Funk, Falmouth, and the Future

I usually post a blog with a specific story in mind, or at the very least something funny. This time I intend to just bore you with some of the latest news on my end here in Falmouth, Jamaica. My last post was just after the holidays, and I was riding a high I knew wouldn't hold up much longer. 

I became frustrated with working 4 days a week at the Falmouth All-Age school. I wasn't doing much there but observing, and surely not promoting any health topics like the Peace Corps wants me to do. I thought one-on-one tutoring was the answer, but after a week of that I was forced to throw in the towel in order to maintain my patience in front of my students. My attitude and mood rapidly went into sharp decline, and I found myself spiraling downward into a nasty funk. They say it happens to all Peace Corps volunteers at some point. I began to question my purpose here, wondered if I can actually make any difference, and for the second time in 7 months, pondered the idea of leaving Jamaica. I actually pursued a high paying contract job in the Middle East that could secure me enough funds to pay for graduate school, and as the actual thought of leaving crept into my mind, I became saddened. My gut and my heart were both subtly informing me of my need to remain here, so rather than torture myself with making a pivotal decision, I threw out the idea of leaving. The benefits of toughing it out here far outweigh the temptation of money. 

I came to the realization that in order to maintain a healthy state of mind here in Jamaica as a Peace Corps volunteer, it would be vital that I find work that interests me, AND still satisfies my boss(although she doesn't seem too concerned with what I do). I tweaked my work schedule a bit to include working part-time for Jamaica's version of Habitat for Humanity. It is called Jamaica Abode, or just Jabode. Thanks Miss Delzie! I also had a nice conversation with the head honcho at the Falmouth Heritage Renewal. He agreed to let me come aboard with his non-profit organization to assist in whatever way I can to revitalize Falmouth's rich Georgian Architecture and history. Check out our website at www.falmouthjamaica.org to see what we're about. I have been helping out with the restoration of the custom windows in the historic Anglican church in Falmouth (I apologize for not having a pic......"soon come" as they say here). I was also not exercising and eating as much and as well as I should be, so I am taking steps to remedy that. 

I do have one success story I'd like to share with you, though. While working with Jabode last week, we made a huge difference in some peoples' lives. We got tipped off about a family living in conditions that are just plain sad and unacceptable.  A young man, his girlfriend, and their two children were literally sleeping under a tarp in a swampy, low-lying area near the highway. A mission group from Minneapolis, myself, and a few other random persons came together and constructed a make shift "house" for the family in one day with very little money. After construction and raising the foundation to keep out water, we painted it too. The family was eager to help us, and together we changed the lives of 4 Jamaicans. They were so excited, and that made it all worth it. That's when I had an epiphany, and remembered what's important and why I am here as Peace Corps Volunteer. It felt good. This is the kind of work I'd like to do more of while I am here. I hope to begin construction of a pit latrine in that same community sometime in the near future. 

As much as I love riding bicycles, I often wonder what took me so long to purchase one. I finally shelled out the cash, and with a few minor adjustments and a new flat black stealthy paint job, I have wheels! It looks like a police issue bike now, but I only did this to make it look less conspicuous. Cruising Falmouth on a bicycle is great, and it's a good way to put myself out there and meet new community members. "Yo whassup ladies!" I posted a pic of my new ride, proudly displaying my New Mexico flag in the backdrop. 

My host mother and I have been bouncing around the idea of confronting the dog problem in Falmouth since I moved in. Falmouth is overpopulated with wild, roaming dogs, mostly sick and malnourished. We spoke with the one and only veterinarian in the Parish of Trelawny, and he agreed to try and help if we drafted a proposed plan. On Wednesday I was spurred into action, and drafted up a professional project proposal to give to the Doc. With any luck, he'll give us the green light. Then it gets challenging. We need to write letters to animal institutions here in Jamaica as well as organizations back in the USA in order to get some grant money. Falmouth also has a rat infestation problem, and the dogs spilling garbage cans in search of food only makes the situation worse. We'd like to get enough money to spay/neuter approximately 100 dogs, build a small kennel that can hold up to 5 dogs, and small monies to clean up some and get 'em a few good meals. Unfortunately, if we have our way some of the animals will need to be euthanized as they are sick and suffering. Keep in mind this is only a secondary project(I realize that people here need help too, and I'm not some crazy animal rights activist). I'd like to get involved in anything that falls under community planning and development, so I can gain hands-on grass roots experience that will help me in the future in urban development. 

On the horizon: 

• Volunteering at the Donkey Races in Negril over Valentine's Day weekend (hopefully I can take out one of the donkeys on a date seeing that I'm as single as can be). 
  
• Computer lab construction for 3 days on the south coast in Black River at the end of February. 
• Studying for the GRE. I have a test date in Portland, Oregon on May 8th. I have a week to explore Portland, take the GRE, visit my brother, and visit the Urban Planning masters program at Portland State University. Exciting!
• My pops is coming to visit in March.
• I may even try my first Triathlon in April in Treasure Beach!

Thanks to all who encouraged me to stay when I was considering leaving. Just because I live in Jamaica doesn't mean I'm on vacation as many of you may think. I have bad days just like you do. However, I do realize my situation is way cooler than yours;) Peace. 

"Cut down the whole forest of selfish desires, not just one tree only. Cut down the whole forest and you will be on your way to liberation."             ~Buddha