FEED ME. Seems basic. He was walking the streets of Kingston at 6AM on a Saturday. I saw him approach with the umbrella catching some of the rain. He was holding his pants up with one hand, shoeless. He approached me and begged me some money. I slowly shook my head "no". He looked me in the eyes and says, "please". I walked on. He was no older than 13 or 14.

Feed me when I am hungry.

Hunger sucks. I sucked at that moment. After a long walk through the streets of the war torn town, 12 murders in the previous 48 hours, I was able to slack the mango mans thirst with enough money to buy some breakfast..where is the 14 year old?

Feed me when I am hungry.

I looked away after 25 months on this island. I have created an impervious shell around me. The pain is too much to face everyday. Will the hungry boy be in Kodiak, Texas, San Diego? I hope I am capable of healing and saying, "yes" next time.

Feed me....

BJC

Our time here in Jamaica is winding down. CRAZY to think about. Has it really been two years? Yes. Yes it has. How can I tell? Because the young woman who just came to my house (she says she is 15), who lives in the neighborhood, most likely in the close by "captured ground" (government land)....... she just came by to beg me some money....... so she can take her 9th grade exams, she says. Sounds like a good reason, right? I've seen this girl around. Very personable, and articulate, and has a look in her eye that tells me she is a leader, for better or for worse has yet to be determined. But a leader! Until someone convinces her otherwise.........

She came by the yard one other time to say hi. I thought it a bit strange because I didn't invite her in, nor did she admit to any motive for stopping by other than to "check in". Not the norm around here, unless you are invited. "Yard" rules - not "my" rules. But she left as fast as she came, leaving me a bit perplexed. So when she came back today asking for money I wasn't surprised. That's when it happened. The reality of living in a place for two years. All my cognitive/emotional/social challenges experienced during these past 2 years - personal feelings of understanding, intolerance, clarity, perplexity, unconditional love, skepticism............ came to surface. And suddenly everything felt real. And I spoke from my heart, uninhibited by second guessing, and interested in only caring for this young individual in front of me, so full of life and capability......... and who also was in need of something real.

This is a crude recollection of what transpired. Most of the conversation was communicated through body language and raw energy rather than spoken with words, but the dialogue went as follows.......

She says:

I need some money to take my school tests tomorrow. Can you help me?

Test? What grade are you in?

9th.

Didn't the 9th grade exam occur over a month ago?

No.

Ummmm. OK - maybe your school is different. But why are you asking me for money?

Because you are my friend.

I'm your friend? I'm not your friend. I've seen you one time. We said hi. How am I your friend?

Silence

Who do you live with?

My aunt. But she is in Montego Bay right now.

Who else do you live with?

I have family around.

And why aren't you asking them for money?

Silence.

Why are you asking me?

Longer Silence

I'm not that person. To just hand out money. I'm a teacher working here in the schools. I offer guidance, not money. Why do you go to school?

I want to be a teacher.

Really? Because you think that is what I want to hear?

Silence

Because I think you are right. I think you could be a GREAT teacher. You have energy, great communication skills, and I can see in your eyes that you are bright.

Silence

I'm still not sure how I can help you.

I need money.

I don't doubt that. But I'm not the one to give it to you. But there is another option. A school on Red Ground Road. Offers HEART (vocational) certificates at no cost. You hear of it?

On Red Ground Road? Yeah! My sister (name) went there!

Yeah! I knew your sister. And where is she now?

At the bar next to your school.

Yep. I've been seeing her there almost every morning. But she hasn't been around lately. So how is your sister now? I haven't seen here since she went off with that guy after that party and had that crash. How is she? (I knew the answer)

She's alright.

You know she was one of our brightest students. She was on her way to earning a professional certificate. But she choose the bar. That's alright. That's what she wanted. Is that what you want?

Silence.

I see that intelligence in you. You are sharp too. It is obvious. So what are you going to do about that? What do you want?

Silence.

I tell you what. You talk to your sister. You tell her we are thinking about her. You tell her when she is ready she can come back. Who knows - maybe you two can come to school together. In the mean time, you are too damn smart to be begging me, or anybody else, for money.

Silence

You know I heard about a summer camp for girls this year........ free. If I get information, do you want it?

Yes.

OK then. I'll look for you later (motioning her to get off my porch). I'll look for you when I get the information.

OK

I NEVER would have had the courage to have this discussion two years ago, and rightfully so. I had no time here. I also know this moment won't mean anything to anyone other than me. But to me - it is everything. Courage to be real, developed through integration that only comes with time. That is one of many things this Peace Corps experience has helped me develop.

