Day 10 - Monday, May 24, 2010

Holla! Today is Labor Day in Jamaica... so Happy J-Labour Day to you all!

I spent the morning visiting the 3 work sites: clearing jungle, building a house and building a water catchment system. Hot hot hot outside today, but all teams were doing well considering. I made the church fb status CHOOSE JOY this morning, and that should be the theme for the day for them too! I'm trying to drive past the frustration of people not wanting to understand by putting life experience in perspective. A girl this morning pointed to the coffee pot and said, "what does that taste like?" to which i replied, "have you ever had coffee?" She said she's only had coffee that she ordered at Starbucks, and has never put the cream and sugar in herself either. I helped her through the process, being as encouraging as I could. She took the cup and looked at me saying, "There are just so many new things here to try!" She was serious, and overwhelmed. This was BEFORE the workday began! I said a prayer for her this morning, and when I saw her at lunch I could tell she needed more! 

I helped pack up lunches, and delivered first aid supplies/sunscreen/bugspray. I was pleased to see the teams interacting with the Jamaican team leaders - that is really the point of all of this. Arthur is leading the house team - and they had to carry supplies down a steep, slippery, muddy hill to get to the building site. Energy and Patrick are leading the catchment system so we can irrigate with rain water, and Randall and Cleveland are leading the brush clearning. That team is learning to love their machetes in a very REAL way today... blisters and all.

If you are following the issues in Kingston it's getting pretty dicey. We are safe here - but we are taking precautions to keeping the team in at night instead of the usual evening trips into town. We are adjusting so they still get to do everything, but want to not tempt any unnecessary adventures.

This morning I had a nice chat with Eli, who works in the house sometimes, and sings ALL the time. He loves history, and we talked about Abraham Lincoln, and a plane crash from the 70s and a few other odds and ends. I thank my parents for giving me that love early on so I could maintain a conversation with a pretty quiet fella! Brad, the painter who also sings all the time, and I are getting to know each other quite well. He drove me around a little last week, and now we have a little chat daily. He has the quietest voice, and  looks so innocent, but has a great sense of humor and talks smack on a regular basis. We sang Macy Gray (the only song we know) in our "pretty" voices while Eli emulated her scratchy voice while we cut carrots for lunch.

Pumpkin soup for dinner tonight, followed by a staff Bible Study. 

My spider bite is draining nicely now in case anyone wondered. Also I took a hot shower this afternoon and shaved my legs around the mosquito bites. I feel amazing.

Have a great rest of your day!!!

Allison Paige Beekman

Day 8 – Saturday, May 22, 2010

Low key day - I started the day in my bathing suit thinking I would swim, but we planned then to go after lunch. Didn't happen as the rains came down!!! Of course they came down during my first market trip into Highgate! It's already a bit complicated, and that didn't help. We bought some produce, groceries, a mirror, and random snacks. Trying my first "sorrel" drink as we speak... and I don't love it.  Apparently it's popular with rum at Christmas... maybe that's what I'm missing! Kidding... but mine did come out of a juice carton. Smelled a lot of ganja downtown today, and saw some of God's more interesting creations. Also I miss quality customer service... men were sleeping at the lumber yard when we went to pick up a mirror, and just looked annoyed that we wanted to buy something. Had "bun and cheese" for lunch with some popcorn. Bun = raisin bread and cheese = equals tin cheese, like velveeta but doesn't melt. Odd combo, but tasty enough when you are hungry.

Took a "lickle" nap (or little) as you would say in patoi, and now am planning to take a shower. Woo hoo, big day! Actually in about an hour things will get hectic as a team of 21 from Kentucky Wesleyan is on their way as we speak. Need to get cleaned up, so they don't think I'm a swamp monster. It has been a contemplative day, and I was glad to talk to my parents a bit ago. Here's hoping we find a pizza place who will deliver some dinner.... very much kidding about that. No chance here! 

See, this one was short! Maybe all the action will happen later, but I'll save those stories for tomorrow!

