Estoy aqui!

Actually, I made it here on Wednesday afternoon. And so far it has been a whirlwind of information, new people and new places. Let’s see. We left Washington D.C. at 2 a.m. And we landed around 1pm (Atlantic Time), with an empty stomach and running on an hour of sleep the whole airport/transportation experience once I landed was a bit blurry.  After landing and being greeted by current PCV we were taken to a Catholic Center for the night, where I finally got some food. Afterwards we met for a bit with our training director. And then were all given rabies vaccinations and malaria medication…at least I got a sucker afterwards;) I was also fitted for a motorcycle helmet (not to drive just to ride—and yes Mom, I will be safe!) Then it was back to my room to set up my mosquito netting around my bed—quite the challenge, I must admit.

Yesterday, we were taken to our training center where our formal language, safety and health training will be for the next three weeks. The center is beautiful—full of mango, guava, coconut trees (as well as blooming orchids). Training took place from 8-4, so another long day.  We went through some PC policies and then had our language testing. Not to my surprise my Spanish was a bit rusty…but I’m sure it’ll come easier as the week’s progress. 

After a day packed full of training, I was met by my new host mother. Her name is Dulce.  She took me to her home in a Taxi. Once we arrived I was shown my room, and given a full tour of the home. She has two children—Helena (27) and Carlos (23). Helena lives in the house, Carlos is married and has a little girl Carlee who is almost 2.  Dulce explained to me that her husband is currently working in the States and sends money back to the family.

I was FINALLY able to unpack my things here and settle in. I have a fan in my room! Thank goodness. It is technically winter here—with highs around 90, apparently it is less humid (I’m nervous to find out what more humid is like). During my unpacking process, Dulce was very hospitable (as most Dominicans are) and brought me fresh café as well as fresh squeezed orange juice. Afterwards we sat on the porch for some time and talked. At times my understanding fell short. It doesn’t help that Dominicans are very fast speakers and also cut off the end of most of their words. I think I used the phrase “mas despacio” (slower please) a million times.

Then it was dinner time, which was another cultural experience. Dulce made me a number of different things, and set them in front of me and then watched me eat. After I had two helpings of food, she told me I didn’t eat enough and insisted I eat more (I had to convince her for quite some time that I was full).  After dinner, I decided I would shower. Since there is a lack of water here, I took my first of many bucket baths. Successful and refreshing.  I then was invited onto my host mother’s bed to watch a novella (Spanish soap opera).

Currently I have retired to my room to write this blog and reflect on my time thus far. In the weeks coming up training will become more intense as will the topics. After three weeks we go into our community based training in another city. I am looking forward to what I will be learning but at the same time feeling overwhelmed.  I now am starting to understand how these next two years can be quite lonely. It will be hard to Skype and talk to family and friends in the States right now because of our very rigorous schedule.  And the time zone difference doesn’t help. But I must keep remembering that I am here for a reason and there will be many more challenges and hard things ahead. Time for an episode of How I Met Your Mother and then bed…breakfast is at 7! Buenas noches.

All my love,

LJ