Last week Michelle put on a two-day summer camp to inspire some boys in her school to be more motivated in the classroom and to think about their futures. As for me, I supported a week long summer camp for 60 children that was led by the wonderful women of the Y’s Menettes (a social/service club for older women). It was a great week for both of us to be around and serve some of the youth in our area. Was there times of frustration? Yes. But overall it was a great experience. More stories from these camps to be posted soon. Special thanks to our fellow Peace Corps Volunteer Josh, who helped and wowed both camp groups with his amazing magic tricks. – J
Author: simplyintentional
When Life Gives You Cucumbers
A Jamaican friend told me recently that during our tenure here life would never be boring, something interesting is always happening. This has been true.
This past week brought rolling storms with some of the loudest thunder I’ve heard in my life. We had an unexpected farewell (we will miss you D). Boxes filled with goodies and treats from our respected homes (Michelle’s and mine) in the states. A stern reminder about safety in Jamaica from a concerned community remember. A reminder of the struggles Jamaica faces as told through the documentary, “Life and Debt”. And finally, the promise of a visit from a good friend that Michelle and I haven’t seen in years. As I write I also remembered that we had a chaotic week at both our work sites but those stories will come soon enough.
Yes, life here has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions and new challenges, but Continue reading “When Life Gives You Cucumbers”
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The Quick Adjustment to a Slower Paced Life
At some point in ones life, it’s good to take a break, travel to a new destination, buy a refreshing coconut from a local street vendor (if one happens to be there), and remind one’s self that they are living a life they could never have imagined for themselves. I’m learning how to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Life on the island moves at extremes. In some ways things move fast here and seem chaotic, like the roadways and the downtown of our city/town. Cars and buses move fast. Situations can turn ugly here very quickly. For example 20 mins of downpour easily cause flooding and chaos on the roadways due to lack of drains and litter clogged drains. But for the most part, life on the island seems slow. A few examples… Continue reading “The Quick Adjustment to a Slower Paced Life”
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Home Sweet Home
When living in a new country, it’s always good to celebrate milestones. It helps you see where you have come from and all the things that you have accomplished (and to be honest, who doesn’t like finding a reason to buy and eat affordable Betty Crocker fudge brownies). This week we are celebrating 1 month in our new home in Westmoreland, Jamaica and 4 years of marriage. Who knew 4 years ago that two very different people would find each other, fall in love and get married, and then 4 years later live and serve in another country? I didn’t think that was going to happen. We hope you enjoy Michelle’s latest video and we will try to post again soon (at the moment we don’t have steady access to internet). Thanks for walking with us on this adventure… J&M https://vimeo.com/43629057
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Creative Affordable Cooking – Callaloo Pasta
Tun Han’ an’ Mek Fashion -Jamaican Proverb
Translation: Turn your hand and make fashion
Meaning: Use your creativity to make something. Use whatever you have and make something great.
This is one if not my favorite Jamaican proverbs because of how well it describes Jamaican people and culture. Jamaicans are extremely creative. You see it in the art, hear it in the music, and taste it in the food. Jamaican creativity is beautiful and I love it. It’s an endearing and amazing quality, but more importantly, it’s inspiring.
As you may or may not know, many of us Peace Corps volunteers did not commit our lives to this experience for the Continue reading “Creative Affordable Cooking – Callaloo Pasta”
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Jamaica Sights and Sounds
The video above features some sights and sounds of Jamaica. Here in the land of wood and water, your senses are overwhelmed by so many new things. I called this volume one because there are several things I wasn’t able to capture that I hope to like what it’s like in an open market, what it’s like on busy streets (with goats, buses, dogs, etc…), and my favorite, what it’s like being on a cramped bus (we have two years to get this footage).
I hope you enjoy this video (edited on an iPad, which went well) and had a chance to hear and see some of the things we’ve been experiencing. Please let me know if there is anything else that you’d like me to capture footage of in Jamaica (leave a comment below).
Till next time, big up yuh self – J
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Mr. Chin Caught Di Peppa
I turned 29 over the weekend. 29 years! When did it go by so quickly. One minute you are 5 running around with scissors cutting your own hair. The next time you blink you are 21 in college accidentally buzzing your hair off (true story, ask Justin Klump). By the time you are aware of life’s quick, roller coaster pace, you are in Jamaica (another island) with facial hair- a mustache you’d never thought you’d have.
Life is happening. You either enjoy the ride or you fret about it. Mo bettah you enjoy it.
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Today marks day 48 being on the island. It’s our last week of Continue reading “Mr. Chin Caught Di Peppa”
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Life Pon Di Hill (life on the hill)
The view from the hill looking at Kingston
Thank God today is Friday.
I’m tired. A good tired feeling.
Yesterday we spent two (yes only two) hours with 30 awesome Jamaican youth and I was spent. Although we had a lot of fun, I told our trainer I may not have the energy for two years of this. I digress.
As Michelle mentioned in the last post we have been living apart these past couple of weeks to train in our Continue reading “Life Pon Di Hill (life on the hill)”
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We Are More Alike Than We Are Unalike
A picture of our first host mom and her daughter…
It’s a cool and quiet morning. I’m sitting outside on my host family’s patio enjoying the unusual peace and quiet in honor of Good Friday. No barking dogs, crickets, or whistling frogs (just as it sounds). No loud dance hall music from the local bar and no honking cars. Though I kind of like these typical sounds that make Jamaica seem alive and bustling, I am soaking up the light, soft breeze and unnatural stillness as I have heard there are only three days like this (Good Friday, Jamaica Independence Day, and Christmas).
I came to Jamaica not really knowing what I would Continue reading “We Are More Alike Than We Are Unalike”
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Testing the Waters
This past weekend Michelle and I started our first round of Homestay experiences in a quaint seaside community on the south side of the island, just a glimpse away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kingston. Continue reading “Testing the Waters”
Simply Intentional 