YSC

For those of you who are wondering what in the world is going on in Jamaica:

We are fine. The island here is tense because the US pressured JA into signing extradition papers on one of the world's most powerful gun/coke traffickers, "Dudus", who resides in Kingston. But the story is complicated. Since the 70's both political parties have been accused of hiring professional gunmen to guarantee votes for their party. Over time these gunmen, through coke and gun sales, have made more money and gained more power than the very people who created them. Now, the man Dudus, who basically runs big areas of Kingston, has many big politicians in his back pocket including, they say, the Prime Minister. A further complication is that Dudas provides food, education, clothing, etc. to the poorest of the poor in Kingston. Modern day Robin Hood but way more evil. He provides with the left hand while undermining/oppressing his country with the other. Long story short the police are having a hard time retrieving Dudas because the very people he has provided for have bigger and better guns than the police. And unfortunately these guys are going on the offense. Needless to say Kingston, the capital, is in a "State of Emergency" and the whole island is a bit tense. Many feel the US is being a bully while many more are demanding reform. Civil unrest is often necessary for change, yes. And too many times violence is a nasty byproduct of this change. So that's where we are right now. The police are attempting to get the guy tonight. In the mean time we have to stay put in our community and wait and see what happens. We will keep you posted.

Rest assured we are safe. The Jamaican people who are overall peace loving, and more like me and you than this chaos is portraying, is in need of some prayers tonight.

YSC

He came me today, in my yard. He had 5 limes and a soursop. He wanted money for it. I turned him away. The look in his eyes haunt me. His gray hair and articulate speech we are familiar with. He is one of the 6 or 7 men that walk the street in front of our yard. There is "Working Man" who struggles, he doesn't have social security. Gladstone is so smart he would be wealthy anywhere else, but he has many demons too, all being managed by this and that.

I never know what to say or do. I hate poverty!

Yvonne and I have been contemplating our post Peace Corps work.

Would you like to join us in working towards FDR's Second Bill of Rigts?

Check this link if you are interested in the rastas. We have some good friends that practice. It is cool. We are good.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/rastafari/customs/customs_1.shtml

I'M NOT HUNGRY! But one of my students is. I love to sit on the steps of my school at lunch and watch the boys and girls play. It is play unlike any play I have witnessed before. They run and skip and chase...like all boys and girls. The only evidence of "playground equipment" are a few jump ropes. In fact, I gave a chid some excess wire that was trash last week. First I saw it around someones neck...choke-playing. Then about two weeks later I was some children had fashioned a jump rope out of it.

So I am watching...loving the moment...taking it all in. The internal turmoil I experienced last year is not so present anymore. I love my school and it seems normal to me. It now takes visitors to comment in order for me to remember how I viewed it last year.

J. is a good boy. He looks old for his 9 years; like he has seen a lot. Maybe more than a 9 year old might need to see. He looks wise and acts wise, not often acting like a 9 year old. He doesn't say much and shows improvement in his reading when I work with him.

I am watching the children play and J. sneaks up and stands by my side, says nothing. I ask him, "J. You all right?" In a very reserved manner he answers, "I'm hungry."

Negril has been a special challenge for Yvonne and I. Many people beg from us and it is difficult at times to separate the people in need from the ones that are in need of things we don't support. Our choice. But, my man J. WAS hungry. No question.

We have been thinking about all the people we have come to love and really care about in the few months since we have arrived on this island. We want to some how stay connected. My thinking now is.........is there some way for the hungry school children to be fed?

We are returning to our land of plenty. Hopefully from our hands will flow our excess to J. and all his friends, maybe, through some sustainable lunch program. We will be talking about it on our veranda for the next 10 months. Come and join us and help us come up with a plan.

All the best-One Love

B.

I was wondering about teaching styles. I have learned so much from the JA teachers this last year. You know, I was very linear about observing and not judging last year. Well, I would debrief at night with Yvonne. But I really feel like I am in a position this year to share with the teachers a few things that I believe in:

This I do Believe:

1. Each child is capable of learning.

2. That teaching should be student centered.

3. That positive reinforcement works better in most cases.

I believe a lot more than this. But my challenge has been to convey these beliefs to the 10 teachers and principal that I work with.

I think I have some credibility now--in my second year. Last year I modeled these behaviors. I remember more than once teachers watching me teach; focussing on the student, praising where deserved, reprimanding when needed. I really felt that I was doing some good.

So last week I was scratching my head again, why do the teachers insist upon humiliating the students? What I think is that they feel it will motivate the student. So one of my colleagues calls me over to a little grade 1 student she is testing. The teacher wants to show me how the little girl doesn't know her alphabet. I am dying for this child. She is silent, can't ID any recognizable letters. I want to cry, but say to her. "It's OK honey, we will teach the letters and together with your teacher, mother, brothers and sisters you will begin to learn to read." AND then the teacher picked up on the new encouraging theme and tells the little sweetheart, "yes, baby, we will all work together."

