It’s been a week since I arrived in Santo Domingo and there has already been so much to process. A few days ago I came to the realization that I have never spent more than one afternoon in a developing country. I know, this should have clicked earlier… but somehow it didn’t. I have spent time studying poverty and social inequalities, but to live in a struggling community is something entirely different. I have to admit that in my first few days here I was overwhelmed by the garbage filled streets and poorly constructed homes. It didn’t take long to realize that it is going to take time to adjust.


Last night I had a wonderful conversation with my host mother. We were talking about the Peace Corps and how volunteers are generally accepted here, though at times their presence is controversial. I realized that my commitment to living in the Dominican Republic for two years does not even compare to what Dominicans must confront for their entire lives. I have the privilege of escaping my host site whenever I want to, of visiting my family in the US, of terminating my service here if it becomes too overwhelming. In short, I can call a time out whenever I deem necessary. But it doesn’t work like that for Dominicans. This is their life. Today we learned about the social statistics in the DR and our PC coordinator told us that many of our friends will welcome us back to the “real world” when we end our service…. but that this, in the DR, is the real world. The real world for most people includes contaminated water, limited resources, no way out.

So back to my conversation with my host mom. Here we are, talking about the program I chose to enter, and as I explain my decision I realize how lucky I am. I have the opportunity to learn an entirely different language and culture through 10 weeks of training, plus I get to live with 3 different families and eat their food, take part in their lives. After that I have the ability to create any program I believe will help Dominican youth. I am so incredibly lucky. It’s definitely going to be challenging, but in the best sense of the word. I get to test my own limits by helping people in need.

I have already come to care for my host family, especially my host sister. I want so badly for her to do well at the university. How ironic that I came here to help, and so far the people whom I want to help are the ones taking care of me.

On a side note, I have learned that the DR has about 33847384734 different kinds of potato/starchy vegetable - called vivieres - and they all taste similar to sweet potatoes. I swear, every night I get to try a different taste and color of viviere. I also get to try new fruits. The latest was one that looks like grapes but you peel it like an orange -- lemoncillo. The fruit covers a big seed in the middle and it tastes like a gummy bear… so good. I can’t wait to offer these to my future visitors!

Last thing -- I found out that I my community based training (CBT) for youth development is in La Constanza. That means I get to spend 5 weeks in a beautiful mountain town that supposedly has accessible running trails J I am excited to starting working with youth and run in the countryside!