Lack of Internet....

So when we arrived to work on Monday we found the internet wasn't working- turns out that the massive storm we had on Saturday destroyed our precious internet at work. The lightning actually hit the modem and well for a lack of better words...killed the internet! So I have to write this quickly because I'm in a little internet cafe in Santa Cruz- with little time left!

We recieved two yes I said two packages on Tuesday- 1 from the Reyes's and 1 from the Newlans! Oh the joy of recieving a package! I felt like a child at Christmas!!! Even though you have to claim the contents on the outside there are still unexpected surprises! Kaui and Cisco- I'm not going to lie the loofa's you sent- AMAZING! We have been in Jamaica now for 3 months and I've searched hi and low trying to find becuase the one I brought fell apart! I havn't been able to find one and then a package comes from you with what....TWO LOOFAS! I immediatly took the sticker off and jumped in the cold shower- and how wonderful it was! Scrub a dub dub...well you know the rest! Also in your package was more toiletries than I can shake a stick at! I think Will and I will be squeaky clean for at least a month! At first I felt as though this was your silly way of telling us we stink therefore you should have some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and oh by the way brush your teeth with this toothpaste, new toothbrush, mouthwash, and would you please floss for crying out loud. However I then realized that you truly understood how bad we needed those things- TRUE FRIENDSHIP! Nick and Joy we also recieved a wonderful package from you! I loved the little notes attached to each item- I took them off and will hopefully hang them in our room- once we get some time to decorate! I also loved the pictures you both sent! How I miss both of my girls! I take the photos around telling everyone I left my children at home and look at how cute they are.

Jamaica is making us crazy! Somedays go by so fast that I can't remember the date let alone the month! This is a good thing though- makes the time go by much faster. Will trained some extension agents on a new program he designed to calculate their crop production every month and to also compile the totals for a parish report. I started working at a primary school (grades 1-6) on a school garden and compost pile. I love working with the kids. Last week when I went to visit them I allowed them time to ask me any questions they had about me, the United States, etc. A lot of the kids asked me if I was married- I told them yes to a man named Willy (that's what they call him here)...and then they immediatley asked if I had kids- when I replied no several of them said, "Mrs. can you take us back to the United States to be your child." I laughed of course and told them they would miss Jamaica too much if I did that. Some of the kids are so intrigued by me they just want to touch my skin or hair...it's kind of weird but easy to cope with. (It's almost like I'm a celebrity here...haha)

Last week we went to a funeral- one of the extension agents we work with his father passed away. The night before they have what is called a "wake" They stay up all night celebrating the life of the person. The next day, which happened to be a Sunday the service began at 1:00 p.m. needless to say we didn't leave until about 6:00 p.m. It was extremly long but is something I think can be admired about Jamaican culture- They have much respect for their elders!

Once again we need to say thank you to everyone who has sent us letters and packages. We have several people asking us what Will wants for his Birthday and what we want for Christmas! We will compile a list hopefully- we were able to get some pro deals through Keen, Chaco, NorthFace, etc. so if you're interested in helping with a purchase from one of these fine places we would really love that but I will post a list....soon kum!

Until later--- JAMAICA TO DI WORL!!!!