Finding the Words....

A couple weeks ago we traveled to Ocho Rios for Early Service Conference…a time to decompress and talk about the things we’ve been experiencing these past 4 months. On our way to Ocho we had quite an adventure. We reached a taxi stop in Albert Town and were told that we couldn’t go any further- the road was flooded up ahead! They told us to take a taxi back and find an alternate route. We had already been traveling for about 3 hours and didn’t really want to turn back. Thank goodness a taxi driver decided he would take us through the flooded water. They managed to cram us into a car including us 9 people in the car. Two men pushed us through waist high water for about a ¼ mile. I was laughing the entire time- I was sitting in the back of the hatchback car- Will was in the back seat with two other PCV’s Curt and Ryan. The car began to fill with water- by the time we were through the car had about 6 inches of water. They had us bail out of the car and began bucketing the water from the car. It gave me a good laugh for the day. The conference was frustrating mostly because Will and I don’t have a lot to share. We’ve had frustrations with our supervisor and finding work has been left up to us. It was inspiring though to hear that we’re not the only ones experiencing this. Another breakthrough was my husband becoming quite the singer. He decided that karaoke is his thing! He was singing some Myrle Haggerd- Okie from Muskogee and even sang- Ray Orbison- Crying Over You to me!

<-- thanks Josh and Jesse! I now have evidence!

The following week we returned to work revived and excited to try some new ways of communicating with our supervisor. On Monday we had a meeting with him. We had all of these great ideas- projects we could do within our organization and the parish. To make a long story short- we’re back at square one. We’ve even been told to do the work asked of us even though it doesn’t meet the goals of Peace Corps and then turn around and tell Peace Corps we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. That is not what we signed up for! I feel as though we’ve exhausted all of our resources and we still haven’t accomplished anything. We’re both mentally and physically exhausted running around in circles with our supervisor and our organization.

Living in a foreign country has had its fair share of frustrations and sometimes I just can’t find the words to describe what we’re going through on a daily basis. I mean we have internet access for the most part, we live in a nice house, we have a fan to keep us cool at night, and we’ve met a lot of wonderful people along the way. However there are times I could just pull my hair out! I understand this is all part of the experience therefore I won’t bore you with all the depressing things because I’ve come to realize that we signed up for Peace Corps. There will be bad days and really bad days. You will meet people who love the work you’re doing here and on the flip side you’ll meet people who could care less why you’re here or what you’re doing. There will be times when you’re rewarded and feel a sense of accomplishment but there will be times when you feel as though you’re useless and disposable. Don’t sweat the small stuff, love the journey you’re embarking on, let there be challenges and frustrations- they only make you stronger and build your character. Most of all have fun and take time for you!

Overall I think Will and I have decided to just let go and let Jamaica take what they want and need from us. Not for us to dictate what we give. Yet, we are also finding that you have to set boundaries and limitations to what you give, or else they will take everything you have and leave you frustrated, exhausted and longing to get away.

Thus, once again we struggle for balance and to find the courage to stay with it, because the rewards and satisfaction of knowing that you overcame a huge obstacle is what we have to remember.

As always we love and miss everyone! We really wanted to feast on some Thanksgiving turkey with our loved ones- as they say here- soon come! Love to All!