Standing On A Stumbling Block

It’s been a very dynamic past week. Literally the day I wrote my last post, I had my first real meltdown and left a meeting before work actually started (but 3 hours after the designated meeting time…yeah). The details are unimportant, every volunteer has those days where the work ethic and social tendencies of cultures simply clash with an uncomfortable resonance. I was lucky that the next day I left to visit J 7 parishes away, I needed time away with a friend.

We met a whole bunch of PCV’s in Portland and stayed in a beautiful log cabin on the edge of a cliff, in the yard of an ex-patriot. I slept in my hammock on the back porch, swinging to the tune of the ocean against the land, and I woke up to a hot but brilliant sunrise. The weekend contained a bit of bonding, catching up, drinking, cooking, dancing, swimming in some pretty large waves and lounging on the beach. It was time that I needed to readjust my perspective and consider my position in the community. The first step is to admit you have a problem- I have a few.

PCV Getaway VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I returned home with my neighboring PCV’s by way of official (air conditioned) PC vehicle, thanks to our Program Manager, Dan. I enjoyed my veggie burger from Burger King immensely before leaving Kingston (trivial and unimportant fact, but as we’ve discussed already- little victories). Dan and Anika were coming into W-more (here on in I’d like you to understand how annoying it is to type out “Westmoreland”, so we have a new abbreviation) for site visits, to check in on volunteers, see the sites and chat about progress and whatnot. He also was able to drop off our bicycles

As always, meeting with Dan put me in a good place. I explained how very many projects Beeston Spring had in its arsenal, the steep learning curve I’m climbing daily and my recent meltdown. Describing the incident, I was able to hear the rain of dominoes falling against each other, pushing me over and to the edge. Dan empathized with the situation so completely that I felt validated in leaving the meeting. He also stated his pride in my progress and perception of the community/culture. Whew, that felt good.

The next meeting I attended to build the Denbigh display, I walked in as an outsider, and asked what they’d gotten done. Instead of delegating, I watched and offered assistance. I knew I’d thrown them off the other day by leaving, and I wanted to show them that I’d been humbled, that I was over it. My moment came when the Carpenter teased me about something we’d argued over previously, and I laughed at my ‘mistake’. Since then, the rest of the week went smoothly and pleasantly.

Building the Denbigh Display VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Yesterday, Friday Aug 3, was a jam packed day of…stuff. Woke early to add the finishing touches to the display before the bus came to pick it up. The community was celebrating Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence, so I decided to get a ride to the Agriculture Show Saturday morning in order to enjoy the festivities of the day/night. We worked until about 1 and stayed for festivities until about 2:30, at which time the heat and dirt from the earlier work became uncomfortable- so I headed home for a bath and lunch. A storm on its way was being closely monitored by the Peace Corps Office, and rumor was that we might need to be on stand by. The official word came around 4pm- no volunteer was to leave the parish or their sites until further notice. The Greenies are currently not very happy campers. Denbigh is the biggest Agriculture Fair on the Island, apparently much like a state or county fair, the Peace Corps has its own booth for the first time ever and many of us have been working with our communities on displays for a few weeks. Major, major bummer. I hope it at least rains today- the sun is out, the heat is oppressive and the hurricane isn’t supposed to hit until Monday. On the bright side, Jamaica is celebrating, my community is partying and I look good in Black, Green and Yellow.

Reppin the JA Vybz (vibes)

 

Jamaica 50th VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Sunset VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL