I´m here

Just wanted to let you know that all things worked well and that I´m here in the DR. Things have gone so well. A great group is with me and we´re all learning and integrating into the community. More will come soon when I have access. Until then, let me give you a few of my new favorite pasatiempos, all involved with what it means to "compartir:"

1. Sitting on the patio with the Don of my house listening to a thumping bachata from across the street.

2. Sitting outside a fiesta de cumpleanos, eating spaghetti.

3. Gathering around the telenovela and trying to catch Dominican slang.

Sound familiar...

Hasta Muy Pronto: Thought-Provoking Farewells

1. From my ICP and CMEA family: No words, just refer to the above...

2. Ms. B: "You'll be fine. They're going to recognize that you're a child of God"

3. E.P: "So, how many stamps should I put on my cards to the DR?"

4. B.D.: "Peace and prayers (and love and music)"

5. (Referring to his belief that I will come back with a Domincan model)

My cousin : "All I know is that she better speak English..."

6. Ms. P: "Just keep God in front of you.

Keep looking forward and don't look back."

More to come...

Preparing for the journey...

"So are you excited?"
An excellent question, but hard for me to find an answer.

I'm content, I'm satisfied, I'm ready.
But, not necessarily excited.

Don't get me wrong. I can't wait. With all of the papers to sign, luggage to pack, last minute things to do, and trips to Wal-mart and CVS, there are also constant reminders of what I'm leaving and what I'm going towards. From mom's spaghetti to sancocho. From my hard-as-a-rock bed to, well, rock. From ICP, CMEA, to who knows?

It makes me laugh, sigh, dream, and shake my head at the same time. It makes me take time to savor each hug, good wish, each day.

I got an unexpected chance to sit down with the old folks on Saturday. They said that my life has been a blessing. I'll hope you'll ride along with me to see where it takes me...