We had our 3 month IST (in-service training) this past week, which is where we get together in our sector groups and each volunteer gives a presentation on his/her community (the first 3 months in our sites, our assignment was to do diagnostics on our communites). Then we had a
planning day with our project partners to come up with a work plan for the next year. After that our project partners left and the volunteers went through a couple of days of training - things like how to create a webpage, how to teach English, how to write a grant, etc. Finally, we did "group bonding," which, lucky for us, was an excursion into the town of La Vega for Carnaval (DR equivalent to Mardi Gras, without boob-flashing), which was quite a time. Dominicans dress up in crazy costumes and dance through the streets, swinging pig bladders filled with sand (or something hard), which they swing at people's butts. It actually really hurts to get hit with one. A few girls came away with huge bruises on their butts. Luckily, I didn't get hit too hard.Anyway, now it's back to my site and my new house. It was nice to be reunited with all of the volunteers from CBT, but I'm ready to get started on my work plan for my community. I've been out of my site for a week now and I'm itching to get back.
Abbie Mae is good. She's gets more and more energic every day. Her personality is really starting to form, and I can tell she's going to be a bit stubborn. We'll be a good match.
My dad and his girlfriend (Lisa) are coming on Friday, and I'm super excited to see them.
For some pictures from the past couple of months, click here.
Sending my love to everyone back home...
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3 comments:
Carnival in the DR sounds exciting, but not quite as wild as Mardi Gras in New Orleans (just returned from it--what a time!) Can't wait to show you my six big totes of beads. (And I did not have to flash anything to get them).
Love it that you're anxious to get back to your house! That means it's starting to feel like home, although not having pipes under your sink still freaks out your mother a little.
How did your presentation go? I know you were working on it and trying to move in to your new house, so just wanted to get feedback on how it went. You're learning some fantastic skills--grant writing! That could open doors in development jobs here in the states (like at a university or an arts foundation, etc.)
So glad your daddy and Lisa are coming to see you! You will have a great time! Hope you will be able to take off and show them the sights.
You know I love you the most!
Hi love!
It's fabulous to read about your experiences. I LOVE Abbie Mae! xoxoxo hope all is well :) It sounds a little crazy but it also sounds like an amazing experience.
Pix of Carnival are wack! Amazing costumes! I can't believe I missed that celebration. Just means I have to go big next year! I can't wait to pick up Abbie's sister! I miss little lovey. I was going to put a dime in your mailbox but I think her love button gives her more character! I am planning a family reunion for April!
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