- Big Al

Day 9 – Sunday, May 23, 2010

Short, short today, internet is spotty! (and I'm mourning the end of Lost, and the fact that I'm not watching it)

went to Bethel Church today in Highgate, and it was youth Sunday. I recorded their youth skit and children's choir so I can share it with the kids at church. Spent the afternoon at the beach FINALLY! Had some Jamaican cuisine for dinner - yum. Rice and peas, baked chicken and pork. The team is doing well, and are preparing for a 3 project rotation this week. I plan to stay on site and visit 2 of the projects here tomorrow, and go to Ocho Rios on Tuesday "to see a guy about an air conditioner" - really, but it isn't for me.

RED LETTER EVENT: I drove today. In Jamaica. On the "wrong" side of the road, from the wrong side of the car. Don't fret it was both photographed and successful. I was super excited that it went so well. Thankfully they have one non-standard vehicle for me to try it on.

Two prayer requests:

I got bit by a spider (we think) and it hurts. Not a terribly big deal, just hurts a lot. No off-site medical attention or anything. I don't think I'm being a baby about it, it looks terrible. It's on my left pinky finger and is mostly just an annoyance.

Okay - so also pray for Kingston. We are watching the news tonight, as the violence has erupted today. The gangs have burned down the police station there, and everyone is against the prime minister. The drug lord they are protecting helps the poor here, so many don't care what "bad things" he does. Craziness. We are about 90 minutes away, so we are safe but they declared a state of emergency there today.

 Cold here today for Jamaica, rained again and the sky was beautiful for the sunset. Beach was a chilly but fun time. Can't wait to swim again soon.

Hugs to all - I got a few at church this morning, but I'm still a bit hug deficient. Not water deficient, that program is back on track.

- Allie "la la" Beeks

Day 7 – Friday, May 21, 2010

Sorry that these are so lengthy, I try to abbreviate - but even that takes a long time to tell! I'm really tired tonight so we'll see how long this one goes. However many words it takes... it won't do today justice! After breakfast Nick Vrettos and I went to visit some people in need that "Bubba" brought to our attention - and he came with us. So Bubba (really named Ben or Bobo, but we call him bubba for whatever reason... I've stopped asking those questions) is a transformed rasta man, who is now a bush man who lives off of the land. He makes it his work to visit the disenfranchised that "even the church won't help." We visited 3 homes today, and all very dire situations. 2 have received small houses from CSI but are still needing help. The first was Mr. Waney, a blind rasta who played some drums for us. He was pretty cheery given his situation and called me "The Queen." Next up was Mr. Dulci who also recieved a house, and apparently in his younger days used to be quite the dancer! He has 2 teeth now and walks with a cane, so I think his dance hall days might be behind him. Also met his son Bengo who was working on his house, and a neighbor Mitzi who was helping with his yard. This was a pretty rough neighborhood, so it was nice to see people helping eachother. Mitzi's daughter was 3, Ronique, and she said her ABCs, spelled her name, counted to 30 sort of, and sang her 2 favorite songs. Very sweet an polite little lady, with a mom that takes her education seriously. REFRESHING! last stop was Myrtles, and she lives in a site with her 6 kids and 4 grandkids. Small space, need help with housing, none of the kids in school, and just devastatingly sad to see where and how they really live. I would guess that school truly is too far for them, and it is for those kids that my heart aches. 

After that I was supposed to help John Gardner with the infirmary lunch sale - which I thought included delivering boxes and serving the meal. WRONG. At 11, they were still boiling potatoes for potato salad! Welcome to Jamaica, the land of poor planning and inefficiency! In all fairness, someone planned - it just wasn't the most logical way. Also, I must give "big ups" as they say here, to the staff that cooked all of the food with 3 knives, a machete, 2 large spoons, and 2 makeshift bowls with holes in the sides. I've never had to hold my hand over a bowl before as I stirred something, just so it wouldn't fall out. This is the very abbreviated version of this story.... but I spent 5 hours doing a 2 hour job. I'm told this was my baptism by fire. They did sell a lot of lunches - and as you can tell from the stock in the kitchen, they need the resources. Also now CSI has a glimpse into what they've been working with, and we hope to find a church to sponsor a kitchen upgrade for them! For those who came with CSI lat summer - I saw LaShawn, the lady with down syndrome who ran across the yard, again. Also the lady who takes off all her clothes- this day it was an unbuttoned dressing gown. And a big hug! I do enjoy my time at the infirmary, just not so much in their kitchen. If I'm not a resident, they frown upon naked cooking but it was SO HOT... ugh I think I really am dehydrated today. My head aches! The lunch sale was on the beach though - so that view helped immensely.

