It's Official...We're MAC Snobs!

Actually we're not really however both of our computers kinda took a dive so we were forced to buy a new laptop...after a lot of research we decided to buy a MacBook! This thing is seriously amazing! The design and thought put into this machine is great. Every last detail was thought out and designed so well! Need I say more...

I need to also comment on the last post we made...it was not in any way intended for you to feel sorry for us, the only reason we posted it was for you all to see some of the daily frustrations we have. Someday there will be a list of all the great things about Peace Corps so you can all continue to wait in "wide eyed anticipation!"

This past week was filled with extreme highs and lows...contemplating going home only to have immense feelings of satisfaction and gratefulness! This roller coaster ride is unlike anything Will or I has experienced- we're grateful for everything we've experienced thus far and look forward to the many more things god has in store for us- there truly is a reason for the path we've followed and a reason for being here even though we may not see the light at the end of the tunnel!

We had another great time in Kingston this last weekend. Not only did our friends Josh and Jesse bring us back our cool MAC they also came bearing several other gifts...starbucks, sweeties, underwear, socks, shirts, pants, slipper socks, balsamic vinegar, and cards! I love Christmas in February! We were also able to go see a movie for the first time since being in Jamaica. We got the boys to go see a chick flick with us..."He's just not that into you!" They played the national anthem before the movie and half way through we had intermission for drinks and snacks! It was one of those few moments were I felt like a normal human being once again!

On Saturday we were able to go to Black River and take a boat out to a place known as Peilcan Bar- it's out in the Carribbean Sea. It was not at all what I expected but was so much fun- soaking in some sun and relaxing after a long week!



As most of you know we'll be home to visit in July- I know this is a long ways away however everyone needs plenty of notice! We will be in Moscow for Erin and Michaels wedding and in Boise to visit with our family and friends- We look forward to seeing anyone and everyone that will be in the area! As always we love and miss you all- Thanks for all the great comments you continue to leave on our blog- We really appreciate it!
P.S. There are updated photos on our flickr link! Go check em out!

Why it's hard to be a Peace Corps Volunteer

*Being treated like you’re ignorant and incompetent

*Living in a fish bowl

*Being stood up over and over again

*Anything that goes wrong is always your fault

*Constantly feeling like you don’t belong no matter how integrated you are

*Setting aside your morals and values- they may not be culturally acceptable

*Being treated like a child

*It’s DAMN FRUSTRATING!

*Not feeling like you have accomplished anything

*No clear path or objective

*Being talked down upon

*Trying to explain your purpose and nobody really cares or wants to listen

*People begging you for money and wanting material things from you

*Not being able to feel safe and secure

*Thinking too much about what you’re doing wrong instead of what you might be doing right

*Being bored and trying to find new ways to pass the time

*Missing our families and friends

*Feeling like you are a nobody

*Lack of support

*Trying to find good, sustainable, and valuable work

Ticks, Toads, and Roaches

These are just a few of the friendly creatures we've encountered this week. A toad found his way into our house- We kindly showed him the door back outside- not a huge deal. He was actually kinda cute! However the big story is the stupid roach that came inside- I told Will there was a roach on the wall so he went and got the bug spray and fly swatter (we have a routine figured out). Will hit the roach with his swatter and instead of it falling to the ground it flew onto my leg- Will started swatting my leg and spraying me with bug spray- of course I was screaming like a little sissy the entire time! At least we killed the nasty thing. The final creature came to us while we were out visiting some organic farmers. We managed to get into some ticks (uol eap a tick about 20-25)- well Will mostly- It made me quite happy because we could go home and well...I could check him for ticks!

As for work we're starting to get some things going- however we're trying not to get our hopes up just yet. Will is still working very hard on the crop estimates program with the extension officers and the head office. He has a meeting in Kingston on Friday to hopefully get a program created on the web and train the entire island on it. He is also working on getting farmers connected by providing some computers to PMO (Production and Marketing Organizations) groups. This will help them keep better and more accurate farm records, connect them to current farm gate prices so they know when and what to grow, and a data bank of current production costs for all the crops that can be grown in Jamaica.

I am still trying to get my school garden up and running. A student at the school where I work was killed two weeks ago by a motor vehicle therefore the school and parents are grieving. He will be buried this Saturday, a very sad accident. My biggest project that I'm hoping to get off the ground is a community center in Malvern- a town in the Santa Cruz mountains. Currently there is a facility in place but it needs a new roof and doors along with toilets, sinks, and a refrigerator. It is my hope to work with the community to repair the center and then run a small business out of it. I would be working with women that need a source of income. I have identified a market for goats milk soap- therefore I will teach the women how to make the soap and provide them with an income every month. It is also my hope to add a small computer lab in the center along with space for meetings and other various events in the community. Finally I've also been helping out with 4-H. Right now they're doing an Environmental Challenge- so I have been working with a couple schools to help them complete their projects and of course learn more about the environment- this years theme: Water is Life, Protect and Preserve It!

The above picture is a field of sugar cane that we visited in Elam- a community not far from Santa Cruz- Pictured below from left to right :
--I find that by doing yoga not only do I feel more grounded but it helps keep me more sane!
--I made homemade pizza last night- It tasted so good- I know it doesn't look gourmet- Thanks Jesse for the crust recipe
--Will must have found some more ticks- maybe it's his way of telling me that he loves me!