The last few weeks have been overwhelming to say the least, as I have been finishing my projects in Bani while beginning the process of compartir and confianza with my new community at the same time. Last week I graduated 12 youth from my Escojo Mi Vida group, and the graduation was quite a hit! This group will certainly be difficult to separate myself from because they are so intelligent and dedicated for their age and barrio. I left the graduation feeling sad that the group had finished, but proud of putting so much time into this project. Everything certainly ended on a high note.
My last project that I am currently finishing up is Construye Tus Suenos, the business class. We officially ended class last week as well, with two Haitian youth graduating as well as my host mom (that was certainly fun having her tag along), but now we are in the process of writing and editing the two youths’ business plans. Both young men and I have put in a lot of time writing and re-writing their business plans, as they need to turned in before I leave for the States. Kenny is trying to begin a language school, to teach people in the barrio how to speak Basic English. River, the other student, wants to open an internet center because they are virtually non-existent in the barrios north of Bani. My host mom is trying to initiate a restaurant out of her house, which I support because she makes amazing food… anyway, we are in the last big push and almost done with the business course as well. It’s been fun reading the plans that these two boys have constructed all on their own. I am so proud of their dedication to these dreams they have created for themselves.
Now that my health and business classes are basically finished, that leaves me with one year left and one last community to work in. The second time around is much, much easier. Already knowing the language and culture has enabled me to assimilate in Las Tablas at a much quicker rate than my arrival in Bani last October. I also feel genuinely happy to be living in a small community. Las Tablas is exactly what I was looking for in my Peace Corps experience. Even though I thought I wanted to live in a big city the truth is that I was meant to be in a campo, and I can feel that now. Every morning I leave the house with my new Dona; she walks as I run through a windy desert road that crosses several mango fields. I always end my run early so that we can walk back together and have some time to talk. Then the rest of the day can be slow or fast, but I guess most days in the campo are slow moving. I always take Bella for a walk to the sanctuary. I make sure to visit at least a couple of neighbors and play volleyball or go on a walk with the youth. When I return from my visit back home I will begin my projects in Las Tablas, but for now I am still getting to know my new site.
Las Tablas is unique in that it is the training grounds for all health volunteers each fall. That means that just a few weeks after my return from Oregon I will be accompanied by 12 Americans in Las Tablas. I’m sure their five week tenure in my site will get a little old, but to be honest I am really excited to host the new volunteers, make some new friends, and compartir with English speakers!
In just two days I will be returning to the States for a two-week vacation. Lately I have been wondering about how I will ever put into words all that I have learned and experienced here. How can I properly describe this country merely based on a few stories? Nevertheless I am more than extremely thrilled to return to the USA for a while. In 48 I will be on the plane…
Can't wait to see you Merr! Love you :)
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