I have had several people ask me recently... "How long are you planning to stay in Jamaica? Isn't it hard to be away from family for so long?

I think this is the best way to answer those questions.

We have a new student this year. Her name is Ruccell Salmon. She is 12 years old and is attending school for the first time. The lady who brought her to us is no relative of hers, but saw that she was treated badly by her parents and spoke to them about it. Ruccell's mother just carried her over and told the lady to take her if she is so concerned because she doesn't want her.

The lady took Ruccell into her home, got her hearing assesment done and brought her to us. She is so malnourished that she looks like one of our 7 year olds here.

Yes I do miss me Nephew and Nieces a ton, but one thing I take comfort in is that they have parents that care for them and love on them daily! Every morning when I go out to start work I get the opportunity to hug Ruccell and tell her I love her. Tonight I went over to the gym where all the kids were playing and since I was tired, I grabbed a chair and sat down to watch. Within minutes 'my little girl' came running over for a hug. I signed with her for a few minutes and then she crawled up on my lap and laid her head on my shoulder and just let me hold her. It isn't the first time she has done this, but it melts my heart every time!

Why am I here??? I guess my question would be... Why would I leave?