Porch Sitting

Wrote this on Sunday, just got internet today:

Hmm..well before this crazy week of classes gets started I thought I’d write you an update on this weekend’s happenings. So Friday, I learned how to use public transportation to get from my house to the training center—helpful but scary at the same time. Friday evening was spent at home. Watched Hot Rod in Spanish with my host sister and then ate about 3 meals before actually having dinner. Seriously though, coffee and crackers when I got home from training, an hour later two oranges, and then an hour after that a ham and cheese sandwich—complete with ketchup and mayo. By this time I was full, but then we had dinner. I only ate a little, my host mother was concerned that I didn’t like her food, I explained I was full due to the previous food she had given me but she just laughed. I secretly think she is trying to fatten me—or not so secretly.

Saturday morning I got to sleep in finally! It was so nice waking up without an alarm. My host mom served me breakfast when I woke up along with coffee. Let me tell you, I get served the most amazing coffee 2-3 times a day and whenever I go and visit the neighbor’s house. If you don’t come to the DR to visit me, at least come for the coffee because it is worth it. After breakfast I was just unpacking and putting up some pictures up in my room when three volunteers stopped by to chat (Kate, Keegan and Caitlyn). It was a nice surprise because I had nothing planned for the day. We chatted for a few hours and they left before lunch. After another huge lunch, my host mother asked if I wanted to go to the neighbors to get my nails done…how could I not say yes?! My host mom dropped me off at Kendry’s house (who I had met the first night I was here) to get my nails done and left. Two other volunteers (Lula and Greg) were at Kendry’s too. Lula was getting a pedicure as well. So we sat and chatted on her porch and had another cafecito (coffee).  Then I got my toes and fingers done—probably the best mani/pedi I have ever received!

After that Keegan and Caitlyn came by to go to the supermarket and we picked up Kate on the way! They needed to get a few things, I just walked around—it reminded me somewhat of a Wal-Mart but with a lot more fresh groceries—including fish. Then I returned home for some more snacks before dinner. My host sister was getting all dressed up, I figured she was going somewhere, but instead sat outside our home all night, so I joined her and a few of her friends.

Sunday was another lazy morning. My host mom and I have talked about religion, and she told me she was Catholic. I told her that I would be willing to go to church with her but it seems that she doesn’t attend—which is not out of the ordinary. I got up and ate breakfast and then sat on our front porch reading until lunch time. After lunch I was about to take a nap but then Keegan and Caitlyn came over. We decided to walk to Kate’s house to pick her up and then return to Keegan and Caitlyn’s house to do some more porch sitting and play some cards. Keegan and Caitlyn have Wifi at their house, so I used that for a bit which was nice.  We all chatted for a long time and played some card games. A few of the neighbor kids would stop in and talk to us.  We then went to watch/play basketball at the neighborhood court. Caitlyn and I played with the little kids while Keegan played with some older guys in the barrio for a few hours. We then returned to our homes to get ready for an early morning and a week full of activities/classes/training.

Currently I am waiting for Sunday dinner. My normal routine has become: eating dinner, watching some telenovellas with my host mom, taking a bucket bath, then returning to my room to sleep and wake up at 6:30 to leave for training in time. I have a feeling that outside of my training my time will be spent on many different porches, sharing our stories and creating new friendships. It’s a nice way of living really—getting to know your neighbor and actually taking time out of your day to enter into their homes and lives. And plus that usually means you get a free cafecito or coca-cola. So life isn’t all work here. Dominicans really do want to enjoy life and I think that is a piece that we miss in the States. Yes of course I miss my family and friends, and would love for them to all come porch sit with me! So this is an open invitation…trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

The self-proclaimed porch sitter,

LJ

P.S. I have yet to seen any moths (although this may jinx that)

P.P.S. I have flossed my teeth every night! (My dentist uncles would be proud)

P.P.P.S. Send me mail. Forreal:  Lauren Johnson, PCT  APDO 1412, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic or the address on the tab.