Four months in country this week and we have moved out of our host family and into our very own two-bedroom block house in our village. Our village sits just off the highway eight miles north east of San Pedro de Macoris in what many Dominicans and foreigners alike term the baseball hotbed of the DR. Apparently many superstars have come from the area such as Sammy Sosa and Julio Franco. In fact, two of our most recent host family “cousins” who are 16 and 18 years old respectfully, spend their mornings riding their motorcycle to the baseball diamond in San Pedro and training from 7am to 12noon daily. A grand majority of youth who are athletically inclined, religiously train to become baseball players while either finishing their high school education or upon completion fo their high school education.
Our village is a Batey, which I’ve mentioned before, Bateyes in the Dominican Republic were created around the sugar can industry. While I’m still trying to learn the exact history of our particular batey, a large number of Haitians were brought to the batey to cut the sugar cane. I found this website which shares a really nice synopsis of what the bateyes generally are: http://www.cotni.org/articles/49.
Because many of the field workers in the sugarcane were brought from Haiti as young men, they did not have passports or even birth certificates when they left Haiti to work here; they were often too poor to afford the fees associated with obtaining a birth certificate, much less a passport. In the Dominican Republic, without a birth certificate an individual is not permitted to attend school after eighth grade, obtain legal work, travel without fear of being deported, nor have the opportunity to provide documentation to one’s children. To add to the story, the Haitian men who were brought here to work in the sugarcane fields were initially brought by the Dominican government and some private companies, who also guaranteed a payment of a pension to workers who were brought over.
I recently met and have been welcomed into the home on several occasions by one of these men who came to the Batey to work in the sugar can fields when he was 18 years old. He’s now 70 years old, lives with his wife and three of his five children in a one room block house with a three room wood house “addition” and he continues to work as a day laborer in the Conuco (farm) from 6am to 4pm six days a week at the orphanage where I’m volunteering. His name is Caito and he is owed a pension but is not allowed to receive his pension because the sugar cane industry won’t pay a pension to someone who is in the country without the proper documents. Caito does have a birth certificate from Haiti, however he doesn’t have his Haitian passport. Phoebe and I recently joined Caito and a young girl from my orphanage to observe their application process for their passports, with the hopes that Caito will eventually be paid his pension.
A group of about 45 men in their 60’s and 70’s and a few women gathered in a room at a retreat center near Consuelo (a city about 20 KM from our batey) to meet with representatives from the UN and employees from the Haitian Embassy to help with their applications for passports. Another group of men and women met with a legal representative from a private agency who is collaborating with the UN and Haitian embassy to obtain birth certificates for other residents who are in the country without the proper documentation.
Caito should have his passport in 8 to 12 weeks at which point he’ll be able to apply for his pension. Here’s to Caito!
While still in my diagnostic phase of the Peace Corps, I hope to begin working on documentation projects throughout my service. I cannot and do not take any sort of credit for Caito's process, I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to be with him during this wonderous day.
With love, Dan
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
We moved
Hello one and all. We are in the capital for a brief and fun filled jaunt to the PC DR Christmas party, thanks to our country director. We had a great and wonderful time catching up with friendly faces and stuffing ourselves to the gills with sugar and chinese food.
I don't have much to write at the moment, however wanted to update one and all that we have moved out on our own and are now the proud renters of a two bedroom cement block home! It sits one the quiet side of calle principale in our new hometown of batey monte cristi. I hope to get you some photos soon.
In the meantime, I hope you will gladly enjoy this brief but wonderful status update from the sunflower wirth clan. Love you and happy holidays.
D
I don't have much to write at the moment, however wanted to update one and all that we have moved out on our own and are now the proud renters of a two bedroom cement block home! It sits one the quiet side of calle principale in our new hometown of batey monte cristi. I hope to get you some photos soon.
In the meantime, I hope you will gladly enjoy this brief but wonderful status update from the sunflower wirth clan. Love you and happy holidays.
D
Friday, November 26, 2010
The confused rooster/ El gallo confundido
From Phoebe aKa Girasol
My birthday…Happy birthday as well to all of the fall babies, I am sending you greetings right now: Bets, Zeni, Gregory, Nathan, Margot, LB and Grandma Wright…
All day, everyday, I find myself laughing uncontrollably, chuckling, grimacing and sometimes on the verge of sobbing due to all of the culture shock. Maybe I should get into the habit of carrying a small notebook to record this incredible experience, as if I were a news reporter. There are several moments a day where I ponder and think to myself, “Gosh, I am not in the US anymore…this is definitely the Dominican Republic.” An example occurred this morning when I was greeted by my host mom, “Happy Baby!” I found myself smiling in her emotional attempt at the English language. Missing all of my family and friends and thinking about the many birthdays we have had in the past I decided to lock myself in my room for a few and blog…a blog that may take a week to have internet access to post.
Our life has transitioned quite a bit in the last three months…not only the element which you are all aware of; here we are in the Peace Corps, but also the reality of the lifestyle, environment, and cultural changes which are entrapped in this transition.
Dan and I are living with a host-family in a Batey in the East of the Dominican Republic. Our host family includes; a wee little Dona (Mrs.) that yells and curses like a sailor, appears to lie to her children, and has a different idea about the elements of child rearing, (we might call it abuse in the states) and ironically is so very sweet to both of us; a smoker (which is rare in the DR) Don (Mister) who likes to hang out in his underwear in the middle of the night, whom also works like a dog in a machine shop and mumbles to himself on regular basis; a child of confianza (similar to a foster child in the states but more along the lines of whomever can take the little guy, no background check of the parents with this one) who is 7 years old we believe; and a 23 year old daughter whom acts closer to a 13 year old socially and works as a secretary in the city, every day. Geez, most important the very nice, reserved and very respectful baseball star of the family who will be going to Arizona on contract in the spring, “Si Dios quiere (God willing).” Included in the family unit but living in proximity to our house are three host daughters/sisters, they each have three children and are married, all three of the women in the family are between the ages of 30 and 40 and they have no higher then an 8th grade graduation which makes for interesting conversation and creates mountains of superstitions and funny confusing conversations including a gossip circle which you can hardly imagine. A new undertaking everyday…
We live in a block and wood house and we have a bathroom, yahoo! There are around 250 too 300 houses in the Batey and only about 50 have a bathroom in the home. We share a bedroom no larger then my parent’s office, and the rest of the family shares two other bedrooms. We have an ample living room, dining room, and kitchen that includes a couch where most of the family spends there time watching Telenovelas (Soap-operas) on a 10” screen. The house has a cement floor, and a solid aluminum roof. The walls do not reach to the ceiling, which makes privacy interesting, second hand smoke evident, and creates a lovely array of insects outside of our mosquito net at night. No cockroaches to be seen in the house yet and only one TARANTULA, hurray!
My days are usually spent visiting house to house in the neighborhood and completing a Community Diagnostic (similar to what we might call a census but more personal) though informal conversation. I specifically ask people about the population growth, ethnicity, work habits, education, family dynamics, and problems facing the youth in the community. I also ask community members what ideas or suggestions they might have in how to resolve these problems. Sometimes I am provided with positive sustainable ideas and other times the blame is displaced on the government, school system or other elements out of my control. I have found that the people here are exceptionally hospitable, friendly and welcoming. After a visit or two most community members are more then willing to share about their experiences, and personal details about their family. Through the process of my community diagnostic visits, I have had several cups of coffee, a few strange foods I have never seen before, lots of soda and fresh juices.
The community members are always more then willing to share, and sometimes, I get a chance to share things about where I am coming from and my culture. In all of the struggle with the host family right now and all of the successes with integrating into the community, I have to remind myself that; this service is in essence, not about me providing something for the people, it is more about exchanging the knowledge of our cultures, how we are different and how we are similar. One culture is neither right or wrong, one family is neither right or wrong, we are different and come from a different set of morals and values. Somethings are truly out of my control, I need to remember this when the confused rooster who is always free to roam around the neighborhood crows during the full moon on hour intervals.
in Paz, Phoebe
My birthday…Happy birthday as well to all of the fall babies, I am sending you greetings right now: Bets, Zeni, Gregory, Nathan, Margot, LB and Grandma Wright…
All day, everyday, I find myself laughing uncontrollably, chuckling, grimacing and sometimes on the verge of sobbing due to all of the culture shock. Maybe I should get into the habit of carrying a small notebook to record this incredible experience, as if I were a news reporter. There are several moments a day where I ponder and think to myself, “Gosh, I am not in the US anymore…this is definitely the Dominican Republic.” An example occurred this morning when I was greeted by my host mom, “Happy Baby!” I found myself smiling in her emotional attempt at the English language. Missing all of my family and friends and thinking about the many birthdays we have had in the past I decided to lock myself in my room for a few and blog…a blog that may take a week to have internet access to post.
Our life has transitioned quite a bit in the last three months…not only the element which you are all aware of; here we are in the Peace Corps, but also the reality of the lifestyle, environment, and cultural changes which are entrapped in this transition.
Dan and I are living with a host-family in a Batey in the East of the Dominican Republic. Our host family includes; a wee little Dona (Mrs.) that yells and curses like a sailor, appears to lie to her children, and has a different idea about the elements of child rearing, (we might call it abuse in the states) and ironically is so very sweet to both of us; a smoker (which is rare in the DR) Don (Mister) who likes to hang out in his underwear in the middle of the night, whom also works like a dog in a machine shop and mumbles to himself on regular basis; a child of confianza (similar to a foster child in the states but more along the lines of whomever can take the little guy, no background check of the parents with this one) who is 7 years old we believe; and a 23 year old daughter whom acts closer to a 13 year old socially and works as a secretary in the city, every day. Geez, most important the very nice, reserved and very respectful baseball star of the family who will be going to Arizona on contract in the spring, “Si Dios quiere (God willing).” Included in the family unit but living in proximity to our house are three host daughters/sisters, they each have three children and are married, all three of the women in the family are between the ages of 30 and 40 and they have no higher then an 8th grade graduation which makes for interesting conversation and creates mountains of superstitions and funny confusing conversations including a gossip circle which you can hardly imagine. A new undertaking everyday…
We live in a block and wood house and we have a bathroom, yahoo! There are around 250 too 300 houses in the Batey and only about 50 have a bathroom in the home. We share a bedroom no larger then my parent’s office, and the rest of the family shares two other bedrooms. We have an ample living room, dining room, and kitchen that includes a couch where most of the family spends there time watching Telenovelas (Soap-operas) on a 10” screen. The house has a cement floor, and a solid aluminum roof. The walls do not reach to the ceiling, which makes privacy interesting, second hand smoke evident, and creates a lovely array of insects outside of our mosquito net at night. No cockroaches to be seen in the house yet and only one TARANTULA, hurray!
My days are usually spent visiting house to house in the neighborhood and completing a Community Diagnostic (similar to what we might call a census but more personal) though informal conversation. I specifically ask people about the population growth, ethnicity, work habits, education, family dynamics, and problems facing the youth in the community. I also ask community members what ideas or suggestions they might have in how to resolve these problems. Sometimes I am provided with positive sustainable ideas and other times the blame is displaced on the government, school system or other elements out of my control. I have found that the people here are exceptionally hospitable, friendly and welcoming. After a visit or two most community members are more then willing to share about their experiences, and personal details about their family. Through the process of my community diagnostic visits, I have had several cups of coffee, a few strange foods I have never seen before, lots of soda and fresh juices.
