Overdue Update

So it’s been quite a while since I last wrote, and, as you can imagine, a lot has happened.

First let me just add something to my last story about my little vecina who stole RD$500 from me. The next day, when I saw her, I checked her hands to make sure they hadn’t been burnt. Gracias a Dios, they hadn’t. She then apologized to me profusely again. I gave her a hug and said, “It’s okay. We all make mistakes and you corrected yours. You did the right thing.” Then I told her that I understood why she took the money, that everyone needs money, but that there are better ways to make money besides stealing. I suggested that we think of alternatives for making money. We came up with a few ways and decided to start by baking and selling brownies. We spent the morning baking brownies and then sold them all within an hour. She made RD$150 (about US$5) and was so excited to have her own spending money, which she used to buy her family food. We sold brownies a few more times and made our own sign for our negocio (Dulces de Doris – Sweets by Doris). Now we’re working on other projects such as making and selling jewelry and a local cleaning supply called Mistolin. Her sister and her mom are both taking an interest as well. They all seem pleased with her progress and I think they’ve all learned through it. I’ve also learned through this experience, including the process of selling things on the Dominican market, which is not always easy. In the end, what could have been very messy situation has turned into a very positive experience for all those involved.

Anyway, a part of working with my little girl, I’ve been very busy with my project. Every day I go to Lenis’ house to work on various projects with the artisans and our tourist route. Unfortunately, we keep running into financial roadblocks, so I think I will be looking for grant options soon. Because this is the low season for tourism, and there aren’t enough funds coming in to cover the salaries, we had to stop the tourist route and its workers, which was not an easy thing to do. But now we have time to work on training the guides, marketing our project to the local all-inclusive resorts, and just making the ruta better all around.

My mom's visit was awesome. She fell in love with Bayahibe and the people here, particulary Lenis (my best friend here and project partner). She helped me fix up my house by painting the things my dad built and buying some accessories. We went to the beach one day and had a grill out. Rita and Martires grilled fresh fish and we ate them off of big leaves. It was so nice to have her here, and I immediately missed her when she left.

I went home in May and it was so wonderful to see my family and to be around high school friends again. My childhood friend, Emily Sprott, got married and I was an honorary bridesmaid in her wedding. We had so much fun. I spent a lot of time with my mom and my little sis, which was very refreshing. We smoked hookah and listened to good music and just relaxed. I also got to see aunts and cousins that I haven't seen in a while. My dad was working most of the week, but he came up for a few hours one day to see me, take me to Starbucks, and buy me a new computer (I know, I'm spoiled) which has made my work here so much easier. It was hard being home though, because it’s such a different lifestyle than what I’m experiencing here, and the whole time my mind was in Bayahibe. Coming back to the country was also difficult, but as soon as my taxi driver pulled over on our way from the airport and bought me a Bohemia (local beer), I started to feel better. Dominicans are great like that.

I absolutely love Bayahibe and the people here. There’s actually nowhere in the world I’d rather be right now. I have a great support network and some fabulous friends, which has been very important in helping me get over my breakup with Dave (yes, we broke up). I generally don’t want to leave my site (even to come to meetings in the capital) and when I’m away from it, I’m itching to get back. The other day I went fishing with one of my Spanish friends. He has his own snorkeling gear and a harpoon, and we snorkeled around Bayahibe and fished. Later he cooked the fish in amazing seasoning and made a delicious apple crisp for desert (probably the best meal I’ve had here!), which we shared with our mutual friends. It was one of the best days I’ve had in country.

Another one of my favorite days I’ve had here was the Universal Environment Day. I helped a local marine biologist organize a clean-up day for Bayahibe, which was a huge success. We worked with local organizations, which gathered 450 volunteers to help pick up trash from La Romana to Dominicus. I was in charge of a group of about 10 Dominicans, who were assigned to a specific area of Bayahibe. We spent the day picking up trash, getting sunburned and jumping in the manantiales (natural pools). Then we had a big celebration at the airport with the other volunteers from the la Romana-Bayahibe area. It was awesome to see everyone get so excited about picking up trash and even more rewarding to see the results of their efforts.

Anyway, I think I’ve written enough for one blog. The only other update is that Abbie Mae is wonderful. She’s such a little love and makes me smile every day. She’s getting very independent now and thinks she can come and go as she pleases. I’m trying to teach her differently, but I'm kind of a pushover when it comes to her.

I miss everyone at home. Send me your updates when you can!