January 21, 2025 - Day 366

As a polar vortex hits Toronto, I desperately soaked in the sunshine of Jamaica to prepare for the storm. It is never fun to move from 29C (feels like 32C) to -18C (feels like -26C). It is a throwback to my Aussie to Toronto days.

As a Type A, I had started preparing since December, calculating my food down to the last meal - including eating Breadfruit for the last few night and the remainder of my Hurricane backup provisions. Although I donated various clothing items to friends/Salvation Army and fellow vollies, I still found I had two heavy suitcases. In place of my sunscreen, brita filters, insect repellants and mosquito net I have various green, black and gold drinking vessels, clothing, bags and of course 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans.

The students also gave me a giant signed card, it will be them I will miss the most:

On my last weekend, I crossed off my wish to visit another River - there is something about the cold water running across your feet, kids screaming, smoking barrels, trees and rocks that makes it so beautiful:

Finally, of course, I had a farewell dinner with CUSO at the first restaurant they welcomed me at: Usain Bolt's Tracks and Record. Since then we have grown from 6 volunteers, lost 3, and gained 8.

Of course, I can't forget my dinner with my Landlords:

YA church service day where I got roped into doing a skit:

And other friends I met along the way:

As a teacher taught me, "mi leave mi yard, and go home now!"