What works for me is modeling, I know other volunteers use other styles. Each person needs to find that technique that works for them.

I also want to say how much I love these teachers. They work hard and love the children.

Brian

Negril

Back in Jamaica after a very rewarding, and emotional draining, trip foreign. We were unaware until our return to our Jamaican home and friends JUST how emotionally draining visiting family can be: GOOD by all measurements.

So upon my arrival I stop in to see Ali, he says, "I sell weed and food. " This does not seem significant other than I thought, "that makes perfect sense." It made me realize that we are as about as culturally adjusted as we will ever be.

We both look forward to getting back into our routines. We have been working hard planting our winter gardens, the best time to grow here. We have cleaned and arranged and slept. We have spent time with our good yard-mates, Bobby and Dabi. We missed them!

So now we wobble back into our school years. I have that familiar feeling of excitement and melancholy, stoked for the new school year and also knowing the great unforgettable summer of 2009 has come to an end.

Enjoy our pictures from the summer by clicking on the links on the top right of this page.

All the best!

BC

Love , chose Yvonne and Brian, officially, on July 21, 2005. Won't you celebrate with us!

So Y tells me how she was holding on like normal in the very high position on top of the kayak in the stern, and then hears fear in my voice "Hold On", and instinctively knows to hold on tighter....". never saw it coming" she says. She then tells me that she held on the whole time with both hands and the force of the rapid pulled her 6'2" frame out of the raft into a horizontal position, sort of an arrow of a body pointing downstream to the next hole lurking and waiting for another HIT on Deacon Blues, the hole that Meg calmly announced with, "Dad. there is another hole." "I made the fatal mistake and was worried about her ass " is all could say later when J-dog asked about the incident. How funny that would come to us as we watched another amazing sunset in the west of Jamaica. Sometimes I am overcome with grace bestowed upon us!

I will always treasure the time on the Grand and also know that we will all go again multiple times.....we have to.

Awesome trip to the Cockpit Country and the Windsor Caves. Meg-Erin-Con in tow. Highlights are ALWAYS the people. Dango the unofficial guide of the caves, is becoming my spriitual advisor. This was my second trip there. We travelled to Falmouth-stayed with our buddy Andrew, he wasn't there but we stayed with his host family. Then off to the caves with our PCV friend, Nick.

Nick and I are sitting around the campfire after a very cool night in our hammock and tent respective. Dango is there. I am talking about how the insects are eating my garden. Dango says, "Everthing has to eat". Starts to laugh and rolls another splif. If you don't cone to Jamaica to see us then come and see Dango. A real Rasta.

Too many great things to write about in a BLOG. They need to be TOLD! Need to come down here and hear the stories around a bottle of JB Overproof and and the campfire.

Father Jim, from Cincy, was talking about loving harder and better yesterday. I have been challenged in many ways here. One way has been to love in situations that I find very difficult. Adjusting to a new culture, one that often times challenges your thinking, has made me a non-lover at times. Thank God we are here, learning new ways to approach others.

Thanks for all the support on Dwayne's house. We had 10 volunteers show up and we worked one afternoon lending Dwayne and Robbie a hand on the new cabin. Dwayne is a good man and appreciates all the help. He wants to write to his benefactors. Hope you like the pictures. BC

For anyone who has ever wanted to help someone in need but was unsure of how to go about doing it, look no further! I would like to introduce a couple of inspiring young individuals who attend the Theodora Foundation (where Brian and I work). After reading their stories you feel inspired to help in any way, we can make that happen!

This young man, age 26, has endured a turbulent youth. Living on his own from an early age in the streets of Kingston he was faced with every possible street life challenge imaginable including brushes with gang violence as well as the law. Tired of inner city street life conditions he moved to Negril hoping for employment opportunities and a better way of life. Sadly, when you read at a primary reading level and possess modest math skills, your options are limited. As expected money grew scarce so he turned to what he knew best – hustling tourist on the beach. When this lifestyle left him spiritually empty and financially unstable, he tried a different path. He discovered Theodora Foundation and put time and energy into bettering himself as a whole. After three years he is now up to a fourth grade reading level and his math skills have improved dramatically. Equally important, his self-concept and self-esteem are developing and progressing every day. Unfortunately, he is still financially unstable, but with a renewed sense of self and spirituality, members of his community are turning to him for “handy man” type labor.