The community members are always more then willing to share, and sometimes, I get a chance to share things about where I am coming from and my culture. In all of the struggle with the host family right now and all of the successes with integrating into the community, I have to remind myself that; this service is in essence, not about me providing something for the people, it is more about exchanging the knowledge of our cultures, how we are different and how we are similar. One culture is neither right or wrong, one family is neither right or wrong, we are different and come from a different set of morals and values. Somethings are truly out of my control, I need to remember this when the confused rooster who is always free to roam around the neighborhood crows during the full moon on hour intervals.
in Paz, Phoebe
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Nuestros Aventuras
Hello one and all,
WE are well here in the DR. Dan here! We have much to say at the moment but haven´t taken much opportunity to organize our thoughts. I can say that we are alive and well. I am spending a majority of my days getting to know the Casa Hogar (Orphanage), Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, getting to know the children, the variety of activities occuring in the orphanage, tia´s (tia is the spanish word for aunt and the tias are donas (respectful spanish for woman) who live with the children at the orphanage on a rotating basis, the administration, and other volunteers. There is a lot to take in on a daily basis and I will definitely have ample opportunities for projects.
My first three months consist of a diagnostic process where I plan to use a strengths based approach to learning about the organization. By focusing on what is working well, I hope to find and inspire the workers to replicate what works and develop more of it.´There are twelve houses on the property, about 40 acres, and in each house about 15 to 20 orphaned, abandoned, abused, or otherwise labeled as at risk children live. The company prefers to use, as to I, pequenos (spanish for littles). To get to know NPH I am doing a lot of observation, informal interviewing, going on excursions, visiting and appreciative inquiries. I´ll also begin more formal activities and interviews this week...
One of my first assignments which I´ve already begun, is as an assistant coach for the baseball team, actually three teams of kids with various ages and abilities! When you think of my team, think of the bad news bears, mixed with kids who´ve been raised in a machista culture, are always looking to save face, all want to talk at once, with the added fun that they all speak spanish, a language at which I have maybe a 60 to 70% grasp. It will be an adventure that I´m very much looking forward to.
Phoebe is doing wonderful as always. She is spending her days getting to know the community, sharing and making new friends and conducting her diagnostic process in the batey. Her personality shines through to everyone she comes into contact. We spent her birthday afternoon yesterday walking in the sugarcane and sitting on our front porch with a few other Peace Corps Volunteers from the area. She has quite a bit to say for herself in a blog to be coming in the near future, so I won´t spoil it for you.
What I will say, is that the three month diagnostic process is tough. People are scoping us out, wondering why we are here, they think I get paid bank because I leave everyday for the orphanage and think phoebe is just hanging out. We´re getting integrated, as best as we can, into our new life and world here in the Dominican Republic. More to come very soon. IN love, peace and feeling in a hurry...d
WE are well here in the DR. Dan here! We have much to say at the moment but haven´t taken much opportunity to organize our thoughts. I can say that we are alive and well. I am spending a majority of my days getting to know the Casa Hogar (Orphanage), Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, getting to know the children, the variety of activities occuring in the orphanage, tia´s (tia is the spanish word for aunt and the tias are donas (respectful spanish for woman) who live with the children at the orphanage on a rotating basis, the administration, and other volunteers. There is a lot to take in on a daily basis and I will definitely have ample opportunities for projects.
My first three months consist of a diagnostic process where I plan to use a strengths based approach to learning about the organization. By focusing on what is working well, I hope to find and inspire the workers to replicate what works and develop more of it.´There are twelve houses on the property, about 40 acres, and in each house about 15 to 20 orphaned, abandoned, abused, or otherwise labeled as at risk children live. The company prefers to use, as to I, pequenos (spanish for littles). To get to know NPH I am doing a lot of observation, informal interviewing, going on excursions, visiting and appreciative inquiries. I´ll also begin more formal activities and interviews this week...
One of my first assignments which I´ve already begun, is as an assistant coach for the baseball team, actually three teams of kids with various ages and abilities! When you think of my team, think of the bad news bears, mixed with kids who´ve been raised in a machista culture, are always looking to save face, all want to talk at once, with the added fun that they all speak spanish, a language at which I have maybe a 60 to 70% grasp. It will be an adventure that I´m very much looking forward to.
Phoebe is doing wonderful as always. She is spending her days getting to know the community, sharing and making new friends and conducting her diagnostic process in the batey. Her personality shines through to everyone she comes into contact. We spent her birthday afternoon yesterday walking in the sugarcane and sitting on our front porch with a few other Peace Corps Volunteers from the area. She has quite a bit to say for herself in a blog to be coming in the near future, so I won´t spoil it for you.
What I will say, is that the three month diagnostic process is tough. People are scoping us out, wondering why we are here, they think I get paid bank because I leave everyday for the orphanage and think phoebe is just hanging out. We´re getting integrated, as best as we can, into our new life and world here in the Dominican Republic. More to come very soon. IN love, peace and feeling in a hurry...d
Saturday, November 6, 2010
La Lucha
La Lucha – the fight...like fighting for freedom, liberty, justice, rights and five more pesos.
Danno here: Phoebes and I are in Santo Domingo once again, had been staying with our first host mom, Dona Julia (pronounced with the squiggly line over the n which I don’t know how to make on the computer). We just finished a week of taking Creole classes seven hours a day at the training center, called Entrena, where we had been for our first three weeks in country and the last five days leading up to our swearing in ceremony last Wednesday. We are psyched to have been here again and learning yet another language! We’re learning Creole because the language is widely spoken in our community, so we’ll at least have a beginning knowledge of how to communicate. However we are a bit disappointed that the Creole class wasn’t able to move ahead as originally planned.
The Creole class was supposed to be held in a Batey in the southern part of the country where a large number of Haitian Creole speakers live and we would have had the opportunity to speak Creole in the evenings and engage in a variety of activities with the other volunteers and Creole speakers. (It was decided not to have the Creole class in the south b/c at the time Tropical Storm Thomas was forecasted to hit the southern part of the D.R. As of the moment, we have been consolidated to a hotel in Santo Domingo to wait out the storm and we wouldn’t want to be in the area due to the potential of heavy rains on dirt roads and flooding). We’re fortunate the class didn’t get cancelled, so we’ll take what we can from it and begin communicating as much as possible in Creole with Creole speakers in our community when we return.
I recently realized something that I had already known, but just as quickly had forgotten. I can get in my own way. I get wrapped up in the outcome of a situation and forget to enjoy the moment, observe what’s going on around me and focus on the finished product (which hasn’t even happened yet). For example, if I want to take a taxi from one place to another here in Santo Domingo, I call one up and ask how much it costs. I’m thinking that I’m being a good, thrifty, industrious middle class American and want to know how much it’s going to impact my wallet (mistake/lesson number one). I’ve just opened the door for the taxi driver to pull a random number out of the air and expect me to pay it. I now have begun to engage in a “lucha” or fight with the taxista over how much it should cost for me to get from point a to point b. He and I and sometimes the other people in the car argue over the price, negotiate, haggle and get it to a price that we are willing to pay for the ride. On a side note, there are no meters in the taxis like you would find in the states. I like the meter because it gives me a sense of what I can expect to pay per minute or per mile, my middle class self doesn’t always like the ultimate outcome of the price of the taxi ride. I’m in no way advocating for meters over here at all, I’m trying to make an observation about the cultural differences and coming from my middle class American culture, I have a set of expectations of which I may not always be completely conscious.
A few days ago, after engaging in a hefty lucha with one of the taxistas over the price of the ride based on how far we were going, he got to talking with one of the other passengers in the car. The passenger was another PCV and friend who has a more advanced capacity at using the Spanish language. My friend was able to explain our role as PCV’s in a clear manner to the taxista and they had a really nice conversation, which I probably understood about 70% of (and that’s a generous estimate). My friend was dropped off before Phoebe and I (we were his last stop). By the time we were being let out of the car, the taxista and my interaction had changed to sharing what we could about our families, Phoebe and I’s desire to have a family in the future, and learning that the taxi driver has three children at home. To boot, when we went to pay him the price for which we had fought so hard to get and ultimately mutually agreed to pay, he gave us back $$. We ended up paying the price for which we had originally asked. I was shocked and in a state of disbelief. Phoebe wanted to tip the guy, but I was psyched to have some money left over for my newfound addiction to skim ice.
Since this interaction my mentality continues to shift about the cabby and public transport experience in this country. I’ve also continued the conversation with current volunteers who have been in country and the lesson has been reinforced; if we ask the drivers ahead of time how much the ride costs, they will lucha and we will appear as though we have no idea what is going on with the public transport. However, if we get in the cab and begin to go to our destination, we can give him a price that is reasonable based on the distance and time of day. Remember my barometer that I was so worried about before? Well, it seems to be coming into focus.
Distinctly Dominican? Maybe. The beauty that I’m finding in all of my taxi and motoconcho rides is that people want to share themselves with me. If I ask about their families, people want to share and are open to it.
In love, Dan
Danno here: Phoebes and I are in Santo Domingo once again, had been staying with our first host mom, Dona Julia (pronounced with the squiggly line over the n which I don’t know how to make on the computer). We just finished a week of taking Creole classes seven hours a day at the training center, called Entrena, where we had been for our first three weeks in country and the last five days leading up to our swearing in ceremony last Wednesday. We are psyched to have been here again and learning yet another language! We’re learning Creole because the language is widely spoken in our community, so we’ll at least have a beginning knowledge of how to communicate. However we are a bit disappointed that the Creole class wasn’t able to move ahead as originally planned.
The Creole class was supposed to be held in a Batey in the southern part of the country where a large number of Haitian Creole speakers live and we would have had the opportunity to speak Creole in the evenings and engage in a variety of activities with the other volunteers and Creole speakers. (It was decided not to have the Creole class in the south b/c at the time Tropical Storm Thomas was forecasted to hit the southern part of the D.R. As of the moment, we have been consolidated to a hotel in Santo Domingo to wait out the storm and we wouldn’t want to be in the area due to the potential of heavy rains on dirt roads and flooding). We’re fortunate the class didn’t get cancelled, so we’ll take what we can from it and begin communicating as much as possible in Creole with Creole speakers in our community when we return.
I recently realized something that I had already known, but just as quickly had forgotten. I can get in my own way. I get wrapped up in the outcome of a situation and forget to enjoy the moment, observe what’s going on around me and focus on the finished product (which hasn’t even happened yet). For example, if I want to take a taxi from one place to another here in Santo Domingo, I call one up and ask how much it costs. I’m thinking that I’m being a good, thrifty, industrious middle class American and want to know how much it’s going to impact my wallet (mistake/lesson number one). I’ve just opened the door for the taxi driver to pull a random number out of the air and expect me to pay it. I now have begun to engage in a “lucha” or fight with the taxista over how much it should cost for me to get from point a to point b. He and I and sometimes the other people in the car argue over the price, negotiate, haggle and get it to a price that we are willing to pay for the ride. On a side note, there are no meters in the taxis like you would find in the states. I like the meter because it gives me a sense of what I can expect to pay per minute or per mile, my middle class self doesn’t always like the ultimate outcome of the price of the taxi ride. I’m in no way advocating for meters over here at all, I’m trying to make an observation about the cultural differences and coming from my middle class American culture, I have a set of expectations of which I may not always be completely conscious.
A few days ago, after engaging in a hefty lucha with one of the taxistas over the price of the ride based on how far we were going, he got to talking with one of the other passengers in the car. The passenger was another PCV and friend who has a more advanced capacity at using the Spanish language. My friend was able to explain our role as PCV’s in a clear manner to the taxista and they had a really nice conversation, which I probably understood about 70% of (and that’s a generous estimate). My friend was dropped off before Phoebe and I (we were his last stop). By the time we were being let out of the car, the taxista and my interaction had changed to sharing what we could about our families, Phoebe and I’s desire to have a family in the future, and learning that the taxi driver has three children at home. To boot, when we went to pay him the price for which we had fought so hard to get and ultimately mutually agreed to pay, he gave us back $$. We ended up paying the price for which we had originally asked. I was shocked and in a state of disbelief. Phoebe wanted to tip the guy, but I was psyched to have some money left over for my newfound addiction to skim ice.
