The PC Jamaica is dialed in and on step. These guys are so fired up and doing everything right. We are going through the steps needed in training. Our language is only 1 hour a day. The Patwa spoken here sounds a lot like Garifina. I suppose it has many of the same roots--arawak, taino, english, west african. The language is not legitimized, meaning that is not fully recognized. Of course the gringos and rich blacks want nothing to do with Patwa. This is an unfortunate scenario. Most of the children speak Patwa upon entering school. They are then taught in english, prior to becoming fully literate in Patwa (read and write). Island wide literacy is around 60%. PC is putting some amazing effort into literacy.
Our sector leader called me on Sunday and was so enthused to have Yvonne and I here. She has a "perfect" match for us in the far west end of the island. Alicia was so stoked and enthusiastic and obviously had us placed BEFORE arriving in country that we did not push our rural preference. PC is a lot about "letting go".
I was in shock for 12 hours, at least, when she told us we would be in Negril. Everything I didn't want. Negril is the farthest west point on the island. Major party beach town. Big reggae fests and is nicknamed "sin city". Of course all the young volunteers are going to be jealous. We will need to get a big place to hold all the guest we will be receiving. So my dream of a small mountainous hut with chickens and a garden have been replaced by a Roatan West End type experience. Yvonne and I really feel like we are on path that is beyond us and are just allowing it to come to us. Besides-the hut was my idea--Yvonne is stoked to be in a beach town.
Yvonne will be working with young woman trying to exit the prostitution that follows such places, and I will be working with a school that has a Thom Fischer type benefactor from the US. I am laughing outloud about all of this.
Having a great time meeting all the other volunteers. We are all living together in the dorms on the Shortwood Teachers College Campus. amazing group.BC
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Oh my gosh! Your new hometown! I can't wait to study more about Negril. Your jobs sound amazing! Really, they do. I love your open hearts- I know you thought of a different scenerio, but like you said, this is the path chosen for" the Cleary's from Kodiak, Alaska"-- Besides, the hut & the pigs in the middle of nowhere will come, someday, for the rest of your lives! (on your 3rd retirements! :) I really am proud of you both--can you imagine the people you will meet?. I LOVE YOU GUYS and actually PRAY for you every night!
WOW! I can't believe you've finally been placed! Negril - your new home for the next two years! It's always amazing to see how things fall into place in this life - even if they're not as planned....amazing things will come out of your experience! You guys can take trips to the mountains for an escape!! Like Megan, I'm so proud to have you two in my life. I love you guys.
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