The problem? Because this young man has struggled for so long, in every way, his living arrangements are beyond minimal. Brian and I, along with another Theodora staff member, made a home visit the other day. Basically, this individual lives in a one room shelter made from local branches, cardboard, and scrap tin. He has no running water, bathroom facilities of any kind, kitchen facilities, nor electricity. The gaps in his walls as well as his roof let in everything from rain to mosquitoes. While it is true this young man’s life is improving through pure determination, dedication and perseverance, we thought it would be great if we could get a work party together and spend the day making small improvements to his shelter. The improvements we hope to make include purchasing materials such as plywood to build a new floor and new shelves. This young man also hopes to cut additional wood from the nearby forest, debark it, and with our help apply it to the existing walls for reinforcement/filling in of gaps. May not sound like much but we are estimating a price of close to $500 dollars. Any help to raise this money would be GREATLY appreciated. We hope to start work over Thanksgiving weekend.

I would like to introduce a young lady, age 24, who exudes inner strength and beauty. Despite personal strife and struggle growing up she feels she has been blessed with a loving husband and two beautiful children. Her husband is a locally respected carpenter who is willing to take on any job in order to provide a family income. She takes care of the household duties and shares in child rearing responsibilities. This lady also has dreams of soon attending Jamaica’s government funded vocational training center (HEART) where she hopes to gain credentials as a certified seamstress (a must if she wants to contend in Negril’s competitive service industry market). For this reason she currently attends Theodora Foundation to improve her math and english skills so that she may pass the HEART entrance exam (and she is soooo close to passing!)

Unfortunately, due to the global economic slump and a low tourist season, her husband is struggling to find work. Making ends meet is getting harder and harder. If this young lady cannot find a way to help supplement her family income, her future at Theodora is questionable. Because she already possesses strong seamstress skills she would like to offer seamstress services from her home in the evenings and on weekends to earn an extra income. While the income would be small, every little bit would help. The problem? Her sewing machine handed down from her grandmother no longer works and the replacement parts are no longer produced. A new machine is simply out of her family’s financial reach. Unless…….. what if a few donors out there, looking for a worthy cause to contribute to, read her story and wanted to help? We have priced a new industrial sewing machine at $600. We currently have $50. Any contributions towards this machine would be so very appreciated!

So…….. like I said, if any of this sounds like something you want to be a part of, please let us know. Brian will be adding a Donate button to our BLOG this weekend. By clicking on the “button” and following the simple instructions, you can directly make a positive impact on two struggling, yet infinitely promising, young Theodora students in Negril. Thanks for reading their stories! If you are not able to provide financially, then please keep these two, and all the students we are working with, close in your heart.

New pictures of the round house added. Click the link on the right.

Yes we can! Jamaica is alive with excitement following Tuesday night’s election results. The entire island is bustling with Obama mania! Brian and I woke up early Wednesday morning to attend a PC meeting. On our way out the driveway we were amazed to see a picture of Barack painted on the outside wall of a nearby restaurant – the paint still drying! How is that possible?! The artist must have stayed up all night.

Everyone is talking about the significance of Obama’s win: the taxi driver taking you to work, the Rasta selling oranges on the corner, the neighboring town’s principal sitting next to you in your meeting. The exhilaration in the air is intoxicating. A reporter for Jamaica’s newspaper The Gleaner summed it up well in his editorial.

“Yesterday’s emphatic win by Barack Obama of the US presidency is nearly as much a victory for the world as for the man himself and the people of the US. Indeed, it is less than half a century since the civil-rights movement, the Selma demonstration and the march on Washington. Undeclared apartheid was in Mr. Obama’s lifetime. In that context, his election to the presidency is a significant and profound part of the narrative in the emerging American story.

America is much closer to resolving its internal contradictions and making whole the ideals of the founding fathers.

…. But as imperfect and exasperating that we, too, often found America and Americans of the gum chewing, loud talking, arrogant variety, there was still something decent and noble we thought about the US. The country might be drunken on its success, but there was a clear moral compass in America that forced us, against the grain it seemed sometimes, to express admiration.

Then came the lot who have run things these last eight years, unilateral marchers in hobnailed assertion of sole superpower status, articulating doctrines of preventative strike and regime change.

The world was designated as old and new – the supposed old order being of those who believe talking is the first order towards resolving conflicts – and that not only the powerful ought to have a place at the table, and that morality can be as potent a force as mighty armies and superior technology.

It is the hope the Mr. Obama will rebalance these ideas – not that he will be weak and effete – that make the world excited about his presidency.

America should remain muscular and strong, but the hope is that a moral core will return to Washington and the rest of us not viewed as mere pawns.”

