Second Goal, Thanksgiving, Chik-V, more food

November in Jamaica – hurricane season is almost finished…there were some Caribbean storms, but nothing serious effecting our island (so far…although today it rained so much, and the main road was flooded, so only 20 kids made it to school – we closed at noon). I have a pair of great locally made rubber ‘farmer’s boots’ which I use to wade through the shin-deep water to get to school.

 

American Thanksgiving is not well known here. My kids made hand-tracing turkeys and wrote all the things that they were thankful for: brothers and sisters, food, friends, mother/father, but…also video games and KFC (by the way, there is NO Mickey D’s in Jamaica!)
 

Peace Corps was established on 3 simple goals: 

 

 

Adelphi Primary students had a chance to contribute to goals 2 and 3 by ‘meeting’ school kids in rural western Pennsylvania via SKYPE video chat. Sponsored by World Wise Schools, we were paired up with a home school in PA; we prepared by writing letters with topics like “what I want to tell you about Jamaica” and “what I want to ask you.” We sent pictures by email, and finally had a great chat over the internet. In their thank you letters, my kids listed the things they learned about the USA: snow, turkeys, and local animals. 

 

We also planned a “Jamerican” Thanksgiving dinner for neighbours from age 10 to 84. We actually did find a frozen Butterball Turkey (imported from the USA - but it cost more than $130) so we opted for chickens (raised at our house) with stuffing and trimmings, along with traditional Escabeche fish and goat curry. Also homemade tortillas and salsa, and Irene's famous empanadas (stuffed with homegrown punkin).We began with a prayer from our host mom, and then told the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrating their harvest together. We all had a turn at telling what we are thankful for. 10-year old Corey moved us all by saying that when he is sad, he is thankful that he can talk with God.  

 

 

 
 

 
Rally of the Grades! This is an annual event where each grade class presented entertainment items to raise money for school projects. Many parents also 'voted' with donations. The singing was wonderful! Congratulations to Grade 2 -- the winner based on the most money raised.

 

And, Irene and I have been scheduled to chat with a college senior (as in ‘retired’) enrichment class near Phoenix, AZ in a few months via SKYPE – the topic is Peace Corps Baby Boomers.

Chikungunya Virus is a mosquito-borne disease spreading across Jamaica now. Similar to Dengue Fever, it comes with high fever, severe (very!) joint pain, a rash and more. After about a week, most people return to activity, but the joint pain and sometimes the fever last for as much as a year. Irene got it ‘bad’ – luckily we have excellent medical care as Peace Corps volunteers…she still missed most of 3 weeks of work, but with some new meds, she is back at it. Hopefully it is true that it comes with acquired immunity. I am hoping that I am one of the lucky ones…so far it hasn’t bit me.

Christmas is a big holiday in Jamaica – decorated trees, shopping sales, and plans for big family dinners. But, of course, we still hope to find at least a couple days to go to the beach (yah mon!).

 

We continue to love our work and our life here in Jamaica – it’s already been 10 months…less than a year and half left on our first assignments (although it is possible to extend). We appreciate your continued comments and interest – Happy Holidays from Irene and Steve!

P.S. Follow Adelphi Primary at www.FaceBook.com/AdelphiPrimary

and Steve’s www.FaceBook.com/SteveLawrence.Denver.

...Steve's Birthday dinner at Round Hill