Since this interaction my mentality continues to shift about the cabby and public transport experience in this country. I’ve also continued the conversation with current volunteers who have been in country and the lesson has been reinforced; if we ask the drivers ahead of time how much the ride costs, they will lucha and we will appear as though we have no idea what is going on with the public transport. However, if we get in the cab and begin to go to our destination, we can give him a price that is reasonable based on the distance and time of day. Remember my barometer that I was so worried about before? Well, it seems to be coming into focus.
Distinctly Dominican? Maybe. The beauty that I’m finding in all of my taxi and motoconcho rides is that people want to share themselves with me. If I ask about their families, people want to share and are open to it.
In love, Dan
Thursday, November 4, 2010
We are okay!!!
Hurricane Tomas has now transformed into a tropical storm...we are safe and sound. Most of the volunteers have been consolidated in the capitol. We are staying with our host Dona Julia, delicious food and good company and we are still attending creole classes. We are getting hammered with rain, very, very wet...but no trecherous wind. Hugs to everyone we will keep you updated! D & P
Friday, October 29, 2010
Volunteer Speech!
Hi this is Danno here and I'm a proud husband, as always. Let me tell you why; Phoebe was elected, by her peers, to give a five minute address on behalf of the new volunteers during our swear in ceremony on Wednesday. she wrote it and gave it entirely en Espanol. We're including a copy of it below in Spanish and English for your reading pleasure. In addition, now that we have sworn in, we are both officially Peace Corps Volunteers!
We stayed in the capital for an additional day to receive training on the recent Cholera outbreak in Haiti. All D.R. volunteers were rounded up for two sessions of the cholera awareness training, how to prevent it, what to do in case of contracting cholera. We were provided information to pass along to our communities. Apparently it's not a matter of IF cholera will come to the D.R., it's a matter of when. Don't be alarmed, we will be safe and have the best medical care either of us have ever received in our lives...we are in very good hands
We're headed back to our new home, Batey Monte Cristi for two days then off to Creole training on Monday. As always in love and peace.
Enjoy!
English Version:
Volunteer Representative speech
Phoebe Sunflower
Graduation 517-2010
10-26-2010
Good afternoon, I want to thank everyone for being here! My name is Phoebe Sunflower. I am honored to be here before you all, as a representative of an exceptional group of new volunteers from the Peace Corps.
About 2 months ago in Washington DC the capital of the United States, for "staging," they gave us a list that had the names of each of the fifty-eight candidates who are present here. That same day, we were all full of different emotions, I remember when we were looking at a group of people who did not know at the time. Fortunately, over time we have been able to share wonderful experiences in this beautiful country, which has enabled us to become a large extended family.
I would like to take a moment to look at all the companions around us. We have to recognize that we are a united family, which we will provide the necessary support, because together we are strong, knowledgable, and able to achieve our goals.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that our solidarity is due to the great support we received during our training. Therefore, we are all very grateful for each of the members of the Peace Corps, and the governments of the United States and the Dominican Republic for their cooperation and support.
I also give a huge thanks to Entrena. Thank you for your exemplary organization, preparation, and support. Thank you for being our guides during this great adventure. Thanks for your patience, professionalism and love. We have learned strategies that will enable us to more easily integrate into our communities, we have improved our Spanish language proficiency, and we were able to navigate through the public transportation in Santo Domingo. Thank Goodness! Besides all this, thanks to Entrena for the blessing of a great family. Undoubtedly, we are full of gratitude to these families.
Thanks families for welcoming us into their homes with open arms, for providing delicious food, teaching us about your culture, your traditions and your community. Thank you for your patience. And, especially, for your rich delicious coffee. Finally, you have helped us tremendously, and I would like to thank you with all my heart. We will always remember the sharing.
And Volunteers! Look around your peers and please recognize this group of professionals with talent and ability. Please remember that during the next two years, there may be moments filled with inspiration and hard times. Through these times, share our achievements and adversities, we are here to support each other. If it's worth doing, it's worth celebrating. Take time to listen to each other, and remember that listening is a primitive act of love. Our support is the foundation of this group. Our love and patience will take you through our service and our energy will be reflected in this country, the United States and worldwide. Finally, congratulations to all my colleagues. In peace…safe journey!
And Spanish Version:
Discurso de Voluntaria Phoebe (Girasol) Sunflower
La graduación de 517-2010
10-26-2010
Buenas tardes, les quiero agradecer a todos por estar aquà presentes! Me llamo Phoebe Girasol. Me siento honrada de estar aquà delante de todos ustedes, como representante de un grupo excepcional de voluntarios nuevos del Cuerpo de Paz.
Hace aproximadamente 2 meses en Washington DC la Capital de Los Estados Unidos, durante “staging,” nos dieron una lista que tenia los nombres de cada uno de los cincuenta y ocho aspirantes que están aquà presentes. Ese mismo dia, todos estábamos lleno de diferentes emociones, recuerdo cuando estábamos mirando a un grupo de personas que en el momento no conocÃamos. Afortunadamente, con el transcurso del tiempo hemos logrado compartir bellas experiencias en este hermoso paÃs, que nos ha permitido convertirnos en una gran familia extendida.
Me gustarÃa que tomáramos un momento para mirar a todos los compañeros que nos rodean. Nos toca reconocer que somos una familia unida, la cual nos brindará el apoyo necesario, debido a que juntos somos fuertes, de gran conocimiento, y capaces de lograr nuestras metas.
A la vez, es de suma importancia reconocer que nuestra solidaridad se debe al gran apoyo que hemos recibido durante nuestro entrenamiento. Por consiguiente, estamos todos muy agradecidos de cada uno de los integrantes del Cuerpo de Paz, y a los gobiernos de Los Estados Unidos, y la Republica Dominicana por su colaboración y apoyo.
También quiero dar unas enormes gracias a Entrena. Gracias, a su organización ejemplar, su preparación, y su apoyo. Gracias, por ser nuestros guÃas durante esta gran aventura. Gracias, por su paciencia, profesionalidad y amor. Hemos aprendido estrategias que nos permitirán integrarnos con mas facilidad a nuestras comunidades, hemos mejorado nuestro dominio de la lengua española, y hemos podido navegar a través del transporte publico en Santo Domingo. Gracias A Dios! Además de todo esto, gracias a Entrena por la bendición de unas familias excelentes. Indudablemente, estamos llenos de gratitud hacia todas estas familias.
Gracias familias, por recibirnos en sus hogares con brazos abiertos, por brindarnos su deliciosa comida, por permitirnos conocer mejor su cultura, sus tradiciones, y su comunidad. MuchÃsimas gracias por su paciencia. Y, en especial, por su rico café. En fin, nos han ayudado enormemente, y se los agradecemos con toda el alma. Siempre vamos a recordar su confianza.
¡Y Voluntarios! Miren alrededor a sus compañeros y por favor reconozcan a este grupo de profesionales con talento y capacidad. Por favor, recordemos que durante los próximos dos años, podrá haber momentos llenos de inspiración y tiempos difÃciles. A través de estos tiempos, compartiremos nuestros logros y adversidades, estamos aquà para apoyar a los demás. Si vale la pena hacerlo, vale la pena celebrarlo. Tomar el tiempo para escucharnos los unos a los otros, y recordar que escuchar es un acto primitivo del amor. Nuestro apoyo es el fundamento de este grupo. Nuestro amor y paciencia nos llevará a través de nuestro servicio y nuestra energÃa se reflejará en este paÃs, los estados unidos, y el mundo entero. Por ultimo, felicidades a todos mis compañeros. En paz…que les vaya bien.
We stayed in the capital for an additional day to receive training on the recent Cholera outbreak in Haiti. All D.R. volunteers were rounded up for two sessions of the cholera awareness training, how to prevent it, what to do in case of contracting cholera. We were provided information to pass along to our communities. Apparently it's not a matter of IF cholera will come to the D.R., it's a matter of when. Don't be alarmed, we will be safe and have the best medical care either of us have ever received in our lives...we are in very good hands
We're headed back to our new home, Batey Monte Cristi for two days then off to Creole training on Monday. As always in love and peace.
Enjoy!
English Version:
Volunteer Representative speech
Phoebe Sunflower
Graduation 517-2010
10-26-2010
Good afternoon, I want to thank everyone for being here! My name is Phoebe Sunflower. I am honored to be here before you all, as a representative of an exceptional group of new volunteers from the Peace Corps.
About 2 months ago in Washington DC the capital of the United States, for "staging," they gave us a list that had the names of each of the fifty-eight candidates who are present here. That same day, we were all full of different emotions, I remember when we were looking at a group of people who did not know at the time. Fortunately, over time we have been able to share wonderful experiences in this beautiful country, which has enabled us to become a large extended family.
I would like to take a moment to look at all the companions around us. We have to recognize that we are a united family, which we will provide the necessary support, because together we are strong, knowledgable, and able to achieve our goals.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that our solidarity is due to the great support we received during our training. Therefore, we are all very grateful for each of the members of the Peace Corps, and the governments of the United States and the Dominican Republic for their cooperation and support.
I also give a huge thanks to Entrena. Thank you for your exemplary organization, preparation, and support. Thank you for being our guides during this great adventure. Thanks for your patience, professionalism and love. We have learned strategies that will enable us to more easily integrate into our communities, we have improved our Spanish language proficiency, and we were able to navigate through the public transportation in Santo Domingo. Thank Goodness! Besides all this, thanks to Entrena for the blessing of a great family. Undoubtedly, we are full of gratitude to these families.
Thanks families for welcoming us into their homes with open arms, for providing delicious food, teaching us about your culture, your traditions and your community. Thank you for your patience. And, especially, for your rich delicious coffee. Finally, you have helped us tremendously, and I would like to thank you with all my heart. We will always remember the sharing.
And Volunteers! Look around your peers and please recognize this group of professionals with talent and ability. Please remember that during the next two years, there may be moments filled with inspiration and hard times. Through these times, share our achievements and adversities, we are here to support each other. If it's worth doing, it's worth celebrating. Take time to listen to each other, and remember that listening is a primitive act of love. Our support is the foundation of this group. Our love and patience will take you through our service and our energy will be reflected in this country, the United States and worldwide. Finally, congratulations to all my colleagues. In peace…safe journey!
And Spanish Version:
Discurso de Voluntaria Phoebe (Girasol) Sunflower
La graduación de 517-2010
10-26-2010
Buenas tardes, les quiero agradecer a todos por estar aquà presentes! Me llamo Phoebe Girasol. Me siento honrada de estar aquà delante de todos ustedes, como representante de un grupo excepcional de voluntarios nuevos del Cuerpo de Paz.
Hace aproximadamente 2 meses en Washington DC la Capital de Los Estados Unidos, durante “staging,” nos dieron una lista que tenia los nombres de cada uno de los cincuenta y ocho aspirantes que están aquà presentes. Ese mismo dia, todos estábamos lleno de diferentes emociones, recuerdo cuando estábamos mirando a un grupo de personas que en el momento no conocÃamos. Afortunadamente, con el transcurso del tiempo hemos logrado compartir bellas experiencias en este hermoso paÃs, que nos ha permitido convertirnos en una gran familia extendida.
Me gustarÃa que tomáramos un momento para mirar a todos los compañeros que nos rodean. Nos toca reconocer que somos una familia unida, la cual nos brindará el apoyo necesario, debido a que juntos somos fuertes, de gran conocimiento, y capaces de lograr nuestras metas.
