October 3, 2024 - Week 36

This year I celebrated my birthday in Jamaica. Although I didn't spend it on a beach like last year, a bottle of Jamaican Rum Cream courtesy of my boss and Blue Mountain Coffee accompanied me for the day. I may or may not have kept some of that rum in the school's staff fridge to continue enjoying at work...

My singing students gave a praiseworthy rendition of "Happy Birthday," followed by another two songs. In the evening, I celebrated with a shot of whiskey (thankfully not flaming) and a bartender-inspired rum drink with my fellow vollies. The DJ was really working the playlist and played at least five Happy Birthday songs back to back, but my favourite would have to be "Happy Birthday" by Busy Signal.

During the week I also went to a Tourism "Out of Many One" Concert at Devon House and saw Miss Universe Jamaica, along with some ambassadors (as is popular at these Tourism events).

Although it's my birthday week, I am busy as usual, especially with the Jamaican Sign Language course all teachers are signed up for. It has been my pleasure to continually see the teachers try the new skills I've taught them from using Excel, to navigating online learning modules, and participatory facilitation techniques. My heart swells with pride seeing them try and appreciate new skills.

Next week, my music classes will commence and to date around 10 students have signed up for each of the Drumming, Keyboard, and Singing lessons. Furthermore, I have been tasked to prepare a vocal and drumming presentation during October's prize-giving ceremony and to lead a Christmas Cantata. My proposal of a simple Christmas Carol somehow morphed into a 4-hour program of singing, dancing, musicals, and guest performers. The Jamaicans definitely dream big!