed to be holding one- Most churches had a Christmas morning service at 6AM or 7AM. I did not make one of them. Juanita, Trish (another PCV) and I had a lovely Christmas Day dinner together.
Next came New Years Eve/Day. Again, I set out to find out what Jamaicans did. I learned it was traditional to go to a Watch Night service at church to pray in the new year. Or some families had parties at home New Years Eve. In Kingston there was a big waterfront concert with fireworks which was on TV, so that is what I did. I missed the New Years Day football games and especially the now traditional outdoor NHL game. I thought about finding a sports bar, but it seemed like not so much fun alone, and too expensive on my PC budget.
So now it is 2011, school has started again, and things are back to a more regular routine. I hope you all a safe and peaceful 2011!