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