Feliz Navidad!
So it’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog, and it’s because I’ve been waiting for news to tell. Darryl and I had to change our site and things have been up in the air for about 3 weeks now. In Guaymate (old site), our youth group was not very active. And sometimes, this happens with youth and it’s not a big problem because a volunteer can identify other community members/leaders that they can work with. Well we couldn’t find other leaders either. So, our bosses decided that it would be best if we change sites. Peace Corps is different from other volunteer organizations because its goal is to work with the community members so that change can be more sustainable. So they didn’t want us working in Guaymate alone.
So we are moving to a more urban community outside of La Romana called Villa Hermosa. The community seems really excited to work with us and there were 19 community leaders that came to the interest meeting so that is a really good sign because there are lots of people (especially adults) for us to work with. Possible work includes: working in community schools (there are 3), working with youth groups (there are 3) on values and healthy relationship choices, teaching English, registration of kids (because it costs money to get a birth certificate and if you’re not registered you can’t do a lot of things – like open a bank account, go to school past 8th grade, get an official id, or register your kids when they’re born). Anyway, I’m disappointed that we couldn’t do much in our old site, but I look forward to getting started with the new community.
The catch is, we can’t move into the community yet because the family we’re supposed to move in with is out of town for the holidays…so we’re spending Christmas in the capital! The bad news is that we’ll miss seeing the cultural event that is Christmas here, but the good news is that I think it’ll be good, like a vacation for us. So, we’re in Santo Domingo for a week, then on to our new site and my fifth host family!
Anywho, it’s the holiday season, so we wish you all a Merry Christmas from the DR! And here are som pictures of things we did while we were waiting around for news for 3 weeks.
#1 – we tried out lots of fun stuff in the medical kit and wrapped my ankle…I’m not really hurt, but I look like it
#2 and 3 – we went to an AIDS march/event put on by other volunteers and Dominican youth. I loved it! It was great to see some volunteer work in action…even if it wasn’t mine!
#4 – Darryl dressed up as a pirate. Yes, that’s my earring.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
Yay! Thank you for the update! I am so excited for you both to be moving into what seems is a better opportunity to share you love and energy with others. Becky keeps me informed on you guys…We miss you up here. Have a wonderful Christmas! Love – Allison
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
It looks like I need to teach the both of you a thing or two about wrapping ankles. Not too bad, but I am not sure that it would be very supportive if you were really hurt. Merry Christmas Friends!
Love Becky
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
hey mrs. c,
im so glad you are having fun! when are you coming home to visit??????
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
HI!!!!!!! I love the pictures! Merry Christmas! and happy new year!!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hi Trenita! Merry Christmas! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your moves. I hope the new site works out well for you…and enjoy your “vacation” in between!
Love,
Martha
December 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I think Darryl could give Jack Sparrow some competition in the “Cool Pirate” category! So glad to hear your updates! I think you guys are gathering up a TON of really good karma….bravo! We will all benefit! THANK YOU!
Steve is at hockey, Aub has THE CAR and is out and about, and I am sitting here wondering why I have so much STUFF when, in the next two days, I will only be given more STUFF. I am on a “no stuff, please” rant. Only Peace On Earth….
Thanks to you and Darryl for giving me that gift!
XO BABS
December 27th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hey swoot, I finally got a chance to really read your blog. I thought you were really hurt at first. I hope you had a nice a relaxed Christmas. It looks like you and Darryl had fun, and found things to to do to make up for the ‘down’ time. Everybody needs a little down time. I’m at the library job searching again, so I wish you guys the best. Thanks for the update, and I’ll talk to you soon.
Love, you mama, not Obama’s
December 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Merry Christmas! Miss you! Beth.!
January 20th, 2009 at 11:45 am
MeRrY cHrIsTmAs!