It’s nights like tonight when I can say that without a doubt,
joining the Peace Corps was the best decision I’ve ever made. When
you’re on the back of a moto staring up at the star dusted sky, mouth
agape as the headlights bounce off the leaves of the coconut trees, you
can’t help but think that anything that brought you to this point was
god-sent. I think that’s really the first time I’ve been out at night
here, in El Cedro, and it really was magical. The cool night air and
the occasional flash of a firefly made me wish the trip into Los Urabos
were more than a ten-minute ride. After this experience, I’ve set a
goal for myself to figure out how I might be able to camp at the beach,
so I might never have to leave the stars for as long as their out.
Saturday was a day of mixed emotions. I went with my host brothers and a bunch of their friends to the beach with my very own inner tube. The inner tube was a blast, especially with four boys trying to climb on it at once and the waves sneaking up on you from behind, and my waterproof camera became something of a novelty and delighted them all beyond belief. The unfortunate bit was the price the sea claimed for the fun we had. My waterproof camera no longer has a screen and my favorite sunglasses, my only truly good pair I’ve ever had, have been swept to the bottom of the Caribbean where they may forever rest in peace. And only after did I remember the split second decision I made to take them instead of leave them behind. Damn that split second. I can only blame myself. Though slowly, I’m learning that things – are just things, after all.
The rain has finally let up, which means the heat has started to sink in. I average about two visits to the river a day in-between classes and meals. I’m giving three beginners computer classes to adults and youth (and when I say beginner, I mean some of them have never used a mouse before) as well as an arts and crafts class, a literacy class for just a few kids of about ten who cannot read, and my Escojo Mi Vida class. All of them seem to be going rather well. My Escojo class, or my sex-ed class as I sometimes call it, was interesting. The first session was on self-esteem and making choices based on values and such. I was so grateful for the handbook Peace Corps had given us and for the time I had taken to make thorough slides from it. All I had to do was facilitate conversation, and hope they wouldn’t find out I could only understand about half of what they were saying. One of my brothers, though, said he thought it went very well. So I’ll have to believe him.
My committee and I have also started to plan for our biggest fundraiser of the summer – a talent show. If the excitement shown by the four women of my committee is any indication of how the town will react, I think we’ve got a winner here. I’ve seen first hand the talent that exists in this community, and so am rather excited myself. I also plan to film the event and add DVD sales to the fund raising chart.
Yesterday, I made spaghetti and sauce (with a modified recipe) for my family. Those who were brave enough to try it, said they really liked it, and Even, who came over after he had already eaten lunch, had a whole plate. I was proud. And oh was it lovely to have some familiar food. My host mom was made quite happy by the whole event as well. She becomes so distressed when I don’t eat. Not eating, to her, is not finishing an entire plate. So, meals and their preparations are a constant struggle. And I wish I had the words to tell her how much I appreciate the effort she puts into finding out what I like and trying to provide me with it. Oh, and the danger of having an ice-cream shop across the street from my house has finally become apparent. Today was the third consecutive visit.
Life is good here in the DR. And I know I’ve said this before, but I can’t wait to share it.
Saturday was a day of mixed emotions. I went with my host brothers and a bunch of their friends to the beach with my very own inner tube. The inner tube was a blast, especially with four boys trying to climb on it at once and the waves sneaking up on you from behind, and my waterproof camera became something of a novelty and delighted them all beyond belief. The unfortunate bit was the price the sea claimed for the fun we had. My waterproof camera no longer has a screen and my favorite sunglasses, my only truly good pair I’ve ever had, have been swept to the bottom of the Caribbean where they may forever rest in peace. And only after did I remember the split second decision I made to take them instead of leave them behind. Damn that split second. I can only blame myself. Though slowly, I’m learning that things – are just things, after all.
The rain has finally let up, which means the heat has started to sink in. I average about two visits to the river a day in-between classes and meals. I’m giving three beginners computer classes to adults and youth (and when I say beginner, I mean some of them have never used a mouse before) as well as an arts and crafts class, a literacy class for just a few kids of about ten who cannot read, and my Escojo Mi Vida class. All of them seem to be going rather well. My Escojo class, or my sex-ed class as I sometimes call it, was interesting. The first session was on self-esteem and making choices based on values and such. I was so grateful for the handbook Peace Corps had given us and for the time I had taken to make thorough slides from it. All I had to do was facilitate conversation, and hope they wouldn’t find out I could only understand about half of what they were saying. One of my brothers, though, said he thought it went very well. So I’ll have to believe him.
My committee and I have also started to plan for our biggest fundraiser of the summer – a talent show. If the excitement shown by the four women of my committee is any indication of how the town will react, I think we’ve got a winner here. I’ve seen first hand the talent that exists in this community, and so am rather excited myself. I also plan to film the event and add DVD sales to the fund raising chart.
Yesterday, I made spaghetti and sauce (with a modified recipe) for my family. Those who were brave enough to try it, said they really liked it, and Even, who came over after he had already eaten lunch, had a whole plate. I was proud. And oh was it lovely to have some familiar food. My host mom was made quite happy by the whole event as well. She becomes so distressed when I don’t eat. Not eating, to her, is not finishing an entire plate. So, meals and their preparations are a constant struggle. And I wish I had the words to tell her how much I appreciate the effort she puts into finding out what I like and trying to provide me with it. Oh, and the danger of having an ice-cream shop across the street from my house has finally become apparent. Today was the third consecutive visit.
Life is good here in the DR. And I know I’ve said this before, but I can’t wait to share it.
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