Wednesday, July 12

We have finally arrived in Browns Town, Jamaica! Despite the earliness of the first flight, our trip down here was mostly uneventful. Only one minor freak-out, when Gary thought he lost his money pouches…but they were found! We arrived in Montego Bay at about 3, and Pastor Earl and his wife, June, picked us up from the airport, Mr. Riley did a great job driving the bus in the Jamaican traffic.  We then took a two hour bus ride to the Manse. We were surprised to see they drive on the left side of the road, which feels somewhat backwards to us. Also, the driving is a bit more reckless with lots of honking! We most definitely stand out here, I don’t think another white person has been spotted, and we received many stares on the bus ride.  The scenery on the bus ride was quite interesting; there are mansions, and then ripped up shacks right next door. As far as the climate, it is relatively warm, but there is an almost constant breeze that is very refreshing. The manse we are staying at has great accommodations and Earl and June are very welcoming. All the guys in one room, and the girls split between two rooms. Each room even has its own bathroom! The house is very open, most of the time all the doors and windows are left open without screens, because there is no air conditioning. So far the food has been very good with the most delicious juice made from mangoes and other fruits here! We have already made a new friend around the house, the scrawny little cat named Misery. We are still figuring out the meaning behind his name.

Today was the first day of work! It does get pretty hot, because we have to wear long pants and sleeves and gloves to try to avoid getting a poisonous plant they call CowItch that can make your whole body break out in itchy bumps, similar to poison ivy.  The object of today’s work is to go around planting the avocado trees in spots about thirty feet apart. It is somewhat tricky maneuvering around, because it goes downhill and can be rather steep and there are many plants, poky things, and rocks to avoid. For now, we are just trying to stay hydrated while working and still have a good time!

Kenzie

The internet connect has been out. This is what was happening yesterday. Thanks to Kenzie for writing it up.

Gary