Home Safe from Jamaica

Hi Everyone, I really missed you all, but I had a wonderful experience in Jamaica. There is a lot to tell, so here goes. My first impression of the island was that things were better than I had expected. However, once I got away from the Montego Bay resort area, I saw that was not the case at all. Many, many homes were still without roofs - they had broken zinc sheets on top of their homes secured by bricks, or they had tarps on them. This was not a solution, as the rain still fell inside the homes. Mattresses were soaked, mold was everywhere, floors were warped and furniture was crumbling to the touch. It was very sad. There had been many land slides, and trees and crops were destroyed. The island has lost almost all bananas and yams (Jamaican staples). In addition 90% of all chickens were destroyed - one friend had lost 500 chickens, plus meat that was frozen was destroyed due to no electricity for almost a month. There had been several small tornados during the hurricane, and some wild damage from them. I have a picture that I'll bring on the 20th that shows a house that was literally flipped over upside down. Some graves were up-heaved next to a church that was pushed off its foundation. The people told me how much worse it was several weeks earlier, how they couldn't travel the roads at all because there were wires, roofing material and trees everywhere. In addition, there was severe flooding, and in Kingston, the road to the airport was completely covered by sand and was impassable. Eating was interesting. First thing was that half of the EAS Advantage shakes I had taken with me were bad - very, very foul and nasty! Meat was difficult to come by, and was by no means choice cuts, but my hosts made sure I had some meat every day. I did have some nice fish - and even ate a fish head (yummy) I only ate veggies a few times - I had callaloo (like spinach) twice and I had some canned mixed veggies. I had no fruit - but I did have some fresh fruit juice. I ate way too much bread and rice, and lots of things were fried - dumplings, bami, etc., but it was the best I could do. I did not lose any weight on this trip - but I did stay the same. I did some walking around - and I did some rolling around I literally fell down a very steep hill going to a friend's house. My feet got ahead of me and I couldn't stop. I tried to use my friend as a stop - but ended up knocking her over as well - she almost went down a gully! Thank God neither of us was hurt! I would have been if I were 100 lbs. heavier, like I was last year. I'd like to take this time to thank those of you who gave to this cause. We were ale to bring help to 3 areas. One church will use the donation to rebuild the church roof, the other two churches are purchasing zinc so people can rebuild their roofs or will supply livestock and seeds. It was wonderful to help them - and they were very appreciative. I can't say enough wonderful things about the people of Jamaica - they are so giving even though they have so little. There is a lesson we can all learn from them. God Bless you all, Kathy Bilodeau

Welcome back Kathy We missed you. Sounds like your trip was successful. We are truely blessed here in CT...hope we never have to go through something like that. If we do...the USA is better equiped to take care of us. I will keep the people in Jamaica in my prayers Joanie

HI KATHY GLAD YOU ARE BACK SAFE AND I AM GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT TIME.I FEEL SO BAD FOR THE PEOPLE ,THERE I WILL PRAY FOR THEM . MY HUSBANDS UNCLE LIVES IN CUBA AND HE IS VERY POOR WE SEND HIM SO MUCH TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY, WE ARE SO LUCKY TO BE IN THE STATES GOD BLESS AMERICA! LINDA S.

Welcome Home Kathy!!! We missed you last night at the meeting and at Chili's. It sounds like you had an interesting and rewarding trip. I think it's a great thing that you were doing to help them recover from so much damage in an area that is already finacially depressed. It sounds like you did well if you did not gain any weight with the food choices that were available to you. Congrats! See you in a couple of weeks at the social gathering. HeatherS

Hi Kathy I am so glad you are back home with you family and safe!!! Thank you for sharing this story. It makes us to relieze how lucky we live better than where they are now.Maybe we can donate foods for Thanksgiving at party for them. Go See Lisa C. She have my article. Hugs Kathy K

Welcome home my friend. We missed you. Congrats on work well done and on not gaining in a tough situation. See you soon... ~Lisa

Welcome home Kathy, It sounds like you had quite the adventure... I am glad your trip was successful ans that you were able to help so many people! You did great not gaining in such a tough eating situation.... Carmen

Welcome home!!! Sounds like an incredible experience! Thank you for sharing with us. Love, Tammy

Kathy - Welcome home!!! You are a real inspiration to me. You put your faith and your empathy to work in such a concrete way. Thank God for people like you! I had meant to get something off to you before you left, but remind me/us of how we can help $$$$. See you soon! XO Kathy F.

Hi Kathy, We certainly missed you. I have been praying for your trip, and am glad it was fruitful. We will continue to pray for the people of Jamaica. Welcome home! Robin R