Back to the guest house for a shower and some lunch/supper at 530, then off to Port Maria to a hotel for a concert. I relished "getting ready" today - despite that meaning I wore mascara and a bracelet with linen pants and a plain shirt! No sparkles today! Well I didn't know what the concert was, other than it being an acappella group. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a group from Point Loma Nazarene University. They were super fun - and did some old school Jars of Clay and DC Talk, along with my theme song, Call Me Al! A little Footloose rounded out their evening show. Sitting by the ocean with my eyes closed listening to the water rounded out my evening.

Good day, eye opening as always. Looking forward to a day spent reading by the pool at Green Castle tomorrow... thank goodness for a restful day ahead!

Peace out... one week down!

Allie Bee

Day 6 – Thursday, May 20, 2010

I love how every day has a different tone to it - and this was different yet! Started out the morning with banana fritters, french toast, bacon and mango... and coffee daily of course. After that I putzed around the office for a bit, typing up some ideas for future projects, signing off on peoples petty cash slips and again immersing myself in the way things have to be done here. It's good for me to be prepared to get hung up on if I can't understand someone I've called, and people won't give you their fax numbers, or their email address is "bigugly@blahblahblah.com."

                 

I was supposed to go to Kingston with Nick, but there is some craziness going on there between Jamaica and the states so he thought it best for me to stay behind. (He did make it home safely though tonight.)So instead, John Gardner took me on an adventure. We visited the most recent CSI house that was built for a Mr. Carlton (he did not however do the Carlton dance) and his wife Jean.... AND it was PINK! He was busy building the kitchen out back. John is a photographer and took me then to visit some places I've only seen his pictures of - and while they are beautiful photographs the real thing is so much better. We went to Jacks Bay, and let me tell you the view literally took my breath away at one point. I think Jamaica stole some of the "pretty" from Ohio, because that view was AMAZING. We also saw The Blue Hole which is literally a big hole of water connected to the ocean underground. Little swift birds live under the rocks and were flying everywhere and brilliantly blue fish live in it. GORGEOUS view. Also there are ruins on the property (Green Castle area). They were barracks built by the British military in the 1700s to protect the coast. I'll get pics uploaded hopefully soon. For those of my friends who enjoy counting wildlife: 20 goats (in the road), 12 horses, 8 cows (first I've seen here... they are rare). That was all today - but yesterday I saw a teeny puppy a man carried in one hand, with a baby on his head. Yeah, you read that right.

Lunch was the local fast food equivalent - Juici Patti. It's basically a hotpocket full of something. Last year the something I tried was chicken... mystery meat. Today I had "cheese" which is really beef and cheese. It tasted like a mix of hamburger helper and a chili cheese burrito. WIN either way! You put the whole thing in the middle of a big piece of bread called cocoa bread... which is just like a delicious fluffy roll. Filling, and costs (with bread) about $1.50 US. I would say it's their taco bell equivalent, but that was dinner! PACO NIGHT! So Pinto the cook makes the taco shells which feel and taste like pancakes - so it shall henceforth be called Paco (or Panaco) night. Yum either way... 

Before dinner was low-key. The beach and the sun made me sleepy, so I napped and read. Then AnnaKaye, a local girl who was close to Jamie (the missionary who just left), has gone to cosmetology school and did my toes. They are green with glitter and a cool design. Of course it was documented with a photo. Hope it lasts until I get home, she did a great job. John Deere green toenails... I'm sure my mother is so proud.

After dinner I sang with Audrey, and we all chatted a bit. Seriously I could go to sleep now - and it isn't even 8 here. I wake up at 5, so that should explain it. I'm all thrown off! Less emotional day today, but give me a minute it will change! I'm trying to roll with the punches. The laid-back Jamaican way is rubbing off a bit, I'm trying not to be so structured. 