A la vez, es de suma importancia reconocer que nuestra solidaridad se debe al gran apoyo que hemos recibido durante nuestro entrenamiento. Por consiguiente, estamos todos muy agradecidos de cada uno de los integrantes del Cuerpo de Paz, y a los gobiernos de Los Estados Unidos, y la Republica Dominicana por su colaboración y apoyo.
También quiero dar unas enormes gracias a Entrena. Gracias, a su organización ejemplar, su preparación, y su apoyo. Gracias, por ser nuestros guÃas durante esta gran aventura. Gracias, por su paciencia, profesionalidad y amor. Hemos aprendido estrategias que nos permitirán integrarnos con mas facilidad a nuestras comunidades, hemos mejorado nuestro dominio de la lengua española, y hemos podido navegar a través del transporte publico en Santo Domingo. Gracias A Dios! Además de todo esto, gracias a Entrena por la bendición de unas familias excelentes. Indudablemente, estamos llenos de gratitud hacia todas estas familias.
Gracias familias, por recibirnos en sus hogares con brazos abiertos, por brindarnos su deliciosa comida, por permitirnos conocer mejor su cultura, sus tradiciones, y su comunidad. MuchÃsimas gracias por su paciencia. Y, en especial, por su rico café. En fin, nos han ayudado enormemente, y se los agradecemos con toda el alma. Siempre vamos a recordar su confianza.
¡Y Voluntarios! Miren alrededor a sus compañeros y por favor reconozcan a este grupo de profesionales con talento y capacidad. Por favor, recordemos que durante los próximos dos años, podrá haber momentos llenos de inspiración y tiempos difÃciles. A través de estos tiempos, compartiremos nuestros logros y adversidades, estamos aquà para apoyar a los demás. Si vale la pena hacerlo, vale la pena celebrarlo. Tomar el tiempo para escucharnos los unos a los otros, y recordar que escuchar es un acto primitivo del amor. Nuestro apoyo es el fundamento de este grupo. Nuestro amor y paciencia nos llevará a través de nuestro servicio y nuestra energÃa se reflejará en este paÃs, los estados unidos, y el mundo entero. Por ultimo, felicidades a todos mis compañeros. En paz…que les vaya bien.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Local Flavor
What is uniquely Dominican?
What do we miss most?
What are we the most glad to have gotten away from?
Phoebe here: Through this unique experience we are learning more and more about love. There is love and compassion for every human being in the DR. There is so much grace in their love that indirect communication is the norm, not to be rude, but to be considerate. The action of love is even more shocking then the emotion of love. For example, even the town “loco’s” are taken in, given coffee and sometimes food. We have been living from a primarily ego-centric society and now have come to a strongly eco-centric society and within this assimilation comes a fuerte love. It has been awkward at times. For example, we noticed in our host family in Constanza, we ate first and then whatever leftovers we didn’t eat always went to the children of our host brother. It took us a few weeks of eating the food on the table to notice that the kids always dropped in after meal times looking hungrily for leftovers.
Dan here: We are wanting to come from an appreciative lens with this information. Presenting some of our experiences and perceptions could be perceived as stereotyping, which is what I’d like to avoid. What I’d like you to keep in mind while reading this is that not all Dominicans are a certain way, not all Dominicans think in a certain way and in many ways the culture is evolving. I am also likely missing something, like usual, so keep the questions coming.
What is uniquely Dominican?
We left our host family in Santo Domingo for five weeks and our Dona rented a space in her courtyard to a guy who had been selling empanadas, fried chicken and chicharonnes from a cart across the street. Within five short weeks, he built a space where you can now sit and drink beer, a coke and chill out with you’re greasy food. His shop stays open late so folks leaving from the bar half a block away can come down and grab a bite. I’m not 100% certain where he gets his electricity, however I’m pretty sure his electricity is flojo, aka, he’s stealing it from the lines. It’s also unlikely that he needed to get a license, go through any type of zoning process or what not to be able to sell food or liquor. I’m sure all he had to do was sign a rental agreement with my Dona here and viola, instant restaurante. Pretty wildly cool, entrepreneurial and driven to make this happen. My Dona is now collecting rent and her new tenant has a great location for his business. I also didn’t participate in the weeks or possibly months of negotiation for this new business nor do I have all the information from my host mom.
The style of clothing is very unique…guys wear bedazzled shirts, jeans and hats. Let me clarify, often times the butt pockets are bedazzled on guys jeans and their hats are wild. If I wore pants like this in the states I think it would be a spectacle. We’ll see, maybe I’ll pick up a pair. The hats are like plastic on the top front part and mesh on the back. Some of the hats are bedazzled too. My host brother in Constanza wore a bedazzled hat with a New Orleans Saints logo. Women tend to wear tight clothing, lots of colors, bedazzled jeans, yellow, pink, neon blue, white, black jeans, heels, and are generally very stylie and matching from nails to ear rings, pants, heels, and shirts.
Dinstinclty Dominican: Fitting five people on a motorcycle (motoconcho). This includes babies, toddlers and grandma. People fit all sorts of stuff on motoconchos because it tends to be the primary form of transportation. For example, people will carry propane tanks, groceries, cakes, 2 x 4’s, tools, concrete blocks, and other random stuff. Phoebe and I recently rode on a motoconcho: The driver had my computer bag on the steering column, Phoebe had her bag strapped on her left and I was wearing Phoebe’s backpack and sitting on the back of the moto and squeezing onto Phoebe for dear life. Think we looked funny, just imagine that we were also wearing our Peace Corps issued helmets while sitting on the back of the moto. Our driver was a 60ish year old man wearing a Yankees ball cap.
Throwing toilet paper in the trash, not in the toilet. This took a while for me to get used to and I have made the mistake of tossing a couple wads in the water (oops). This probably isn’t distinctly Dominican, more developing world.
Throwing trash in the street and not in the trash. Trash is just generally all over the place. It’s on the beaches, in the street, on the sidewalks, in the rivers, streams and hillsides. Our new host family piles the garbage in their back yard. Most Dominican’s don’t see this as an issue and part of my cultural immersion process may bring me to the point of throwing my trash on the ground. I’ve definitely considered it.
Loud music everywhere, often and all times of the day…trucks driving around with blaring speakers trying to get people to come to their restaurant, bar, party, dance or show. Today on my walk home in the capital, a car blaring music drove by and set off the car alarm of a car parked nearby.
Food: plantains, coffee, fried cheese, rice, beans and lots of oil. It’s pretty darn good food and I think I’m packing on the pounds. I miss my Good Food Store peanuts and raisins, granola, and dried fruit. There is access to fruits and veggies, but they’re pretty spendy and their prices vary depending on the season.
Miss most: talking to family and friends on a regular basis. Familiarity of “Americanness” whatever that means…I guess it means being able to drive and know with almost 100% certainty that there will not be a pothole in the highway, a red light means red and the lines on the road delineate the number of traffic lanes (not the case here). “Americanness,” might be a new cultural term, knowing that you can drink tap water or flush toilet paper down the toilet. (where does that tp go in the states by the way?) Knowing what is expensive, middle of the road and what is a fairly good price to pay for food, travel, clothing, etc. That value of money and cost of products barometer hasn’t completely set in yet. I struggle with this more so than anything. I don’t want to be seen as a tourist or a volunteer tourist who comes in and can be taken advantage of by the community. Although, I’m I want to be seen as a part of the community and be friends. If my buddy gives me a ride to the airport, I don’t tend to pay him. Living in a poorer community where my neighbor is my friend and makes money by giving rides to people; I pay him a fair price. Asking what price is fair is difficult too because just about everyone assumes that we have money, are here for a short time, and well, this just takes time to figure out. I’m also finding that a fighter with the taxi drivers and money collectors. I’ll argue the price down from 300 pesos to 200 pesos for a taxi, and five pesos to me is measurable because that’s my skim ice on the public transport.
We miss our family and friends, mixed green salad, yoga class, our Jetta, and having a decent conversation on the phone without the internet cutting out.
Glad to have left behind: eh…rigid expectations for time…although we never were very good at that…think we’d rather spend time with people than stick to a routine schedule anyway. Speaking in another language a majority of the time is difficult and learning to really express ourselves clearly and thoroughly in Spanish is difficult.
That's all for now. Phoebes and I are swearing in tomorrow and will officially be Peace Corps Volunteers!! Then we head to Creole Training for a week!! Love you. Checking out with love, excitement, joy.
What do we miss most?
What are we the most glad to have gotten away from?
Phoebe here: Through this unique experience we are learning more and more about love. There is love and compassion for every human being in the DR. There is so much grace in their love that indirect communication is the norm, not to be rude, but to be considerate. The action of love is even more shocking then the emotion of love. For example, even the town “loco’s” are taken in, given coffee and sometimes food. We have been living from a primarily ego-centric society and now have come to a strongly eco-centric society and within this assimilation comes a fuerte love. It has been awkward at times. For example, we noticed in our host family in Constanza, we ate first and then whatever leftovers we didn’t eat always went to the children of our host brother. It took us a few weeks of eating the food on the table to notice that the kids always dropped in after meal times looking hungrily for leftovers.
Dan here: We are wanting to come from an appreciative lens with this information. Presenting some of our experiences and perceptions could be perceived as stereotyping, which is what I’d like to avoid. What I’d like you to keep in mind while reading this is that not all Dominicans are a certain way, not all Dominicans think in a certain way and in many ways the culture is evolving. I am also likely missing something, like usual, so keep the questions coming.
What is uniquely Dominican?
We left our host family in Santo Domingo for five weeks and our Dona rented a space in her courtyard to a guy who had been selling empanadas, fried chicken and chicharonnes from a cart across the street. Within five short weeks, he built a space where you can now sit and drink beer, a coke and chill out with you’re greasy food. His shop stays open late so folks leaving from the bar half a block away can come down and grab a bite. I’m not 100% certain where he gets his electricity, however I’m pretty sure his electricity is flojo, aka, he’s stealing it from the lines. It’s also unlikely that he needed to get a license, go through any type of zoning process or what not to be able to sell food or liquor. I’m sure all he had to do was sign a rental agreement with my Dona here and viola, instant restaurante. Pretty wildly cool, entrepreneurial and driven to make this happen. My Dona is now collecting rent and her new tenant has a great location for his business. I also didn’t participate in the weeks or possibly months of negotiation for this new business nor do I have all the information from my host mom.
The style of clothing is very unique…guys wear bedazzled shirts, jeans and hats. Let me clarify, often times the butt pockets are bedazzled on guys jeans and their hats are wild. If I wore pants like this in the states I think it would be a spectacle. We’ll see, maybe I’ll pick up a pair. The hats are like plastic on the top front part and mesh on the back. Some of the hats are bedazzled too. My host brother in Constanza wore a bedazzled hat with a New Orleans Saints logo. Women tend to wear tight clothing, lots of colors, bedazzled jeans, yellow, pink, neon blue, white, black jeans, heels, and are generally very stylie and matching from nails to ear rings, pants, heels, and shirts.
Dinstinclty Dominican: Fitting five people on a motorcycle (motoconcho). This includes babies, toddlers and grandma. People fit all sorts of stuff on motoconchos because it tends to be the primary form of transportation. For example, people will carry propane tanks, groceries, cakes, 2 x 4’s, tools, concrete blocks, and other random stuff. Phoebe and I recently rode on a motoconcho: The driver had my computer bag on the steering column, Phoebe had her bag strapped on her left and I was wearing Phoebe’s backpack and sitting on the back of the moto and squeezing onto Phoebe for dear life. Think we looked funny, just imagine that we were also wearing our Peace Corps issued helmets while sitting on the back of the moto. Our driver was a 60ish year old man wearing a Yankees ball cap.
