Training

Training has been an incredible experience. Upon arrival in country we are all anticipating the work we will be doing, but very unsure of what our day to day job will entail. We are full of excitement, expectation and wonder. After 11 weeks of training we have been introduced to a variety of situations we will encounter, we have spoken of our role as development workers and trainers in our communities. We have learned about the process of doing a community diagnostic and the importance of analyzing your community before initiating projects in your site. Through training I have gained an understanding of the realities of the job; I have be introduced to the culture, values, and practices of my new home. I have to say, the biggest differences are not very big at all- people all over the world adapt to the realities of their day to day lives. Just as I remember pulling out flashlights as a kid when the electricity went out, Dominicans are accustomed to the practice nightly. The differences in day to day activities are considerable, but a refreshing part is that within your community you get the sense that everything is so normal- It's amazing how fast a person can adapt to their surroundings. Through the two months of training we have studied everything from the formal education system in the DR to local business practices. It has been eye opening. It's amazing to think of how much information and experience we have gained. The past 3 months have gone by in a flash and I can't wait to start service! (This is my group of Community Economic Development volunteers.)

November 5, 2007

Running

I went for a run this morning. I am happy to be in the countryside for technical training- the city is too congested and the roads too congested to enjoy a run. I am outside of a town called Moca in the north of the country- beautiful rolling hills, platano trees and farm animals have replaced the chaos of Santo Domingo. To try to integrate myself a bit more while I run I try to follow the same customs as if I were walking. This means that I say hello to everyone I pass on the street. The Dominican Republic is not like running in the suburbs in the states where everyone is typically in their houses and rarely do you run into someone else walking. Here in the DR everyone is outside- first of all it’s too hot, the breeze is a welcomed relief and secondly, most businesses open up to the street. Local stores are set up like kiosks so the local patrons sit outside and enjoy a cold drink and conversation- most everyone is outside. As a result I think I have waved and said good morning to almost every local family. Usually twice- once on my way out and again on my way back. I have to admit it’s great, they wave, smile, occasionally a local man passing on a motorcycle will offer me a ride, (he’s thinking- poor girl is running, she is obviously in desperate need of a lift!) and this morning a woman asked me if I was exercising, I said yes and told her it was for better health, she laughed and gave a heavy sigh… they wouldn’t dream of waking up and running 4 miles when they have hours of cooking, cleaning and washing clothes to occupy their day. Occasionally a few men on the street will jog behind me for a few blocks because they think it's so funny. It definitely produces quite the spectacle. I hope to continue running once I arrive at my project site, it will be a great way for me to get to know the area and introduce myself to EVERYONE!
October 20,2007

A Brief Introduction to the Animal Kingdom of the DR

I have a family of lizards that live behind a picture of Jesus that is hanging in our family room. The other night while my technical group was studying we saw an enormous spider crawling on the wall. About as soon as we saw the spider, papa lizard saw it too. He ran out from behind the picture of Jesus and opened his mouth and sunk his teeth into the spider… bye-bye spider. It was like seeing a wildlife show in person. The 5 volunteers were amazed- my host father was laughing. That same night papa lizard went after a cockroach but it managed to fly off the wall before he could get to it. Then my host father Kiko took off his shirt and tried to swat and kill the cockroach. It's somewhat of a pastime. He is a big help in ridding the house of creepy crawlies. But I must say I have much gratitude for the family of lizards that live behind the picture of Jesus. Hopefully when i move out on my own I will have a family of lizards living with me there too.

October 10, 2007