Hugs to you all - no one is huggy here, and that feels weird to me. I'm hug deficient today. I miss you.

Love, Allison "LaLa" Beekman

Day 5 – Wednesday, May 19, 2010

This morning I went to an all-girls high school called Mary Mount. Got to meet a guidance counselor, go to an assembly, hear some student council "head girl" speeches, and attend a class. VERY informative in terms of Jamaican culture, and their views on education. I heard the counselor call those that study a trade "slow" about 6 times. They have yard statues of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, sing Michael Jackson's, "Man in the Mirror" during devotional time, have to cram 47 girls into a classroom, they all want to be in the medical field when they grow up, and have to keep their uniforms white. Oh and their punishment? They call it "Black Skirt" and if they are bad they have to wear a one sized fits all black skirt over their uniform for the length of time to fit the crime! Apparently they are pretty good, cause they rarely have to enforce that punishment. About 900 girls go to this school which is year 7-11 which is considered high school ages.

After that I came back to the guest house and had some fish for lunch... when asked what kind it was Pinto the cook said "freshwater fish" and that was supposed to be a sufficient answer. Also festival (sweet cornbread like twists that are deep fried), and this morning calalloo.... so we're workin in the Jamaican cuisine. Tonight FRIED CHICKEN which is Pinto's specialty. Yummy! Sounds like a great diet, huh? No matter, I think we sweat it off faster. In the afternoon I was invited to spend it with Melissa Black. It was a refreshing time of sharing our stories, and fears, and she confirmed that my emotional state is completely normal. She also talked about her friendships and family relationships and how those are going now and had to adjust. We also talked about our passions and how they very much line up, which could be great for a partnership when I move here. We picked leaves in the yard and painted with them (her kids are talking about plants currently), and had a snack. Soon it was time to come back for dinner. Oh geez their yard is full of fruit! Sugar cane, oranges, guava, pineapple, naseberry (they look like potatoes), limes, mangoes, mint, and probably more that I've forgotten. Delicious.

Tonight our staff walked onto some of the property to pray for the RAISE project and the tiny plants growing there. Nice night... and I have the bug bites to prove it! Just a few though... I spray myself constantly. Also no sunburn, I wear sunscreen but mostly I just don't stay in direct sun very long at a time. I've worn flip flops since arriving, but tonight I wore tennis shoes - and my feet feel funny. Maybe my days of wearing shoes until bedtime are over - my feet want to be free!

And for those of you seeking a Jamaican nickname for me, I think I've been granted one. "La La" is what I was called by some of the house staff when they couldn't remember my name. Despite sounding a bit like a teletubby I kind of like it. Especially with the Jamaican accent.

Miss you all!

APB

Day 4 – Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 4 kids... well afternoon of day 4. My favorite meal is tonight i think - PUMPKIN SOUP! This morning was full of traveling around the parish (like a country) of St. Mary and meeting some people. I got to see 2 year old triplets and meet their mommy - baby gate on their CSI house is a wooden plank that they've had to add to as the boys have grown... very serious babies! Their mom was reading before we got there but she pretty much stays in the house with them all day everyday. She made me think about a potential future "Mom's Group" with childcare, Bible Study, support, socializing, perhaps some sort of activity once a week. The lives of the women here revolve around babies, and if their baby daddies are at work they are alone most of the time. My heartstrings were with her today. Also went to 2 elementary schools - eye opening indeed. Will make things look different if I have children in school in the states for sure! Also visited some others who have had recent issues, and encouraged them to contact their local pastors for assistance, or to seek medical attention. I just want to do medical home visits - and could honestly spend 24 hrs a day doing that and never be done. So many variables here lead to illness, as well as poverty.

                            

Visiting with some of the itty-bitty kids in school was so fun, and they are just so smiley and adorable in their uniforms. Sad though that all day they eat junk and maybe nothing else. On-site at each school is a "tuck shop" which is like a tiny convenience store ON SCHOOL GROUNDS so the kids get bag juice (big popsicles) and cookies and soda at every break, before and after school. Awesome. No school lunch programs really, even at private schools so this is what is filling their bellies.  Seriously fresh fruit is everywhere and this is what they are selling these children. 

