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From a few days ago... Meant to post it sooner, but internet difficulties and moving got in the way...

Dominican Labor Day, Two-Month Anniversary in the PC, May 4, 2009

My life is about to change again.  Soon enough I will begin what I came here to do.  Two months in, I’m ready and eager to get to work.

In a few days I will be visiting my future home for the next two years.  This visit will be an introduction to my community.  No longer will I have the comfort of my English-speaking friends and the security of a training staff.  I will truly have to swim by myself.  Rather exciting… I hope that during the first few months in site, my Spanish will flourish and I will integrate.  The dancing is slowly coming, I’m developing a taste for super sweet coffee, and I’m learning the strategies of dominoes… So I’m getting there.

I will be living in a small pueblo along the north coast, between the region of Puerto Plata and the peninsula of Samana.  Yes, I will be living near the beach!   The main industry in my pueblo is agriculture – mostly coffee and cacao production.  The gorgeous mountains and the famous amber mines are south of my town. 

I will be working in a computer lab, training the teachers there, starting a youth computer club, giving classes, and working to make the lab economically viable.  I will have a lot of work to do, but I will have so much freedom to do what I want.  There is a radio station there so maybe I can help develop programs too… 

(And speaking of radio, my fellow Trainees and I were interviewed a week ago.  At first I didn’t want to be on the radio for fear of forgetting my Spanish, but I decided to put myself in an uncomfortable situation and try it… And I was successful!  I didn’t falter in my Spanish too much and I was able to answer the host’s questions!  So my advice, push yourself to do something that frightens you.  Go for it and see what happens.  You will find that you can swim!)

My time as a Trainee is quickly coming to a close.  In a week and half, I will be a Volunteer.  These last weeks have been characterized by information overload – a little intense at times.  But finally I will be able to finally put to practice all that I’ve learned.  The next challenge awaits, and I will triumph!  Time to put all that shyness away and GO FOR IT!