and rock was my pillow too...

Wow I can't believe that two weeks of volunteering has passed already. Its been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, tastes and smells. I've been living with a local Jamaican family Mr and Mrs Gray. I began volunteering at the CDA which is basically Child Protective Services. It was difficult because I needed training and they werent realy set up to have a volunteer so I had a lot of time sitting and waiting. Then I started working at a school as well and that helped with giving me more to do.

Ok I thought I would have a bit to blog, but its time for my last homecooked Jamaican breakfast before my taxi comes.... more from Negril!

Two more sleeps!

So everything is coming together very quickly and I can't believe I leave in 2 days! I have absolutely no idea what to expect and my brain is rapidly trying to digest all of the new plans and details of my pending adventure. For those of you who don't know, I am volunteering through Projects Abroad and the Child Rights Initiative. Here is some info about the program from the website.

The Child Rights Initiative (CRI) is a Care project that combines the four broad categories of children’s rights based on UNICEF’s Convention of the Rights of the Child, namely Participation Rights, Survival Rights, Developmental Rights, and Protection Rights. CRI directly addresses the social needs of children in Jamaica while utilizing the skills of volunteers in related fields.

I will be working directly with the Protection Rights component. Protection Rights involves protecting the child from all harm and danger including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, child labor, violence, and all forms of exploitation. Volunteers work alongside a Children’s Officer assisting with collecting and documenting information from new clients and receiving reports of possible child abuse, neglect and abandonment. Volunteers may also assist with investigative field work, counseling, case planning and case management.

I will be living with a host family while in Mendeville, a town in the mountains of central Jamaica. The climate is warm with and average daytime temperature of 70-75 degrees. I am having a tough time packing because I need to "dress smartly" for my work but also need casual clothes for after work and for my leisure time when my project is complete. I just got approved for the program last week and I am leaving late Saturday night. I am a bundle of excitement, nervousness and well basically freaking out. I wrap things up at work tomorrow and leave adoption land behind for three weeks. I wish I could pack my juicer, but it will be here waiting for me when I return.

I will update this blog as often as I can but am unsure about my access to the internet while in Mendeville. I will be mindful about being a solo female traveler and will ensure that I stay safe. For instance, I am passing up the opportunity to visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston due to the violence and dangerousness of the city. I will return someday though and definitely hook up with Bob. Well you know what I mean.