Hello dear readers. I apologize for being away so long. These past couple weeks have been rather overwhelming.
I am finally here, finally in my new home, with my new family. I am an official Volunteer and I begin my “work” on Monday.
Last week, I visited my site for the first time. I am living in a pueblo of 60,000 on the north coast (minutes from the beach and very close to several popular tourist resorts!). I can walk in and out of town in less than 20 minutes. I am working in a community technology center, headed by the Dominican First Lady's office. I will be developing advanced classes, training the teachers at the center, improving the English classes, starting a youth group, and working with the radio station (and possibly the local TV station) to create some educational programming. Therefore, I have a lot on my plate! However, during the first 3 months I will be taking time to orient myself in the community, developing relationships with community members, and investigating the needs of the community through a formal diagnostic, which I will be presenting to my Peace Corps peers and the community members in August. Of course, there will be lots of challenges... That's just how it is here. You have to expect that anything can happen.
When I first arrived in town, I felt a little overwhelmed. I felt like everyone has these heightened expectations of me, but after reflecting on it for a while, I’ve decided to take things slowly. These first three months are about relationship building and discovery.
After my site visit, I went back to the capital to finish up business and swear-in. The ceremony was nice. (Photos coming soon…) There were several DR government dignitaries, the deputy Ambassador to the DR, and current Volunteers and host family members. I felt rather patriotic and inspired that day. Everyone has a lot of faith in us, so I only hope I can fulfill those hopes. There is a lot to do.
I came back “home” last night… I’m rather far away from the capital – about 5.5 hours. At first I was nervous about getting here on my own, but it was actually rather easy, and I’m proud that I was able to accomplish that small challenge. Everyday presents its own small challenges, and I have been triumphant so far. Each day, I feel proud for what I’ve been able to accomplish; such a feeling is priceless.
As one fellow Volunteer said, you just have to “embrace the awkward.” I’m different here, but I’m alive, I’m happy, and yes, people like me! Whenever I can’t figure out how to say something in Spanish, I just laugh, and everyone laughs with me. Even though I can’t joke, I can laugh, and that’s just as charming.
All in all, I would say I’m rather lucky. I’m serving in one of the best posts in the world. I’m living near the beach in a Caribbean country! I’m learning a new language. I have a wonderful family, a challenging but rewarding job, and I’ve made several great friends.
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