Throwing toilet paper in the trash, not in the toilet. This took a while for me to get used to and I have made the mistake of tossing a couple wads in the water (oops). This probably isn’t distinctly Dominican, more developing world.
Throwing trash in the street and not in the trash. Trash is just generally all over the place. It’s on the beaches, in the street, on the sidewalks, in the rivers, streams and hillsides. Our new host family piles the garbage in their back yard. Most Dominican’s don’t see this as an issue and part of my cultural immersion process may bring me to the point of throwing my trash on the ground. I’ve definitely considered it.
Loud music everywhere, often and all times of the day…trucks driving around with blaring speakers trying to get people to come to their restaurant, bar, party, dance or show. Today on my walk home in the capital, a car blaring music drove by and set off the car alarm of a car parked nearby.
Food: plantains, coffee, fried cheese, rice, beans and lots of oil. It’s pretty darn good food and I think I’m packing on the pounds. I miss my Good Food Store peanuts and raisins, granola, and dried fruit. There is access to fruits and veggies, but they’re pretty spendy and their prices vary depending on the season.
Miss most: talking to family and friends on a regular basis. Familiarity of “Americanness” whatever that means…I guess it means being able to drive and know with almost 100% certainty that there will not be a pothole in the highway, a red light means red and the lines on the road delineate the number of traffic lanes (not the case here). “Americanness,” might be a new cultural term, knowing that you can drink tap water or flush toilet paper down the toilet. (where does that tp go in the states by the way?) Knowing what is expensive, middle of the road and what is a fairly good price to pay for food, travel, clothing, etc. That value of money and cost of products barometer hasn’t completely set in yet. I struggle with this more so than anything. I don’t want to be seen as a tourist or a volunteer tourist who comes in and can be taken advantage of by the community. Although, I’m I want to be seen as a part of the community and be friends. If my buddy gives me a ride to the airport, I don’t tend to pay him. Living in a poorer community where my neighbor is my friend and makes money by giving rides to people; I pay him a fair price. Asking what price is fair is difficult too because just about everyone assumes that we have money, are here for a short time, and well, this just takes time to figure out. I’m also finding that a fighter with the taxi drivers and money collectors. I’ll argue the price down from 300 pesos to 200 pesos for a taxi, and five pesos to me is measurable because that’s my skim ice on the public transport.
We miss our family and friends, mixed green salad, yoga class, our Jetta, and having a decent conversation on the phone without the internet cutting out.
Glad to have left behind: eh…rigid expectations for time…although we never were very good at that…think we’d rather spend time with people than stick to a routine schedule anyway. Speaking in another language a majority of the time is difficult and learning to really express ourselves clearly and thoroughly in Spanish is difficult.
That's all for now. Phoebes and I are swearing in tomorrow and will officially be Peace Corps Volunteers!! Then we head to Creole Training for a week!! Love you. Checking out with love, excitement, joy.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Extreme Needs Placement
Dan here y’all and I’m here to tell you more about my future placement. I have “provisionally” been placed in what the Peace Corps Dominican Republic terms as and “extreme needs” placement. The extreme needs program partners volunteers with existing organizations who work specifically with children who are either currently in or have been in various extreme situations. The Peace Corps Volunteers role within the organization is to provide institutional strengthening, youth empowerment and access to services. I feel blessed to have a unique opportunity to work alongside an international non governmental organization who appears very well equipped to work with youth who have lived in extreme situations. I’ll be working with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos.
All Peace Corps Volunteers will be working with children who would be considered extreme needs. The main difference in my placement is that nearly each and every child I will come into contact with would be considered extreme needs and I will be working alongside an organization who works specifically with children of extreme needs. The Peace Corps defines extreme needs children as follows:
• Living with HIV/AIDS
• Living outside the family unit
• Victim of child labor or exploitation
• Victim of neglect or abuse
• Not declared (meaning no birth certificate = they don’t exist in the eyes of the law)
• Sobre edad (overage) in school, behind in school or not attending school
• Living in a marginalized community
I am currently one of eight extreme needs aspirantes, soon to become volunteers, in the DR and we will soon become volunteers (we hope). Upon our swearing in to become Peace Corps Volunteers, we will join four additional extreme needs volunteers who are currently in country and have been working with a local NGO over the past year. This year is the first year that the extreme needs initiative has included an extreme needs specific training and our group of outstanding volunteers will be working with Dominican based nonprofit organizations, orphanages, a Dominican governmental agency, an International Non Profit (Me), centers for street children, and day homes. In addition, each volunteer will have the opportunity for community based projects outside of our primary project and we are assigned a secondary project partner within the community to help facilitate this process.
The project has the potential to consume a majority of my time, energy and spirit. It is my plan, now, and as expected by the Peace Corps, to take my first three months to evaluate the NGO and conduct an assessment. During this time, I’ll be able to determine alongside my project partners how I’ll best fit into their system of operation, find what strengths, programming and ideas I can bring to the orphanage staff and children. It has been made very clear that I’m not coming in to fill a specific job within the organization; meaning I won’t come in and be their new therapist, receptionist or soccer coach. What company wouldn’t want an employee to come in and work for free? That’s not what the PC is in the business of doing nor is it my intention. So, I can work with my new co-workers to help in training new skills, different perspectives and the like. My role will become more clear in the coming week as I’ll be heading to Batey Monte Cristi to visit for 5 days, meet our project partners, new host family, neighbors and begin making friends.
As always, let us know what you think, feel or would like to hear more of. We’re here to interact and share in this experience. We feel more motivated to write when you comment, so bring them on!
Next week we’ll be headed to visit our new community for five days and I don’t think we’ll have much internet access. It’s our hope to get a couple more posts in before we leave, however that remains to be seen.
I’ll sign off with this: Celebrate the small successes…I’m feeling excited writing and thinking about our future placements, missing my family, friends, IYFD profs and students, MKP Bros, enjoying the last few days of training with my Youth and Family Development volunteers, bumbling through Spanish each day, and loving myself and my wife.
Dan Out.
All Peace Corps Volunteers will be working with children who would be considered extreme needs. The main difference in my placement is that nearly each and every child I will come into contact with would be considered extreme needs and I will be working alongside an organization who works specifically with children of extreme needs. The Peace Corps defines extreme needs children as follows:
• Living with HIV/AIDS
• Living outside the family unit
• Victim of child labor or exploitation
• Victim of neglect or abuse
• Not declared (meaning no birth certificate = they don’t exist in the eyes of the law)
• Sobre edad (overage) in school, behind in school or not attending school
• Living in a marginalized community
I am currently one of eight extreme needs aspirantes, soon to become volunteers, in the DR and we will soon become volunteers (we hope). Upon our swearing in to become Peace Corps Volunteers, we will join four additional extreme needs volunteers who are currently in country and have been working with a local NGO over the past year. This year is the first year that the extreme needs initiative has included an extreme needs specific training and our group of outstanding volunteers will be working with Dominican based nonprofit organizations, orphanages, a Dominican governmental agency, an International Non Profit (Me), centers for street children, and day homes. In addition, each volunteer will have the opportunity for community based projects outside of our primary project and we are assigned a secondary project partner within the community to help facilitate this process.
The project has the potential to consume a majority of my time, energy and spirit. It is my plan, now, and as expected by the Peace Corps, to take my first three months to evaluate the NGO and conduct an assessment. During this time, I’ll be able to determine alongside my project partners how I’ll best fit into their system of operation, find what strengths, programming and ideas I can bring to the orphanage staff and children. It has been made very clear that I’m not coming in to fill a specific job within the organization; meaning I won’t come in and be their new therapist, receptionist or soccer coach. What company wouldn’t want an employee to come in and work for free? That’s not what the PC is in the business of doing nor is it my intention. So, I can work with my new co-workers to help in training new skills, different perspectives and the like. My role will become more clear in the coming week as I’ll be heading to Batey Monte Cristi to visit for 5 days, meet our project partners, new host family, neighbors and begin making friends.
As always, let us know what you think, feel or would like to hear more of. We’re here to interact and share in this experience. We feel more motivated to write when you comment, so bring them on!
Next week we’ll be headed to visit our new community for five days and I don’t think we’ll have much internet access. It’s our hope to get a couple more posts in before we leave, however that remains to be seen.
I’ll sign off with this: Celebrate the small successes…I’m feeling excited writing and thinking about our future placements, missing my family, friends, IYFD profs and students, MKP Bros, enjoying the last few days of training with my Youth and Family Development volunteers, bumbling through Spanish each day, and loving myself and my wife.
Dan Out.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Provisional Placement
Last Friday, October 2nd, our APCD, Associate Peace Corps Director, our Peace Corps Volunteer Leader and our Project Director, also known as our new bosses, came to visit our Community Based Training group and notified us about our “provisional” placements. Can you say “excitement!" The process went like this; our names were on star shaped Post-it notes facing down on the floor; the chairs were in a horseshoe circle and our future placements were on two pieces of large paper taped onto the wall in front of the room. We were informed we would be picking a name at random and our APCD and three facilitators would then share a brief two to three minutes about our future site placements, project partners, and location, including expectations of the future projects.
Now we know where we are going for the next two years. Plus, it was fun hearing about each persons potential project site, project partner, cities where our new friends who could be “provisionally” be living nearby. Although it was a bit awkward (On a side note, I recently learned that there is no word for awkward in the Spanish language) being on display in front of our peers, our reactions were all of excitement, anticipation and our palates were left wanting more information.
So, with all the anticipation building for the past several weeks, we are going to be living in Batey Monte Cristi, which is near San Pedro de Macoris in the east of the Dominican Republic. Knowing what city we are going to be living in for the next two years is a major positive outcome from this entire process and we have a more narrowed idea of what work we could be doing. Dan will be working with an international NGO called Nuestros Pequenos Hermanitos (Our little brothers and sisters) and Phoebe will be partnering with two community based organizations in the Batey (one of which is a women’s group!).
Based upon conversations with our trainers, bosses and other Peace Corps Volunteers, we have learned that Batey’s in the Dominican Republic were initially developed as housing for the workers of the sugar cane industry. The grand majority of the laborers for the sugar cane industry have been Haitians who were brought to the Dominican Republic, at first on a seasonal basis and later on a permanent basis, to work in the fields and factories for the sugar cane industry. Many Haitians who have lived in the D.R. for the past 50 plus years consider themselves Dominican, consider their children Dominican and many second and third generations have never even visited Haiti. Creole tends to be widely spoken in a majority of Bateys, although from what we have learned from the other Peace Corps Volunteers, the majority of Haitians in Bateys also speak Spanish and can understand French. It’s likely that we will be able to take additional courses in Creole throughout the next few years. Phoebe and I are expecting to learn much more about the history of Batey's, the people of Batey’s and of course the people of the D.R. over the next two years and we will definitely share more as our journey continues.
What we have discovered so far about Batey Monte Christi, NOT to be confused with Monte Cristi in the north of the country, it is about a 15 to 20 minute motoconcho ride to San Pedro de Macoris, about 30-45 minute motoconcho ride to the beach and about a two hour bus ride to the capital city, Santo Domingo. We are also close to La Romana, probably 45-minute bus ride, and La Romana, hosts an international airport for those of you wanting to come and visit us in the coming two years!
As always, In love and the spirit of sharing.
Now we know where we are going for the next two years. Plus, it was fun hearing about each persons potential project site, project partner, cities where our new friends who could be “provisionally” be living nearby. Although it was a bit awkward (On a side note, I recently learned that there is no word for awkward in the Spanish language) being on display in front of our peers, our reactions were all of excitement, anticipation and our palates were left wanting more information.
