COS = Close of Service May 21, 2012 After 2 years at Breadnut Hill Primary May 11, 2012 was to be my last day. It was so sweet and bittersweet. I got lots of hugs, and some endearing letters from some of the students. The PTA presented me with a nice Thank You plaque on Teacher’s Day (May 9). My third term library helpers had their own going away party- we played white -board Pictionary and watched The Lorax on DVD. I am so glad that Mrs. Minnot has agreed to take over supervising the library helpers. And Miss Rickets will be taking over the class library time. Sustainability is one of the PC main focuses and a big concern of mine. I wish them all the best and the fortitude to keep things going! I will miss the students, the library and the BHPS staff so much. And maybe there will be a summer camp program at school, one of the teachers is interested! Probably the most touching thing is that at my last staff meeting, it was suggested that there could be a Library Helpers trophy given out in my name at the Grade 6 School Leaving Exercise. Then I was asked if I would consider continuing it for future years! I agreed. Isn’t that an honour! When I was in Kingston I asked Sue Walden, my Program Manager, if she would come present the trophy on my, and Peace Corps, behalf. She has it on her calendar! On my last Friday they had a special sendoff concert for me. I had to sit in a special chair and each class did a special item (their term for a presentation). I had a poem from Grade 1, a dance from Grade 2, songs, and 2 classes created an acrostic with my name. (No wonder various students came and asked me to write down how to spell my name!). So touching. But goodbyes weren’t over yet. I had to travel to Kingston for my COS check out- A page of things to be covered and signatures to get. That took parts of 3 days! And more goodbyes to the PC Jamaica staff. They are a great bunch! On Friday, May 18, 2012 the newest group, Group #83 was sworn in at the Ambassador’s residence. 2012 is Jamaica’s 50th celebration for their independence and it is also Peace Corps Jamaica’s 50th year in Jamaica. Truly I had the chills hearing them say their pledge and remembering how short a time ago it was me up there.

Then back to Breadnut Hill for the serious last packing. Next came Saturday, May 19. Our Rotary Club has adopted the Lewis Basic School up in the bush in St. Ann. We were meeting at 9AM to do some basic cleaning and preparing for the Wed. May 23 Labour Day project. We hoped to paint, put some tile in the bathrooms and kitchen, clean up the play area and plant some bushes. We were busy until around 2PM when some of us left to enjoy a going away gathering for Tina, Ross and I at a local watering hole- Scotchies. I highly recommend you find your way to Scotchies if you come to Ocho Rios!

Later that day the BHPS staff all met for a going away dinner for me. It was nice to see most of the teachers there and have one last goodbye with lots of picture taking, and more gift giving. I miss them already! Even later that evening I joined the St. Ann Peace Corps Volunteers (+ a few extras) in a Welcome and Goodbye evening at the John Crow Bar in Ochi. It seemed the perfect ending to welcome in the new volunteers as we leave. Sunday I fit in a beach trip after cleaning my apartment. It was hot and the water was great! That is until a jelly fish got me on one thigh. Sort of a fitting last memento!

Tina, Ross and I got a ride to the airport from a Rotary friend, and we all were relieved to see that we were not over the 50 pound baggage limit! Hurrah! Then off to the gates to the USA. Now it is readjustment time. And time to reflect on all the good friends, challenges and successes I’ve had over the past 2 years. Being in the Peace Corps has been a goal of mine for many years- since JFK’s challenge in fact! I loved it and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is possible at any stage of life! “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” And help build peace and friendship around the world! Amen