Another reporter wrote, “While the election was not necessarily a referendum on race, positive race relations will be the beneficiary. It is also a testament to the people of the USA to have the courage to unshackle themselves from the cultural reality of their historical experience, to elect a black man as president, only a mere 40 years after assassinating the dreamer. Martin Luther King’s dream has been realized due to the awakening of a new generation. The world will be better as a result of this comprehensive victory by Obama. We join in our prayers for and with him that he will lead with the courage of his conviction.”

And an Obama supporter in Jamaica said, “The 2008 presidential race surpassed skin color as people were looking at the issues affecting the US and the world at large.”

I guess what I am most impressed by is the genuine interest not only shown here in Jamaica but from the world as a whole in our presidential race. When your only source of news is from countries other than your own, it really opens your eyes to the connectivity of our world. What we do as a country truly impacts the world as a whole, for better or for worse. The world is listening to us. I hope we have the insight to listen to the world.

Love to all. YVSC

How much do you give to a street dweller? We have a buddy that lives on our street. He LIVES on our street. His eyes look like Chris McCandlis (sp) from Into the Wild. K. is a smart man, some say he was well integrated and productive until he took to "theiving" and then some folks put some vodoo on him. Doesn't matter. He is hungry, but never alone in a country that values community.

How much do we give? A sandwich? Money? A bed? A "morning" in passing? Some say you give not from your excess, but from what you need, give until it hurts. We come from a "bootstrap culture". How much do you give? Our actions are shaped by our past experiences. Is it possible to re-program? Is it possible to "Give Until It Hurts"?

Just been thinking a lot about the challenges I am facing in my work. I have been with the students for a month and have never been challenged professionally as I am now. I wonder some times how the "just out of school" crowd deals with the day to day challenges. They are certainly my heroes.

I am using 20 plus years of teaching experience to work through my challenges. But, most of my paradigms are useless. Coming from a different place. So maybe my "experience" is a detriment. "know too much"

What I do know, is that these are the most amazing students I have worked with. Just full of love and energy. Everyday I am coming up with a "new plan". Lot of quotes here in "this blog".

So another week comes to a close. Working with Yvonne and her program on Thurs. and Fri. We will dust ourselves off this weekend. Maybe snorkel on the reef or plant a garden. Hopefully no more wall shaking thunderstorms in the middle of the night like last night. Woke up to falling items off the shelf due to the explosion of the clouds. Awesome!

On Monday I will jump on my bike for the 5K ride to school. I will be wearing my freshly hand laundered and ironed pants and shirt. It will be fun to face those challenges...after a weekend of Rum and Red Stripe.

Peace-BC

Yvonne has just finished her first week of school, I have finished my second. I have never been more dedicated to education-EVER. I find myself asking the likel pickni dem " Why you not in school?", if I see them on the street.

Watch the 35 minute video of Barrack talking to Dayton Ohio teachers....it should fire you up if you care about education.

Peace-BC

TO: Peace Corps Global

FROM: Ron Tschetter, Director

SUBJECT: Patriot Day 2008

In the days and months following September 11, 2001, the hands of friendship extended from citizens around the globe, and the generosity of the American people continued to shine with the increase we saw in Peace Corps applications. Last year, our applications were up over 26 percent from 2001.

As we all know, the Peace Corps displays the very best America has to offer, and our mission to promote world peace and friendship has never been more important. Every day there is a Volunteer who provides someone in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and South America with a friendly smile and a helping hand. Showing more than his or her own face, that Volunteer is showing the compassionate face of America to someone from another culture.

I have met with many Volunteers who have told me the attacks seven years ago inspired them to fill out that Peace Corps application and join the growing ranks of dedicated Volunteers attempting to make a difference. And I have met with many staff members who have become Peace Corps employees for the very same reason.

As we remember those who gave their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., in observance of Patriot Day, let us also pause to remember the 264 Americans who have given their lives during their service as Peace Corps Volunteers, especially as today we are mourning the loss of Bertie Murphy in Belize. As you walk in the front doors of Peace Corps headquarters, a memory board honoring these dedicated public servants can be seen to the right. I encourage those of you who work in Washington to take a look at the names on the plaque and reflect upon the service they provided for their country. For those of you in our regional recruitment offices and our posts around the world, I encourage you to join us in honoring them.

Both the individuals who lost their lives seven years ago and the Peace Corps Volunteers who gave their lives to their country are patriots in every sense of the word.

I saw a thousand eyes at the All Age School yesterday. Wow what a sight. Students all decked out in uniforms and hair so neat. My principal introduced me to the school. So exciting and a little nerve wracking. I have a Grade 8 helper in the mornings who attends another school in the afternoon. He helps me and I am teaching him how to keyboard, well Mavis Beacon is. It is fun.