So, with all the anticipation building for the past several weeks, we are going to be living in Batey Monte Cristi, which is near San Pedro de Macoris in the east of the Dominican Republic. Knowing what city we are going to be living in for the next two years is a major positive outcome from this entire process and we have a more narrowed idea of what work we could be doing. Dan will be working with an international NGO called Nuestros Pequenos Hermanitos (Our little brothers and sisters) and Phoebe will be partnering with two community based organizations in the Batey (one of which is a women’s group!).
Based upon conversations with our trainers, bosses and other Peace Corps Volunteers, we have learned that Batey’s in the Dominican Republic were initially developed as housing for the workers of the sugar cane industry. The grand majority of the laborers for the sugar cane industry have been Haitians who were brought to the Dominican Republic, at first on a seasonal basis and later on a permanent basis, to work in the fields and factories for the sugar cane industry. Many Haitians who have lived in the D.R. for the past 50 plus years consider themselves Dominican, consider their children Dominican and many second and third generations have never even visited Haiti. Creole tends to be widely spoken in a majority of Bateys, although from what we have learned from the other Peace Corps Volunteers, the majority of Haitians in Bateys also speak Spanish and can understand French. It’s likely that we will be able to take additional courses in Creole throughout the next few years. Phoebe and I are expecting to learn much more about the history of Batey's, the people of Batey’s and of course the people of the D.R. over the next two years and we will definitely share more as our journey continues.
What we have discovered so far about Batey Monte Christi, NOT to be confused with Monte Cristi in the north of the country, it is about a 15 to 20 minute motoconcho ride to San Pedro de Macoris, about 30-45 minute motoconcho ride to the beach and about a two hour bus ride to the capital city, Santo Domingo. We are also close to La Romana, probably 45-minute bus ride, and La Romana, hosts an international airport for those of you wanting to come and visit us in the coming two years!
As always, In love and the spirit of sharing.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Tanques
Tanques = Tanks
Tanques are the water tanks that are found on the roof of many homes here in the Dominican Republic. They're water storage containers that will give us the appearance and we slightly feel like we have running water when the tanques are full. The water comes to our home here in Constanza every other day. Our host mom makes sure the water is pumped up to the roof and the tanque is filled when the water arrives early in the morning. In the morning, the neighbors call her to the back door to share her water. I think she lives in one of the few houses in the area which receives running water. She is obligated to share the water with her neighbors.
The tanques themselves seem to be like 500 to 1000 gallons plus. (Not real sure about this). Phoebe and I try to fill our 25 gallon trash can at the same time the water comes...then we have water to bathe and flush the toilet until the water comes again. We flush the toilet by dumping about a half gallon of water into the toilet. We didn't know this was even possible until we came here. I bet you could try it back in the states if you want to save water! Occasionally we have the opportunity to use the shower head, but only when the tanque is filled with water and taking a "real" shower is usually very cold. The optional cold shower is a great way to get the blood flowing. Thankfully, our host mom heats up a few gallons of water in the morning so we get to take some hot bucket baths.
As always, please post your comments here. This is an opportunity for us to engage with you while we are abroad. If you have questions, comments, are unclear about something, or just want to say hello; please post.
We had some friends receive care packages from home, which made us think that maybe some of y'all might want to do the same for us! We would love to receive goodies in the mail! Things like movies, books or music on dvd or zip drive, hard candies, chocolate, homemade baked goodies, crayons, markers, construction paper, books, i tunes gift cards, a handwritten note or other fun stuff that you would send to someone in college, or abroad, feel free! You can send items in the fed ex, ups, dhl, or large manilla padded envelopes and they'll be fine.
In love and the spirit of sharing, Danno.
Tanques are the water tanks that are found on the roof of many homes here in the Dominican Republic. They're water storage containers that will give us the appearance and we slightly feel like we have running water when the tanques are full. The water comes to our home here in Constanza every other day. Our host mom makes sure the water is pumped up to the roof and the tanque is filled when the water arrives early in the morning. In the morning, the neighbors call her to the back door to share her water. I think she lives in one of the few houses in the area which receives running water. She is obligated to share the water with her neighbors.
The tanques themselves seem to be like 500 to 1000 gallons plus. (Not real sure about this). Phoebe and I try to fill our 25 gallon trash can at the same time the water comes...then we have water to bathe and flush the toilet until the water comes again. We flush the toilet by dumping about a half gallon of water into the toilet. We didn't know this was even possible until we came here. I bet you could try it back in the states if you want to save water! Occasionally we have the opportunity to use the shower head, but only when the tanque is filled with water and taking a "real" shower is usually very cold. The optional cold shower is a great way to get the blood flowing. Thankfully, our host mom heats up a few gallons of water in the morning so we get to take some hot bucket baths.
As always, please post your comments here. This is an opportunity for us to engage with you while we are abroad. If you have questions, comments, are unclear about something, or just want to say hello; please post.
We had some friends receive care packages from home, which made us think that maybe some of y'all might want to do the same for us! We would love to receive goodies in the mail! Things like movies, books or music on dvd or zip drive, hard candies, chocolate, homemade baked goodies, crayons, markers, construction paper, books, i tunes gift cards, a handwritten note or other fun stuff that you would send to someone in college, or abroad, feel free! You can send items in the fed ex, ups, dhl, or large manilla padded envelopes and they'll be fine.
In love and the spirit of sharing, Danno.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Photos of the weekend
Standing by the sign near the entrance to our hike.
Location of our latest hiking adventure near Constanza
The Reserva Cientifica
Guess who!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Some of our daily routine
Life in Contanza has been great so far. As we've mentioned, the climate here is much cooler than Santo Domingo, so we're not drenched in sweat half way through our walk to training in the morning. Contanza is a beautiful community in the mountains of the Dominican Republic and is considered a Pueblo community. Pueblos are basically cities with fewer than a couple hundred thousand people. Constanza, from the word on the street, has about 90,000 people.
Monday through Friday we head to the training site with the other 23 trainees, to a local preschool (the kids have the 5 1/2 weeks off since we're using their school) and have our technical training. Technical training is in English from 8am to 12n. The preschool is about a three minute walk from our house, which is nice compared to the 30 minute walk and carro publico ride in Santo Domingo. Phoebes and I head home for a two hour lunch break from 12-2, which usually includes a huge lunch of rice, beans, chicken, and salad. Coffee follows lunch and of course, a nap!
We have three hours of Spanish classes from 2p to 5p, in Spanish of course. There are three peeps in my Spanish classes again, which makes for ample opportunity to speak and get our individual learning needs met. Phoebe is in class with a total of four students, which gives her some ample opportunity to practice as well! Our Spanish is coming along and we're getting better everyday.
We are excited to be here in Constanza for another three weeks of Community Based training. In the meantime, give us some love, comment please. It is our hope to make this blog an interactive opportunity. When you have a moment, let us know what you think, what questions you have, what information you'd like from us. This is our first time doing this so we're learning as we go. Join us and follow along on our ride. We appreciate your love and support, questions, open mindedness and interaction. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Monday through Friday we head to the training site with the other 23 trainees, to a local preschool (the kids have the 5 1/2 weeks off since we're using their school) and have our technical training. Technical training is in English from 8am to 12n. The preschool is about a three minute walk from our house, which is nice compared to the 30 minute walk and carro publico ride in Santo Domingo. Phoebes and I head home for a two hour lunch break from 12-2, which usually includes a huge lunch of rice, beans, chicken, and salad. Coffee follows lunch and of course, a nap!
We have three hours of Spanish classes from 2p to 5p, in Spanish of course. There are three peeps in my Spanish classes again, which makes for ample opportunity to speak and get our individual learning needs met. Phoebe is in class with a total of four students, which gives her some ample opportunity to practice as well! Our Spanish is coming along and we're getting better everyday.
We are excited to be here in Constanza for another three weeks of Community Based training. In the meantime, give us some love, comment please. It is our hope to make this blog an interactive opportunity. When you have a moment, let us know what you think, what questions you have, what information you'd like from us. This is our first time doing this so we're learning as we go. Join us and follow along on our ride. We appreciate your love and support, questions, open mindedness and interaction. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Se Fue La Luz
Fun fact of the day: Se fue la luz, literally translates to "the light left" and llego la luz translates to "the light came."
Electricity is not a constant source of power here in the D.R. The electricity comes and goes throughout the day and night. I'm not able to follow the schedule of when the electricity comes and goes; our host family claims there is a schedule. There's usually no light in the bathroom in the morning when I go to take a shower, at night I can't turn the t.v. on (my family has cable t.v. and cell phones) and I haven't used my electric razor yet. Darn. (read sarcasm). We brought a power strip with us and are able to charge the computer, ipod and mini portable stereo throughout the day without blowing the circuits (Our luxuries from the US) . So we really are able to have access to some of the comforts we were not fully expecting during our Peace Corps Service. Although, this is the training portion of the Peace Corps, it appears that our two year here will likely be filled with many of the comforts available in the US, with a few blips along the way. Most Dominicans have refrigerators too!
None of these things really bother me too much. I mean, we have cable t.v. and I got to watch the first half of the Colts game on Monday (It was a replay on ESPN DEPORTES during my lunch hour and I got the first half in before, guess what, se fue la luz). We weren't really expecting to have t.v., we don't even have cable television in the states, so watching anything right now is all about making our Spanish better. Yes, I watched the colts game with dubbed spanish commentators!
As for when the electricity is gone, our family in Santo Domingo had an inversor (basically it's a backup power system of batteries that charge when there is electricity) which allowed the lights and the fans to work throughout the evening hours...We don't need a fan here in Constanza since the temperatures are "uber" cool throughout the evening hours. However, I don't think we'd be able to sleep in Santo Domingo without the fan.
The Dominicans which we have lived with here, for the most part, live fairly comfortable lives. The Peace Corps training team has mentioned that they are easing us into the life of Dominicans. I think Phoebe and I have scored quite awesome living situations, wonderful people to help us with our language acquisition and excellent food at every meal.
Electricity is not a constant source of power here in the D.R. The electricity comes and goes throughout the day and night. I'm not able to follow the schedule of when the electricity comes and goes; our host family claims there is a schedule. There's usually no light in the bathroom in the morning when I go to take a shower, at night I can't turn the t.v. on (my family has cable t.v. and cell phones) and I haven't used my electric razor yet. Darn. (read sarcasm). We brought a power strip with us and are able to charge the computer, ipod and mini portable stereo throughout the day without blowing the circuits (Our luxuries from the US) . So we really are able to have access to some of the comforts we were not fully expecting during our Peace Corps Service. Although, this is the training portion of the Peace Corps, it appears that our two year here will likely be filled with many of the comforts available in the US, with a few blips along the way. Most Dominicans have refrigerators too!
None of these things really bother me too much. I mean, we have cable t.v. and I got to watch the first half of the Colts game on Monday (It was a replay on ESPN DEPORTES during my lunch hour and I got the first half in before, guess what, se fue la luz). We weren't really expecting to have t.v., we don't even have cable television in the states, so watching anything right now is all about making our Spanish better. Yes, I watched the colts game with dubbed spanish commentators!
As for when the electricity is gone, our family in Santo Domingo had an inversor (basically it's a backup power system of batteries that charge when there is electricity) which allowed the lights and the fans to work throughout the evening hours...We don't need a fan here in Constanza since the temperatures are "uber" cool throughout the evening hours. However, I don't think we'd be able to sleep in Santo Domingo without the fan.
