Category: Dominica

14 December

On Wednesday it rained for the first time in a long time. It was the day of Carolyn Jno-Carbon’s science class hike to Boeri Lake.

I met Brad at school. We discussed whether or not the hike would be canceled. Mr. James was at school to our surprise and shortly after he appeared from out of his office, the van came. 

Before we made it to the lake the students made many stops at places in Roseau. The weather was cold but the sun eventually gave us a little warmth.

The rain did cancel the Bible Study, which was changed into a prayer and worship meeting. Murphy drove the other two attendees and me home. The plastic was still covering the seats in his new car.

Yesterday, I read the Bible, Convicted, and studied one of the chapters of Proverbs. I also shut off my refrigerator in preparation for Antigua. It was a nice relaxing day to catch up on mail and read.

Today I missed a big assembly at school. I saw students in uniform walking to school throughout the morning. I assumed they were just getting their report cards. I decided that I would go after finishing my errands, Bible reading and study. I was surprised by the assembly when I arrived. Brad scolded me and I lashed back. I realized I was being smug about it and apologized for my attitude. Mrs. Rourke gave my gift exchange present. In the afternoon I cleaned and got ready for Antigua.

11 December 1990

On November 30 we had an Open House to thank our Dominican friends. I made sugar cookies and was asked to say grace. The fear of not having enough food turned out to be a mistake. We had too much food.

The next day I was supposed to help Catherine work on World AIDS day. I talked to Jay and Micki too late to make it to market before it was over. I felt bad about not keeping my word.

We gave and finished giving exams between December 3 and 7. I had so many papers to correct and exams to invigilate. I finished all my marking and most of my reporting before going to Roseau on Friday.

I had a nice long weekend. On Friday I attended the Calypso Queen contest and ate pizza. I visited Joel and slept in Soufriere Saturday night. Sunday I went to the Anchorage and slept at Catherine’s. 

Catherine’s friend Dorsett was supposed to give me a ride to Colihaut but never showed up. I still made it work Monday morning before some teachers. I finished all my reporting and signing that day. 

Today I walked to Coconut Beach in the afternoon. I saw one of my students there. I swam, had a drink, and watched TV before I went home.

29 November

On Saturday (Nov 24) I didn’t feel too well. I was tired which was not too hard to believe. I also had a touch of diarrhea. 

I started the day by going to market. I deceived a seller by saying I got a bunch of carrots from the $2 pile when they were actually from the $4 basket. I was not too happy about that.

I didn’t go to Coconut Beach as I was planning but went to the Cabrits to finish the last, very short chapter of The Bold Experiment. The book was inspirational just as the view of Prince Rupert’s Bay was spectacular. I could not see the top of Morne Diablotin because of the clouds.

On Sunday after church Terry, a PCV in Castle Bruce, stopped by for a visit. I made her coffee and she brought some rolls. We had a nice long talk. She came to Portsmouth as part of her vacation and was staying at the Casa Ropa. The weather was not with her as it was a wet weekend beginning a wet week.

Monday was my last full day of classes as exams began. On Tuesday no students came for help, so on Wednesday I invited third form students to show up for help. Six came and we had a good time trying problems and explaining them.

Also on Wednesday I went to morning devotion. I was the first to arrive. The church did fill up some more once Mayor Mills started.

Today I went for a walk at 5:30 in the morning. I went, after I prayed and stretched, to map out a jogging route. I think I know where I will jog but it is extremely dark at that time in the morning. I saw Brad on his bike as I headed back to my apartment.

Today was a very light day of teaching. I had only two periods of classes. One had a quiz. My form four students took the multiple choice section which did not represent what we learned.