I am little nervous but excited and honored to be teaching students the amazing skill of learning the sounds of the english language. I think I might have 4 or 5 groups that I will teach phonics to. This is a great honor and I trust I am up to the task.

Check out the ink below. It is to an article in Jamaica, about our ceremony last week. Look for the tall guy in the picture. Yvonne and are very proud and really stoked and honored to be here.

Swearing In Article

I have been so excited about this hurricane. Actually, Gustav never reached hurricane status. It is has now passed over Kingston in the east and has moved to the west-where we live. Reports are extensive flooding, power outages and the water if off. Our prayers go out to the Caymans and the Cubans who will experience Gustav next. Most projections have Gustav reaching the Gulf Coast as a much stronger storm than passed here.

I posted some pictures of our swearing in. The link is to the right. It was a great event. Everyone all dressed up. We are so fortunate to have met so may great people. Just loving every part of this so far. Miss everyone. Brian

Waiting for this storm is so amazing. You would have no idea that a hurricane is about to spoil our party today. I just awake to see that the storm has shifted south and is now on track to pass right over the island. The government has issued a Hurricane Warning. Everyone is advised to stay at home. We should see 6-12 inches of rain today in Kingston. We might have winds up to 100 MPH. Sounds like a fall storm in Kodiak.

Plans are still in place to swear in this morning at the embassy. Yahoo. We are so excited. Pictures tonight--if we still have electricity!

We are in Kingston now. Finished all our work to be official volunteers tomorrow. We are stoked to get back to our little town in the west. Just set up house and start living and working with the children of Negril. We are finding some amazing qualities in them.

Hurricane Gustav is passing close by. Should only be lots of rain here. We are safe and sound in Kingston where we could be evacuated to the embassy if need be. The new embassy is capable of withstanding a force 5 hurricane. All the models show the hurricane passing north of the island and making landfall on the south coast of Cuba. BUT, it is a hurricane and anything can happen.

Had the wild victory celebration about 8AM JA-Time after Bolt-Powell-Slater and company kicked wild ass in the 4X100.

Unbelievable times. WE are on our way to Kingston for a week. We will be official volunteers after Thursday the 28th.

FROM THURSDAY:

Another exciting day as Jamaica continued the gold rush winning the both gold and bronze in the womenʼs 200m. Veronica Campbell came first, making a personal best of 21.74 ,while Jamaica struck again as Kerron Stewart took bronze with 22 .Our little island, only 50 miles wide is now ranked 12th out of 205 countries in the Beijing Olymics.

Once again, the historic nature of events here makes our hearts hop skip and jump-(triple jump)! Can't think of anyplace we would rather be!-BC

The streets around Half Way Tree are always busy - it is one of the main roads running through Kingston and is home to the city's main bus terminal.

It is dominated by an old clock tower but on Wednesday, two giant screens were the centre of attention.

The streets came to a standstill as the public spilled out of nearby offices, shops and buses to watch a moment marked in history.

Jamaica has become a super power in track and field events in recent years, especially in the sprints, but it has never had an Olympic champion in the 200m. (BTW-All athletes train and are coached in Jamaica-take that Bob Costas-BC)

The same was true of the 100m until Saturday, when Usain Bolt smashed the record and took the elusive gold medal.

Riding high on the success of their hero the crowd were already predicting a new world record, even before the race began.

"They should build a new national stadium for Jamaica when Usain wins the 200m, a brand new one in his honour when he mashes up the record," said one fan.

Wild crowds

As the race was about to begin, Bolt's appearance on the big screen caused pandemonium.

Bolt walked around the starting line, soaking up the moment and playing to the crowd in the Bird's Nest Stadium - he was also performing to his fellow countrymen here in Kingston.

When he arrives, we'll carry him on our shoulders from the airport

Fan in Kingston

Flags were being waved in a frenzy and every time the cameras cut to Bolt the crowds would scream, shout - and in some cases jump up and down - in anticipation.

But as the runners went into the blocks the crowd fell nearly silent.

When the gun went off, people surged forward into the middle of the road, stopping buses and trucks to get the best view.

As Bolt went into the lead they went wild, and when he crossed the finishing line in first place and in record time, the noise was deafening.

A combination of screams, shouts, and car horns started in unison as people began to take in what they had just witnessed.

For most Jamaicans the result was expected, but had he taken the world record?

Jamaican whispers

For a moment which seemed like an eternity, there was the Jamaican version of Chinese whispers, which are more akin to a shout.

Bolt had indeed broken American athlete Michael Johnson's world record of 19.32 seconds, by clocking 19.30 in Beijing.

