March 9, 2024 - Week 7

This week was quite productive. Although the accountant was off sick, I am proud to say I managed to help redo the cash ledger and monthly bank reconciliations for the past year, created a crossword for the students on some familiar and some not so familiar farming terms (I sure hope they review the crossword hints I provided!) and taught four music classes - yes four!

My favourite part of the week was being surprised again on being recruited to the Beauty class, but this time I was a pedicure client. Of course I was not prepared, but the student, studiously studying her cheat notes, made me feel comfortable and proceeded to scrub, massage and clean my feet before applying polish. It was lovely to see other non-Beauty class students also being recruited as clients and although there were the occasional "ouch!" or the teacher reminding students to remember to wash both feet, I was very touched by how hard they were trying in spite of whatever physical or mental challenges they held.

Music class was another excitement for me and the students. It often takes a bit of recruiting to round up my piano students, but drums needed no recruiting. As soon as the students hear the clanging of a cymbal or the snare being hit, they would pop in for a quick lesson or to just give the drums a nice round of beating. I am also often reminded I am in Jamaica during these classes when students start dancing or clapping whenever they hear a rhythmic beat or are able to sing with powerful vocals and play "One Love" - music definitely is a beautiful language.

I will leave you with some photos from Hope Garden and send you sunshine wherever you are.