First Impressions

I have now been in Santo Domingo for approximately 48 hours and it feels like it's been over a week. Meeting 58 new people, driving through the streets of Santo Domingo, moving in with a Dominican family -- our two days have been packed with excitement!! Since the moment we landed, everyone has been incredibly nice. Such generosity began the moment we walked out of the airport, as many current PC volunteers were yelling with signs, taking pictures of us, as we walked outside.

Everyone has been incredibly supportive and kind, yet the shock of everything changing still came and hit hard. All the little necessities of daily living take longer to accomplish.

The PC training center is a bit north of Santo Domingo on a gorgeous piece of land that is filled with fruit trees and outdoor classrooms. It's set just a quarter mile from a crazy busy road filled with motorcycles, guaguas, taxi cabs, etc. Amidst the chaos from the main street you enter this heavenly oasis where we get to learn. I feel very lucky to be here.

My host family is really nice... the father is intrigued by the US and loves American movies. We spent a long time last night talking about American actors -- well it was actually more me trying to translate the names of American actors with a strong Dominican accent. I learned that my Don loves the Ace Ventura: Pet Detective movies. While we were brokenly conversing about American actors my host Dona was cooking dinner. What did she cook? PUMPKIN!! Seriously, large squares of steamed pumpkin, plus some eggs. I was so happy!!! Then, lastly, there are 3 children, though only 2 live at home. The sole daughter is 18 and she just graduated from high school. She plans to go to the local university in January for pyschology. She has already felt like a savior, as she can tell when I don't understand something and she will speak slowly so that I can follow conversations. Myelin also loves stuffed animals. Who would have thought that I would first bond with my host daughter by telling her about my stuffed dolphin. Her stock of stuffed animals certainly outnumber mine and they all are meticulously placed on her bed. There are also two pets at the house: Obama, the parrot, and la nina, a turtle.

Well I think that provides a general overview of everything going on around here. I miss everyone dearly and hope that all is well in the US.