In my possession I have 6 different types of mangoes:
Julie
Number
Big Head
Common
Greenskin
East Indian
Boastfully I will add that this number doesn’t clarify the actual quantity I have.
A dozen x 4 🙂
Wretchedly, there is a dark side. — A yin to my yang.
In this case, the negative is plural and I call them ‘flies’; black winged creatures.
Their persistent, buzzing, disease-carrying-bodies are gross and omnipresent.
On a completely unrelated note, this week Mamma told me I was her best friend.
😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
On an even more unrelated note Hurricane Season is one week away — June 1st.
It’s been raining every afternoon like clockwork.
card sharks
If you haven’t heard, the world was supposed to end on Saturday.
It was all anyone talked about in Elim — The coming of Jesus Christ.
In fairness Mama stated “Not even the angels in heaven know when the Lord is to come so how can human?” Nevertheless, this was a hot, daily debated topic.
Fast forward to that fateful Saturday (aka DoomsDay):
I was in Kingston enjoying a relaxing weekend with Lori and Steven (who have both a hot shower a beautiful home. whoa.). So, the three of us went grocery shopping. At 9:42AM, the projected time of His arrival, whilst perusing stocked shelves, the power went out! Lori gasped, leaned in, and cryptically whispered, “He’s here!”
She thought it was hilarious.
I about had a heart attack.
True Story, as I really thought He might be coming.
Ahh, well. The day ended uneventfully: I finished Catch 22, drank delicious coffee, and watched Maid in Manhattan (an “academy award winner” next to the other television we watched that weekend) – it was sinfully gluttonous.
—
Like my mom, you might have noticed that it’s been awhile since my last post.
I have not noticed.
In fact, I spoke to Mamma Joey yesterday and she told me she was worried because she hadn’t heard from me in near two weeks. I rolled my eyes. We had just spoken; “Mom, I’m fine, we spoke on Friday. How was the Garage Sale?”
She responded, “The garage sale was last week, Sammi, May 13th”.
Touche, Mom.
So, why the delay? What have I been doing??
Teaching!
Yes, teaching everyday.
My community also (drum roll) started construction on a new basic school!!!
Plus, May was a big month for me:
1. My Mid Service Conference.
2. I have One Year left in Jamaica…more or less. Eeeeeee (!)
I’ve been in Jamaica for 14 months and here’s what I have to show for it:
My community knows who I am.
I am a proud dog owner.
I can pretty much speak and understand patois.
I have re-discovered a love for reading.
I am the walrus coo-coo-ka-choo (?)
Hmm, maybe I should stop doing this.
It’s hard to count up successes.
I mean, how do you quantify building trust with farmers, developing a family relationship, or an ability to navigate the public transportation system?
Speaking of public transportation, my shoulders are not as bony as I thought.
At first I was thrilled with this news.
Now I feel slightly displeased.
Where to start?
I am on the fence about public bus rides. Sometimes I feel like a little cuddle, so it’s nice; lately I’ve been sweating profusely, also there have been smelly people and flies all of which are annoying to no end. And, it can be awkward to say “I know we don’t know each other well but, would you mind if I sit on your lap?” Plus that constant thought of “Gee, I hope I don’t get robbed” is draining. There’s also the nausea that comes with the “corner, corner” in the roads and music so loud it’s hard to think and impossible not to get a headache.
Even still, lately people have fallen asleep on my shoulders (?)
I thought this would be uncomfortable. For them. (Obviously it is for me.)
And in the beginning I was bemused but lately I am hot, sticky, and grumpy.
I guess it’s inevitable with the amount of people per vehicle — As an environmentalist I’m impressed. In this way we can learn a lot from Jamaicans.
And perhaps you will get lucky and someone who smells good sits on top of you.
Or unlucky and get handed a child.
Or really unlucky and a dirty man will make sexual faces at you the entire ride.
No matter the scenario don’t have a full bladder. — that makes everything worse.
Until next time;
Kill all flies, say your prayers (as Mama says, “you never know when He will come”), and use the bathroom before taking long trips.
Love x the number of mangoes in Jamaica,
‘mi
Adventuresam 
Love it! Good one Sammi. I am up working on mine , too much to tell its longer than I thought , may have to make it into more than one part.
I love reading your blog, girl!
I wish I could write more about CS in my own but I fear the wrath of my superiors…and I don’t want it to be taken away from me….so I just keep mum.
SUPER excited to meet you!
‘mi
All this rapture talk makes me squirm…here, there, or elsewhere. God and brainwashing and religion and…goodness.
However, you make me smile. Your classes sound Awesome! I would love to see them, but school is coming…hmm. And then I thought “well if I went on a mission trip that’d tie in right?” No. Missionary work makes me squirm as much as much as rapture talk, leviticus quotes and evangelism festivals. But your posts just make me want jamaica more…bugs n all.
Keep ya head up, lady, you’re fabulous. Do you know how pearls are made? It’s what I think about when things get crazy.
Love,
Amber
There’s a bit of Christian talk (well, a few sentences) in my newest blog post. (I haven’t yet published it, so be on the lookout…)
I’m working on it today.
The one I JUST post (earlier this morning) teases what’s to come.
Anyway, the one I’m referring too might be called Low Down.
I haven’t finished it yet so it’s hard to decide on a name.
Whoa.
Was that, just, like, wayyyy to much information, or what?
Looking forward to you BUYING YOUR PLANE TICKET!
Eeeeek!
Love,
‘mi
What does ‘proud dog owner’ do in a year with said dog? I ask this because I constantly think of what to do with my son’s dog when he moves somewhere he can’t take her.
Hmmm, very good question.
Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond…
Re: my dogs.
The one, Goose, is dumb. I mean, she just is. And I’m going to leave her here — with Mama.
The next one, Tyger (so called Tiny right now) is brilliant.
I LOVE him.
Ahh, I don’t know what I am going to do?? Hope he survives until then (grim, but true) and then?
Probably pay off the veterinarian to give him shots and sign a paper saying he got them wen he should have thus allowing him to enter the country. If he’s still around I want him WITH me.
Are you not interested in having a dog?/Where is your son moving??
Best,
‘mi
Loved the blog-and I KNEW you were rolling your eyes!
xoxoox
Mama Joey
You know me like a book! xoxo Speaking of, can’t wait to talk about Animal Dreams….
Sammi – Hi!
Loved this! Thanks for the great read and sharing your view, it was priceless! I am glad you write, it is fun to see the world through another’s eyes no matter where it is! Have fun and joy too! It’s always a choice!
Miss your smiling face!
XOXOX
Kim
Hey Kim!
How amazing to get a message from you 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much for your positive feedback — I really appreciate it.
I hope all is well with you in California (right?!)
And that you’re happy, happy, happy!
Lot’s of love!!!,
‘mi
I ❤ this blog! So interesting to read about all of the crazy and cool things you are doing in Jamaica. I started a website while I was doing Americorps, but somehow lost touch with it as the year went on. I wish I had kept up with it, because it is a cool way to have other people see and for you to look back at all of the things that you are doing and learning about. 🙂 Glad to hear that you are doing well! 🙂 <3, Kat
Hi hi hi hi!
I have an e-mail from you in my inbox just WAITING for a reply. Life (and internet connection) gets so crazy sometimes.
I’m going to save all of my responses and new information to share with you in a more personal way 🙂
But please know that I always love hearing from you.
and I am so so flattered that you subscribed — what a a COMPLIMENT!
Love you,
‘mi
“Touche, Mom.”
“as Mama says, … use the bathroom before taking long trips.”