I also saw the prison - which is relatively low security, as I saw prisoners walking around in the bush "chaperoned" by a guard with a machete. Apparently they comply because the Kingston prison does not have such a shining reputation. Meeting local people was the highlight of my day really, because relationship building is key to feeling a part of the culture here. Also it's key to doing the work that I want to. The idea I think is that I will be working on Program Development and Training for the new Community Center. There is a lot of flexibility in this which I like - and I can take it in a number of directions. Also potentially even before I arrive I might be helping manage the account of the new project called RAISE. I'll send more on that later - but basically it is the community development initiative currently underway here through CSI. The idea is to invest in local people through work programs, training, faith building, and empowerment to build up their community and train others. Right now they have cleared 1 acre (by hand!) for test plots for organic farming. They've planted cucumbers and watermelon and hope to market it to the tourism industry. Next up is clearing more land (there are 193 rough acres total!) for a combo soccer/cricket field. That will be the start to the community center before a building is in place. Check out the Project RAISE details at Aaron and Melissa Blacks blog missionhighgate.com click the Project RAISE tab on the left.

The names of locals are cracking me up - but make it much easier to remember who they are! Cleveland, Energy, Brown Man, Cocoa, Fitzy, jack Frost, and so many more. I've met a lot of new people just in the last few days... i've started a list of who people are and why i should know them/where they live/what color their house is/or some other defining characteristic. I feel a little like Michael Scott from The Office making notes on his clients. I do these things in the car, so they don't feel like I'm taking a census, but I want to remember who I can! So many remembered my face from ONE WEEK a year ago. 

This one started out pretty short, and just expanded. Keep in mind I'm journaling, too so LOTS of thoughts this trip. I will summarize by saying today and last night have been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Learning so much, and reflecting on this being my future have been challenging. I suppose that's normal. Looking forward to spending the morning Marymount Girls High School. They are having an assembly in the morning, and I'm told they often sing. In the afternoon more country travels with Nick Vrettos. Thursday another Kingston trip, and Friday will be spent helping the infirmary with a fundraiser. I like having a plan!!!

I'm sitting in front of a television trying to get my brain to relax, but I flipped the channel and The Ladies Man is on. Huh... 

More tomorrow! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement, and for reading my randomness. Love you all.

Big Al

Day 3 – Monday, May 17, 2010

Hey Mon...

I went to Kingston today - and all I've heard leading up to this trip is that people don't go unless they have to because the winding roads and traffic make you throw-up. Well that made me nervous because all of the traffic is insane... but I made it, and no throwing up! Good day though, went to the Department of Labor with Nick Vrettos who had some work permit stuff to take care of. I couldn't go to the Immigration building with him, but I shopped across the street instead for those few hours. It was insightful to shop on my own and price check and convert currency to determine exactly what is worth bringing and what I should just buy here. Rumor has it you can pretty much get what you want/need in terms of brands, you'll just pay a lot. Suave shampoo for example cost $5 a bottle in US money... and special K cereal? TEN DOLLARS US!!! (Steven what will I do?!) Sooo it was interesting. Things still throw me off when they say like $1,000 for something like a book, but that's J money and would really be like $12. Hurts my brain a little. We had lunch at a starbucks-esque coffee shop full of "whiteys" as I am called here. Mostly Americans from what I gather.

                              

Saw the Jamaican Red Cross sign today, but we couldn't find the building! We might try again later this week when we go back to Kingston for more paperwork. I brought presents for them from work!

Took a fab nap, ate baked spaghetti and brownies, had Bible study with the staff and talked to my mama. and she was delighted that the reception from here sounds better than when I call from my car in the states. Tomorrow is a "lets travel around and meet people" day which I'm excited about. I hope to visit the clinic and at least one school this week. I was offered a chance to drive today, and I thankfully got out of it. I think I'll try a bit though before I leave. ANNNND I've been nervous about the driving test process here for a license, and I think I may get out of that too! It has been suggested that I do the International Drivers License from AAA and just renew it every year for 30 bucks when I'm on leave. Sounds good to me!