"He's taken home the gold in the 100 and 200m. When he arrives, we'll carry him on our shoulders from the airport to here," said one person in the crowd.

No mean feat, when you consider the airport is a good half hour's journey by car, never mind by foot with a crowd of thousands.

But here in Jamaica, Bolt's welcome home from the Beijing Games will be unprecedented in the island's history.

Sports minister, Olivia "Babsy" Grange, has already announced that a red carpet will be rolled out for the competitors who have taken part in the games, but Usain Bolt will undoubtedly be the centre of attention.

At the end of the race the sprinter was seen dancing to the Nuh Linga, a dance made popular by dancehall artist Elephant Man.

The celebrations are only just beginning for the sprinter, who turns 22 on Thursday. But he still has his heart set on gold in the 4x100m on Friday night, so he will have to wait.

Back home, they have already started celebrating on his behalf.

Yvonne and I watched Usain Bolt smash the world record in Beijing this morning in the 100M dash. We were shopping in a store in Savannah la Mar. "Sav" is our regional shopping center and Parish capital. The whole country came to a standstill to watch the race. It was very emotional watching with Jamaicans. They love this man and Track and Field. We were surrounded by a rasta about 50, a Chinese-Jamaican store owner, about 6 store workers ranging in age from 15-30 and maybe 3 or 4 other customers. We totally bonded with them.

The town was abuzz after the race. We really feel like we experienced something special. BTW-there were 6 Caribbean runners out of the 8 finalist in the race. Jamaica took 1st-5th-6th in the race. Yahoo Jam-Rock pride!

I feel privileged to be here in this land of "Wood and Water"

laita

A link has been added to the right. We will post pictures now and then.

"Love the Children" After listening to 15 of my fellow PCT speak today, from the youth sector, I realized that if I can just love the children here, for the next two years, than I will have had a successful PC experience.

I have been so in awe of our life the past 3 weeks that I haven't been able to process it. So I will start here. The beginning. First of all, I am so amazed at Yvonne's ability to work with children, young adults in her case. She is working with 15 or so students in a summer camp; just getting her feet under her. She volunteered to put off a play with them for Emancipation Day. She only had 2 days to pull it off and she did in fine fashion. I will post some pictures soon.

We have returned to Kingston for another week of training. We are considered trainees until August 28th when we are sworn in at the US Embassy. It is a bit of a trial. Learning Patwa, meeting the endless requirements related to safety and security, etc. It is good and feels right as we work our way to that momentous day.

Thursday we return to the west, our home for the next two years. Negril is feeling comfortable. I am getting my arms around living in a tourist town. We have a job to do there. I realize that now. I am learning so much about just letting all my expectations go and just running with what we have been blessed with.

I will love the children here in Jamaica.

Peace and love

We have been in Negril for three days now. This place is so beyond expectations. My site (the Theadora Project) is an amazing organization started by a Presbyterian minister (Margaret) whose mission is to help youth and young adults gain control of their lives by empowering them with literacy, math, computer, and life skills, as well as career guidance and individual counseling. Most of the students have dropped out of traditional schools and have little to no financial support or family stability. As a result these men and women are usually weighted with personal, family and social hardships and likely have been exploited (most commonly sexually/human trafficking). Unfortunately, resort communities located in economically depressed areas attract dark sided opportunist, and even worse is that there is a demand for it. The casual observer won't necessarily see it in the streets of Negril, but it is there (as anywhere). Dissertations have no doubt been written on the subject. I will refrain and move on for now.

Tomorrow is my first day! The Theadora Project and Shared Hope is starting a Summer Camp tomorrow, so I will get a relaxed introduction into the organization. "Camp" is a bit different from their school in that students from the community are invited regardless of home life. It should be a great way to meet some of my neighbors considering Brian and I only live about a mile away. Margaret (my supervisor) was psyched to meet Brian and is scheming ways to get him involved. She not only needs his IT skills but also wants him as a mentor/role model for the young men. He is hoping to be able to split his responsibilities with his primary job in order to hang out with us at the Theadora. What is his primary job? It's an "All Age" school (next door to where we live) serving as an IT and reading specialist. Sound familiar? That's what happens when you have 20 plus years experience in technology/education AND you are really good at what you do. He is still struggling letting go of the beekeeping job.......... no doubt by next year he will have found a way to justify a secondary project requiring production of honey.

OK - where do we live? In an insanely non Peace Corpsish home a block from the water. It's a two bedroom "flat" complete with kitchen and bathroom that is attached to our landlord's house by an outdoor walkway. The place is beautiful (a hot box but beautiful). On our property there are two stand alone apartments where two additional Peace Corps volunteers live, so our place feels more like a Peace Corps camp than a traditional Jamaican household. The advantage to this is that we are scoring a lot of good advice and insider tips for how to get around. Most valuable tip so far? Where to get Red Stripe on the beach for about a buck. Am I in the Peace Corps or is this all a dream? The reality - with our wages we still can't afford it! Makes for a nice splurge though.

