PVI Departure

It has now been five days since my arrival in Jamaica.  Three of us are here now and we are still awaiting the arrival of the two other PVI's.  Lauren and Betsy are two of the PVI's from last year and they have blessed us with their insights.  However, they are both departing for home tomorrow.  They have done an exceptional job of showing us around and answering hundreds of questions over the last five days.  We would love to have them stay a bit longer but we understand they must go now.  We wish them a safe return home and a smooth transition back to American life :)  I can feel how these people and this culture have become a part of them as I watch their reactions as they prepare to say goodbye. 

 It seems so distant, but a year will go by and we will face the final moments, just as Lauren and Betsy are facing now.  But, I can't possibly understand what they must be feeling or thinking at this moment.  All I can do is think about what this next year will bring.  What challenges will I face?  How will I struggle through them?  What will some of the greatest moments feel like?  And when will they come?  How will they look?  What will it be like to have my family and girlfriend come visit?  Of course, I can't wait to see them and for them to experience my life here.  But what will they think?  How will they feel?  How will I feel?

And also, how will I change?  Will I even notice these changes and how will I accept them? More importantly, how will the most important people in my life react to how I've changed?  

But, in regard to all the questions, anxieties and uncertainties I have for this year, it is going to be an incredible year.  And how can an incredible year yield anything but goodness?  

There will be struggles, challenges, good times and bad times and there will be change.  Surely, as Lauren and Betsy wrap up a year in service, they have experienced all these and more.  And they are leaving as a better person because of them.     

Peace,

Matt   

King Weston

I had my first experience in my primary mission today.  The name of my community is King Weston and it is a windy 45 minute drive into the mountains.  The views on the drive up the mountain were absolutely gorgeous!  We made it for mass in our community, there were about fifteen of us in all.  The basic and primary schools are close to the church.  I was told that there are less than 50 children from k-6 grades!  Yes, this is definitely a rural village in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.  I should clarify the difference between a basic and primary school.  Basic school is like our preschool and primary school is like our elementary school.  The people seem very sweet and resilient.  One lady makes a very rugged, hilly and unstable walk to mass each Sunday, oh, and she is only 93 years old!  

I also drove for the first time today!  It was a bit awkward but I managed to keep us from going over any cliffs :)  They drive on the opposite side as we do in the states and the same goes for the steering wheel.  Here's another difference.  When people honk in the states is basically telling another driver to screw off.  But, in Jamaica, they honk as a courtesy.  The reason being is that the roads are extremely windy and curly to the point that one has no idea what or whom is coming around the corner.  So, people will honk before they come around as to say, "hey, someone is coming around the corner, so be ready".  Also, Jamaicans love to pass, like it is going out of style, and they will honk just to let the the other driver know they are there.  So, when you come visit, do not be offended when you are honked at ten times in ten minutes.

Overall, today was a good day :)

Peace

Matt

Arrival Day!

I have just made my bed after an exhausting day of travels.  I flew out from Grand Rapids at 6:00 am and arrived in Kingston by noon.  I made it through customs with limited problems and enjoyed my first Jamaican patty before we left the airport.  The patty was delicious!  I then had my first eye-opening experience; the drive from the airport to our apartment.  Traffic was interesting and much different than in states but that was nothing compared to the real poverty I witnessed for the first time in Jamaica.  The sites were just like the pictures I had seen on the internet, only intensified with the vividness and realness of seeing it with my own eyes.  Then we arrived to our apartment and I felt extremely fortunate.  Fortunate because we have a roof, solid foundation, running water, shower, furniture and beds.  Fortunate that within a matter of minutes I was able to call my parents, send a text message to my girlfriend and check my e-mail through wireless internet.  Then I had a chance to meet two of the volunteers who have been here for a year.  They are very nice and have shared great stories and tips with us.  I could not have asked for a better first day!    

Peace,

Matt

First Entry!

Just finished creating my very first blog!  My wonderful girlfriend helped me get started -- I love her ;)  Well, I leave for Kingston on Friday, July 24th!  I'm so very excited but nervous as well.  I have been home for almost three weeks and have had a great time with family and friends.  I've done well to live in the present and not think too much about this coming year.  Next entry might come from Stony Hill, Jamaica!

Peace