A Caribbean Christmas!

Hi Folks!
I am so sorry that it has been such a long time since my last post. I am sure all y'all are wondering how I celebrated the holidays and I have many things to catch you up on!


This past Christmas was one of many first for me. It was my first time without a real Christmas Tree, my first Christmas away from home, and my first time spending Christmas sunbathing, just to name a few. I was sure all of these new elements would find me well, what I was unsure about was how the old and familiar Christmas wasn't going to find me.
It was hard to get in the Christmas Spirit when you are not used to a hot and sunny winter. When walking around the streets of Portsmouth, hearing reggae versions of my favorite Christmas music blaring definitely helped me put a Christmas pep in my step.

Dressed up for Town on Christmas Eve!

Leading up to the big day I spent going to parties at the schools and with other volunteers. Christmas Eve is the big night for celebrations here. Practically the entire island is in town, walking around til midnight mas started. There are a number of food vendors out selling bbq chicken, bakes, and rum punch. All the stores are open with people rushing in and out and children picking out their Christmas gift. After spending Christmas Eve in town I went to spend the night with Ari and her friend who was here to visit Amy. Christmas morning we woke up, SKYPEd with our families, and had a delicious breakfast with her host family,

Breakfast with the family

 then headed to church. After a long church morning we went back to the families house to exchange a few presents. That afternoon we walked down to Chances, the organization Ari works with, to visit the children and give them big hugs and Christmas candy! After running around with them for a while we had to hurry back to get dressed for the big family party and dinner. 
For this party everyone brought a dish, Ari and I made a chicken pesto pasta to take. 

Ari and her family after Church 

When we finally got ourselves cleaned up we packed up the pasta and headed back down to her mom's house and that's when the party started. As we got there the rest of the family started rolling in. 

Amy (Ari's friend) Me, and Ari 

There were lots of laughs and tons of food and drinks. At one point in the night I snuck off to SKYPE with Sara and her family back home. When I returned the music was turned up for some dancing and there was a double movie feature under the house. If my memory serves me right I think I ended the night around one or two in the morning.

mom with all the food

under the house watching movies

mom and dad dancing the night away 

Selena found a Star Fish 

For boxing day, the 26th, I made my way back up to Portsmouth to spend the day with my family. After passing out there presents and helping mom with some house chores I took my sisters to the beach for some fun in the sun!

Whitney and me 

I must say that this was a very fulfilling Christmas and even though it was different and new (which we all know I am always up for) it was still very much the same - surrounded by loving people, good food, late nights and happy endings!




I would also like to thank everyone who sent me gifts and gifts for my students. Everything is well appreciated! All of the cards, family updates, and pictures are hanging around my house and make me smile everyday. 


A special thanks to Rachel Roberts and her family for providing Christmas to two locals and sending supplies for my students.