Public transportation is insane, but no surprise there. Always an adventure. And our neighborhood is a taste of true Jamaica: a church around every corner (with a beer shack across the street), older men and women sitting under shade trees chatting in Patwa, kids racing up and down the hills on their motorcycles and bikes, children playing in the street, roosters crowing, dogs barking, music playing in the background, the sound of dominoes being shuffled in the distance, the sporadic, subtle hint of "ganga" hanging in the air......... and this is all before noon. Despite the "resort strip" located about a mile down the beach, Negril is very much a laid back town.

(not your average) Negril moment:

* standing on my porch at sunset reflecting on the day while absorbing my surroundings, feeling immersed in Jamaican culture...... and 2 Mormon missionaries ride by on their bikes complete with shirt, tie, helmet and headlamp. Did that really just happen?

It is currently 10:18 PM and the temperature in the house is still above 90 degrees, so I am off to take a cold shower before bed. Looking forward to mango and pineapple for breakfast tomorrow, and then a mile walk to work.

By the way, our PC friend from training just called. He is living in a remote village located in the heart of the Blue Mountains on a pig farm. He has to walk miles in order to reach public transportation, there is no store so his host family feeds him what they grow in their garden, AND his PC required cell phone doesn't get consistent service. He is 23 and struggling while Brian and I are both thinking "lucky dog"! Makes us smile.

All is well. Wishing you the same. Blessings, Y

Happy Birthday Brian! 52 years young and looking GOOD! ..... not to mention handsome, dashing, strong, sexy.........

Below is a video of the school that I will be working at. Can't believe the resources available.

I meant to send this email out last week…….. I think I’ll BLOG it instead to relieve a bit of the guilt. :)

Hello! Thought I would drop a line and let you know that we made it to Jamaica! I gotta say - the Peace Corps folks rock. They are taking really good care of us. At times - a little too good. While in Kingston they are exceptionally cautious about letting us roam too far from home without an escort. It feels a lot like summer camp (only with beer). Currently our group (all 52 of us) is housed in Shortwood College north of downtown. Established in 1885 this college has character: stone cottages, fruit trees, community gardens. Most challenging adjustments about the place? Trying to adapt to the saltfish every morning for breakfast, no running water after 8:00 PM, and checking in with a "warden" every time you leave campus. Welcomed adjustments? No air conditioning so every building is open to the outdoors with sea breezes blowing in. Still gets hot, but somehow smelling the ocean makes it OK. Sunday was washday. Hung out at the community laundry area the college provides for most of the morning with 10-15 other volunteers hand washing our clothes. The younger ones (20 - 21) were questioning whether or not they were "doing it right" while the older crowd (55 - 60) lavished in the shade of a mango tree reading their favorite books while watching their clothes dry. Progress and efficiency are often times over rated.

Kingston is a whole bunch of everything rolled up into one: exciting, alive, exhilarating, energetic, decaying, wild, untamed, loud, chaotic, challenging, spiritual, social.............. PC gave us a map and pointed out all the places we were not authorized to visit, and then proceeded to take us to all those places in small groups with a local Jamaican. Sort of funny but a good lesson in survival tips in the big city. Similar survival tips as in any big city - but I found myself actually paying attention this time. A great city full of art and culture but you have to be on guard 24/7. Walking the street markets downtown - spectacular. So much energy and action with wall-to-wall people (99% African descent). You can buy anything from the street vendors: laundry soap, big screen TVs, goat’s milk, porn, bibles, pirate blockbuster DVDs. I can imagine big cities in Africa feeling very similar.

The bus ride home was invigorating. A man stepped on board to preach the gospel and by the end of our trip the whole bus was singing gospel songs. Apparently this is a common and fairly well received practice. Like I said – a very spiritual island.

The local language? Patois is spoken EVERYWHERE by EVERYONE in Kingston. Before arriving I was lead to believe it was spoken primarily in rural areas. Not so! I hear it everywhere! In professional environments English is expected, but in informal settings I am definitely hearing more Patois. There is a wealth of island pride here, just not the funds to match it. There is a movement to teach Patois in schools along with English to help formalize and legitimize it. A good sign. The language lessons we are receiving are hilarious. I feel like I am back in kindergarten! With a little luck, “Me tingk me lern de Patwa soohn kom.”

I could keep rambling but I won’t. Hope all is well with you all! YSC