Category: Dominica

24 November

When the bat noise eventually stopped I opened my bedroom door to the veranda to allow the bat to escape. After another wait I finally went to the bathroom. I made it safely back to my bed, but I couldn’t sleep.

When the alarm clock rang, I began to make cookies. Only the first batch burned. I gave two to Brad for loaning me a container. I also ate two. I saved the rest for Thanksgiving dinner.

I got a free ride with the football team to Roseau and felt that I should immediately catch a transport to Trafalgar. Most of the volunteers were there. We had turkey, pork, and pumpkin pie, among other items.

We left after 7:00 and I stayed at Catherine’s. We talked until eleven. I slept well – being extremely tired – until the alarm rang.

I got ready, picked up “Open House” invitations, and began to travel back to Portsmouth. I had to get on 3 different buses. One in Roseau, St. Joseph, and Coulibistrie. It cost $9.00 altogether. 

I made it back in time for school but I decided to recover until 8:30 since I had Carolyn tell IJC what to work on while I was gone.

After third period school was closed for a staff hearing on dental health led by Pat Klinger. I enjoyed it and watching her do her job.

Last night was the Harvest dinner. The food was excellent. They played International music softly which was a nice change of pace.

23 November

Last week a group of friends climbed Morn Diablotin (17 Nov). I caught a transport to the road leading to the trail. I joined Kim, Micki, Jay, Art, Junior, and Erikson in Kim’s truck when they reached me. We got off to a late start. We hit the trail around 10:00 o’clock. The rain threatened to cancel the trip, but it held off.

We initially had trouble following the trail, but decided that the ribbons on the trees meant that we were on the right path. It was muddy, but we were careful and enjoyed the scenery, the trees; plants, and views of Portsmouth. As we neared the top the clouds prevented us from seeing the bottom. It also became more difficult.

We had to take climbs up steep portions, climb rocks and pull ourselves up by rotting tree limbs, and crawl practically under fallen trees. I was starting to feel like I had gone far enough. We reached the top. I followed along primarily not to be separated. 

On the way down it became difficult not to get dirty.We were in a sober state of silliness and began to enjoy the mud. We reached the bottom with mud holding firmly to us. I tried to scrub some off with a rock. We finished an hour before sundown. I began to walk back to Portsmouth and caught a ride just before sundown.

When I got home, I cleaned myself and soaked my clothes. I ate and fell asleep. 

The next day (18 Nov) was Harvest Sunday and the cantata. The church was full, decorated, and the singing was the best it has ever been. The minister talked about stewardship and convinced me to tithe the blessings God has given to me.

Wednesday night (21 Nov) after Murphy dropped me off from Bible Study I realized that I locked myself out due to a rush to run back in to get my wallet before leaving. I had to walk to Brad’s in the dark to get a key and flashlight. I got home at ten and went to bed at eleven.

I wished I could have gotten more sleep, but a flying creature woke me up at 3:30 to scare me and kept me from going to the bathroom. It was occasionally flying and banging into the wall.

15 November

Yesterday no one showed up for Maths help. This was okay because it allowed me to correct papers and listen to Mr. James. He was telling me about all types of people. I didn’t really find his talk too interesting, but I listened as he seemed interested in sharing the information.

I attended Bible Study, too. The facilitator was not too sharp. She didn’t really have the skills to get the point across. However, I think the Lord blessed us and helped us to understand.

This morning I continued praying in the lotus position. I started a few days ago because it sounded as if kneeling was starting to take a toll on my knees. The lotus is not much easier, but it isn’t damaging either.

After a nap and a visit from Brad I swept and mopped the floors in my room and the kitchen. Last week I didn’t but that was partly due to my night out to celebrate.

13 November

I went to church service Sunday night. Reverend Riley gave a very short service. Murphy gave me a ride home.

Yesterday I received a letter from David Matheny. He agreed to let me stay with him after ETR, but he also said he was going to Jamaica after ETR. I rushed off a letter to him to see if there was any chance for me to stay in Antigua. I could just bum around, stay with other volunteers, or run up my charge card with hotel bills. I may cut my stay back to December 24, but if I can stay with him a few days I may stay as long as I originally planned, until December 27.

I mailed that letter today after lunch and then went back to school for my afternoon maths class. Before class I called J&R Music. Maryann brought a letter from Roseau from my father. It contained my Universal and Discover Card statements. There was a credit on Discover and Dad said I didn’t have to send him anything for the AT&T bill. So I though I would [call] J&R to make the order. It took two calls because I forgot to write down the catalog number for Rubiyat. I had them sent to Ann Marie. I’ve already told her to forward them here when they arrive at her house. I ordered “Journeyman” for Brad.

About ten students showed up for maths help. I think we cleared up most of the questions about sets. We stopped by 3:30. Caren, at the end of the class, said she dreamed about me Monday night. I laughed and didn’t pursue it any further. 

Before I went to the staff room to finish typing the test, I noticed a large number of students running around the school. They were serving detention and the teacher gets to punish them in various ways.

I got home to iron, make flavor-aid, and “open the clothes” since Rosemary was too busy. I am happy to have her wash my clothes but sometimes its a burden, too.

11 November

No one showed up Wednesday afternoon for help. I didn’t mention it and I was happy because Brad and I needed to put in our orders at the Purple Turtle.

We stopped for mail.  Ann Marie sent me a birthday card and letter. She told me Ann had a lump in her breast. I haven’t heard about it from Dad yet. Denise Sandman also wrote to say she wouldn’t be on Montserrat when I wanted to visit, but she gave a name of the other PCV on the island.

On Thursday after I withdrew a large amount from the bank I bought Ann Marie a t-shirt and sent it off as her Christmas present. I also bought my second gas cylinder.

Brad and I went to the Purple Turtle for dinner. I had lobster and he had chicken. It was a little cold for swimming. At least I thought it was. It was very relaxing and nice to have someone else cook for me a delicious and different meal.

On Friday I went to town and got the package from Ann Marie and one from Jane. Jay picked them up for me.

I did some shopping for the party at Micki and Jay’s. I also bought my father a map of the Caribbean so he knows where I am and where I go. 

I arrived late for a prayer meeting because I waited to get a ride with Judy’s friends who at the last minute could not attend with us. We arrived, prayed, and talked, and then the fun began.

There was cake and pie and all types of treats. No one danced and fell, but John zapped their fan. We played Hearts with six people, too. It was a birthday party for Sue, Brad, Yolanda, and me.

I stayed that night and got a recipe for cookies. Jay made pancakes in the morning, but they weren’t too great. It was nice of him.

We had our Peace Corps meeting on Saturday morning. Afterwards Jay and I went to the Ms. Pac-Man machine. Some children let me go ahead of them. I played twice and impressed them. I couldn’t get past the fifth board due in part to the fact you don’t get an extra guy at 10,000. One of the kids said you needed 35, 000.

I finished my shopping by getting a cookie sheet and some bananas and cucumbers at market. I also stopped to see some of the special olympics.

I finished up Serious Ting business and had lunch. When I called J&R no one could help me order records. So I will try again next week.

At church this morning Alan the former PCV who I met last week was attending since he was in the area. He served in 1984. Brad was not in church.

I went to see Brad to find out what was up, get some cookies, and to get the money he owed me from laundry. He had a headache and was tired so I didn’t stay too long.

I came home and washed some of the new clothes Ann Marie sent.