I've not been asked to buy panties out of a paper sack yet, or even drugs. Oh, and I found a movie theater today in Kingston with first run movies... was not expecting that. Also apparently there is one in Ochi which is the same distance, but a smoother drive. Trying to learn about fun things to do on my free time that are safe to do alone if I need to - and I'm pretty pumped to explore (within reason of course). Anyone heard of the Maroon people? Apparently they give tours... someone is doing that with me when they come.

Gonna wrap it up - I'm sure to have more stories tomorrow!

Have a great day everyone!

Love, APB

Day 2 - Sunday, May 16, 2010

So I went to 2 churches today... sort of on purpose. I went to one that I was told was "organized" - it was very formal, in a stone building with stained glass and was Anglican. (It was St. Cyprians which ran the school the Vrettos kids went to - if that helps anyone). The second I went to was much like the one I visited last year. In the country, primitive setting but very good. The message was telling parents to invest in their children - mostly education, but discipline as well. A message that needs to be given more in the states!

Restful day mostly. After 2nd church (which was so we could visit a lady CSI has helped in the past) I got to see the church we visited and left money for last year. I took pictures of their progress. By US standards it still looks pretty rough - but they have 4 walls now and beginning the block work for the upper level and roof. MUCH changed in a year, and they have done all the work themselves.

After that has some lunch and went to a neighborhood cricket game. Pick-up game, but I learned a lot about the sport... the wickets, and bowlers and whatnot. I'm not gonna go pro anytime soon but if I saw it I'd have an idea of what is going on! Mostly cricket and soccer around here so I have to get used to that.

Tomorrow I'm in for an adventure to Kingston. It's an hour and a half I guess - but the road is the adventurous part. On a cliff, down a mountain, winding and terrible surface. Winner winner chicken dinner! Good thing I don't get sick.

Braylon (the one and a half year old) calls me by name - Allison even, not Allie. Though sometimes it sounds like Elephant. Audrey is my new best friend and was very concerned that if she sat in front of me in church I'd not be able to see over her head. She's little, but I said thank you. Met some J kids too today - Tacia and Shomar. We played a bit, and are neighbors of Aaron and Melissa (missionaries here).

Humorous highlights of the day:

-Watching a man weld in a mesh shirt

- seeing 12 goats in less than 10 minutes (walking around like stray dogs of course)

Tried to call out today, but the satelite phone isn't working. I need to get used to things like that! Thank you stable internet today... I like staying in touch!

Much love!

Allison

Day 1 – Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hello friends and family!

I'm here - a 4 am departure from the house this morning was rough, but good company, beautiful sights, yummy food and the promise of sleep to come makes it okay!

The guest house where I'm staying hasn't changed much since last year, except it's yellow and I'm sleeping in a different room. BUT i do have my own room AND HOT WATER!!! Was not expecting that! The new missionaries that are here are super sweet, and i love having the children Audrey and Braylon around already. Also I've already held a baby here - his name is Akiele and he's almost exactly the same age as Matthew. He has 2 teeth and dances and squirms and squeals just like him. i had jerk chicken for dinner, and banana cream pie for dessert. First lesson: baked things never turn out as you plan. 

asd weuj (audrey typed that part! she's 3 1/2) 

Tomorrow is church somewhere and then maybe the beach. Most certainly a nap in there, too! Off to a shower soon, and then beddy bye. Feels weird to not chat on my blackberry, to check fb and google reader incessently, to not have to worry about work, and to not know what im in for over the next two weeks but i feel good! Today Nick Vrettos (who i travelled with) told a man at the airport that I'm moving here, and he said "Welcome Home Mama" - not quite ready for that yet, but i plan to enjoy my two weeks. I've had good chats with people so far already about the vision of CSI, and where I fit within that. 

I heart you all, and for those of you in Court House a skype practice might be in order sometime this week. becky or Kelli are you still up for that? I need to find out when my dad is off work this week. I'll try to check email once a day so i hope to keep up with whats going on in your worlds. News, misc. bits of daytime work banter, quotes, and beyond. hope you all had a great day, and i'll talk to you soon!

- allison