Greetings all!
Well, the heat it is upon us... along with mosquitos and endless training. We are currently training at a teachers college and in the main it is working out well. Given the amount of material they are attempting to cover the days are long. The others in the class are fascinating people who have lived and travelled all over the world. Many of these folks make me feel like a lifelong homebody.
The conditions are somewhat sparten to be sure but everyone is approaching the challenges with equanimity and good humor. The general state of sleep deprivation has been the most difficult part for Karen and I personally but we hope, with the newly furnished mosquito net to be on better fighting terms with the mosquitos. We did have a presentation by notable dignitaries such as the US Ambassador to Jamaica. Also, a Jamaican band with about 20 singers and dancers presented some entertainment as well. I frankly would have appreciated it more tonight but it was not to be. The singers were fantastic but my endurance was less than it might have been after a 4:30 AM start to the morning.
The major issue that they seem to be spending a fair bit of time on is the Jamaican crime rate. They have the second highest murder rate in the world. However, it is, with one exception, all gang vs. gang type of violence and if we are smart to stay out of areas they tell us in advance, we stand very little likelihood of running into foul play. Good thing to as, try as she does, it is hard to run with Karen's short little legs....
We venture forth from the campus tomorrow to explain the bus system and various odds and ends about Kingston. With good fortune, several of us hope to find a bar to have a beer at. So far, the campus is 'dry'. We are here until July 17th and then we go to our site - whereever that is. The Peace Corps has the whole pay thing down quite well with money deposited directly into an account they set up for us. Setting up allowance, housing, food and all medical care are covered.
We will send pictures to the blog but the Peace Corps has asked us not to post pictures of our house when that blessed event occurs. However, pictures of our travels are all fair game.
Miss you all greatly already and look forward to the time we can invite you down!
Love, Matt & (Karen)
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1 comments:
hello to you both,
am still in awe of both of you for taking on such an incredible journey. Am enjoying reading your story thus far, Karen, we miss you already! The new pedi unit opened this week with many surprises for all of us! Take care both of you and keep writing so we all can be on the journey with you!
Kathie R.
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