The Dominicans which we have lived with here, for the most part, live fairly comfortable lives. The Peace Corps training team has mentioned that they are easing us into the life of Dominicans. I think Phoebe and I have scored quite awesome living situations, wonderful people to help us with our language acquisition and excellent food at every meal.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Espanol...
Changed our blog name to Arroz y Habichuelas (Rice and Beans), the main course here in the DR. Yesterday we completed our first Spanish presentation…20 minutes of Spanish in front of an audience…and, we DID IT!!! Yay! Learning the language has now become even more challenging with the dialect of Constanza; The put an S in the middle of words and then take the S out of the end of words…hilarious at some moments and frustrating at others. However, hopefully in a few weeks, we will be rattling of the language of the campo. We are starting to make some friends, which has been fantastic!!! Hooray, new friends. Played cards last night until the wee hours and visited with a few of the 23 volunteers that are here with us. We have so much in common…ESL teachers, Social Workers, and many folks whom have worked with at-risk youth, we are glad to be surrounded by such a talented group of folks. We keep looking at each other and exclaiming, Wow! They picked us? This is pretty incredible. We are always reminding ourselves that even a hard day here is a hard day, IN THE CARRIBIAN…this keeps us smiling.
One Month in Peace Corps!!
One month PC anniversary…it is hard to imagine we have been here that long; the days fly by so quickly, full of charlas (lectures), Spanish, incredible Dominican fare, coffee, compartir (visiting) and mountains of information.
Just a little reflection of the past month…Initially, we spent three intense weeks in Santo Domingo living with a host family in a barrio in the city and at the Peace Corps training center (Entrena) with 57 other volunteers. Entrena is a little oasis in the middle of Santo Domingo…it has every tropical fruit tree you could ever imagine on the property, and these awesome outdoor classrooms (aulas and agricolas) for presentations and Spanish class.
Everyday at Entrena, we had 8-9 hours of classes, including; Language, Peace Corps policy charlas, informal round table discussions, field trips, medical concerns, volunteer visits, and DR geography, public transportation, culture, DR euphomisms, and we played lots of initiative games. We both departed soltero after three weeks to different sites to visit current Peace Corps volunteers.
Dan went to visit a Youth Peace Corps Volunteer in an at-risk youth center in Jarabacoa. Phoebe went to visit an Environment Peace Corps volunteer working with youth and environment in San Jose Matos (Amou). The experience was helpful for both of us because, we actually got to see what a Peace Corps Volunteer gets to do here for 2 years, yay! They are doing incredible things here, and living a simple life…we were impressed.
A few days after we returned to Santo Domingo from our volunteer visit we packed our bags again and we hopped on a bus with 23 other Youth volunteers, 6 Spanish professors, and the youth and families training director. We made a trek northwest through the mountains from Santo Domingo to our new home, Constanza. We will be here for 5 weeks to complete the Youth sector Community Based Training.
A little bit about Contanza, it has a population of about 90K people. It was formed by a huge meteor, which left us a beautiful little valley south of the Cordierra Septentrional (The northern most mountain range in the DR). It is one of the most fertile valleys in the country so we have been eating incredible fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. We live with a patient, friendly, and very fun host family (three brothers and a sister). It is a refreshing change from the traffic, trash and pollution of the capitol Santo Domingo…we have been enjoying life here and in general, we have been feeling at home here. The family we live with has a huge extended family (familia extendida), there is always someone new related coming to lunch or dinner, so the house is always filled with people, food and lots of laughter.
Just a little reflection of the past month…Initially, we spent three intense weeks in Santo Domingo living with a host family in a barrio in the city and at the Peace Corps training center (Entrena) with 57 other volunteers. Entrena is a little oasis in the middle of Santo Domingo…it has every tropical fruit tree you could ever imagine on the property, and these awesome outdoor classrooms (aulas and agricolas) for presentations and Spanish class.
Everyday at Entrena, we had 8-9 hours of classes, including; Language, Peace Corps policy charlas, informal round table discussions, field trips, medical concerns, volunteer visits, and DR geography, public transportation, culture, DR euphomisms, and we played lots of initiative games. We both departed soltero after three weeks to different sites to visit current Peace Corps volunteers.
Dan went to visit a Youth Peace Corps Volunteer in an at-risk youth center in Jarabacoa. Phoebe went to visit an Environment Peace Corps volunteer working with youth and environment in San Jose Matos (Amou). The experience was helpful for both of us because, we actually got to see what a Peace Corps Volunteer gets to do here for 2 years, yay! They are doing incredible things here, and living a simple life…we were impressed.
A few days after we returned to Santo Domingo from our volunteer visit we packed our bags again and we hopped on a bus with 23 other Youth volunteers, 6 Spanish professors, and the youth and families training director. We made a trek northwest through the mountains from Santo Domingo to our new home, Constanza. We will be here for 5 weeks to complete the Youth sector Community Based Training.
A little bit about Contanza, it has a population of about 90K people. It was formed by a huge meteor, which left us a beautiful little valley south of the Cordierra Septentrional (The northern most mountain range in the DR). It is one of the most fertile valleys in the country so we have been eating incredible fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. We live with a patient, friendly, and very fun host family (three brothers and a sister). It is a refreshing change from the traffic, trash and pollution of the capitol Santo Domingo…we have been enjoying life here and in general, we have been feeling at home here. The family we live with has a huge extended family (familia extendida), there is always someone new related coming to lunch or dinner, so the house is always filled with people, food and lots of laughter.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Peace Corps Goals
1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs through technical assistance.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Constanza
Hello Everyone! Phoebes and I are busy busy busy. We are currently in Constanza, Dominican Republic. The weather is phenomenal here and it reminds both of us of Durango, Colorado and many other mountain towns throughout the western US. Its wonderful to walk out the door of our Donas house and see the beautiful Lomas towering over us.
Our days consist of focused training on Youth Development in the D.R., Language, Tons of Food!, and lots of walking. We are working in small groups with other Youth Development volunteers, or aspirantes as we're currently called, in conjunction with local youth groups. We are conducting a rapid fire community assessment, trying to gain perspective of the youth in Constanza and assist them in achieving a productive and useful goal for the five weeks we are here.
Phoebes and I have been very focused on the language acquisition, so much so that we have failed in updating the blog. We'll make more of an effort to update for everyone.
For now, we're safe and sound.
Our days consist of focused training on Youth Development in the D.R., Language, Tons of Food!, and lots of walking. We are working in small groups with other Youth Development volunteers, or aspirantes as we're currently called, in conjunction with local youth groups. We are conducting a rapid fire community assessment, trying to gain perspective of the youth in Constanza and assist them in achieving a productive and useful goal for the five weeks we are here.
Phoebes and I have been very focused on the language acquisition, so much so that we have failed in updating the blog. We'll make more of an effort to update for everyone.
For now, we're safe and sound.
Friday, August 27, 2010
One Week!
Phoebe and I have seen and experienced so much throughout the first week of our Peace Corps work, which makes it and will continue to make it difficult to choose which experiences to share. I’ll do my best to share a taste of what’s been happening over the past week.
Adjusting to life here is going well so far. Phoebe and I are both healthy, eating VERY well, clean“ish’, sweating through our clothes, learning loads of Spanish, getting pricked with vaccinations, attending continuous training sessions, learning to find our way around Santo Domingo using carro publicos and guaguas, and making as many friends as possible. Amazing volunteers, teachers and trainers with lifetimes of experience, knowledge and a desire to live and work in a completely new and different country, surround us. We both feel very blessed to be involved with such a wonderful organization as the Peace Corps and their training group Entrena. Our training program is absolutely phenomenal. We are receiving daily teachings about Dominican culture, transportation and por supuesto language classes. My language class has a grand total of three students! I LOVE IT! Our Spanish is already at the level the Peace Corps expects us to be 10 weeks from now! So, we get to practice, practice, and more practice. By no means are we fluent, nor can we understand the locals when they really get to talking, however our hard language work back in the states is paying off.
During one of our Spanish language courses, we learned about the public transportation system in the Dominican Republic. We are learning about the public transit through practical application, class discussion and getting out there in small groups. The public transportation in the Dominican Republic appears to be organized chaos. I couldn’t even tell there was such a thing as public transportation when we arrived in the country last Thursday. Now, I’ve ridden in several full carro publicos (like a taxi, but taxis here are private and cost more) and an extremely full guagua (bus) from our barrio into the central part of the city. The carro publicos are wild. You flag a carro publico down similar to the way you’d try and catch a taxi in the states. Instead of whistling, you simply stand on the side of the road, hold out your arm and point down to the ground when you want one to stop. The drivers often see you waaaay before you are able to see them coming, so often it isn’t even necessary to flag it. Most of us gringos stand out anyway, especially with our bolsas full of schoolbooks in the morning, so we can be easy to spot. Hector has been our driver over the last two days, so we’ll see if he picks us up again.
The carro publicos seat six passengers and one driver for a grand total of seven people in a 1982 Toyota Camry. I hope to get a picture up here for you. One of my new Peace Corps friends and I were talking about the messages we received growing up in the states. Our parents and teachers used to tell us, “Do not to get into a car with strangers” and “You must always wear your seatbelt.” Those rules are obviously out the window! Two people squeeze into the front seat and four into the back. I don’t believe the carro publicos even have seatbelts.
The guaguas are another experience all together. With meringue, salsa or bachata music blaring, the guagua bounces down the road stopping for every potential passenger. The cobrador (literal translation is ‘collector’) hangs himself out of the door yelling the route of the guagua. Passengers hop on, fit at least five to a row, with only four seats, and squish each other cheek to cheek! It seems as though people say, “Hey, we can fit one more booty in the seats, squish on over!” The guaguas appear to be older Volkswagen style vehicles but a little bit bigger…I was in one two days ago and the driver tried to drive us through a giant “river” in the road. He got stuck, of course, and after about ten minutes of trying to get unstuck, everyone in the guagua exited, including the group of 30 Peace Corps gringos squishing into the bus. The cobrador handed me a random child as we were exiting the bus, a brief glimpse into the culture of the Dominican people, who trusted this random gringo with their child, even if only for a few brief momentitos.
The adventure is just beginning and my smiles are getting bigger.
Adjusting to life here is going well so far. Phoebe and I are both healthy, eating VERY well, clean“ish’, sweating through our clothes, learning loads of Spanish, getting pricked with vaccinations, attending continuous training sessions, learning to find our way around Santo Domingo using carro publicos and guaguas, and making as many friends as possible. Amazing volunteers, teachers and trainers with lifetimes of experience, knowledge and a desire to live and work in a completely new and different country, surround us. We both feel very blessed to be involved with such a wonderful organization as the Peace Corps and their training group Entrena. Our training program is absolutely phenomenal. We are receiving daily teachings about Dominican culture, transportation and por supuesto language classes. My language class has a grand total of three students! I LOVE IT! Our Spanish is already at the level the Peace Corps expects us to be 10 weeks from now! So, we get to practice, practice, and more practice. By no means are we fluent, nor can we understand the locals when they really get to talking, however our hard language work back in the states is paying off.
During one of our Spanish language courses, we learned about the public transportation system in the Dominican Republic. We are learning about the public transit through practical application, class discussion and getting out there in small groups. The public transportation in the Dominican Republic appears to be organized chaos. I couldn’t even tell there was such a thing as public transportation when we arrived in the country last Thursday. Now, I’ve ridden in several full carro publicos (like a taxi, but taxis here are private and cost more) and an extremely full guagua (bus) from our barrio into the central part of the city. The carro publicos are wild. You flag a carro publico down similar to the way you’d try and catch a taxi in the states. Instead of whistling, you simply stand on the side of the road, hold out your arm and point down to the ground when you want one to stop. The drivers often see you waaaay before you are able to see them coming, so often it isn’t even necessary to flag it. Most of us gringos stand out anyway, especially with our bolsas full of schoolbooks in the morning, so we can be easy to spot. Hector has been our driver over the last two days, so we’ll see if he picks us up again.
The carro publicos seat six passengers and one driver for a grand total of seven people in a 1982 Toyota Camry. I hope to get a picture up here for you. One of my new Peace Corps friends and I were talking about the messages we received growing up in the states. Our parents and teachers used to tell us, “Do not to get into a car with strangers” and “You must always wear your seatbelt.” Those rules are obviously out the window! Two people squeeze into the front seat and four into the back. I don’t believe the carro publicos even have seatbelts.
The guaguas are another experience all together. With meringue, salsa or bachata music blaring, the guagua bounces down the road stopping for every potential passenger. The cobrador (literal translation is ‘collector’) hangs himself out of the door yelling the route of the guagua. Passengers hop on, fit at least five to a row, with only four seats, and squish each other cheek to cheek! It seems as though people say, “Hey, we can fit one more booty in the seats, squish on over!” The guaguas appear to be older Volkswagen style vehicles but a little bit bigger…I was in one two days ago and the driver tried to drive us through a giant “river” in the road. He got stuck, of course, and after about ten minutes of trying to get unstuck, everyone in the guagua exited, including the group of 30 Peace Corps gringos squishing into the bus. The cobrador handed me a random child as we were exiting the bus, a brief glimpse into the culture of the Dominican people, who trusted this random gringo with their child, even if only for a few brief momentitos.
The adventure is just beginning and my smiles are getting bigger.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Staging and to the Dominican Republic
Here we are, the D.C. staging event is one day away. I'm finding myself to be much more calm than I had anticipated. I am sitting in a coffee shop in Easton Pennsylvania, while Phoebe runs some errands. We're trying to sell our car before we leave the country, which is turning out to be a last minute snafu. Thakfully Phoebes dad Cliff will be helping us take on this responsibility as our local contact. Selling the car long distance would've been quite a pain. I got a call on the car this morning and think that we may actually be able to sell it! I get to try and tie up the electronic loose ends, send out emails, update the fb status, field phone calls and enjoy listening to the Starbucks regulars chat each other up.
In these pre service moments, I find myself thinking about little details, wondering whether I'm taking too many clothes, thinking about how I may have to carry my bags all at once on public transportation in the Dominican Republic, and wondering whether or not we're wise to take a brand new computer down to the Dominican Republic. We bought a lock and insurance for our personal possessions so I'm supposed to feel better about taking the computer. I'm wanting to be hyper-vigilant to protect my computadora. Should I keep my puter on my hip 24/7? Lock it up when we're not around? Is theft REALLY going to be a big problem? We did a little research (reading our pre service documents and reading other blogs) on theft in the Dominican and found that it could be a problem.
Phoebe and I are the type of people, while living in Durango we would leave the door unlocked to our house, leave the keys in the car and moments ago I left the computer on the table while going to the bathroom, in a 'strange' city. I remember reading an article in the Durango Herald discussing the amount of reported thefts in La Plata County. The article was trying to convey something to the effect that theft was actually a major problem in Durango despite the common belief that it was the type of 'safe place' where people leave their keys in their cars. I never thought theft was much of a problem, likely because it never happened to either of us.
My question is, are people and places in the D.R. really that different than the people and places in the United States? Certainly, there are cultural, economic, language and social differences. Does that include theft? Is theft the national past time? I seriously doubt it. Although, by taking my new MacBook Pro to the D.R., I'm likely not doing much to combat the stereotype that all Americans are rich.
In these pre service moments, I find myself thinking about little details, wondering whether I'm taking too many clothes, thinking about how I may have to carry my bags all at once on public transportation in the Dominican Republic, and wondering whether or not we're wise to take a brand new computer down to the Dominican Republic. We bought a lock and insurance for our personal possessions so I'm supposed to feel better about taking the computer. I'm wanting to be hyper-vigilant to protect my computadora. Should I keep my puter on my hip 24/7? Lock it up when we're not around? Is theft REALLY going to be a big problem? We did a little research (reading our pre service documents and reading other blogs) on theft in the Dominican and found that it could be a problem.
Phoebe and I are the type of people, while living in Durango we would leave the door unlocked to our house, leave the keys in the car and moments ago I left the computer on the table while going to the bathroom, in a 'strange' city. I remember reading an article in the Durango Herald discussing the amount of reported thefts in La Plata County. The article was trying to convey something to the effect that theft was actually a major problem in Durango despite the common belief that it was the type of 'safe place' where people leave their keys in their cars. I never thought theft was much of a problem, likely because it never happened to either of us.
My question is, are people and places in the D.R. really that different than the people and places in the United States? Certainly, there are cultural, economic, language and social differences. Does that include theft? Is theft the national past time? I seriously doubt it. Although, by taking my new MacBook Pro to the D.R., I'm likely not doing much to combat the stereotype that all Americans are rich.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Reunited!
We are reunited and making our way across the country. We are spending several days in Colorado, a few days in Indy, and then over to the East coast to prepare for our departure on the 18th of August. Phoebe had an exceptional time in Mexico; brushing up on her Spanish and assisting the Mexico Teacher's Program at Fort Lewis. We missed each other in our six week absence; but, we will make up for it in our next 27 months together in the Dominican Republic. As we say goodbye to our friends and family, pack all of our belongings into 80lbs or less, and get excited for the next two years, we are so glad to have all of your support in our new adventure.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The day is coming quickly
I am in Indianapolis, visiting friends, family and getting used to the heat that awaits Phoebe and I in the Dominican Republic. It's been in the 90's with something gnarly like 60% humidity raising the heat index to 110 degrees. I don't remember following the heat index too much in my past, so I actively ignore it and go for a run in the middle of the afternoon, when the temperature is supposed to be at its hottest and the people on the radio tell us to, "Avoid going outside and stay in an air conditioned room."
Phoebe is teaching in Mexico with the Fort Lewis College teacher education program. I spoke with her over the tele on Saturday. She says her favorite moments have been enjoying the company in Keno Bay and reconnecting with one of her favorite college professors. I'm uber jealous that she gets to hang out down there, teach, speak spanish and make wonderful lifelong connections.
I have successfully moved al of our possessions into my mom's house in Indianapolis. Everything that we own now fits into an eight foot by ten foot storage room! It is quite freeing to have reduced our possessions while still feeling as though we own "Too much stuff" when these "Things" will be stuffed into a room for the next two years to gather dust. it's just difficult to let go of the kitchen aid, handmade dining set and the photographs from our past.
Yesterday I met with an old friend, Joan Gabig, who helped in writing a book about the caribbean landscapes. Caribbean Landscapes: An interpretive atlas. The book was published by academics who know how to teach and break down the information in lay-mens terms. You can learn more at: http://www.caribbeanstudiespress.com. They have compiled extensive photographic images of the caribbean countries which is becoming very helpful for Phoebe and I in learning more about the islands where we will be living for the next two years.
While it will be tempting to try and simplify our future experience, we will do our best to remain aware of the variety of factors which we will encounter in our immersion into the culture of Dominican Republic. For this reason, we will do our best to absorb, learn and remain open and engaged in learning throughout this adventure. We're hoping to pass along some of the stories via this blogspot, while remaining sensitive to the culture where we are guests.
Phoebe is teaching in Mexico with the Fort Lewis College teacher education program. I spoke with her over the tele on Saturday. She says her favorite moments have been enjoying the company in Keno Bay and reconnecting with one of her favorite college professors. I'm uber jealous that she gets to hang out down there, teach, speak spanish and make wonderful lifelong connections.
I have successfully moved al of our possessions into my mom's house in Indianapolis. Everything that we own now fits into an eight foot by ten foot storage room! It is quite freeing to have reduced our possessions while still feeling as though we own "Too much stuff" when these "Things" will be stuffed into a room for the next two years to gather dust. it's just difficult to let go of the kitchen aid, handmade dining set and the photographs from our past.
Yesterday I met with an old friend, Joan Gabig, who helped in writing a book about the caribbean landscapes. Caribbean Landscapes: An interpretive atlas. The book was published by academics who know how to teach and break down the information in lay-mens terms. You can learn more at: http://www.caribbeanstudiespress.com. They have compiled extensive photographic images of the caribbean countries which is becoming very helpful for Phoebe and I in learning more about the islands where we will be living for the next two years.
While it will be tempting to try and simplify our future experience, we will do our best to remain aware of the variety of factors which we will encounter in our immersion into the culture of Dominican Republic. For this reason, we will do our best to absorb, learn and remain open and engaged in learning throughout this adventure. We're hoping to pass along some of the stories via this blogspot, while remaining sensitive to the culture where we are guests.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Dominican Republic!
We found out where we are headed! We're going to the Dominican Republic!! August 18th is our departure date. Well, we found out a while ago and we've been caught up in the excitement of getting more paperwork to the Peace Corps and Dan was finishing up school. Now we're in the midst of packing, garage sale 'ing' and overall downsizing. It is quite liberating to be letting go of so many personal possessions and trying to pare down to 80 lbs of what is most important to us.
Our adventure in the PC has begun! We will be in Miami on August 18th for staging. From there we will head to the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. Ten weeks of language and cultural training in addition to competency development is on the docket in Santo Domingo. From there, we will find out details of our future placement.
Each of us has been assigned to Youth Development. This, in my interpretation, is an all encompassing project area. We will likely be conducting formal and informal educational projects, job training, HIV/AIDS awareness, conducting youth groups, teaching communication skills, obtaining birth certificates for undocumented children, and any number of other youth related projects.
We are both VERY excited and anticipating the next steps.
Our adventure in the PC has begun! We will be in Miami on August 18th for staging. From there we will head to the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. Ten weeks of language and cultural training in addition to competency development is on the docket in Santo Domingo. From there, we will find out details of our future placement.
Each of us has been assigned to Youth Development. This, in my interpretation, is an all encompassing project area. We will likely be conducting formal and informal educational projects, job training, HIV/AIDS awareness, conducting youth groups, teaching communication skills, obtaining birth certificates for undocumented children, and any number of other youth related projects.
We are both VERY excited and anticipating the next steps.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Peace Corps Missoula Gathering
Sunday evening Phoebe and I went to a returned Peace Corps Volunteer party here in Missoula! We met with many returned Peace Corps Volunteers living in Missoula, future volunteers from the Missoula area and our official Peace Corps representatives. The returned Peace Corps volunteers provided their words of wisdom for those of us who will be conducting future service.
We are grateful to have met a group of volunteers willing to listen to our naive questions, embrace our innocence and are very supportive of our future service in the PC. I was commenting to Phoebe, "It's nice to be surrounded by people who are interested in what we will be doing!"
We are looking forward to our service!
We are grateful to have met a group of volunteers willing to listen to our naive questions, embrace our innocence and are very supportive of our future service in the PC. I was commenting to Phoebe, "It's nice to be surrounded by people who are interested in what we will be doing!"
We are looking forward to our service!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
We've been Nominated
Phoebe and I have officially been nominated to the Peace Corps!!
After a lengthy medical review process including a miscommunication that took some time to clear up, Phoebes and I are awaiting our placement decision. Our file is currently with the "placement team" and we should be receiving our placement within the next couple months. Hopefully sooner than later...we will keep y'all apprised...
After a lengthy medical review process including a miscommunication that took some time to clear up, Phoebes and I are awaiting our placement decision. Our file is currently with the "placement team" and we should be receiving our placement within the next couple months. Hopefully sooner than later...we will keep y'all apprised...
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